TidBITS #425 on 1998-04-13

So how does Word 98 rate? In the most detailed review you'll find anywhere, Matt Neuburg pushes the hype aside to examine how good a job Microsoft did with its flagship word processor. Also this week, we celebrate our eighth anniversary by releasing TidBITS Web badges, cover recent changes in Apple's developer and QuickTime licensing programs, and offer a tip for returning Eudora Pro 4.0 to its old two-dimensional look.

TidBITS #424 on 1998-04-06

Wondering about upgrading to Eudora Pro 4.0? Matt Neuburg explains what's good and bad about the new version of the popular email program. Also in this issue, Adam reports on a recent trip to Australia, a problem with daylight savings time and Macintosh Extended Format volumes surfaces, Netscape releases source code to Netscape Communicator, Global Village sells its modem business to Boca Research, and we note new releases of Palimpsest 2.1 and GPSy 3.0.

TidBITS #423 on 1998-04-01

Apple rocks on this week, with announcements of network computers, new low-priced desktop Macs, and changes to QuickTime's pricing structure. Also this week, TidBITS issues a security challenge, Peter N Lewis of Stairways Software ships a hot new utility, and BoxTop Software finally makes it possible to export HTML from Adobe Photoshop. We round out the issue with a look at VST's EB-451 for PowerBooks with expansion bays.

TidBITS #422 on 1998-03-30

Move to Seattle and sue a spammer! A new law sets fines of up to $1,000 for deceptive email sent to Washington state residents. Also in this issue, Adam passes on more multiple monitor tips from readers and Michael Jardeen reviews Claris Home Page 3.0. In other news, Apple says Steve Jobs can remain interim CEO indefinitely, and we note the releases of QuickTime 3.0, WebSTAR 3.0, QuarkXPress 4.02r1, the Remove Office 98 utility 1.1, and Myrmidon 2.1

TidBITS #421 on 1998-03-23

So what's the best long-standing Macintosh feature slated to appear in Windows 98? Multiple monitor support, which may be the most significant way you can increase your productivity on the Mac. This week, Adam explains why you need two monitors and offers tips for using a pair of screens effectively. Also in this issue, John Shinnick reviews the Hitachi MPEG Cam, and in the news, Apple ships a 300 MHz G3-based Power Mac and Connectix releases Virtual PC 2.0.

TidBITS #420 on 1998-03-16

Ever wondered how we run one of the largest Macintosh-oriented mailing lists and do it exclusively on Macs? Technical Editor Geoff Duncan explains our system in detail. Also, Ron Risley offers advice for people in need of mobile computing solutions now that Apple's terminated Newton development, and announcements this week include the long-awaited Speed Doubler 8.1 and the next generation PalmPilot device, the Palm III.

TidBITS #419 on 1998-03-09

Do you need the speed offered by today's G3-powered Macs, but aren't sure what your options are? Managing editor Jeff Carlson examines G3 systems, third-party upgrades, and forthcoming models just as Apple cuts prices. Also, Matt Neuburg looks at the new Everything Scripting CD-ROM, and we have details on Apple ceasing Newton development; La Cie's planned purchase of APS; plus new releases of FreePPP, LetterRip, DeBabelizer, and Apple Data Detectors.

TidBITS #418 on 1998-02-23

Many of us simply can't be separated from our Macintoshes - but some people routinely take Newtons places Macs only dream about! In this issue, physician Ron Risley details how he's made his Newton MessagePad an indispensable part of his personal and professional life. We also have news about BBEdit Lite 4.1, Iomega driver updates, a French TidBITS mailing list, and a new book about some of Apple's more whimsical products: t-shirts.

TidBITS #417 on 1998-02-16

Creating graphics for the Web is often less fun than pulling teeth and twice as painful. In this issue, guest writer Cynthia Baron takes a detailed look at BoxTop Software's ImageVice and explores how to make images both look great and download quickly. Also this week, we report on rumors of the Newton's demise, Emailer 2.0v3, the final 56K modem standard, and reader responses to Apple's most recent upheavals.

TidBITS #416 on 1998-02-09

Apple has made big moves recently, restructuring Claris into FileMaker, Inc. and pulling out of major retail outlets to concentrate on CompUSA. Are these moves an indication that Apple is continuing to retreat from 1997's losses or that the company has finally learned to focus on a few things and do them well? Check out Adam's analysis this week, plus the final part of Jeff Carlson's PalmPilot series and news of Speed Doubler 8.1.

TidBITS #415 on 1998-02-02

Looking for Macintosh news? This week we have plenty: Claris is restructuring as FileMaker, Inc.; Frontier 5 and KeyQuencer 2.5 are shipping; Eudora Pro 4.0 will appear overseas; Conflict Catcher 4.1.1 is out; and APS has filed for Chapter 11 (but expects to stay afloat). We also have more about Open Transport 1.3 and a look at inconveniences caused by Quark's anti-piracy measures. Finally, Adam discusses how to host a successful trade show party.

TidBITS #414 on 1998-01-26

Thinking about upgrading to Mac OS 8.1? Geoff Duncan offers two helpful articles this week for making the leap. The first discusses most of the feature enhancements in Mac OS 8.1, and the second focuses squarely on Macintosh Extended Format, the improved disk format previously known as HFS Plus. In other news, Netscape has made Navigator available for free and, in a blow to overseas users, Eudora Pro 4.0 for the Mac won't be available internationally.

