Author: mactech

Insider Software has posted a final version of UpdateAgent X, the Carbonized version of its utility for updating all the applications on your drives. The software scans your drive for applications, the checks the version numbers against its database, presenting users with a list of updates that they can download directly. A one-time use license can be purchased for US$9.95, while a one-year subscription to the service costs $49.95.

Verbatim today began shipping media certified for the newest 24x CD-R drives, which can burn a disc in under three minutes. The high-speed media, which is the first from any company to be certified for that speed, can also be used with 1x-20x CD recorders.

After seemingly discontinuing the product in favor of its InDesign software, Adobe today announced PageMaker 7.0, a new version of the desktop publishing application. PageMaker 7.0 features tighter integration with business applications, supports Adobe’s vision of network publishing, offers PDF creation tools, enhanced workflow, and more.

Netgear today announced the MR314 Cable/DSL wireless router, which features a 4-port 10/100 switch and integrated IEEE 802.11b (AirPort) access point. The router also features Auto Uplink technology, which automatically determines which of the Ethernet ports should function as uplinks, meaning they are connected to other hubs or switches. Additionally, the US$369 router offers logging, reporting, hacker protection, and a five-year warranty.

In a related news item: as hard economic times threaten the longevity of DSL providers, cable Internet providers are exploiting the situation to extend their lead over the rival technology. An article on CNN.com notes that there are 4.7 million cable subscribers in the US, compared with 2.2 million DSL subscribers. However, given the deep pockets of some phone companies currently offering DSL, cable’s continued success may not be a sure thing.