auto-update

Microsoft patches critical vulnerability in Office 2011 for Mac

Microsoft has issued an update to Office 2011 for OS X, which closes a critical vulnerability that may allow remote code execution from an attacker.

With this vulnerability a maliciously crafted Word document or e-mail message in Outlook (with Word configured as the e-mail reader) could give an attacker the execution rights as the current user, allowing them to arbitrarily run code on the affected system.

While this update is a run-of-the-mill closure of identified vulnerabilities, be sure to keep your system fully updated. While there are undoubtedly other undocumented vulnerabilities in software, malware developers often use known and patched … Read more

Apple patent application explores using social networks for automatic metadata

Apple has filed a patent application that describes a method for obtaining and adding metadata to files automatically using the Internet and various social networks.

The process, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (discovered by AppleInsider), shows Apple's continued interest in creating connections with social networks by inventing a way for users to automatically update their files using data obtained online.

Apple's method, titled "Automatic Discovery of Metadata," seeks to solve an issue that many of us do not likely even know we have. Metadata on files already includes common entries such as … Read more

Microsoft AutoUpdate update required for future updates

Microsoft has released an update for its AutoUpdate for Mac utility, which is used to provide application updates and security patches for its Office for Mac productivity suites. Microsoft is touting this latest update as a required installation for Office 2011 and Office 2008, since it will be required to apply future updates to the Office suite.

The update is a small 850KB download and will bring the version of the AutoUpdate utility to 2.3.4. The updater is available via the current AutoUpdate utility, but can also be installed by downloading the standalone installer from the Office for Mac support site.… Read more

Mozilla pushes Firefox fuddy-duddies toward the future

Mozilla has begun notifying Firefox 3.6 users that now is a good time to upgrade to Firefox 8.0.1--and to the browser's new fast-moving ethos.

The change had been planned for at least two other occasions in recent weeks, but Mozilla postponed it. And then yesterday, Mozilla flipped the switch so that when Firefox 3.6 checks with a server to find out if there's an update, it'll find the newest version of the browser.

"It's live, and users should see an update in the next 24 hours," said spokeswoman Erica Jostedt. … Read more

Microsoft updates Office 2011 for Mac, critical flaws fixed

Microsoft has released the first security update to their suite of productivity applications for Mac, Office 2011. The update fixes critical flaws including issues that could cause Office 2011 applications to stop responding or unexpectedly quit while in use.… Read more

Running in a pack

The folks in Mountain View, Calif., have recently updated their Google Pack, and while combining some of the best programs with an automatic updater and installer, some of the program choices have left me disappointed. The recent addition of StarOffice confirms that while this collection is good, it could be a lot better.