Snap! Zero-day flaw in Intel chips, Verizon's new plan, and spy-grade malware

A daily dose of today's top tech stories:Researchers at Black Hat demonstrate rootkit exploit in Intel processors –Every Intel processor released since 1997 has suffered from a vulnerability that"could grant someone access to the lowest-level firmware in a PC,"according to sources.The target is the System Management Mode, which "handles system errors and grants control to various subsystems, such as power." Intel has confirmed that it is working to patch the flaw.
Verizon changes everything –Competition between the major four cellular providers in the US has beenramping up over the past four years, and consumers are reaping the benfits. Take today's news: Verizon will be axing its contract model and moving to a month-by-month payment plan.According to CNET, there "are no single-line options orfamily plans [under Verizon's new plan]."...
This topic first appeared in the Spiceworks Community

My daughter has had her Razr for about 9 months now. About two weeks ago she picked up her phone in the morning on her way to school when she noticed two cracks, both starting at the camera lens. One goes completely to the bottom and the other goes sharply to the side. She has never dropped it and me and my husband went over it with a fine tooth comb. We looked under a magnifying glass and could no find any reason for the glass to crack. Not one ding, scratch or bang. Our daughter really takes good care of her stuff, but we still wanted to make sure before we sent it in for repairs. Well we did and we got a reply from Motorola with a picture of the cracks saying this was customer abuse and that it is not covered under warranty. Even though they did not find any physical damage to back it up. Well I e-mailed them back and told them I did a little research and found pages of people having the same problems. Well I did not hear from them until I received a notice from Fed Ex that they were sending the phone back. NOT FIXED!!! I went to look up why and guess what there is no case open any more for the phone. It has been wiped clean. I put in the RMA # it comes back not found, I put in the ID #, the SN# and all comes back not found. Yet a day earlier all the info was there. I know there is a lot more people like me and all of you, but they just don't want to be bothered so they pay to have it fix, just to have it do it again. Unless they have found the problem and only fixing it on a customer pay only set up. I am furious and will not be recommending this phone to anyone. And to think I was considering this phone for my next up grade! NOT!!!!

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I recently upgraded from a iMac mini PPC (pre-intel chip) to a new iMac (intel chip). I know that some of my software won't functionally transfer over, but I have some files that were done using Appleworks (.cwk text files) that won't open. Conversion?

Is there a way to convert .cwk text files I saved from my iMac PPC so I can view them on my new iMac (intel chip)? I get a message when I try to open them now that says PowerPC applications are no longer supported.

1. Read Roger Wilmut's excellent series of articles: Abandoning Appleworks
2. Considering running Appleworks in Snow Leopard (with Rosetta) installed into Parallels for use in Lion or Mt. Lion
[click on image to enlarge]

I bought 3g 16gb 31 days before june 8 2009 annoncment of new 3gs and new $

I bought the 3g 16gb for $299 iPhone exactly 31 days ago from June 8 2009 when they announced the new 3gs and the new 3g prices. I bought it bc there where talks of apple annoucing an upgrade in June , they never mentioned a new phone. The 3g is now selling for $199 16gb. Is there any way I can get a rebate or upgrade without spending a ridiculus amount of money?

Good luck, im in the same situation ( 38 days ) i think its very bad customer service that they didnt tell me that there where a new phone comming out when i signed up and got mine, they ( at&t ) claim they didnt know, wich i think is BS !! Im very dissapointed.

Can I use an old iPhone 4 verizon without a plan and just use it like an iPod?

Hi,
I received my sisters old iPhone 4 Verizon because she has upgraded. My contract doesn't expire for a while, so can I just use it like you would an iPod? No calling or texting, just as like an iPod touch.
Thank you.

pfreet wrote:
Somoene please provide an answer that works for a Verizon phone. This is a perplexing issue,
In your case, just start using it as an iPod (essentially a Touch). You can do everything but make calls or sending SMS/MMS (but I think you can iMessage and FaceTime if on Wi-Fi).

