Apple Computer Inc. has at last released its Mac OS X 10.3.3 update for desktop and server Macs. This significant 58.8MB update has been in development since at least January, when a build circulated to Apple developers was withdrawn. The most recent beta-testing build was distributed late last week.
Mac OS X 10.3.3 offers enhancements for: networking and .Mac; DVD Player; Apple"s tranche of OS X applications; Finder enhancements and more. Apple has also added a feature to DVD Player. This now recognizes and plays DVD+R media. An extensive list of some of the improvements in the release is available from Apple. Some selected highlights follow:
Networking, wireless and Finder improvements
An enhancement to Network browsing that means Servers appear both on the desktop and in the Finder window Sidebars. You can also disconnect from a server using the Finder and by dropping the server"s icon on the Trash. Finder and applications that allow users to browse the file system will now refresh the contents of a remote network volume"s folder or directory when the folder"s contents change. Synchronization between .Mac and your Mac has been improved, as has .Mac"s treatment of wireless networks. The OS is also now more compatible with third-party wireless networking PC cards.