" Mike,
I am an undergraduate physics major at UVA, as such until last I have been forced to work with LaTeX when writing all my paper. I found a wonderful word processor called LyX (www.lyx.org) which will run under OS X with xfree86 installed. The install took three days of compiling and installing(this was easy to do using fink) but the end results are amazing. This is the best word processor I have ever used and I will use it not just for my physics related papers but as a replacement for MS word. I encourage you and your readers to check out this amazing program. Install instructions for OS X can be found at: http://www.la.utexas.edu/~tnishino/osx_lyx/

I had some problems with the install so anyone who attempts to install this program can feel free to contact me if they encounter any problems,
Best,
Tison C.
UVA CLAS III "

For a screenshot of LyX on OS X, click here. As noted on the page linked above, this is probably more than the typical user will want to attempt, but if I could make time I'd love to try it. The page linked above also has info on running Rootless in OS X, MacGimp, etc..

The intro screen/wallpaper looks ok, but the dialog box that comes up is missing text and identifiers in all buttons, drop-down menus, and even the title bar of the widow. [There was a green 3d plane model rotating in one window of the dialog, with Air Force insignia, etc. - that looked ok except for perhaps the shading, which the readme notes there is some sort of green texture issue with nvidia cards they are trying to fix.]

640x480 and 1024x768/16 bit and 32bit settings were tried with the same results. Enabling Virtual memory (even though there was over 400MB free RAM) did not help at all. There are no other graphics cards in that system and it's running no 3rd party addon extensions, etc. (not even any PCI cards are installed.)

Removing OpenGL 1.2.2 and installing OpenGL 1.2.1 (included with the D/L) also had the same problems. (BTW: the GL 1.2.1 installer puts ATI card extensions back in, which were disabled again, including the "OpenGL ATI renderer".) Trying Nvidia drivers v2.1.1 did not help. I suggest checking the Warbirds III site or forums for tips (the readme/docs were no help on this problem), but the owner was too frustrated at this point to put anymore time into it.
I'll try WB III on my system with a Radeon card this weekend.

" Hi Mike,
From the READ ME in War Birds

"TEXTURES SHOW UP AS WHITE ON A MACINTOSH
On a Macintosh some textures show up as white. Whenever OpenGL doesn't have enough memory to load a texture, it comes out as white. Try increasing your virtual memory, and see if the white areas are still there. Then, if they aren't, you can lower the VRAM for performance reasons.
I assume they mean Virtual Memory since Video RAM (VRAM) is fixed on the graphics card and can't be adjusted. VRAM use can be reduced by lowering resolution modes or detail settings, but they are referring to OpenGL system main memory use I believe.-Mike]

It appears OpenGL is running out of memory to hold its texture cache in system memory. Memory is shared between OpenGL and the application so giving more to the application takes it away from OpenGL. OpenGL renders in white if the texture isn't loaded.

Appears each Macintosh graphics artifact can be traced back to a texture load fail due to memory so only one thing has to be fixed to correct them all, fortunately. We're working on reducing the memory requirements."
Jim Randall "

There have been many cases reported here in the past where OpenGL games have problems that is due to insufficient available Memory. As noted previously, even if you have 256MB of installed RAM, you often have to enable Virtual Memory for some OpenGL games to run properly. This may not be the solution to all problems, but if you see hangs at loading or texture problems (or lockups after some period of time), enabling Virtual memory may help. (Or increasing VM size - a reboot is required for any changes in VM). Even if you have more than 256MB of RAM and VM off, don't make the mistake of allocating too much RAM to the game either since the OS (especially with VM off) uses a lot of RAM and tends to grow in RAM usage over time.
I'm downloading the WBIII 82MB 080101 version to see if I can get time to do some personal tests on this with an Nvidia card.

" Hi Mike,
I just got back from the grand opening of the Apple Store in Plano, TX and have posted some pix.
http://homepage.mac.com/pead/macplano/.
Feel free to use per your discretion.
Pead
Regular reader since 1999 and glad to finally be able to offer YOU something!"

I can't believe what started as a single CPU card upgrade review in April of 1997 has grown into something that has now taken over my entire life. (Or as my wife would say - "What Life?" ;-)

" Yo Mike,
Downloaded the 080101 release of Warbirds III last night (first time I*ve tried the game) It does not like my Apple Geforce3 (G4 533DP, MacOS 9.1, Nvidia 2.1.1, OpenGL 1.2.2) Splash screen appears then some kind of window comes up with no text anywhere, what look to be a few buttons across the top (blank) and what looks like a spinning bright green Hellcat aircraft (From what I remember Hellcats never came in lurid bright green :-)
Bummer.
Chris"

I asked Chris if he made sure that the "OpenGL ATI Renderer" extension was disabled (I assume so, but just checking). And if RAM allocation could be a factor (which can cause OpenGL problems - even with 256MB installed enabling Virtual Memory may be needed for some OpenGL games as noted here in the past.) Update - see the later post above, I saw this same issue with a GeForce3 and different driver versions, OpenGL versions, screen settings, adequate RAM, etc. did not help.
I welcome other reports on WBIII from GeForce3 owners or any MX card owners that have gotten the game to run without problems.

