The Mac OS 10.4.7 Update is available and is recommended for all users and includes general operating system fixes, as well as specific fixes for the following applications and technologies. It includes fixes for:

- sharing using AFP, SMB/CIFS, NFS and FTP file sharing protocols
- reliable access to Open Directory, LDAP and Active Directory services
- login and authentication in a variety of network environments
- file access and byte range locking with AFP file sharing
- network access when using proxy server automatic configuration files
- connecting to Cisco VPN servers using IP/Sec and NAT
- AirPort and Bluetooth wireless connectivity
- RAW camera support, including updated ATI and NVIDIA graphics drivers
- usability of Dashboard and widgets
- searching iWork '06 and Microsoft Office documents with Spotlight
- saving Word documents automatically when using a network home directory
- viewing of QuickTime streaming media behind a firewall
- audio playback in QuickTime, iTunes, Final Cut Pro, and Soundtrack Pro applications
- ensuring icons are spaced correctly when viewed on desktop, and more...

Previously available only through Digidesign training partner schools, Digidesign's Pro Tools 101 Official Courseware — the textbook for the first course of the Digidesign Training and Education Program — is now available directly through the online DigiStore, major book and music retailers, and Digidesign training partner schools. This is the first Pro Tools educational book authored by Digidesign that is available through other sources in addition to Digidesign training partner schools. Use it to study Pro Tools basics on your own or as a first step toward formal Pro Tools Certification through a Digidesign training partner school. This book is the only stand-alone offering that is part of the path to Pro Tools Operator Certification.

FXpansion announces the release of the demo version 1.5.45 of BFD. This ultra high quality disk streaming drum module features multichannel-recorded acoustic drum hit multisamples from a selection of classic kits, plus some rarities. Blend direct, overhead and room mics freely. Also includes our powerful Groove Librarian, a new and interactive way to compose drum grooves.

BFD is available in VST, Audio Units and standalone formats.

The fine substrative synthesizer Automat (freeware) has been updated to version 0.4.2 Universal Binary in order to fix an Universal Binary preset bug and to add presets with the new Universal Binary format. This substrative synthesizer features : subtractive synthesis, 3 antialiased oscilators, filters and amplifier, 2 ADSR's for filter and amplifier, 6 modulators with tempo sync, and more...

This update is of course available in the MacMusic Software section.

AudioEase guys are very hard working and they now announce that Altiverb has been updated to version 5.4.4. This weekly release features :

- fixed multiple problems in RTAS.
- fixed AU validation crash which could happen sometimes.
- error when opening Altiverb where a preset is selected
- improved VST performance.
- fixed read error while using CIRP files.

This updated version is available as a free download.