Mac OS X 10.4.8 Special Report: Math problems in Rosetta applications 

Apple has confirmed an issue where some PowerPC applications running under Rosetta on Intel-based Macs exhibit rounding and truncation issues when dealing with various arithmetic. Apple is discussing this issue with a number of developers, and stating that a fix is forthcoming.

The issue affects 4D and potentially other applications.

Reader reports

MacFixIt reader Joel McIntosh writes:

"My company uses a vertical-market accounting system developed in 4D. Yesterday, the software users' group received the following warning from our software vendor:

"A serious problem has been found with the latest Security Update for Intel based Macs. If you use ACUMEN on a Mac with an Intel processor please do not install the latest update Mac OS X Update Intel 10.4.8 until further notice. If installed, rounding issues will occur when entering certain numbers into some fields."

Index:

• Release Notes: Delta vs. Combo; Enhancements in this release, more
• Update procedure recommendation: How to apply Mac OS X 10.4.8
• Common workarounds: Resolving typical incremental update issues

• Adobe Illustrator: Problems with pathfinder function, other issues
• Audio issues
• Black border around cursor 
• Burning media issues
• Classic: Problems starting up; launching apps
• Closed-lid portable functions broken
• Display coloring issues: Blue tinting and more
• External devices (USB/FireWire): Not recognized; can cause issues after system updates
• Finder Crashes, other issues
• Flash: Slowness caused by new version
• Incomplete update: Installing Mac OS X 10.4.8 stalls or otherwise fails
• Increased fan activity
• iSight difficulties: "In use," won't turn on, more
• Math problems in Rosetta applications
• Menu items: Disappearance, other issues
• Mighty Mouse problems: Scrolling, more
• Non-launching applications (including Rosetta apps): Fixes
• Printing issues -- fixes
• Safari Issues: Bad plug-ins, caches, more
• Spotlight issues
• Startup problems: Stalls, extremely slow booting, more
• Universal Access: New features, processor usage questions
• Wireless connectivity (AirPort, etc.) issues and fixes

Resources