Brand: MacNews

Ircle 3.1b12 is the newest pre-release version of the popular IRC client for Mac OS 7.5 and later and Mac OS X. The new beta corrects a few bugs from the previous version; version 3.1 has been in development for more than two years and is expected to be completed before the end of the year. Ircle is US$15 shareware.

MacMinute sources indicate that Apple has put the finishing touches on Mac OS X 10.1.2, with the update expected to arrive to the public possibly as early as today. MacGeneration (French) notes that the update is said to deliver improvements to USB, FireWire, and PC card support, IrDA modem support on FireWire PowerBooks, updates to AirPort, Apache, AppleScript, and more.

O’Reilly has published an excellent introduction to AppleScript on Mac OS X that touches upon the many changes and new features that the operating system has brought to Apple Script. Meanwhile, Apache Web-Serving with Mac OS X: Part 1 explains how to configure Mac OS X’s built-in Apache Web server.

The Software & Information Industry Association has announced the finalists for its 2002 Codie awards. Apple’s PowerSchool has been nominated for the “Best Elementary/Secondary Management Solution” award, while FileMaker, an Apple subsidiary, has been nominated for “Best Handheld Application” with FileMaker Mobile, and “Best Software Development Product” for FileMaker Developer 5.5. Winners will be announced on April 15, 2002, at the SIIA Annual Conference in San Diego, CA.

4D UK has released its database software, 4D 6.7, as a free download to charities and educational organizations, according to Macworld UK. Also available is 4D Developer Edition Academic and 4D Web Extension Academic for £95 each.