Just a wild guess, but I think this firmware update has a lot to do with Apple's new Boot Camp application.
You're right in the article above they state " The firmware updates, which deliver EFI with BIOS support for the Intel Macs " Intel Macs are using EFI and WinXP uses BIOS so the only thing the update will do is fixes some issues with BootCamp \ http://forums.appleinsider.com/newre...postid=898493#
You're right in the article above they state " The firmware updates, which deliver EFI with BIOS support for the Intel Macs " Intel Macs are using EFI and WinXP uses BIOS so the only thing the update will do is fixes some issues with BootCamp \ http://forums.appleinsider.com/newre...postid=898493#
That makes sense.
Manufacturers will only usually release new firmware for bugfixes if it's a major issue which can only be fixed in firmware. They'd much prefer software driver writers work around firmware bugs if possible rather than risk having the hardware stop working completely (and end up with a whole bunch of returns).
As the discussion here illustrates, most people have no idea what firmware is and so it's very risky having the average person update it themselves (if they even know to check for firmware updates).
This will do more than to help BootCamp. Depending on how complete the BIOS support is, it might allow other software companies come out with a standard boot process for Windows, rather than having to use that CD of drivers as well.
It would be best if Windows installed completely normally, looked for drivers normally and took care of things all by itself, without a crutch.
Thank you! That makes a lot more sense. So basically it's got nothing to do with the OS!
Does this mean we could see a new hardware device very soon?
It might also be helpful to note that firmware is actually software that is stored on a semi permanent basis in hardware. It's simply a program that knows what the machine is capable of doing on a hardware level, and tells the computer that is is ok to do all of that. All that the word "firm" stands for, is the fact that it is stored on a special memory chip inside the machine, rather than on a disk, or in RAM.
DVD recorders also have firmware, usually upgradable. That means that when the drive comes out, it doesn't perform up to its potential. By upgrading that firmware whenever the manufacturer updates it, you can burn to disks you couldn't before, or burn at higher speeds, lower error rates, less coasters, etc.
Firmware, just like any other software can contain bugs, and other limitations that can be fixed later.
Dont wipe the drive from the disk utility disk. You wont be able to start your imac anymore (OS X wont install onto it).
Here is what i did to get the xp hack off, and use the new apple one (you need another mac running 10.4.4 or higher:
***THIS WILL WIPE ALL PARTITIONS ON THE INTERNAL DISK***
Boot into target disk mode.
Hook it to the other mac, and open disk util.
Now, go to the partition tab for the iMacs disk.
Select 1 partition. click the 'options' button (this is the problem, it doesnt show a button for an internal disk, so the boot cd doesnt show it).
select GUID
Parition.
Now you can reboot the iMac and install OS X and then bootcamp.
*Note, when i rebooted to the install disk, it showed no partitions, so i had to open disk util on the boot cd and reparition it.
Basicly the problem is that unless you tell it otherwise, disk util maintains the partition scheme currently in place. The hack changed it to Master Boot Record (i think thats what its called, that is the MS-DOS boot scheme). But you cant tell Disk Util on the boot CD to change it, because it only brings up the 'option' button on external drives.
ok sorted it by backing up my files. putting the osx installation cd in then going through the install process and changing the options to erase the current OS and start fresh. Then i got all the updates, installed the firmware (flawlessly) then installed boot camp. Im currently at the windows setup screen
Gonna be installing BF2, CS:S and Command and conquer generals straight away so will give a yell in a post as to whether its any good for gaming¬!
did you apply the firmware update? apple released new firmware for all intel models..
Yes I did - and it was the first time I updated a firmware on a Mac. I did this several times on Windows machine, actually I switched from Mac to Windows early 1996 and I switched back to Mac in Nov. 2005 (definitely for the BEST). In the Windows world you need to update your firmware if you want to keep up with the maximum speed and compatibility of your hardware. I was quite surprised when I saw that there was a firmware upgrade for the new MBP. The only advice I can give when you do upgrade the firmware - be patient and do not panic - it takes time and it will start again so just take it easy. Personnaly I did not notice any difference after the firmware upgrade.
Yes I did - and it was the first time I updated a firmware on a Mac. I did this several times on Windows machine, actually I switched from Mac to Windows early 1996 and I switched back to Mac in Nov. 2005 (definitely for the BEST). In the Windows world you need to update your firmware if you want to keep up with the maximum speed and compatibility of your hardware. I was quite surprised when I saw that there was a firmware upgrade for the new MBP. The only advice I can give when you do upgrade the firmware - be patient and do not panic - it takes time and it will start again so just take it easy. Personnaly I did not notice any difference after the firmware upgrade.
Apple has issued firmware updates occasionally. Once every three years or so.
Yes I did - and it was the first time I updated a firmware on a Mac. I did this several times on Windows machine, actually I switched from Mac to Windows early 1996 and I switched back to Mac in Nov. 2005 (definitely for the BEST). In the Windows world you need to update your firmware if you want to keep up with the maximum speed and compatibility of your hardware. I was quite surprised when I saw that there was a firmware upgrade for the new MBP. The only advice I can give when you do upgrade the firmware - be patient and do not panic - it takes time and it will start again so just take it easy. Personnaly I did not notice any difference after the firmware upgrade.
does it still make the really long, loud beep when applying like with the old G3 and G4 powermacs?
does it still make the really long, loud beep when applying like with the old G3 and G4 powermacs?
While I didn't do an update myself, PCWorld's review says "a very loud, un-Mac-like system beep is normal at the start of this process" which sounds like the nasty firmware beep to me.
Sounds sorta like an extended Mac I startup beep. SE era.
Comments
Originally posted by auxio
Just a wild guess, but I think this firmware update has a lot to do with Apple's new Boot Camp application.
