TechTool Pro v3.0.2 Updater
-- Weekend, October 21-22 --
[6:45p Sa] TechTool Pro v3.0.2 Updater has been completed by Micromat and the CDs will begin shipping free on Monday to Quarterly Service subscribers. The CD will boot all Macs introduced this past summer. Quarterly Service subscribers have also been given a URL to download the updater right now.
New In version 3.0.2:
New File Scan Feature--This feature, added as both an option set to MultiTester as well as a unique panel, greatly reduces the time needed to scan a volume's files for problems. Previously, the following tests were independent of one another within MultiTester:
File Structure
Finder Info
Virus Scan
Conflict Scan
As independent tests, it required 4 passes of a target volume to perform all 4 tests. The new File Scan group will now perform the selected 4 tests with a single pass. This effectively makes the process of scanning files for problems over 4 times faster.
The File Scan panel allows you to manually control the same File Scan group found in MultiTester. However, the settings for each particular group is dictated by the settings of the parent window. For example, if you only wished to perform the Bundle Bits test (from Finder Info) when performing File Scan you would:
Open the Finder Info window. Select only the Bundle Bits test while disabling the other tests. Open the File Scan window, make sure the Finder Info test is selected and then press RUN.
As part of this new feature, the program now supports drag-and-drop testing of files, file groups, folders and volumes. For example, to test all the files in a folder simply drag that folder onto the TechTool Pro application icon. The File Scan window will be opened and testing will automatically begin.
Rebuild/Repair Directory Speed Improvements--The Volume Structure routine has been enhanced and optimized. Version 3.0.2 can now detect and repair several new problems the previous version could not. The new routines are also now noticeably faster.
Added Auto-Updating Of Protection Files--This version of the application will now automatically create and/or update protection files for mounted volumes during launch. This insures that a valid protection file is available for a given volume. While this feature does increase the launch time for the application, there are two options available to disable/bypass this feature:
Preferences - a new preference has been added to the general preference section. To disable Auto-Update, uncheck that option.
At Launch - If you hold the option key when launching TechTool Pro, the Auto-Update feature will be bypassed on that session but will resume on all consecutive sessions.
Other Additions:
- Added more conflicts to the Conflict Database file.
- Added Support For Third-Party USB and FireWire Cards
- Added Support For More Third-Party SCSI Cards
- Added Improved SCSI Scanner Detection
Bug Fixes:
- Fixed bug where System File test would not find some valid system files/folders.
- Fixed bug where SCC chip test would crash program on some configurations.
- Fixed control panel bug that would prevent the saving of preferences on some systems.
- Fixed Software Conflict bug that would not properly identify some system versions.
- Fixed a wide variety of minor operational and cosmetic bugs.
Dana Baggett, who provided this report, updated his copy of TechTool Pro 3 with no problem.
[2:30p Sa] G4 Cube Heat Shutdown? At least one instance has been reported on the CubeList of a G4 Cube apparently overheating and shutting down. This has not yet confirmed by Apple and may be an isolated problem. The owner has temporarily solved the problem by using a fan to blow air into the slot on the bottom of the Cube's enclosure. His Cube's temperature as measured by NewerTech's Gauge Pro runs to 155 deg F with the fan and to 180 deg F without it.
My Cube has had no problem of any kind. It runs at 109 deg F (43 deg C) after heavy work. The reason for mentioning this is perhaps some of the Cube shutdowns thought to be the touch sensitive power switch may well be a heat problem instead.
[2:15p Sa] An Adobe License SNAFU was encountered by reader Mike Swope's company. When he checked to ensure that all of his company's licenses that had been duly registered upon receipt were in order, he found that many were not registered and several were miss-registered to the same person who is not an employee of the company. Proper licensing is a significant legal issue, especially for businesses. Mike's advice:
"The point of this lengthy email is that your readers with considerable numbers of Adobe licenses should contact Adobe and confirm their licenses. We have about 30 Adobe licenses, and 1/3 of them have proven to be problematic. I can only believe that we are a representative sample and not a unique case in this situation."
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