Brand: MacNews

Despite the hype surrounding Linux for the past few years, the alternative operating system has failed to make any gains in market share among desktop users, according to a new study from WebSideStory’s StatMarket. As of December 17, 2001, the study found that Linux has a global usage share of 0.24 percent—roughly the same level its had for three years.

Apple has released a series of AppleScripts for iTunes 2 that extend the functionality of the software by allowing users to quickly execute a number of tasks, from removing missing tracks from playlists to specifying equalizer settings for all songs of a specific genre.

A U.S. federal district court judge has filed a preliminary injunction order against Adobe Systems, barring the software maker from distributing its InDesign page layout software, according to MacCentral. The ruling only affects distribution of the software in the United States, as other countries exceed the court’s jurisdiction.

MacNN notes that Apple is offering an upgrade option for PowerBook G4 (550MHz-667MHz) owners to the company’s recently announced DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo drive for Titanium G4 PowerBooks. Apple’s Web site states that “the PowerBook G4 Combo Upgrade Program will be offered worldwide from January 14 – March 30, 2002. Customers should check the Apple Web site starting January 14 for further details on how to place an order.” The price for this upgrade is US$299.

Microsoft has released Internet Explorer 5.1, a new version of its popular Web browser for OS 8/9. Version 5.1 adds greater control over the application’s user interface, support for NTLM version 2 authentication (in addition to previous support for NTML v1) and general enhancements that provide improved reliability and compatibility.