Archives for January, 2008
So Much For a Private Beta
Okay, so maybe I’m behind the times and private beta testing is just considered passé these days. I only received one response to my call for Yasu testers — and that was from someone I knew was going to respond. So…
We’re going to try a public beta release instead. No free license codes for testing this one though. If you like to live on the edge and want to give the latest beta a spin, you can download it from this link:
http://jimmitchell.org/files/Yasu_Beta.zip
Here’s what’s addressed:
- Some Apple specific user cache paths are substantially different between 10.4 & 10.5. This beta fixes that.
- Yasu no longer removes font caches for Adobe or MS products. It only clears Apple font caches now.
- Updates the “Reset launch services” task for better Leopard compatibility.
- Locks all Keychains before logout, restart & shutdown to hopefully address spurious reports of keychain corruption after running Yasu.
The testing period will run for roughly the next two weeks, maybe longer if reports are still rolling in by that time. Or, it could be shorter if no problems are reported. Please, be sure to leave some feedback on this post regarding positive or negative experiences with this beta.
Yasu Beta Testers Needed
I’m working toward releasing a new version of Yasu in the very near future which addresses some user specific cache path changes/additions in Leopard, and am in need of beta testers who have access to machines that run either Tiger (10.4), Leopard (10.5), or both.
In order to help me out, you should be somewhat of a power user with administrative access to a machine, and be willing to put Yasu through its paces several times. You will need to create one new admin user account, and one new regular user account on the machine you plan to test with. You’ll also need to agree that you’re testing beta software which could potentially have issues, and not hold me responsible for the world coming to an end. As such I would recommend that you not use a production critical machine for testing.
As a thank you for your troubles, I’ll issue you a free Yasu code based on the email address you use to contact me with. So, if you’re interested in helping out, click on over to my contact page and drop me a line. Be sure to let me know what OS version you’ll be testing on.
Bogart Wordpress Theme Gets a Bump
A quick note to let those interested know that I’ve added a new “wide” single column page option to my Bogart Wordpress theme, as well as tweaking some of the CSS. The wide page has no sidebar in it at all. Perfect for those single pages that you don’t want sidebar stuff cluttering up. You can download the latest archive (v0.8) from the Bogart page.
Cache Out X Finds a New Home
I’ve been trying to hold off on this announcement for a while now in an effort to not steal too much thunder when the time came for the big announcement. But since I keep getting asked “When the heck is Cache Out X going to be updated?”, I have to say something.
The truth is, I just don’t have enough time to develop two applications in tandem, so I decided to put a call out for anyone interested in taking over development of the COX. I’m very happy to say that a very dedicated individual answered that call, and is working diligently as I write this blog post on getting a new version of the application out to the masses.
I won’t say who it is quite yet, because I don’t want everyone to start harassing him with “Where is it?” emails while he’s working so hard on it (not to mention that thunder thing). One thing is true: This person has a long-term plan for Cache Out X. Probably one far better than I would have come up with. Heck, his work might even eclipse mine on Yasu if I don’t get my kiester in gear real soon.
So there it is. Yes, Cache Out X is close to release. Once the day comes, I’ll post an announcement here with all the juicy details, and everything else that goes with passing the torch.
MacBook Air Battery: A Bit Pricey Too
MacBook Air battery replacement costs $130, takes 5 days : “if the unit is out of warranty.” (Via MacFixIt.)
As Joe “Guitar” Huges would have said: Ouchie, baby…
[Update] According to Andy Ihnatko on Twitter, the MacBook Air battery is an Apple Store replaceable part for $129 (same price as a MB battery) with no labor charge. No word if it could be done while you wait at the Genius Bar, or if a unit had to be left & picked up later.
[Update v2] Mac Daily News reports that it’s not really that difficult to swap out the battery after all. Of course, you should only have the swap done by an Apple Certified Tech, lest your warranty be voided. But then again, hopefully by the time you’d need a new battery, your warranty will have expired…