← Autodidact Archive · Original Dissent · Bardamu
Thread ID: 10723 | Posts: 11 | Started: 2003-10-25
2003-10-25 00:08 | User Profile
Apple's Latest OS X Upgrade Has Remarkable Security From Alvin C. Whaleyé [email]alvinsan@macmagic.net[/email] By Davod Pogue 10-24-3
The reputation of the personal computer has taken a horrible hit this year. Viruses have made headlines week after week. Spam now exceeds 50 percent of all e-mail. Hackers and academics have uncovered one Windows security hole after another, turning Microsoft into a frantic little Dutch boy at the dike without enough fingers. If the computer industry were a celebrity, it would hire an image consultant.
Correction: The Windows computer industry would hire one. Macintosh fans, on the other hand, have watched the tribulations of the much larger Windows population with mixed feelings - sympathy, relief, even amusement - because their operating system, Mac OS X, is so far 100 percent virus-free. And because Mac OS X comes with less of its plumbing exposed to the Internet than Windows, hackers are a far more distant worry.
This is a big week for Apple.
Last week, the company unveiled the Windows version of its popular, free iTunes music-downloading software - and tomorrow, it will release Mac OS X version 10.3 ( or Panther), the next edition of Apple's three-year-old operating system.
That decimal-point increase (from version 10.2 to 10.3) doesn't give the upgrade's 150 new features enough credit. Then again, Apple's not the only company to have trouble with naming schemes. What's the logic in the sequence of Windows versions - 95, 98, Me, XP?
In any case, Apple has lost no time in exploiting the public's fears of computer insecurity. For example, a new feature called FileVault can encrypt your entire "Home folder" - files, Web bookmarks, e-mail and all - and then decode them automatically and invisibly when you log in. If, say, your laptop is stolen, your sensitive stuff is secure and safe. (FileVault uses an encoding scheme so thorough, Apple says, that a password-guessing computer would need 149 trillion years to break it. Just enough time for Apple to reach Mac OS X 11.)
Mac OS X can also sign you out of your account automatically after a certain period so that evildoers can't root through your folders when you've wandered off to get some coffee. And a new Secure Empty Trash command doesn't just delete files; it actually overwrites their parking places on the hard drive with invisible gibberish. If you wind up selling your Mac on eBay someday, no data-recovery snoop will be able to resurrect your lost works.
The anti-spam controls have been beefed up, too. Mac OS X Mail can screen out all messages except what comes from recent correspondents and people in your address book. It also auto-blocks junk-mail graphics that, when opened, report back to the spammer that the message has landed safely at a working e-mail address.
Each of Panther's brushed-metal windows displays the Sidebar, a clever navigation-shortcut panel at the left side where you can drag the icons of favorite disks, folders, files and programs. In effect, the Sidebar lets you fold up your desktop so that any two icons appear side-by-side, no matter how far apart they actually are in your folder hierarchy.
In terms of pure productivity power, Panther's most important perk is a new anti-window-clutter feature called Exposé. When you press a certain keystroke (of your choosing), all windows in all programs visibly shrink and array themselves across the screen like non-overlapping tiles. You just click the one you want to bring it forward at full size. This visual method of plucking a window from a haystack is so brilliant and addictive, you'll wind up using it dozens of times a day. Exposé is the biggest graphical breakthrough that operating systems have achieved in years.
Some of Panther's "new" features are actually old ones resurrected from Mac OS versions of years past. For example, you can categorize files and folders by slapping color-coded labels onto them - "Back Me Up" or "Final Drafts," for example - making it simple to search or sort them en masse. The Schedule dialogue box saves electricity and time by shutting down the Mac automatically each night, and turning it on just in time to greet you each morning.
A number of Panther's new features originated in Windows. (Apple to Microsoft: "Two can play this game.") For example, you can now turn files or folders into compressed Zip files right on the desktop. Pressing Command-Tab to cycle between open programs now summons a floating row of software icons, much as Alt-Tab does in Windows. Faxing is, for the first time, a built-in Mac feature. You can have incoming faxes automatically printed out, saved into a folder, sent to yourself by e-mail, or any combination of those.
Finally, Panther offers Fast User Switching, modeled on the identical feature in Windows XP. If you're working at the Mac when a relative or co-worker wants to check e-mail or a calendar, you no longer have to quit your programs and log out. Instead, your entire world of work remains open but shifts into the background, ready to spring forward again when your fellow account holder is finished. A stunning animation livens up the switching moment: your world appears to rotate out of view as the new account swings onto the screen.