Intel chip

I am a video editor who needs to encode multiple bit rate WMV files. Unfortunately, Windows media Encoder is the only software that does this so I must use a PC. With the new Intel Chips in Macs will it be possible to run Windows Media Encoder natively on the OS?
Thanks,
Curtis

Hi Curtis;
No. The Intel chip is running OS X and not Windows so it will not be able to execute Windows Media Encoder.
Allan

Does Motion 2 work with Intel chip and or Tiger 10.4.10

I am having a problem with my Motion 2.01 crashing when I open anything. I have come to believe it is a problem with the Intel chip in my new computer or my fully upgraded Tiger OS because I have gotten it to work on an older computer without the chip or updated OS. Has anone experienced this problem and if so what can be done about it? Please help! Thanks. -Michael-

The problem is with the Intel processor and not the OS. You'll have to go to Final Cut Studio 2 and Motion 3 in order to work in your Intel-Mac. Check the System requirements before doing so, if this is your intention.
http://www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/specs.html

I am so sick of Verizon ripping me off and when I call the agents they are so rude to me.

I need help. I know you say, it sounds like it, but I can't get the help from tech support, the agents that answer the phone or the supervisors. My MINIFIED #G has not worked for over a year. I finally realized that I could put it on suspend which I did and I can do it one more time.
I have 2 lines that are due for upgrades and new contracts.. I want an phone 4S and see that this can happen at rthew Apple Store. should I have the Apple Store get me into an iPhone 4S or not? I will lose the NE2 which for the cell line is $35 and the data line is $50. is it possible to use any of the phones like the iPhone 4S like I used the MiFI2200 for? Can I get a phone these days and hook my MacBook Pro up to it and have the phone act like a Mobile HotSpot?
If that is so there is no reason to gt a 4G mobile hotspot.
what is the best smartphone to get that has the capability to be used as a mobile hot spot and is not too hard?
does anybody else have trouble with this company? do they treat you like you are a loser? Iam promised by supervisors that they will call me and help me get set-up with the devices you need but I never get a call. I am only told "I called you but you did not answe the phone.
what is the best cell carrier to use these days?
what is the best smartphone for my data line that has the $50 NE2 hooked up to it? Every phone I read about says the battery is crappy. there is not one phone that I read about that has all good marks. Just at the beginning of summer there were tons of people saying I can't wait for fall when this comes out that will be the best time.
I got one of the agents to document if any of my devices do not work they will not charge me restocking fees but I do not know if there are any devices worth the cost this company charges. I have a MoTO phone that is 8 years old, can't do text messages and I have unlimited. the data device and line is suspended and I pay $80/mo and I talk to friends with other carriers whohave complicated smartphones, unlimited calls and texts and data and they pay $90/mo.
what does a person who does not know the phones do like me? Are there any phones that are really worth going through a new plan and getting all set up, sign a new contract and have it be worth it?
there has got to be som people here who can help an idiot like me. I used to be satisfied with the MOTO basic cell phone and the MIFI2200 3G. it was awesome. I would go on a trip, take my MacBok Pro and HOOK IT UP TO THE MIFI AND JUST SURF THE INTERNET, FIND A HOTEL and that was it.
I just need to know if this company is worth staying or should I go to a better carier like ATT
what is the phone that allows a person to hook their laptop to and suf without ot depleating my data allowance for the month?
I am in need of big help. thanks for any help and Merry Christmas. I won't be getting a phone under my tree because nobody in my family knows what ssmatphones are worth it.
should I cancel the data line I saved for the $50 NE2 or save it and get one of the new data devices? if I should then that means none of the decent phones will allow me to use the phone as a data mobile hotspot or are there good phons that will allow me to use the phone for this purpose?
I thought the Androids were supposed to be the next best thing. is the Droid a good phone?
I need help big time and help with what is a good phone and if it is the iPhone 4S can I use that phone and have it be easy and use oitas a mobile hotspot.

