More on Norton Disk Doctor Tales of Woe

Reader Ross Smith reminded me to advise that only NDD version 3.5.2 is compatible with Mac OS 8.1 but it is not compatible the HFS+ format. Don't try v3.5.1 under Mac OS 8.1 and don't try v3.5.2 on HFS+ formatted drives. v3.5.1 is what one gets from the store and it must be updated to v3.5.2 with an updater downloaded from Symantec's web site. Symantec is working on an HFS+ compatible version.

From MacDev:

"Macromedia, Inc. debuted ShockRave, a free online entertainment service featuring exclusive Shockwave content created by leading entertainment companies and developers such as United Media, Columbia TriStar Interactive, Comedy Central, SegaSoft Networks, Inc., Circumstance Design, Zeek Interactive, Ezone and TheDJ.com. From Dilbert and South Park to King Putt and Lenny Loosejocks, ShockRavers can choose from over 45 games, puzzles, cartoons and more. Consumers will find cutting-edge action and arcade-style entertainment as well as witty animation and mind-bending tests of concentration at www.shockrave.com. ShockRave is being sponsored by some of the industry's best-known consumer companies including 7 UP, Apple Computer, Inc. and The LifeSavers Company."

From Dana Baggett, the March issue of Consumer Reports rates printers. The Apple Color StyleWriter 4500 ($340) is rated 4th out of 13 with the comment "A very good choice for a Macintosh." Following in 5th place is the Epson Stylus Color 800 ($350) which is both Mac and Windows compatible with the comment "Very good." The highest rated Mac-compatible laser printer (fourth overall) is the Brother HL-730 Plus ($350) rated "excellent."

From Jeff Baudin of MicroMat:

"As many of you may already know, MicroMat Computer Systems will be releasing a new version of TechTool Pro in late February/early March.... Currently we have a few thousand copies of version 1.06 [of TechToo Pro] that will become landfill once version 2 ships. To clean out the current inventory, we are offering a closeout deal on the current version. This is a really great bargain. Here's what you get:

• TechTool Pro v1.0.6 shipped to you immediately.
• A registration card that entitles you to a free upgrade to version 2 when it ships.
• All for $59.95. + $6.50 S&H

TechTool Pro retails for $150.00. Mail order companies sell it for about $99.

To order:

• Go to
• Download our safe-order program OrderMaker.
• Fill out the information and select "TechTool Pro Closeout."
• Send in the order as instructed in the OrderMaker program."

MacWEEK reported on Macworld Expo Tokyo.

Apple posted .pdf files (Adobe Acrobat Reader) of manuals for all its equipment from desktops to moitors to printers and PowerBooks. The posting on Accelerate Your Mac! reminded me--thanks Mike.

If you do a lot of shipping via Federal Express, you can get their latest ordering and tracking software FedEx Ship 2.0.1 here (5 MB). All you need is this software and call FedEx at 1-800-GO-FEDEX for an account number. [Thanks Version Tracker.]