Still Time To Join the OS X Yosemite Public Beta

If you are an Apple fan and have always wanted to try the latest, but maybe not exactly done, software - now's your chance!

After 14 long years, Apple has launched a public beta for the next version of the Mac OS, OS X 10.10 Yosemite.  As the word 'beta' implies, this software is still very much under development and next exactly ready for prime time.  But if you have a second Mac, or know how to dual-boot your Mac to another partition, then this your chance to jump in the pool and test things out.  If you find something that's not working or has a rough edge, you can report it to Apple.

This is not for the faint of heart or the first time Mac user.  If you want to learn more about what's involved with being a beta tester, you should read yesterday's SPF post first.

Apple's accepting the first one million Mac owner requests to join the program.

Still interested?  Head over to the Yosemite beta sign up page to get started.

Sage Advice From ComputerWold About Running the Yosemite Beta

Mac OS X 10.0 Beta disc via ComputerWorld

 ComputerWorld, this morning, published some tips for Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite beta testers.  You should keep these tips in mind, especially since if you are a first time beta tester.

"First and foremost, keep in mind that this isn't the official release of the software; Apple is still testing and tweaking Yosemite. That means it may not function as expected. Some features may be completely absent or could differ from what Apple showed off during its WWDC keynote in June -- and some features may look very different in the final release."

Head over to ComputerWorld to read the full article.

[Via ComputerWorld.com...]

Throwback Thursday: Apple Super Serial Card II

When was the last time you saw one of theses?  The Super Serial Card II from Apple was the serial card interface for the Apple ][ line of computers, including the wildly popular Apple ][e.  This particular Apple serial card was released in 1981.

For more information about the back story and history of the Apple Super Serial Card II can be found over on Wikipedia.

Upgrade to Adobe Flash Player 14.0.125 Now

Adobe has issued a security bulletin urging Flash users to upgrade to the latest release, version 14.0.125.  Windows PCs, Macs, and machines running Linux with unlatched versions of Flash are vulnerable that could allow an attacker to take control of the computer.

"Adobe has released security updates for Adobe Flash Player 13.0.0.214 and earlier versions for Windows and Macintosh and Adobe Flash Player 11.2.202.359 and earlier versions for Linux. These updates address vulnerabilities that could potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system. Adobe recommends users update their product installations to the latest versions[.]"

You can download the latest version of Adobe Flash Player for your Windows PC, Macintosh, or Linux machine from Adobe Flash Player download website.

Today's full APSB14-16 security bulletin can be read on the Adobe website.

Three Years Ago Today, Atlantis Started Her Final Mission

The NASA space shuttle program, officially known as the Space Transportation System, or STS, has always been something that truly impressed me ever since reading about it in school all the way back in 1980.  I still miss seeing them leap off the pad and jump into space.

Space Shuttle Atlantis, on mission STS-135 to resupply the International Space Station, lifted off on July 8, 2011 as the historic final flight of the 31 year old NASA STS program.

Atlantis' four member crew included Commander Christopher Ferguson, Pilot Douglas Hurley, Mission Specialist 1 Sandra Magnus, and Mission Specialist 2 Rex Walheim.

Atlantis touched down at her home base, the Kennedy Space Center, on July 21, 2011 after a fourteen day mission in space.

You can read more about Atlantis' final flight on Wikipedia.  If you are visiting Florida, you can see Atlantis as part of a new public exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July from Smartphone Fanatics!

(To my friends in Canada and the United Kingdom, have a Fantastic weekend!)

The WWDC 2014 Session Videos Are Online For Everyone

Every year getting tickets to Apple's annual developer conference, WWDC, is a big hoopla.  There are only 5,000 tickets available and it's really come down to the luck of the draw to get one.

This year, Apple had done something different.  They've made their breakout session videos available to anyone (i.e.: no developer account password required) to download and watch for free.

I'm not a developer, nor do I play one on TV, but there are few sessions that look pretty interesting.  Hit up the link below to see what interests you.  I recommend that you download the videos that you are interested in, as there is no telling how load the site will remain up.

Apple WWDC 2014 videos page