Apple has just released an update to (Mac) OS X Mountain Lion, version 10.8.3.
Aside from the usual bug fixes and performance & security improvements, you can expect:

• The ability to redeem iTunes gift cards in the Mac App Store using your Mac’s built-in camera (cool, but did we really need this?)
• Boot Camp support for installing Windows 8
• Boot Camp support for Macs with a 3TB hard drive
• A fix for an issue that may cause Logic Pro to become unresponsive when using certain plug-ins
• A fix for an issue that may cause audio to stutter on 2011 iMacs

Safari 6.0.3 is also included in this update.

Go check Software Update on your Mac to get 10.8.3. Otherwise, you can directly download it from Apple:

• OS X Mountain Lion Update v10.8.3 (540.46 MB)
• OS X Mountain Lion Update v10.8.3 (Combo) (793.69 MB)

Apple has released the latest update to Snow Leopard – Mac OS X 10.6.7

If you’re one of the lucky people with an early 2011 MacBook Pro model, there are some fixes in there for you.
It includes general operating system fixes for Mac OS X Snow Leopard that enhance the stability, compatibility, performance, and security of your Mac.

These will help:
• Improve the reliability of Back to My Mac
• Resolve an issue when transferring files to certain SMB servers
• Address various minor Mac App Store bugs
• Address minor FaceTime performance issues
• Improve graphics stability and external display compatibility

Check your Software Update for Mac OS X 10.6.7; file size will vary according to the Mac that you have (should be around 400MB).

FileMaker has announced the release the latest version of its database program for the Mac, Bento 3. Bento 3 is available for purchase immediately. You can buy Bento 3 from Filemaker here.

What you can do with Bento 3:

* Organize contacts, track projects, plan events and more
* Links directly to your Address Book and iCal information–store important details about each person, event or task, including related files, photos, and emails
* Link your photos to contacts, projects, and events stored in Bento
* Easily share your contact lists, project plans, event details, and other information with up to five Bento users on your local network
* Choose from 35 pre-designed templates, download and import templates from others, or design your own custom forms
* See multiple images and forms all at once with Grid View
* New security options including database passwords and encrypted fields
* Group e-mailing
* The ability to print blank forms

Here’s a video of Bento 3 :

You can buy Bento 3 from Filemaker here.

OurLittleLife has shows this cool collection of Macs (4 monitors in all, including 30 inch Apple Cinema Displays).

See you in a few weeks for the next Mac Setup!

If you got hold of Mac OS X Snow Leopard, (or you’re planning to get it), then this month’s MacObsession Book Pick for you. We’re choosing Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard Pocket Guide by Jeff Carlson.

This pocket-sized, handy guide is packed with bite-sized chunks of practical information for people who want to jump in and master Snow Leopard, the fastest and most powerful Mac OS X to date. This essential companion features snappy writing, eye-catching graphics, and a fresh design that walks readers through the most common Snow Leopard tasks. Since Snow Leopard is only $30, this book is priced right — you can pick it up at just over $10.

Get more Apple and Mac related books from Amazon.

Get your own Mac here

penningtonj has a pretty powerful setup with :
- Mac Pro
- three (count ‘em, three) 24 inch Dell G2410 Monitors
- Bose Companion 2 Speakers
- Logitech Quickcam Pro

See you soon for the next installment of Mac Setup!

Highlights of Mac OS X Snow Leopard:

* Snow Leopard is built on a rock-solid, time-tested UNIX foundation that provides unparalleled stability as well as industry-leading support for Internet standards
* Improvements include a more responsive Finder, new look and features for Exposé and Stacks, quicker Time Machine backup, faster common tasks and installation, and a smaller install footprint
* New core technologies unleash the power of today’s advanced hardware technology and prepare Mac OS X for future innovation: 64-bit computing, multicore-optimization, OpenCL, QuickTime X
* Includes built-in support for the latest version of Microsoft Exchange Server, so you can use Mail, iCal, and Address Book at home and at work

I’m sure you’ve heard of the massive amount of money made by iPhone developers. If you want to learn how to program for the Mac (and the iPhone), then get this book. This month’s MacObsession Book Pick is Learn Objective–C on the Mac by Mark Dalrymple and Scott Knaster.

What you’ll learn from this book:

* Beginning Objective–C programming, the gateway to programming your Mac or iPhone.
* Write applications for the Mac OS X interface, the cleanest user–interface around.
* Understand variables and how to design your own data structures.
* Work with the file system.
* Connect to data sources and the Internet

Get more Apple and Mac related books from Amazon.