Crave

In what appears to be a first, Apple is recommending that Mac users install antivirus software.

But don't read this as an admission that the Mac operating system is suddenly insecure. It's more a recognition that Mac users are vulnerable to Web application exploits, which have replaced operating system vulnerabilities as the bigger threat to computer users.

Apple quietly signaled its shift with an item titled "Mac OS: Antivirus utilities" posted on its Support Web site November 21: "Apple encourages the widespread use of multiple antivirus utilities so that virus programmers have more than one application to circumvent, thus making the whole virus writing process more difficult."

The item offers three software suggestions: Intego VirusBarrier X5 and Symantec Norton Anti-Virus 11 for Macintosh, both available from the Apple Online Store, and McAfee VirusScan for Mac.

Brian Krebs, who first reported on the Apple antivirus recommendation Monday in his Security Fix blog at The Washington Post, said an Apple store employee told him he didn't need antivirus software when he purchased a MacBook three months ago.

Apple urges Mac customers to use anti-virus software, signaling a shift away from the long-time message that Mac users are immune to security issues.

(Credit: Apple)

This is why Dong Ngo has an obesity problem. Sad really.

No, no not that F-word, the other F-word. Dong and I discuss fat. Fat people, fat stories about fat people, fat wads, and pho. Yep, bowls of pho.

Speaking of pho, during this whole exchange Dong tells the story of his Worst Faux Pas Ever! If you've been following this podcast with any kind of regularity, you know that's saying something.

After that, we're back getting political with it (did I just type that?). Well maybe not political, but at least social. This is your fair warning.

Article referenced in the show
Tracking traffic the new-fashioned way

To subscribe to this podcast, visit us at our main page and click the link on the right. Don't forget to leave us a voice mail at 1-800-947-6399 or e-mail us at insidecnetlabs@cnet.com.

If there's a lesson to be learned from this week's MP3 Mailbox Monday, it's that flattery will get you everywhere. And that it's hip to be square. Oh, also, there's something about digitizing music and recycling CDs in here, too, though I like to delude myself into thinking you stop by for my self-indulgent-yet-somehow-still-witty intro chatter. What do you mean witty, you say? Ha! Good one. Read on for the skinny.

Q: I just joined CNET--great site, just love it! Here's the thing: I'm old, I'm out of it, and I need help. I only started downloading music a year ago, and now I'm hooked. Love having digital music and want to get rid of my physical CDs. I work non-stop and don't have time to do this myself. I've looked into ripping services and wonder if anyone can recommend one service over another? They all seem pretty much the same as far as cost so I'm looking for actual positive experience with a specific service. I'm in the New York City area but it's fine to ship to a distant location if it's a good service.

Also, what format should I convert to--MP3 or AAC? I have an iPhone, a Mac laptop, and external back up (a time machine). And what do people do with their old CDs? Are there places to donate, recycle, etc.? Thanks a ton!--Clare, via e-mail

One of many services that takes the work out of CD ripping.

A: We haven't done a comparison of CD-ripping services at CNET, but I found one over at Digital Trends that is nicely laid out and includes a wide variety of options. (As usual, I also invite other CNET users to leave feedback below.)

Now, the question of format is a good one, and I'm afraid the answer isn't entirely straightforward. What format to use depends on your purposes. If you're looking for archive-quality audio, lossless is the way to go. The most common lossless format is WAV, but in your case, I'd recommend Apple Lossless, which offers some compression while still preserving the data of the file. (This means the Apple Lossless file will be smaller than the WAV, but will arguably sound just as good.) Apple Lossless is supported by iTunes and most iPods, including the iPhone.

(Credit: Carl Smith)

If powering up your amp and monster TV leaves your neighbors in blackout misery, this new energy monitor could be for you. Dubbed the Wilting Flower, it's a visual reminder of how much electricity you're guzzling at any one moment. When you're using very little juice, it's a perky little flower with its petals open, but as you use more energy it goes red and--if you maintain your prolifigate ways--eventually wilts and closes up. Subtle? No. Quirky? Yes.

Designed by Carl Smith of Doncaster, England, the Wilting Flower is essentially a fancy-looking version of the Wattson, Efergy Meter, and OWL. It works by chatting wirelessly to a clip that you DIY install onto your electricity meter (if it's as easy as the Wattson, you won't electrocute yourself). We like Smith's graphic approach to reminding us of our energy use, since most of today's energy monitors employ a rather boring screen that shows how many watts or pounds you're burning.

Sadly the flower's just a prototype right now, but there are hopes for a production version that would sell for £60 (about $92). Watch this space; Smith's portfolio has more details and photos.

(Via Crave UK)

(Credit: Good OS)

Good OS, the people who brought you the Linux-based gOS found on the $199 Wal-Mart gPC last year, announced a browser-based OS called Cloud at the Netbook World Summit in Paris on Monday. (You know you've made it as a form factor when you have your very own world summit. Kudos, Netbook!)

The Cloud OS features a browser with an integrated, OS X-like dock and a Linux kernel that boots "in seconds," according to the company. The browser looks oddly similar to Google's Chrome, though no official connection between Google and gOS exists. Within the browser window resides a dock that provides quick access to a number of apps--Skype, YouTube, Google's Docs, etc.--that you can fire up without running Windows. From the dock, you can also boot to Windows.