TidBITS #413 on 1998-01-19

Mac OS 8.1 is out! Wondering where to download a free update? We offer preliminary details and a URL, with more information slated for TidBITS Updates this week. Other news items include the brief appearance of StuffIt Expander 4.5, the release of Eudora Pro 4.0, and the sale of StarNine Technologies. This issue also features Part 2 of Jeff Carlson's look at the PalmPilot and a detailed review of Intuit's Quicken 98.

TidBITS #412 on 1998-01-12

After spending four days at Macworld Expo in San Francisco, it's time to examine what we've seen: Steve Jobs announced a $45 million profit for Apple, but not much else; Contributing Editor Matt Neuburg searched for removable storage systems; Adam looked for trends in this year's show; Managing Editor Jeff Carlson's attention was grabbed by graphics tools; and this year's Superlatives article includes the question, "What's with the latex body suits?"

TidBITS #411 on 1998-01-05

Looking forward to Macworld Expo? Keep reading to find out about parties and other events at the Expo, and to get a preview of Photoshop plug-ins likely to be demoed. We have details about new versions of Conflict Catcher, Mac OS Runtime for Java, Virtual PC, and two new products billed as boosting Web browsing speed. This week also marks the beginning of a multi-part review of 3Com's PalmPilot Personal.

TidBITS #410 on 1997-12-15

Need help organizing ideas? Check out Matt Neuburg's review of Inspiration 5.0, a diagramming and outlining tool. Also in this final issue of 1997, Adam examines the numbers behind the Apple Store to see how it contributes to Apple's bottom line, plus we bring news of a potential 56K modem standard, an update to last week's digital camera article, and pointers to locating the MacPicasso video card noted in our holiday gifts issue. See you in 1998!

TidBITS #409 on 1997-12-10

In this issue we share gift suggestions from TidBITS readers far and wide and add a few of our own. Suggestions range from the mundane (such as a good spelling checker) to the unexpected (imagine using a Mac as the base of a floral arrangement!). We also point you to a few resources for matching up your old computer equipment with people who can use it.

TidBITS #408 on 1997-12-08

This week, Arthur Bleich concludes his two-part digital camera article with tips on what to look for plus specific camera recommendations. Douglas Tallman examines ClarisWorks 5, the latest version of the venerable integrated software package. We also note new Ethernet drivers for the G3 Power Macs, an update to (and discount on) Timbuktu Pro 4.0, a Microsoft Word 97/98 converter, and a FileMaker-based solution for archiving messages from Emailer.

TidBITS #407 on 1997-12-01

Considering a digital camera, but not sure what you're getting into? This issue, guest writer Arthur Bleich introduces us to the facts and facets of digital photography. Also, Tom Geweke looks at MkLinux, the Apple-sponsored version of Unix for PowerPC machines, and we note new releases of SiteCam and CopyPaste, plus a preview of Apple's flagship media technology: QuickTime 3.0.

TidBITS #406 on 1997-11-24

CD-ROMs rule this issue of TidBITS, where artist Bonnie Lebesch tells the story of how she self-published her CD-ROM, Stella and the Star-Tones. We also welcome our latest sponsor, CD-ROM publisher Soft Material and its flagship product, Pickle's Book. Geoff reveals keyboard shortcut secrets that deserve to be in every Mac user's portfolio, we look at the release of a new LaserWriter driver, and Tonya calls for Mac-related computer gift suggestions.

TidBITS #405 on 1997-11-17

As Adam celebrates his 30th birthday on Tuesday, you can read the Eudora tips and tricks he provides in honor of the release of his latest book, the Eudora Visual QuickStart Guide. Also in this issue, Jeff passes on additional comments about onscreen typography; we welcome Cyberian Outpost as our latest sponsor; report on the response to the Apple Store; and announce the release of PowerBook Zip drives, a lower price for Eudora Pro, and LetterRip 2.1.1.

TidBITS #404 on 1997-11-10

Is Apple thinking different? In this issue we look at the new Apple Store and Apple's new G3 Macs, complete with an in-depth examination of the technology behind the G3 chip and backside cache. We also have news of Qualcomm purchasing Now Software, QuarkXPress 4.0; Eudora Internet Mail Server 2.0; Greebles, a game from Stairways Software; plus new minor updates to Speed Doubler, BBEdit, and QuicKeys.

TidBITS #403 on 1997-11-03

Tired of your eyes being tired? Read on for Jeff Carlson's overview of screen typography - why it works, why it doesn't, and what you can do about it. Fabrizio Oddone weighs in with a solution to the problem of Internet mirror sites, and Geoff Duncan discusses IDE hard disk problems impacting a range Performas and Power Macs. We also pass on announcements of StuffIt Deluxe 4.5, Riven (the sequel to Myst), and GraphicConverter 3.0.1.

TidBITS #402 on 1997-10-27

Is Apple "betting the farm" by shaking up the familiar six-colored tree? Although the long-range implications of Steve Jobs's decisions are anyone's guess, Adam looks at why replanting Apple's orchard might save the farm. Also in this issue, we look at a new crop of HTML utilities, note the Newton MessagePad 2100 and new versions of Quicken, Speed Doubler, and FileMaker, and see how the RSA Data Security Challenge was cracked.

TidBITS #401 on 1997-10-20

Feeling geeky? Matt Neuburg reviews Text Machine, the grep utility for more of us. We also finish off Rick Holzgrafe's Successful Shareware series, staving off accusations of it being the article equivalent of Zeno's Paradox. Other topics include details about Apple's fourth quarter loss, a pointer to extensive information on dealing with spam in the last two issues of NetBITS, Apple price reductions, and the long-awaited release of Spring Cleaning 2.0.