Mac users report OS 9 patch problems

A patch to repair a potential security flaw appears to be causing new problems for Mac OS 9 users.

So far, dozens have reported a loss of all network connectivity or crashes during startup after applying the new OT Tuner 1.0 patch.

Apple Computer has acknowledged the problem, telling users who experience connectivity trouble that they must restart their Macs whenever they change their system's TCP/IP settings.

The patch was designed only for users of "always-on" Internet connections, such as digital subscriber lines (DSL) or cable modems. The security flaw could conceivably allow hackers to enlist their Macs over an Internet connection in distributed denial-of-service attacks without their knowledge.

The full report is posted online at www.zdnn.com.