Technical Support Coordinator, BAKA Computers

Adding to the string of recent software updates, Apple has released the Apple Workgroup Server 95 Tune-Up disk set, providing enhancements to the A/UX operating system software and AppleShare Pro, and some bug fixes for the AWS 95. The package also includes System 7 Tuner, which upgrades the System 7.0.1 that runs on top of A/UX on the AWS 95.

The update addresses a cornucopia of problems, including:

• file management, resulting in fewer problems with time stamping
• name changes to files and folders
• file locking
• error handling and recovery
• security effectiveness
• hardware support for such devices such as the AppleCD 300 and Apple's 230 MB hard drive
• onboard video
• file sharing speed

Apple recommends that all AWS 95 owners obtain and install the Tune-Up, which is available on AppleLink under "Apple Products -> Apple SW Updates," on the Internet via anonymous FTP from <aux.support.apple.com> (130.43.6.2), on the October ARPL CD, from most A/UX authorized dealers (and some others), or by calling 800/892-4651 ext. 400.

[Time for a brief rant here. I approve highly of Apple fixing problems and releasing the fixes to the public for free in this manner. However, it's fast becoming impossible to keep track of which little "Tune Up" or "Hardware Update" or "Software Update" does what, and which machines need them anyway. If someone would like to investigate this and write an article for TidBITS (and update it when necessary), the world would forever be in your debt. I recommend using InstallerSpy, a really neat tool that lets you investigate what an installer script really does. You can probably find InstallerSpy on your favorite FTP site like <sumex-aim.stanford.edu>, but since that site is so busy I snagged a version from another site - <mcgnext.cc.columbia.edu> as:

/info-mac/util/installer-spy-0.40.hqx

So, if you're interested in making Macs easier to understand, drop me a line and we can figure out what information should go in the article. -Adam]