Type of Article: MacMinute Web Site

Richard Stallman, founder of the Free Software Foundation, will hit back at Microsoft and more specifically at one of the company’s Vice President’s, Craig Mundie, ZDNet UK is reporting. Earlier this month Mundie made some disparaging comments about the open source code movement in favor of the intellectual property of commercial companies. “Someone suggested that I be invited to respond,” Stallman said, and he accepted.

As mentioned earlier today, Apple has made the iBook Audio Update 1.3.6, released last week via Software Update, available as a standalone download. The update improves the audio quality of new (dual USB) iBooks. We mention it again, as the International English version is now available as well.

VersionTracker notes that Apple Theater Mode Update 2.0.3 has been posted today. This latest release resolves compatibility issues with the Theater Mode Extension for OS 9, QuickTime Player version 4.1.4 and 5.0, and the Classic environment on OS X. If you have Theater Mode 2.0.2 or earlier installed on your OS 9 or Classic OS X system, then you should install this update for best performance and compatibility.

Tales of the Sword Coast, an expansion pack for Baldur’s Gate, has begun shipping for Mac OS, although the page still reflects its prior “Pre-Order” status. The pack features “more powerful spells, talkative NPC’s, and additional enchanted items to be found” and sells for US$29.95. It requires the full-version of Baldur’s Gate (also $29.95).

ZDnet has compiled a list of top developers and their Mac OS X plans, following WWDC last week, where Macromedia demonstrated Freehand 10 for OS X (now shipping); Corel showed off Bryce 5, Painter 7, KPT 7 and others (due later this summer); and several other companies showcased their current and forthcoming wares.