Unlike the gOS, the Cloud OS isn't meant to replace Windows but live alongside it, similar to what Asus offers on some of its laptops and Lenovo on its IdeaPad S10 Netbook with the SplashTop app. Good OS states that Cloud "does not require additional hardware and is compatible with any operating system."

Good OS demonstrated its Cloud OS on a gigabyte touch-screen Netbook at the World Summit in Paris. The company says that such touch-screen Netbooks running the Cloud OS and Windows will be released at CES next month.

Everyone's had the experience of toiling away on a project, only to have the hard work go unrecognized. For those times when co-workers or family members fail to acknowledge your genius, there's the Applause Machine from Laikingland.

Designed by U.K. artist Martin Smith, the Applause Machine is a kinetic sculpture that measures about 18 inches high. When you press a button on the wood base, the motor kicks into gear and the machine "enthusiastically claps its hands for you"--well, as much as a machine can express enthusiasm. As this video shows, the clapping seems to be easily drowned out by the sound of the motor.

Made of powder-coated steel, brass, plastic, and walnut, the Applause Machine runs on two AAA batteries (included). You can choose from among five colors--red, green, orange, black, and white; the collective will manufacture 250 machines in each color.

Of course, U.S. buyers will have to be either independently wealthy or especially desperate for an ego boost. Thanks to the still-unfavorable exchange rate, the Applause Machine prices out to $301.83.

(Via Dezeen)

Violated by a lightgun.

Thanks to this Dunt Hunt tribute shirt from the folks at NerdyShirts, you'll always have your trusty lightgun by your side. Actually, it's not so much by your side as it is in the crack of your butt, sort of like a mash-up between The Wizard and Boyz n the Hood. It won't save you from bullies at school or a burglar trying to break into your parents' basement, but you'll certainly be safe from hordes of flying ducks attacking your screen. And you can definitely use it to cap that slobbering fool the next time he tries to laugh at your game.

Who should the BlackBerry Bold take on?

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive)

OK Crave readers, I need your help. The CNET Prizefight ring is setting up for a few final battles before the end of 2008, and one contender just waiting for its chance in the spotlight is the RIM BlackBerry Bold. Now usually, the editors make the decision about which two devices to compare, but frankly, I'm having trouble choosing the right competitor. I've got some ideas, but thought it would be nice to get your feedback as well.

I've already received a lot of reader e-mails wondering how the Bold stacks up to the iPhone 3G. However, I'm a little hesitant to compare the two since I think the phones are intended for different audiences (business versus consumer) and have different design elements (QWERTY keyboard, touch screen, and so forth). Plus, there are plenty of other worthy smartphones out there. The iPhone is not the end all, be all. But hey, if I get an overwhelming response for the iPhone, majority rules and I'll be happy to oblige. Either way, let me know what you think in the comments section below by Thursday, and I'll choose the winner on Friday.

Also if you're wondering: yes, there is already a iPhone versus RIM BlackBerry Storm prizefight in the works, so grab your seats for that showdown, which is coming next week.

Roku's November 13 note to customers asking them for help determining the cause of a dramatic decline in video quality.

(Credit: Roku)

The Netflix Player by Roku, which enables owners to watch streaming Web video on their TV sets, has received plenty of applause from pundits and owners since debuting last May. But the box now faces its first major challenge.

Customers from around the country have been "experiencing inexplicable loss of video-streaming quality," for at least three weeks according to Roku's engineers, who have posted comments at the company's Web forums. Device owners have posted complaints to the same forums about receiving less than half of the video quality they've had in the past. One user told CNET that the video stream is now "unwatchable."

Tim Twerdahl, vice president of consumer products at Roku, told CNET News on Monday that the company is still unsure about what exactly triggered the problem, but he said indications are it originated at Netflix. Twerdahl added that the problem likely affects Netflix's other boxes as well as Roku's player.

"All we know is Roku didn't make any changes," Twerdahl said. "This is not a box problem. We know from some reports that this seems to be correlated with a change in Netflix's content distribution network (CDN), and Netflix is trying to figure out what the issue is."

WiiWare

• Space Invaders Get Even (Taito, 500 Wii points): My, how the tables have turned. In this classic remake, you'll take control of the UFOs, blasting relentlessly at the poor defenseless humans. Make use of five different attack types and then hop online to see where you stand in the rankings.
  
• Pit Crew Panic! (Hudson Entertainment, 800 Wii points): In Pit Crew Panic! you're in charge of repairing vehicles on the race track. Use your Wii remote to hover over the damaged part and then assign a crew member to take care of it. Up to four players can take part in various game modes.
  

Virtual Console

• Metal Slug 2 (1998, NeoGeo, 900 Wii points): The sequel to the side-scrolling military action classic is now available on the Virtual Console. Following the winning formula from the original, Metal Slug 2 lets you blast your way through enemies with new weapons and effects.
  

What games do you think are missing from the Wii Virtual Console? Sound off here!