NotSure wrote:
I need help. I know you say, it sounds like it, but I can't get the help from tech support, the agents that answer the phone or the supervisors. My MINIFIED #G has not worked for over a year. I finally realized that I could put it on suspend which I did and I can do it one more time. If you suspended without billing, you are not completing your contract on that line. Each month you suspend without billing adds one month to your contract period.
I have 2 lines that are due for upgrades and new contracts.. I want an phone 4S and see that this can happen at rthew Apple Store. should I have the Apple Store get me into an iPhone 4S or not? Apple may not be able to access your New Every 2, otherwise, it won't make a difference. I will lose the NE2 which for the cell line is $35 and the data line is $50. is it possible to use any of the phones like the iPhone 4S like I used the MiFI2200 for? Can I get a phone these days and hook my MacBook Pro up to it and have the phone act like a Mobile HotSpot? Yes, you can get phones to use as a mobile hotspot, but you have to get a larger data plan.
If that is so there is no reason to gt a 4G mobile hotspot. If you want a 3G phone (like the iPhone), then you'll only have 3G speeds.
what is the best smartphone to get that has the capability to be used as a mobile hot spot and is not too hard? Look on Verizon's site, each phone listing specifies if it supports the mobile hotspot, and you can read reviews.
does anybody else have trouble with this company? No. do they treat you like you are a loser? Nope. Iam promised by supervisors that they will call me and help me get set-up with the devices you need but I never get a call. I am only told "I called you but you did not answe the phone. Maybe they did. Why don't you purchase your phone in-store and ask them for help setting up your phone if that is important to you.
what is the best cell carrier to use these days? The one that provides adequate service in the areas you use your phone at a price you find to be a good value. You need to do some research to determine that.
what is the best smartphone for my data line that has the $50 NE2 hooked up to it? If you add a phone to your data line, you'll need a calling plan for that line. Why do you want two smartphones? Why not just cancel the data line after the contract expires if you plan to get a phone with a mobile hotspot to replace that functionality? Every phone I read about says the battery is crappy. Smartphones do not have the 2-3 day battery life many people became accustomed to with basic phones, but many of them last through the day easily, you just have to charge them at night. Again, read the reviews to determine the best phone for you. there is not one phone that I read about that has all good marks. And there never will be, no one phone is great for everyone, nor is any phone free of flaws. Just at the beginning of summer there were tons of people saying I can't wait for fall when this comes out that will be the best time. There's always something new around the corner...
I got one of the agents to document if any of my devices do not work they will not charge me restocking fees but I do not know if there are any devices worth the cost this company charges. If you exchange a phone due to an issue covered by the warranty you will get a new phone in the first 14 days, and a refurbished unit after that. As far as the cost, if you don't like Verizon's selection, then look at other carriers, or consider buying older phones used from eBay or the like. I have a MoTO phone that is 8 years old, can't do text messages and I have unlimited. the data device and line is suspended and I pay $80/mo and I talk to friends with other carriers whohave complicated smartphones, unlimited calls and texts and data and they pay $90/mo. A basic one line plan with unlimited texting and 2GB of data on Verizon is $89.99 + taxes/fees. I think the mobile hotspot capable data plans are $20/month more.
what does a person who does not know the phones do like me? Research, and then play with the phones in store. Also, buy your phone at a store with friendly staff who can help you get set up. You may have to go to more than one. Are there any phones that are really worth going through a new plan and getting all set up, sign a new contract and have it be worth it? Maybe, how much do you care about the features and capabilities of a smartphone? Enough to deal with some hassle and learning curve? If not, a basic phone may be better for you?
there has got to be som people here who can help an idiot like me. I used to be satisfied with the MOTO basic cell phone and the MIFI2200 3G. it was awesome. I would go on a trip, take my MacBok Pro and HOOK IT UP TO THE MIFI AND JUST SURF THE INTERNET, FIND A HOTEL and that was it.
I just need to know if this company is worth staying or should I go to a better carier like ATT Do some research about coverage and cost, and then make a decision.
what is the phone that allows a person to hook their laptop to and suf without ot depleating my data allowance for the month? Any mobile hotspot use will come out of your data allowance.
I am in need of big help. thanks for any help and Merry Christmas. I won't be getting a phone under my tree because nobody in my family knows what ssmatphones are worth it.
should I cancel the data line I saved for the $50 NE2 or save it and get one of the new data devices? if I should then that means none of the decent phones will allow me to use the phone as a data mobile hotspot or are there good phons that will allow me to use the phone for this purpose? I don't know if you would be better off with a basic phone + data device, or a smartphone with mobile hotspot. There are advantages to both setups. You can use Verizon's site to do some mock orders and see what the cost difference would be between the two options.
I thought the Androids were supposed to be the next best thing. is the Droid a good phone? There is a large selection of Android phones, and many people like them. You'll need to read some reviews and play with a few to choose the one you may like.
I need help big time and help with what is a good phone and if it is the iPhone 4S can I use that phone and have it be easy and use oitas a mobile hotspot.