The raft of new or improved programs includes the humble text-editing program called TextEdit, which can now open, edit and even create simple Microsoft Word documents. The Preview graphics viewer has had a makeover, too; it's now a full-blown but faster replacement for the Acrobat Reader program that most people use to read PDF documents. And Safari, Apple's smooth, fast Web browser, is better than ever, with its pop-up blocker and its Google search box right in the toolbar.
(Apple's homegrown versions of important programs like Internet Explorer and Acrobat Reader seem aimed at addressing a common criticism: "Boy, if [insert software company here] ever stops making a Mac version of [insert popular program here], Apple will go out of business." And by reusing certain successful design elements across all of its programs - the new Sidebar is the perfect analog to playlists in iTunes or albums in iPhoto - Apple makes all of them easier to use. On the other hand, Apple should be careful not to alienate powerful partners like Microsoft and Adobe in the process.)
The bad Panther news comes in two parts. First, the small one: as with any major system-software upgrade, Panther "breaks" certain add-on utility programs (QuicKeys, for example), which will require minor compatibility updates. And as with any major system-software upgrade, you'll encounter the fewest bumps and glitches if you install a fresh copy of the operating system rather than just updating your existing one.
Now the big one: Apple wants $130 for Panther. That's a fine how-de-do for everyone who dutifully paid $130 last year for version 10.2 and $130 a year before that for version 10.1. Microsoft, at least, has the decency to wait a few years between upgrades. (You can also get Panther free with a new Mac, for $100 after rebate from MacConnection.com or as part of a $200 family five-pack.)
If you need to rationalize the expenditure, remember that Panther comes with iChat AV (normally $30), Apple's terrific video and audio chat program. It also comes with iTunes, which can convert your CD's into MP3 files (a job that requires a $10 add-on in Windows XP's Media Player). And Exposé is probably worth about $47.38 all by itself.
Finally, surely there's value in using an operating system that, well, isn't Windows. Mac OS X isn't just free of viruses; it's also free from copy protection, "activation" (a Windows XP feature that transmits information about your PC back to Microsoft), and pop-up messages that nag you to sign up for some Microsoft database or clean up your icons. When you use Mac OS X, you feel like it's yours; when you use Windows, you feel as though you're using someone else's toys, and Mrs. Microsoft keeps peeking in on you.
Now, putting in print that Apple has scored another success is always risky business. Such an assertion inevitably invites a shower of e-mail pointing out that Macs are universally more expensive than Windows PC's (true for desktop machines, false for laptops); that far more software is available for Windows (true; "only" 6,500 programs are available for Mac OS X); and that the Apple hallmarks of elegance, beauty and thoughtful design aren't worth paying extra for (a matter of opinion).
But to argue these points is to join a religious war with no hope of resolution. Wherever you stand in the Macs vs. Windows debate, this much is certain: In Panther, Apple has taken an already sparkling, super-stable operating system and made it faster, better equipped and more secure.
Email [email]Pogue@nytimes.com[/email]
2003-10-25 08:07 | User Profile
That is great News!
2003-10-25 15:58 | User Profile
OS X is little more than a Linux (actually, BSD) port. Apple didn't write most of the operating system, but rather copied it.
Linux is intrinsically more secure than Windows, making Linux a tougher target for virus writers. Linux users are much more savvy than Windows users, making Linux a tougher target for virus writers. But, also, 95% of the desktops out there run Windows so market size alone means that Windows will get the lions share. Then, there's the maliciousness that just being Microsoft invites.
Linux is better than OS X because Linux is open source. Open source means that you, or at least thousands of more qualified eyes, can look at the source code and see weaknesses or backdoors put in. You have added security knowing that it is hard to hide anything in Linux.
Linux has a another huge advantage over OS X. Linux runs on industry standard PC hardware which means twice the power and a given price.
For that matter, Linux has all sorts of advantages over OS X. It's easier to customize. You get your choice of venders. Etc. Besides, Apple is practically a subsidiary of Microsoft.
2003-10-25 16:55 | User Profile
The ease of Linux install and the quality of graphics interface has gone up drastically in the last year or two. I recently played with Mandrake distro, after a long break, and the install has become so easy, that no longer one needs to tweak any configuration files. I heard it's the easiest Linux distribution for the people new to Linux, so whoever wants to give it a try should check out the new Mandrake 9.2. Especially if you have high-speed internet, downloading the installation CD image, burning it onto a CD and installing is very easy.
2003-10-25 18:16 | User Profile
[QUOTE=madrussian]I heard it's the easiest Linux distribution for the people new to Linux, so whoever wants to give it a try should check out the new Mandrake 9.2.[/QUOTE]
Most definitely the easiest, and I've tried a few. Just make sure you have a newer machine with a fast processor. 9.2 kept crashing on my system and I had to revert back to 8.2, which runs quite beautifully. The difference is the KDE desktop version. 9.2 has KDE 3.0, which my old 400 Mhz processor couldn't keep up with.
