Faronics resolves issue where partitions are being randomly Frozen

Apr 25, 2014 14:28 GMT  ·  By

Software developer Faronics today offers an updated version of Deep Freeze for Macintosh computers, resolving some issues with the emergency/backup utility employed by power users to restore a Mac to its original configuration.

While Time Machine is certainly enough of a utility for regular users, organizations with dozens of workstations in their management need to rely on something a bit more powerful. A cross-platform solution, Deep Freeze secures Windows computers as well as Macs. Today, only the Mac version has been updated.

“Faronics Deep Freeze makes Macs indestructible. It protects endpoints by Freezing the desired configuration set by you – the IT professional,” says Faronics.

“Any unwelcome or unwanted changes users make while in-session are prevented from sticking. It’s really simple. By pushing the restart button, the Mac is returned to its Frozen state. While user data is stored safely in Thaw Spaces and is retained across reboots, machines run smoothly and efficiently,” the company explains.

The software works hand-in-hand with Apple Remote Desktop, allowing you to centrally manage the Mac client and configure it across an entire array of computers from just one terminal. A mapping feature allows administrators to redirect data to an unprotected drive.

According to the developer, “...your Macs will hang on to that ‘new computer smell’ much longer because Deep Freeze Mac ensures 100% workstation recovery with every restart.”

“Enjoy the perks of running a clean, lean machine without users feeling restricted and locked-down,” adds Faronics.

Version 5.81.2200.0824 is out today with a few noteworthy tweaks, including a fix for an issue where partitions are being randomly Frozen and are marked as Thawed in the Deep Freeze Mac Control Panel.

Some known issues remain lingering in the newly-updated software. Faronics warns that ThawSpaces are not created when a Custom Install Package is run, and that the drive icon in the Dock fails to show the Mac Frozen badge. These will be addressed in a future update. Another known bug, the Mac client cannot be installed on new computers that come with Core Storage Volumes enabled.

Deep Freeze requires an Intel-based Mac and a relatively new version of OS X. A license costs $66.00 USD (€47.67), though customers interested in trying before buying can apply for a trial version at Faronics.com by completing a short form. The trial period expires 30 days after the first launch of the program. Download Deep Freeze 5.81 for Mac and apply the latest patches today.