Mac malware has been in the news, with the Flashback malware taking advantage of a Java vulnerability to infect several hundred thousand Macs. Macworld ran a detailed article by Rich Mogull giving the history of this malware, and discussing how it works and what you can do. But it's clear that this target represents a new level of malware on the Mac, being "the first widespread drive-by malware to attack Macs," and, as Mogull says, "it does represent a major advance."
As of today, I am taking over as editor of Mac OS X Hints. Old-timers may recognize my name: I guest edited a number of times when Rob was on vacation or having kids. For those who don't know me, I'm a senior contributor to Macworld, where I am also the iTunes Guy, and I've written a couple of Take Control books, most recently about Scrivener and iTunes. If you want to learn more about me, check out my web site, Kirkville.
I'd like to thank Craig for all the work he's done here over the years. I wish him the best as he moves on to other ventures, and I hope you'll all join me in giving him a big thank you!
Starting today, MacOSXHints has a new editor. Kirk McElhearn, who I'm sure many of you already know, will be at the helm. Treat him well.
My thanks to all of you as readers, and especially those of you who are hint submitters. It's been a remarkable time in Apple's evolution, and I hope there will be plenty of good tips both for Lion and Mountain Lion in the future. I very much look forward to reading them, and maybe adding a few myself.
I live in a University neighborhood and some of my neighbors had their apartment building catch on fire. I'm giving some of them shelter (and hot tea) and trying to manage the chaos while things get sorted out.
Unfortunately, chaos and hint testing don't mix very well. I'll be back tomorrow unless the fire spreads this way. :)
I've posted a new poll about your thoughts on iCloud usage. I'm sure the list of answers is not exhaustive, so please vote for the closest option but put other plans you may have in the comments section.
A couple of changes I'm making or considering: first, the category 'iPhone' is now 'iOS Devices.' Hints related to iOS itself, iOS apps, plus iPhone/iPad/iPod touch hardware go into this area. I'll go back and re-categorize older hints as I get the chance.
It has been proposed that a new category be created for iCloud related hints. Please post in the comments if you would prefer that or just keep it in the 10.7 or iOS areas, as applicable. I'm not sure I have a great preference one way or the other, so I'm looking for feedback on it.
Thanks, Craig A.
P.S. I see that the blue descriptive text by the iPhone icon has not changed; that still says 'iPhone.' The menu used to submit hints is now changed. I'll change the descriptor as soon as I spot where in the database that lives.