Apple Sends out a Whole Slew of New Stuff

Today Apple updated many of it's computers.  They revamped the Mac Mini, Macbook, and the iMac.  Apple also released a new wireless keyboard, and a new, multitouch, unibody mouse.

Mac OSX Gets it's own (Unofficial) App Store

Now that the Palm Pre, Blackberry, iPhone, Nokia Phones...have App Stores, why shouldn't this move into the desktop world? Well, that's the idea behind App Bodega, a piece of (MAC ONLY) software, mad by IDFusion, that allows users to download, and sell, Applications for Mac OSX. This will allow you to easily download new software.

IDFusion has said it will not repeat Apple's mistakes with the iPhone App Store. For example, Apple pulling Apps after they've been approved (Baby Shaker App, and, most recent, GV Mobile).They also say that the Approval process is better and clearer then Apple's. Hopefully all these claims hold true.

Bodega will also feature many similarities to the App Store. It will feature user ratings and reviews; and the ability to browse, Top Rated and Recommended Applications. Bodega will also store all license keys and other data; making re-downloading applications very easy. You can download bodega at appbodega.com

(info from Cnet)

Malware attacks both Mac and Pc versions of Excel

There is a new Trojan horse virus is going around using Microsoft Excel files. It affects both Mac and PC versions of the software though. Named the Trojan.Mdropper.AC it hides in a .xls script file. When Excel opens, the file creates and executable, then that executable runs and allows the hacker to code basically anything he or she wants. That means almost complete control of your computer. The attack only effects the old .xls files, not the .xlsx files that are used in Vista. But, since the new Excel can open the .xls files you should still be careful, Vista users. The versions as old as 2000 are vulnerable and all Mac versions are in danger. Microsoft (of course!) has still not issued a patch to fix the vulnerability, but, hopefully it won't get too out of hand. Mac users should be especially careful since most virus blocking software is ineffective on Mac and many Mac users don't use it.

No more Beta Releases of Windows 7

The beta that everyone seems to be talking about-Windows 7, is not going to have anymore betas. Microsoft did say there will be "will be Windows 7 as we intend to ship it." which will most likely be a private beta. The follow up to the abomination that was Vista, has a much-touted "new" taskbar (that is eerily similar to Mac's Dock) that some are saying is better than Mac's dock. Hopefully when it is released (rumored to be in July) it will still hold up to the buzz. Also, there has already been a Windows 7 BSOD.