Makatha Design Studio Blog

Apple on Wednesday updated Mac OS X 10.5, fixing 70 issues with the operating system and its components.

Among the changes in Mac OS X 10.5.3 are several fixes for Apple’s Time Machine backup application. The update addresses compatibility issues with the Time Capsule backup device as well as compatibility issues with Aperture 2, Apple’s workflow application for photographers. The OS update aims to improve reliability when doing a full restore from a Time Machine backup, and an alert message incorrectly stating that a backup volume doesn’t have enough space has been fixed.

Apple’s virtual desktop application, Spaces, received some minor updates in 10.5.3. A problem that could cause the reordering of application windows when switching desktops and then switching back has been fixed. The update also tackled an issue where pressing Command-Tab may have incorrectly switched users to a new space. The update also bolsters reliability for .Mac syncing.

Mail receieved 10 updates in Mac OS X 10.5.3. Highlights include a fix for a stability issue when dragging large attachments to a mail message and reliability issues when changes are made to a mailbox while offline.

iChat fixes include improved reliability during screen-sharing sessions and an issue with group chats not being indexed in Spotlight.

Automator, AirPort, Address Book, Parental Controls and VoiceOver all received reliability enhancements with the update.

The 420MB Mac OS X 10.5.3 update is available for download via from the software Update control panel.

FileMaker Pro 9 has been selected by Macy’s Parade & Entertainment Group as the database software platform to manage the information system for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. FileMaker Pro, the best-selling easy-to-use database software, will be used by the Macy’s Parade & Entertainment Group to manage the myriad of information on the people, including the thousands of volunteers, and logistics required to ensure the smooth flow of all the magnificent helium balloons, floats, singers, dancers, performers and celebrities along the streets of New York City into Herald Square.

“With more than 5,000 people potentially participating in this year’s parade, our new FileMaker Pro 9 databases will bring together all the required functions for the parade into one manageable, networked solution,” said Robin Hall, senior vice president, Macy’s Parade & Entertainment Group, in the press release.

Before FileMaker Pro was deployed, the database for the parade was originally built in Microsoft Access and its operation required programming knowledge beyond the basic consumer level. This caused delays and resulted in the need to export all work from Microsoft Access queries into Microsoft Excel documents to find specific information in a user-friendly manner.

MacDailyNews Take: Dumping Microsoft’s Access for FIleMaker Pro 9 is the equivalent of dumping Bea Arthur for Evangeline Lilly. Congrats, Macy’s! Niiice upgrade!

“With our new FileMaker database system, time-consuming tasks such as assigning volunteers parade responsibilities have been reduced from about 10 days to just one or two days, and more important, we can better meet the needs and specifications of each individual, group and staff member,” said Hall in the press release.

Future expansion of the Macy’s Parade database will involve Web-published content, including online registration for volunteer participation in the parade.

FileMaker Inc. develops award-winning database software. Its products include the legendary FileMaker Pro product line for Mac, Windows, and the Web, as well as the new Bento personal database for Mac. FileMaker Pro won 49 awards, more than its next eight competitors combined, in the past five years in the U.S. and a total of 130 awards worldwide during this time. Millions of customers, from individuals to large organizations, rely on FileMaker Inc. software to manage, analyze and share information. FileMaker Inc. is a subsidiary of Apple Inc.