DTrace on OS X

In case you missed it, WWDC was this week.

Fortunately, the Internet troubles I had earlier in the week (when a cable was replaced due to a very bad line, probably damaged in a recent storm) didn't prevent me from keeping up to date with what was going on. While it is ever so tempting to talk about the disappointments at WWDC and how, once again, the hype expectation didn't quite equal the reality, there was still quite a lot of good stuff if you knew what you were looking for.

Of interest, particularly to developers, is the introduction of support for the DTrace debugging tool, which was first introduced as part of Solaris 10. I'm working on some detailed pieces on Solaris 10 features over the next week where DTrace will be one of the pieces I cover.

DTrace on OS X

In case you missed it, WWDC was this week.

Fortunately, the Internet troubles I had earlier in the week (when a cable was replaced due to a very bad line, probably damaged in a recent storm) didn't prevent me from keeping up to date with what was going on. While it is ever so tempting to talk about the disappointments at WWDC and how, once again, the hype expectation didn't quite equal the reality, there was still quite a lot of good stuff if you knew what you were looking for.

Of interest, particularly to developers, is the introduction of support for the DTrace debugging tool, which was first introduced as part of Solaris 10. I'm working on some detailed pieces on Solaris 10 features over the next week where DTrace will be one of the pieces I cover.

Virtual PC exits stage left; VMware enters stage right

As reported late last week, and to be honest, as we all expected, VMWare Virtualization for Mac OS X was announced at WWDC on Monday. At the same time, Microsoft have announced what many expected too - Microsoft kills Virtual PC for Mac.

The VMware announcement wasn't a surprise, but even with the information they have provided, there is still some mysticism about exactly what product from the VMware stable will be available. Will it be the VMware workstation product, or, considering the announcement of new Mac Pro and Xserve units, we will also see the server product?

Virtual PC exits stage left; VMware enters stage right

As reported late last week, and to be honest, as we all expected, VMWare Virtualization for Mac OS X was announced at WWDC on Monday. At the same time, Microsoft have announced what many expected too - Microsoft kills Virtual PC for Mac.

The VMware announcement wasn't a surprise, but even with the information they have provided, there is still some mysticism about exactly what product from the VMware stable will be available. Will it be the VMware workstation product, or, considering the announcement of new Mac Pro and Xserve units, we will also see the server product?

Dual boot guide

Boot Camp is one of the main elements that is expected to be released properly at WWDC later today and even though I’ve currently given up on Boot Camp in preference for Parallels, there are those who will prefer the Boot Camp approach for the performance improvements it provides - particularly if you want to play any games on your Intel Mac under Windows.

If you are using Boot Camp then you might want some hints and tips on how to make the best of the Boot Camp environment, installation tips and other bits. Dual Boot Guru provides just such information, incuding some guides on Slip Streaming (making a Windows XP CD that includes the Apple drivers), game compatbility and other information.

The site is still in its early stages, and the real value will be in the forums, but it’s worth a look. There’s also a quick interview with the site owner, Greg Wallingford, about the Dual Boot Guru website.

Skype for business

Robert Mitchell has a great piece, Skype Slips into Business, that looks in some detail about how Skype is being used in a variety of business environments.

I resisted Skype for a long time, but now find it invaluable. I'm also recommending it to associates, especially those smaller companies that have multiple sites, but don't (understandably) want to spend hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds communicating between sites.

In the article, the usage of Skype by support and their employment of SkypeOut as part of a solution for providing unified access to a group resource, is interesting. The article also highlights some of the limitations of the Skype environment.

Skype for business

Robert Mitchell has a great piece, Skype Slips into Business that looks in some detail about how Skype is being used in a variety of business environments.

I resisted Skype for a long time, but now find it invaluable. I'm also recommending it to associates, especially those smaller companies that have multiple sites, but don't (understandably) want to spend hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds communicating between sites.

In the article, the usage of Skype by support and their employment of SkypeOut as part of a solution for providing unified access to a group resource, is interesting. The article also highlights some of the limitations of the Skype environment.

VMware for Mac OS X next week?

According to Tom Yager at InfoWorld, VMware will announce, if not release, their VMware software for OS X next week. You can get more details in his post, VMWare for Mac to debut August 7.

August 7th is, of course, the first of Apple's WWDC, and yet another year when I am unable to make it.

We've been hearing rumours, including from VMware themselves, that they would be working on a version of the Virtual Workstation (and perhaps other) software for OS X for almost as long as OS X on Intel hardware was announced.

VMware for Mac OS X next week?

According to Tom Yager at InfoWorld, VMware will announce, if not release, their VMware software for OS X next week. You can get more details in his post, VMWare for Mac to debut August 7.

August 7th is, of course, the first of Apple's WWDC, and yet another year when I am unable to make it.

We've been hearing rumours, including from VMware themselves, that they would be working on a version of the Virtual Workstation (and perhaps other) software for OS X for almost as long as OS X on Intel hardware was announced.