Another reader sent a note on problems running with a GeForce2MX card and Voodoo5 combo:

" Mike- tried to get it to run in a G4533DP w Gforce 2 in primary and Voodoo 5 in second monitor but kept getting an error message that "Draw sprocket could not be enabled" despite the fact that drawsprocket is alive and running well with other OpenGL games such as Elite Force.
Don S.
G4 533DP/ OS 9.1/QT4.12/512 MB/ 200GBs "

I asked Don if he could try creating a Voodoo5 only extensions set to see if it would run on the V5 alone. (Disabling all Nvidia extensions and setting the Voodoo5 to be the primary display w/menu bar).

" Just a tip for those that are getting new QuickSilver G4's. We got 2 in yesterday, and ordered 256 MB DIMMS. I put 3 in today, and got an memory failure, three tones on boot - no memory banks passed test.

I tried different combinations to see if it may have been a bad slot. Turns out that if I have just 2 of the new dimms in, or the 2 new dimms in and the stock dimm from Apple, it works fine, but it will not boot if all three of the new dimms are in. When we called the vendor, it turns out that they didn't even have a QuickSilver machine to test ram in, they their page says that it should be compatible. They assumed like we did that the ram for the old G4's would work in the new one. Sounds like a timing issue.
Just a warning, be careful when ordering or swapping ram from an older G4, it may not work.
Mack W.
Macintosh Support Specialist
Apple Certified Technician
National Human Genome Research Institute "

I asked Mack for more info - especially if the dimms were 16 chip versions (just a wild guess that all 16 chip dimms might be a factor in bus loading). He reported the dimms that had the problem when all 3 were installed were PC133/222 rated with 16 chips each. (The Apple OEM PC133 256MB dimms I've seen have 8 chips.)
If any other Quicksilver G4 owners are running with all dimm slots populated, let me know if you've seen any problems. Note: Please note details on the dimm - such as if it has 8 chips or 16 chips, and the brand/timing (if known).

Yesterday's news linked to a photo of what is claimed to be the Radeon II card on an assembly line. (Due to the size of the chip in that photo, I do not think it's the Radeon VE card since that chip is based on the Radeon Mobility which has fewer transistors (smaller) than even the original Radeon chip.)

• Other World Computing G3/333 in Beige G3 (rated 9)
• Powerlogix Bluechip G3/466 in PowerBook G3 wallstreet2 (rated 9)
• Powerlogix Bluechip G3/466 in PowerBook G3 wallstreet2 (rated 10)
• Sonnet G4/500 (Dual CPU Duet Model) in G4/AGP (rated 10)
• G4/AGP 2001 (Quicksilver) OC report (733 @867mhz)

(Warning - Overclocking may not be reliable and could lead to hardware failure or corrupted data.) You can find the full reports by searching the database selecting the indicated Mac model and upgrade card brand/type. If you've upgraded the CPU on your Mac, please post an entry in the database. Search the database for entries from most every upgradable Mac model *before* you buy. (Searchable by mac model/upgrade brand). For detailed reviews with performance tests and install tips, see the CPU Upgrades page.)

Software Updates:
• QuickTime 5.0.2 International English
• Mozilla 0.9.3
• Adobe Premier 6.0.1
• MacSQL 2.0
• SwitchRes 2.5.2
• REALbasic 3.5b3
  
  OS X Software
• CarbonLib 1.4 GM SDK
• Canto Cumulus X 5.0.10
• FireWire Disk Encryption for MacOS X

Apple TIL Updates: (Note: Apple switched over to the Knowledge base within hours of these links being posted. A login/account is now required as well as a browser with cookies enabled. Some links were still not working correctly, but others did redirect to proper pages in the Kbase.)
• Apple Warranty: Installing Memory, Expansion Cards, User Installable Parts Does Not Void Warranty
• Macintosh: How to Record Sounds Without a Sound Input Port
• iBook: How to Record Sounds
• AirPort Base Station: Technical Specifications
• iTools Services: General Questions FAQ (Part 1 of 5)
• iTools Services: iCards FAQ (2 of 5)
• iTools Services: Mac.com eMail FAQ (3 of 5)
• iTools Services: iDisk FAQ (4 of 5)
• iTools Services: HomePage FAQ (5 of 5)
• Apple DVD Player: 2.7 "Apple DVD Player cannot find software it needs" Alert
• Apple Studio Display 17 (LCD): Install Display Software for Best Performance
  
  OS X Related TILs
• iMovie Plug-in Pack 2.1 for Mac OS X : Document and Software

Mac/PowerPC Related News:
(Note: Rehashing of press releases, repeated news, etc. not listed)

• Benefits of Mac Ownership (techTV)
• MacIntosh vs. PC's (jacksonville daily news)
• New Apple Stores (apple)
• Photos of Willow Bend Apple store (macminute)
  (today's news page links to a page w/photos of the Plano Texas store grand opening)
• Apple defeats patent infringement claims - again (the register)
• Rising entry-level iMac pricing (macosrumors)
• Apple sign request must be reworked (gomemphis)
• Rare Apple G3 Clear Case For Blue & White G3 or G4 (ebay)
• Macromedia Free Seminars (For UK Readers) (macromedia)
• In the eye of the storm (cnet)
• Version 10.1 Brings Much to the OS X Party (LAtimes)
• Metricom Turns Out the Lights [on Ricochet] (the standard)

Gaming:
• Maelstrom 3.0 (devolution)
• e.p.i.c. grabs rights to Simon 3D game for Mac (maccentral)