News Bytes

OS X Update

Apple this week released the second software update for its OS X operating system, which together with a simultaneously released update to iTunes will add the ability to burn custom music CDs on Mac OS X.

Along with providing support for burning music CDs with CD-RW drives, the update also features improvements in overall application stability and the latest version of the Internet file transfer service. The update will be made available by automatic software update to all Mac OS X users for free.

EarthLink Launches Satellite Access

EarthLink Inc. has launched a two-way high-speed satellite Internet access service that will cover most of the continental U.S., including areas where cable or digital subscriber line access is not available.

The service, EarthLink Satellite Powered by DirecPC, is available in the Northeast and Northwest; it will launch nationwide before the end of May, the company said. It costs $69.95 a month, plus one-time charges of $649 for the equipment and $250 for professional installation.

Freebies From McAfee

McAfee.com plans to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the infamous Love Letter virus outbreak Friday by letting consumers scan their PCs for viruses for free. Those who decide to buy a subscription to the company’s VirusScan Online get a discount.

The scan looks for more than 57,000 known viruses, Trojan horses, worms and pieces of malicious software. Individual users can purchase a discounted subscription to the company’s robust and constantly updated anti-virus service, Virus Scan Online. Businesses and consumers can go to https://www.mcafee.com for free scans and for more information.