Thunderbolt Firmware Update Headed Mac Users Way

Everyone knows how important it is to keep themselves in touch with every update that gets released, whether it be for their mobile or PC operating system. With the advancement of malware and spyware, it seems impossible to have a device which functions without causing issues unless one is properly updated and on top of the vulnerabilities that hackers and their virus brigade manage to get the best of.

And speaking of updates, Apple has come out with a recent update for Mac systems, which have ever so slowly been losing their status as super safe computer systems. Overall Apple has always managed to keep the security side of things tight (too tight according to some) but lately it’s Mac OS has been coming under fire for not being able to stand the test of hard drive extraction and usage. Though Mac users hardly complain of Mac spy software or other such standard issues, this particular liability has needed to be addressed and the update that will do so is finally here.

The firmware update is for the Thunderbolt controllers in Mac systems. The entire update is designed to deal with the issues popping up with individuals using Target Disk Mode to mount a Mac’s internal hard drive onto another system or external drive. This method is mostly used for trouble shooting the hard drive function or whenever users need to migrate their data to a new Mac system but it can also potentially leak your information if in the wrong hands. Anyone with physical access to your system and a root account can easily go through your emails and whatever else is stored. Of course this is a major threat to both user security and privacy.

This particular update isn’t a heavy one and is simply 1.22MB; it can be either downloaded through Apple’s Support Downloads website or then run manually or you can run the Software Update Service in OS X in the Apple menu. Despite its small size, this particular update comes with firmware updates for a number of systems with this port including the iMac, MacBook, and Mac Mini systems. So far there hasn’t been any word of any specific system requirements which are needed and hence one can assume that it would be applicable to anyone whose device sports a Thunderbolt port.

For users who are attempting to install this update, simply make sure that you are indeed following the onscreen instructions by Apple and there is no chance of disruption of your power supply. Updating firmware is actually a fragile process and if gone even slightly wrong, it can end up corrupting your system and leaving it useless. Of course Apple’s release is a part of advanced technology and this modern firmware updating method seems secure and safe from corruption over the last few years.

What the update does require is the OS X 10.8.3 and as with all updates and installations, you will need to restart your system for installation. Now having read up on this, go get your update ASAP, waiting around to update is never a smart idea.

Katherine Kayden is a writer for Stealthmate and loves to blog about latest trends in the tech world and further review them. She can be contacted @ katkay00@gmail.com. 

How to Update Galaxy S2 I9100G to Android 4.2.2 with Vanilla RootBox ROM

Galaxy S2, a product of Samsung Electronics, is the mobile device with a slate type screen and running Android 2.3 as basis. While being updated to Android Jelly Bean, there have been constant efforts to port it to Android 4.2.2, through the Vanilla RootBox Rom. It is indeed a great success and the ROM has been one of the most sought after elements. It is also easily to install on high end device, like the Galaxy S2.

Being one of the ideal firmware elements, the ROM brings out multiple usable highlights. It has a combination of all the advantages of other ROMs that are available. It does not club some of the popular ROMs like Paranoid Android and AOKP. For a mobile of such a sleek design like Galaxy S2 it’s recommended to install this lovely ROM. It is also a fact that installing the Vanilla RootBox can eliminate the occurrence of errors. This is the common complaint in Android Jelly Bean as it lacks proper formation. You will also learn from Vanilla RootBox that it is not overridden with aspects from varied sources making it easier to install. You will definitely be in a user-friendly environment while working.

To update the mobile device to have a specific ROM, it is necessary to understand the attributes and the steps to upgrading the device.

Some of the Chief Features

•  Highlights of Android Open Kang Project (AoKP)

•  Different Hues in the Navigation tab

•  Noise reduction for phone calls

•  Shrinking keyboard size 

•  Shortcuts for Security locks for home screen

•  Music applications open automatically with headphones

•  Clock features

•  Per App DPI, Per App Tablet UI

•  Management of MMS profiles and Battery power signals

•  Monitoring the amount of display light.

Requirements for the Installation

•  Ensure that your phone has at least 75% battery charge

•  In case of any mishaps, always have a supportive storage of all your phone data so that you can transfer them later after installation.

•  While you use the USB Debugging for installation, make sure the storage sets which are dependent on mobile data must be saved or kept as a backup.

•   The route for MMS and APN features must be set correctly. Save the phone’s security pin numbers and confirm that the drives are installed properly.

•  However with the guidelines on the installation, you can easily do it.

Installation Procedure

•  Connect the port S2 I9100G, the specification of the device to the computer through the data cable. 

•  Transfer the already downloaded data of Vanilla Rootbox ROM to the mobile device. Never unzip any files that are downloaded. This is one of the key points to be followed in the first phase of installation.

•  Now eject the mobile device that’s connected through the data cable. Once removed, switch off the device.

•  Check the recovery and then go on to ClockWorkMod, keys for volume are to be gone through to surf the various elements of recovery.

•  Wondering what to do with the current ROM? Just do a Nandroid recovery of the current one so that if the newer version doesn’t work, you can go on to reinstall it later. 

•  Back to the installation, the next is the strategy of wiping all your data which is called as Wipe Cache Partition. This is also a reset option for clearing the cache memory of the phone.

•  While clearing off the data from Dalvik Cache, the option called Install ZIP from SD Card flashes. 

•  With the help of the main key, choose ZIP feature to progress

•  Once you have extracted files from scan disk, it has to be accessed next

•  The proceeding phase should be downloading applications from Google to extract desired files.

•  The final step is to initiate all the processes on the ROM which gives you an entry into the world of Vanilla RootBox.

•  To check if then ROM is upgraded successfully in the phone, go to the settings of the device and find it. If you don’t find it properly upgraded, then you should repeat to clear the data from Cache as explained previously.

This is a guest post by Mark Bennett of OnlineComcast.com, a site that offers savings and current information on comcast cable.