2003-10-25 18:42 | User Profile
I will probably be installing OS 10.3 on my Mac today. I use probably, because Iââ¬â¢ve been debating this issue for a while, and am not quite yet certain. When it come to the Mac Iââ¬â¢m an early adopter, and early adopters get bit in the butt sometimes. Iââ¬â¢ve been lucky so far, I installed OSX the day it was available with no problems and the same with 10.2.
As far as Linux (Red Hat,) I have used it a lot and installed it on my HP PC (which I no longer use.) I like Linux and particularly like the access to gigantic amount of good and free or inexpensive software. Most of my Linux friends prefer the Mandrake flavor.
The Mac has at its core BSD (not free BSD,) and if you choose you can bring up a console and use all the UNIX you want. The whole X11 package has recently become available.
Iââ¬â¢ve always preferred GUIs, though, and although KDE and GNOME are available on the Mac, I still like the OSX GUI best. The reviews of 10.3 that are coming in are mostly good, and I havenââ¬â¢t seen any panicked users, screaming for help, so Iââ¬â¢m really leaning toward doing the upgrade.
Enkidu
2003-10-25 21:35 | User Profile
[QUOTE=Texas Dissident]Most definitely the easiest, and I've tried a few. Just make sure you have a newer machine with a fast processor. 9.2 kept crashing on my system and I had to revert back to 8.2, which runs quite beautifully. The difference is the KDE desktop version. 9.2 has KDE 3.0, which my old 400 Mhz processor couldn't keep up with.[/QUOTE]
9.2 is very new, probably two-week old. Are you sure that's what your tried? I read that 9.0 had problems, that got fixed in 9.1. 9.1 worked just fine on my old PIII 450 MHz machine. I did notice that the boot time has gone up, compared to RH 7.1 that I played with a few years ago.
2003-10-25 21:37 | User Profile
[QUOTE=Enkidu] Enkidu [/QUOTE]
Mac OS is definitely the easiest OS to use. You'll have to pay, however. And you'll be locked into propriatory hardware. For some, the tradeoff is worth it.
2003-10-25 22:14 | User Profile
From madrussian:
"Mac OS is definitely the easiest OS to use. You'll have to pay, however. And you'll be locked into propriatory hardware. For some, the tradeoff is worth it."
These four statements are definitely true. The cost of hardware and lack of software has been frustrating since 1984 when I bought my first Mac. I was forced to buy the HP Windows machine so I would be compatible with the outside world.
All the enthusiasm today is with Open Source and Linux. I admire both, but at least now, I lack the energy to get involved. My little iMac does fine.
I bought the upgrade and am about to make a giant backup and install 10.3.
I also bought a chromatic tuner for my Taylor Acoustic. In fact, Iââ¬â¢m reading this post to myself right now in a perfect 440 HZ A. Ha! And they said I had no life.
Enkidu
2003-10-26 05:51 | User Profile
MadRussian's remarks are true indeed Enkidu. However, if you work in graphics or music, Mac is really the only way to go. Graphics is dominated by Macs, with the exception of 3d work, but Mac is making inroads there, especially since the release of OSX. I should also add Mac runs the show in pre-press as well, in case anyone is interested. Any artists out there that are incorporating digital 'paint' into their repertoire would be better off honing their skills with Photoshop and Corel Painter on the Mac. (Yeah, there are proprietary programs AND machines we use at work, but I won't get into that) Since 'going UNIX', Mac has improved stability a hundred fold - at least so it seems.
2003-10-27 02:18 | User Profile
Well, for the many, many Mac users on OD, I can report the upgrade to 10.3 went fine. I did an upgrade install over OS 10.2.8 on my internal drive yesterday. It took about three hours. I had to tweak my Epson printer drivers, but other than that, no problems. I did a second clean install to an external disk drive today. That only took about forty minutes and no problems at all. For the UNIX interested, I installed the X11 package, but havenââ¬â¢t played around with that yet.
Now the blush is off the rose, and Iââ¬â¢m left wondering if the hundred plus bucks was worth a few new features, and some improved utilities.
Since this post started out on the subject of security, I should report that OS 10.3 has a new security feature. A user can encrypt his home folders (his entire account.) The encryption/decryption is invisible to him and is performed on the fly. Iââ¬â¢ve seen this available as third party commercial software, but not released with an OS. I doubt I will use it.
Installing a complete bootable OS on an external drive and keeping your private software and files there is, in my opinion, the best security.
Enkidu