Apple has acknowledged that there is a problem with its Snow Leopard operating system, but insists that the data deletion problem is not widespread.
The problem, which has become increasingly well publicised, saw some users lose all of their data when somebody logged in as a guest on their Mac.
Apple has finally released a typically terse statement admitting that there is an issue, but insisting that the scale is small.
"We are aware of the issue, which occurs only in extremely rare cases, and we are working on a fix," said the company's statement.
Data is valuable
MacFormat's deputy editor Chris Phin told TechRadar that it was a timely reminder that people should be backing up their data.
"The bug does sound really nasty, but it also sounds like it's affecting only a small number of users," said Phin.
"Still, it's a graphic illustration of the need for backup, and since Time Machine, the Mac OS X backup engine, makes it so easy to protect your data and since you could buy a huge external hard disk for fifty quid there's really little excuse for data loss."
For the time being, the best advice seems to be, disable the guest account just in case and wait for Apple's team to provide a patch.
Your comments (8) Click to add a new comment
lovlid
October 13th 2009
8. @ bigj.
This idiot has already had his account deleted, please don't encourage him.
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benbrown
October 13th 2009
7. bigj
Amiga, C64, whatever you're still a pauper.
"You seeing anyone about that rage by the way?"
Your mum
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bigj
October 13th 2009
6. Dear Benbrown,
I lied, it's an Amiga. Sorry. You seeing anyone about that rage by the way?
Much love.
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mavryk
October 13th 2009
5. @funjitsu
Mr Phin is not spinning this to Apple's advantage. He was talking about Time Machine which is a FREE back-up app included with every Mac. The point he was making was there is no excuse for not backing up as it is easy and effortless. This is not a Mac vs Windows bish-bash, just simple advice that benefits us all.
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d4lien
October 13th 2009
4. Please let's not turn this into another Mac versus the world battle. The key thing is Apple have given a workaround and are working on a fix.
To be fair regardless of OS or hardware you should back up your data. But let's be honest most people don't. So use the workaround until the fix comes along and everyone will be happy.
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benbrown
October 13th 2009
3. bigj
What's a MAC? Is that an acronym for something? Do you mean a Mac? You utter simpleton.
Your COmmodore 64 doesn't have these issues because it is from the stone age, like you. And isn't capable of even simple tasks. Like you.
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