How do I update my iMAC with Intel chips beyond 10.4.11 ?

From the days of the Apple 1 until the days of the first Mac I was an Apple user. Then corporate America drug me away kicking and screaming to the Windows world. Now I have bought a used iMac with Intel chips to use as an Apple Forensics test machine. However, I need to update it as far as I can go and can't seem to locate the information on the net/ Do I need to go to Amazon and get a disc?
This iMac has served to remind me just how great Apples are. Can not wait to retre!
Thank you.
Mike

Upgrading to Snow Leopard, Lion, or Mountain Lion
You can upgrade to Mountain Lion from Lion or directly from Snow Leopard. Mountain Lion can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for $19.99. To access the App Store you must have Snow Leopard 10.6.6 or later installed.
Upgrading to Snow Leopard
You must purchase Snow Leopard through the Apple Store: Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple Store (U.S.). The price is $19.99 plus tax. You will be sent physical media by mail after placing your order.
After you install Snow Leopard you will have to download and install the Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1 to update Snow Leopard to 10.6.8 and give you access to the App Store. Access to the App Store enables you to download Mountain Lion if your computer meets the requirements.
     Snow Leopard General Requirements
       1. Mac computer with an Intel processor
       2. 1GB of memory
       3. 5GB of available disk space
       4. DVD drive for installation
       5. Some features require a compatible Internet service provider;
           fees may apply.
       6. Some features require Apple’s MobileMe service; fees and
           terms apply.
Upgrading to Lion
If your computer does not meet the requirements to install Mountain Lion, it may still meet the requirements to install Lion.
You can purchase Lion by contacting Customer Service: Contacting Apple for support and service - this includes international calling numbers. The cost is $19.99 (as it was before) plus tax. It's a download. You will get an email containing a redemption code that you then use at the Mac App Store to download Lion. Save a copy of that installer to your Downloads folder because the installer deletes itself at the end of the installation.
     Lion System Requirements
       1. Mac computer with an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7,
           or Xeon processor
       2. 2GB of memory
       3. OS X v10.6.6 or later (v10.6.8 recommended)
       4. 7GB of available space
       5. Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
Upgrading to Mountain Lion
To upgrade to Mountain Lion you must have Snow Leopard 10.6.8 or Lion installed. Purchase and download Mountain Lion from the App Store. Sign in using your Apple ID. Mountain Lion is $19.99 plus tax. The file is quite large, over 4 GBs, so allow some time to download. It would be preferable to use Ethernet because it is nearly four times faster than wireless.
     OS X Mountain Lion - System Requirements
       Macs that can be upgraded to OS X Mountain Lion
         1. iMac (Mid 2007 or newer)
         2. MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
         3. MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
         4. MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
         5. Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
         6. Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
         7. Xserve (Early 2009)
     Are my applications compatible?
         See App Compatibility Table - RoaringApps.
     Am I eligible for the free upgrade?
         See Apple - Free OS X Mountain Lion upgrade Program.
     For a complete How-To introduction from Apple see Upgrade to OS X Mountain Lion.