You're right in the article above they state " The firmware updates, which deliver EFI with BIOS support for the Intel Macs " Intel Macs are using EFI and WinXP uses BIOS so the only thing the update will do is fixes some issues with BootCamp
Originally posted by Patricks
You're right in the article above they state " The firmware updates, which deliver EFI with BIOS support for the Intel Macs " Intel Macs are using EFI and WinXP uses BIOS so the only thing the update will do is fixes some issues with BootCamp
That makes sense.
Manufacturers will only usually release new firmware for bugfixes if it's a major issue which can only be fixed in firmware. They'd much prefer software driver writers work around firmware bugs if possible rather than risk having the hardware stop working completely (and end up with a whole bunch of returns).
As the discussion here illustrates, most people have no idea what firmware is and so it's very risky having the average person update it themselves (if they even know to check for firmware updates).
It would be best if Windows installed completely normally, looked for drivers normally and took care of things all by itself, without a crutch.
Though it is a very good beginning.
Originally posted by Ireland
Thank you! That makes a lot more sense. So basically it's got nothing to do with the OS!
Does this mean we could see a new hardware device very soon?
It might also be helpful to note that firmware is actually software that is stored on a semi permanent basis in hardware. It's simply a program that knows what the machine is capable of doing on a hardware level, and tells the computer that is is ok to do all of that. All that the word "firm" stands for, is the fact that it is stored on a special memory chip inside the machine, rather than on a disk, or in RAM.
DVD recorders also have firmware, usually upgradable. That means that when the drive comes out, it doesn't perform up to its potential. By upgrading that firmware whenever the manufacturer updates it, you can burn to disks you couldn't before, or burn at higher speeds, lower error rates, less coasters, etc.
Firmware, just like any other software can contain bugs, and other limitations that can be fixed later.
I hope that wasn't too much.
Originally posted by Gene Clean
Here's what happened when I tried to do it:
same here - found a solution?
Originally posted by Xool
From what I've read today, if you applied the previous XP hack it conflicts with the firmware update. No solution as of yet.
i never tried narfs method though - id already coppied all my music over and didn't want to format!
Then im going to completely reinstall mac osx and see where that gets me. il let you know in an hour or so!
Here is what i did to get the xp hack off, and use the new apple one (you need another mac running 10.4.4 or higher:
***THIS WILL WIPE ALL PARTITIONS ON THE INTERNAL DISK***
Boot into target disk mode.
Hook it to the other mac, and open disk util.
Now, go to the partition tab for the iMacs disk.
Select 1 partition. click the 'options' button (this is the problem, it doesnt show a button for an internal disk, so the boot cd doesnt show it).
select GUID
Parition.
Now you can reboot the iMac and install OS X and then bootcamp.
*Note, when i rebooted to the install disk, it showed no partitions, so i had to open disk util on the boot cd and reparition it.
Basicly the problem is that unless you tell it otherwise, disk util maintains the partition scheme currently in place. The hack changed it to Master Boot Record (i think thats what its called, that is the MS-DOS boot scheme). But you cant tell Disk Util on the boot CD to change it, because it only brings up the 'option' button on external drives.
-deadend
Originally posted by cj171
did you apply the firmware update? apple released new firmware for all intel models..
Yes. It was still necessary to boot in TDM to get it back to GUID
Gonna be installing BF2, CS:S and Command and conquer generals straight away so will give a yell in a post as to whether its any good for gaming¬!
Originally posted by cj171
did you apply the firmware update? apple released new firmware for all intel models..
Yes I did - and it was the first time I updated a firmware on a Mac. I did this several times on Windows machine, actually I switched from Mac to Windows early 1996 and I switched back to Mac in Nov. 2005 (definitely for the BEST). In the Windows world you need to update your firmware if you want to keep up with the maximum speed and compatibility of your hardware. I was quite surprised when I saw that there was a firmware upgrade for the new MBP. The only advice I can give when you do upgrade the firmware - be patient and do not panic - it takes time and it will start again so just take it easy. Personnaly I did not notice any difference after the firmware upgrade.
Originally posted by Patricks
Yes I did - and it was the first time I updated a firmware on a Mac. I did this several times on Windows machine, actually I switched from Mac to Windows early 1996 and I switched back to Mac in Nov. 2005 (definitely for the BEST). In the Windows world you need to update your firmware if you want to keep up with the maximum speed and compatibility of your hardware. I was quite surprised when I saw that there was a firmware upgrade for the new MBP. The only advice I can give when you do upgrade the firmware - be patient and do not panic - it takes time and it will start again so just take it easy. Personnaly I did not notice any difference after the firmware upgrade.
Apple has issued firmware updates occasionally. Once every three years or so.
Originally posted by Patricks
Yes I did - and it was the first time I updated a firmware on a Mac. I did this several times on Windows machine, actually I switched from Mac to Windows early 1996 and I switched back to Mac in Nov. 2005 (definitely for the BEST). In the Windows world you need to update your firmware if you want to keep up with the maximum speed and compatibility of your hardware. I was quite surprised when I saw that there was a firmware upgrade for the new MBP. The only advice I can give when you do upgrade the firmware - be patient and do not panic - it takes time and it will start again so just take it easy. Personnaly I did not notice any difference after the firmware upgrade.
does it still make the really long, loud beep when applying like with the old G3 and G4 powermacs?
Originally posted by cj171
does it still make the really long, loud beep when applying like with the old G3 and G4 powermacs?
While I didn't do an update myself, PCWorld's review says "a very loud, un-Mac-like system beep is normal at the start of this process" which sounds like the nasty firmware beep to me.
Sounds sorta like an extended Mac I startup beep. SE era.
Originally posted by cj171
does it still make the really long, loud beep when applying like with the old G3 and G4 powermacs?
The beep was definetely loud but short about 1.5 second