This Story Posted:
January 18th
2:09 PM/CST

 
 

[2:09 PM]
Apple Error Codes Explanations, Here At Last
Will wonders never cease. Bleu Rose, Ltd. has released a new software app called Black and Bleu. Black and Bleu contains explanations as well as probable causes to over 2500 Apple Error Codes. Apple Error Codes are those confusing messages that get printed to the screen along with the infamous Bomb symbol when a Mac crashes. The most common error codes are Error Type 2, Error Type 1, Error Type 3, and Error Type 11, though there are many more than those. According to Bleu Rose:

The company is also offering a free analysis to users for unusual situations. According to Bleu Rose:

"A free error analysis by one of our experienced developers is available for errors that don't have a detailed explanation. This service is available to anyone, at no charge, even if you haven't purchased Black & Bleu."

Black and Bleu offers two different versions of their explanations including a techie and non-techie. According to Bleu Rose:

"Explanations give users detailed information in 2 categories:
- a Non-technical User orientation
- a Programmer orientation
The Non-technical User explanation is presented in a way that someone without a programming background can understand. The Programmer explanation is written in VERY technical terms that usually includes source code that demonstrates the error. To fully understand the Programmer explanation, the user should be familiar with Macintosh programming (in C or C++)."

Black and Bleu works with System 7.0 and above.

The product is available immediately with a price tag of US$34. A fully functional demo is available from the company's web site (the demo expires after three uses).

The Mac Observer Spin: Next to the secrets of the Pyramids, Apple's error codes have always been one of the great mysteries of the world. In fact, we think it can be argued that the Error Codes are one of the only areas where the Mac OS is neck and neck with Windows for being arcane and confusing. This package from Bleu Rose could be the Rosetta Stone that makes this area of the Mac understandable by more people.

It is also a remarkably clever idea for the company to offer a free analysis to people with unusual error codes. This move is a straight ahead effort to broaden their database while broadening their consumer appeal and customer loyalty. Nice move!

Follow Up [3:06 PM]: An Observer named Amy writes in to say that our suggestion that Black and Bleu is the first of its kind is way off base. Accroding to Amy:

"Bleu Rose, for instance, is far from being the first people to release a huge listing of Mac Error Codes & their meanings. MacErrors has been around for a good long time, is insanely easy to use, and it's free, with every error code your average joe will ever, ever run into.

Amy"

Thanks for the note Amy!

Bleu Rose