Keep those screens super clean!

*Apple Releases Java Update*
The update does double duty: it both removes the Flashback trojan (“*mentioned here*”:http://blog.smalldog.com/kibbles/kb770/) and disables the automatic execution of Java applets.

“*Read more here.*”:http://macdailynews.com/2012/04/12/apple-releases-java-update-to-remove-flashback-trojan/

*Without Fanfare, iPad 2s and Apple TVs Get Power Boost*
Apple started shipping iPad 2s and Apple TVs with a new 32nm A5 chip.

“*Read more here.*”:http://www.extremetech.com/computing/125871-apple-sneakily-debuts-32nm-a5-in-new-ipad-2-apple-tv

Purchase a used MacBook 2.13GHz 2GB/160GB White (mid-2009) and Parallels and get the 3-year Mack Warranty free.

__Originally featured in “*Kibbles & Bytes #684,*”:http://blog.smalldog.com/kibbles/kb684/ Ben wrote about some Mac superstitions on a past Friday the 13th!__

Stevie Wonder’s “__Superstition__”:http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=19XpSnZWhPI&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fstevie-wonder-the-definitive%252Fid3440159%253Fuo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30 was the first song to come up on shuffle during my commute this morning. I’m normally not a very superstitious person, but when Garrison Keillor reminded me that it was Friday the 13th on the Writer’s Almanac, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was more than a coincidence. Combined with the fact that Mia–a Black Lab–crossed my path as soon as I walked into the office, consider me spooked!

Since superstition is abound, and it’s the only Friday the 13th this year, I thought that it would be especially relevant to lay a few common Mac superstitions to rest. For longtime Mac users the following may seem basic, but keep in mind that many switchers unfortunately are led to believe these myths are true due to previous experience on PCs.

*Your Mac Isn’t Virus-Immune:*

OK, so this one is pretty basic: Macs simply do not get viruses. You’d be surprised how many people immediately construe software or hardware-related issues as a virus. The fact is that there has never been a reported virus on a Mac. There have been internally developed proof-of-concepts as well a security flaws and vulnerabilities in various releases of Apple software, but there has never been a full blown Mac virus in the same vein as those so prevalent on the PC.

*Dell Printer + Mac = 7 Years of Bad Luck:*

This myth is partially true. You will have bad luck if you attempt to get a Dell branded printer to work on a Mac, but likely not 7 years worth. The PC Manufacturer is the only one whose printers are incompatible with Macs. The good news is almost every other USB 2.0 and network-based printer on the market is. A very common misconception amongst switchers is that their existing printer will be incompatible with a new Mac. Not only should the printer be compatible, but many popular printers feature plug-and-play functionality with Mac OS 10.6 Snow Leopard!

*Macs Don’t Play Nice at the Office:*

The majority of businesspeople rely on Microsoft’s Office Suite to some extent in their daily workflow. Since many businesses principally use PCs, it can be a little daunting bringing your new Mac into the office. Many people forget to realize that Microsoft has a version of their popular Office software designed exclusively for Macs! This means that you can continue to use Word, Powerpoint, and Excel even if you jump to a new Mac. Existing documents in Microsoft’s formats are even cross compatible between platforms. Though the interface in the Mac programs is subtly different from their PC counterparts, there is practically no learning curve associated with the software if you have previous experience with it.

So there you have it. Rest assured that your Mac is free from all of these common tech superstitions. As for yourself, be sure to avoid ladders, black animals, and mirrors for the rest of the day. Happy 13th!

In honor of the Red Sox’ home opener tonight at “*Fenway Park*”:http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/index.jsp (or “Pahk” as the true locals say), it’s a fitting time to celebrate 100 years of baseball in the historic ballpark.

On April 20, 1912, the Red Sox hosted the New York Highlanders, who would soon become the Yankees (and arch rivals) the next year. The Red Sox won the game 7-6, battling through 11 innings. (Also of note: the game and stadium fanfare was overshadowed by the recent sinking of the Titanic.) Of course, the Red Sox went on to win their first World Series that year.

Today, Fenway Park is known for the Green Monster (the unusually high left field fence), and other eccentricities, such as “The Triangle” and the “Pesky Pole,” and is one of two “classic” ballparks still in use. (The other is Wrigley Field, Don’s favorite.)

Tonight, they take on the Tampa Bay Rays. April is here, and baseball is back. Game on!

“*Read more about Fenway Park and find 100-year celebration events here.*”:http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/fenwaypark100/index.jsp
“*Share your memories of Fenway (or baseball in general) on our blog, Barkings!”:http://blog.smalldog.com/article/fenway-pahk-turns-100/

“Image Source”:http://bosoxinjection.com/2011/04/27/fenway-park-to-turn-100-next-year/

Small Dog Electronics was recently authorized by Apple to perform Out of Warranty (OOW) iPhone repair. Since it’s fully authorized by Apple, it means we’ll be using genuine Apple parts, and we can fix iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S units for AT&T, Verizon and Sprint.

We’ll be offering quick service on this but you should contact our service department for additional details and turn around times. You can also stop in our South Burlington location and visit the Service counter for information.

Toll free phone # for service: 888.317.5805 or email “*support@smalldog.com.*”:mailto:support@smalldog.com