Should i wait 4 tower w/ intel chip should i buy the power pc 2.5 quad

should i wait 4 the tower w/ intel chip or should i buy the power pc 2.5 quad..any thoughts.. right now i have a g4 dual 1ghz w/ 1.5 ram. running logic 7..and i'm getting all sorts of errors "audio core" "to slow" why don't they have an alert that says "time to buy another apple" i need some help..i dont want to make the wrong choice.
dual 1ghz g4 Mac OS X (10.4.6) fire pod

aaron, what upgrade cpu do you use. detail some good
and bad points.
G4 450DP
Mac OS X (10.4.4) digidesign, motu,
apogee
Hi David,
I got a gigadesign 1.467 single processor upgrade for my tired 'ol G4 466 about a year ago. I paid around $450 at the time and now they have a 1.8 single for $299!
I have zero bad things to say about the upgrade. Easy to install (although a little nerve wracking!) and it's been running hassle free ever since. It's given me the juice to take advantage of Space Designer as well as keeping up with my CPU sucking Native Instruments software.
I did plenty of research as far as compatibility before comitting to the upgrade and have had zero issues.
Obviously a new computer is the next step but that processor upgrade has kept me chugging along enough to stay in the game thus far.
http://www.gigadesigns.com/

I have an iMac G5 isight (20" screen) Leopard OS 10.5.8 I do not have an intel chip. I am unable to open movie links on facebook using Adobe flash player. I called Adobe Systems and they said Adobe no longer supported computers that did not have intel chi

I have an iMac G5 (20 inch screen) i sight (no intel chip).Leopard OS 10.5.8. Recently I went on Facebook and tried to open a movie site someone had sent me on Facebook andwhen I tried to open the video on Facebook, I was told I had to upgrade my Adobe Flash Player. i tried to do this, but turns out that Facebook is requiring folks to have an intel chip in order to view movies...this is outrageous! Just think of all the folks in the world who have great running pre intel chip Apple computers. I called the Adobe Help line and was told that I really needed to buy a new computer....no thanks. How do I find a way to get a new version of Adobe for Facebook and youtube. I wish Apple could develop a way to have intel chips installed in the older computers. If you have any suggestions on this please let me know.
Thanks, Sarah

Either get a screen cleaning cloth, or carefully us a slightly damp lint-free cloth and dry off with a dry link-=free cloth.
As to Flash Videos: I am in a similar same boat. I cannot watch flash videos on the BBC website or on BBC iPlayer, although all other flash videos (YouTube and FaceBook for example) are fine.
For reasons that passeth all understanding, they work with the PPC version of Firefox, called TenFourFoxG5.app, once you have anabled plug-ins, as it does not natively support Flash.
You can download TenFourFoxG5 from here:
http://www.floodgap.com/software/tenfourfox/
Now for the intersting bit: TenFourFox, like Firefox, does not support most plug-ins. Unless you are prone to headaches (in which case don't) you can read about that here:
http://code.google.com/p/tenfourfox/wiki/PluginsNoLongerSupported
But there is a workaround!
Open TenFourFox and type in the address bar: about:config (no spaces) and click return. This gives you a warning that it might harm the application. Ignore that and click on 'I'll be careful, I promise' and you get the config file that you can edit - with great care.
Look/search (scroll down) for: tenfourfox.plugins.enabled
Set it to true. (Double click it to toggle it)
Now close TenFourFox, open it again, and Flash will now work, as it now uses the plug-ins that Safari has stored.
I am using Flash 10.1.102.64 in TenFourFox and it works just fine.

Running a dos program on the new intel chip

I have a dos program that I need to be able to run on the new intel chip.
Is there a safe and reliable way to do it?
thanks
mbs827

Thanks for your reply.
Have you used parallels for dos?
I am considering getting the new mac book but want to make sure that it will run the dos program.
thanks
mbs827

Is there a conflict with the Intel chip and certain web content?

Just curious about something...
Somewhat new to OSX...I'm noticing that certain video content,(specifically Comedy Central) won't play for me in Safari, or Firefox browsers. I have Windows Media Player 9, but the plug in or application won't launch when these clips come up. I've noticed on some Power PC machines the clips play in Safari and appear formatted for Quick Time.(Despite the site saying they're designed to play in Media Player 9) Is there some preference that I don't know about? Also how do I install and uninstall plugins for these browsers? Or is it just the Intel chip...I haven't had a problem with any other site but this one.
Thanks.
iMac Duo Mac OS X (10.4.6) 1 GB Ram

Web content not displaying will never be a hardware issue with any computer. You must install the plugins necessary to view it. All plugins are Universal now, except Windows Media, but you can get the Universal beta.
Windows Media - either use Ho Lee's suggestion or download Flip4Mac Universal beta (look on Google).
Real Media - get RealPlayer 10 Universal Binary.
The Flash Player and Quicktime should already be installed. Make sure you have all Apple updates as well.

Installing XP via 98SE to run natively on Intel chip

I'm inching toward getting a Power Mac Dual Core G5 where I could set up a dual-boot system with Windows with BootCamp. As far as I've been able to discern from these forums, only Windows XP can run natively on the new Intel chips. Fine, I have XP on my PC, but I don't have a full version for installing, only a version for updating earlier versions of Windows. Do you reckon it would be possible to install Windows 98SE on the G5 without trying to run it, and then to update it with my update version? Somehow it would seem a bit ironic to switch to Mac and then have to run out and buy Windows XP.

My apologies for not being entirely clear... there is a single processor Dual Core G5. (One processor, two cores). I re-read my first post and realize I poorly worded my reply to you.
The Core Duo is an Intel processor. Not yet availible for the PowerMac.
The Dual Core G5 is a PowerPC processor. Again, since it's a PowerPC processor, Boot Camp & Parallels are a no-go for the PowerMac right now.
Apple has publically indicated that all Macs will be available with Intel processors by the end of the year. The PowerMacs will have Intel processors in due time. Apple just decided to redesign the iMac first... whatever their reason might have been.

Can I install Mac OS 10.4.7 CD's meant for an imac intel chip (Jan 2007)??

Can I install Mac OS 10.4.7 CD's that came from an imac intel chip (Jan 2007) ONTO an ibook power pc G3? The ibook only has a CD drive and I believe the OS installs are CD's not DVD's as there are 2 of them. The ibook currently is running OS 10.3.9 with 23 GB on the HD at the moment. I may be able to free up some space though by dumping Microsoft Office. I know for sure I had 10.4.7 on there before but I got a used HD and there is only 10.3.9 on it. Sigh.

Nope, sorry wont work, those are Machine & Architecture specific Install Discs.
See Tom's, (Texas Mac Man), great info on where/how to find/get Tiger...
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=9755670&#9755670

HT201177 I cannot view some videos and participate in some websites since Adobe upgraded all to Flash 11.7. I have an older Mac G5 PowerPC (no Intel chip) running OS 10.5.8. I keep getting splash screens saying I have to update to Flash 11.7 but 11.7 is m

I cannot view some videos and participate in some websites since Adobe upgraded all to Flash 11.7. I have an older Mac G5 PowerPC (no Intel chip) running OS 10.5.8. I keep getting splash screens saying I have to update to Flash 11.7 but 11.7 is made for those Macs with an Intel chip. I am running the newest Flash for my system. It seems all concerned should have made Flash retro-compatible for those of us with older Macs. Is there a work around to this Flash requirement short of buying a new Mac with the Intel chip?

I'll bet you'll have better luck if you post your question in the Power Mac discussions here: https://discussions.apple.com/community/desktop_computers/power_mac
Either that, or one of the forums at Adobe.
Good luck.
Russ

Snap! Zero-day flaw in Intel chips, Verizon's new plan, and spy-grade malware

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