Mister Mac RSS Feed

Hiatus

MisterMac — 2009-07-29T13:12:03+01:00

Due to ongoing house moving shenanigans, Mister Mac is on temporary hiatus. See you soon.

iPhone 3GS

MisterMac — 2009-06-09T07:28:28+01:00

It’s faster, comes with an updated camera, 3MP with video, voice control, a digital compass, remote wipe. ...Find My Phone allows you to find where you put your phone down even if it’s in mute. TomTom are releasing an app taking advantage of the built in compass and GPS turning the iPhone into a proper turn by turn satnav.

iPhone OS 3.0

MisterMac — 2009-06-09T07:19:01+01:00

iPhone OS 3 will also be released on 17th June, a free update to all iPhone users and is compatible with the original iPhone. I’d think of version 3 as the first proper version with features you’d have thought would’ve been included at the start, but also adds a few things to move it forward. ...It also adds tethering, making it easy to connect your computer to the net when you’re not near any wifi.

Mac OS X 10.6

MisterMac — 2009-06-09T07:12:16+01:00

Snow Leopard or Mac OS 10.6 is set to be available in September for a price in the US of $29 (no UK price yet, but I’d guess they’d just change the dollar to a pound). Snow Leopard is more an improvement of what underpins the OS, making it faster and actually giving you back space on your HD with a few UI improvements. Details

Safari 4

MisterMac — 2009-06-09T07:08:34+01:00

Safari 4 is now out of beta and released for both Mac & PC. I am a little hesitant to re-install it. I removed it after finding problems when reopening pages from the last session, but that was a beta version.

MacBook Updates

MisterMac — 2009-06-09T06:55:14+01:00

Apple have updated the MacBook range making the 13” Alu MacBook a MacBook Pro in the process. ...New 15” MacBook Pro with the controversial built in battery but now has a built in SD card slot which is no doubt a lot more useful than the PC card slot was. ...The 17” also got an update but kept its card slot.

Curious contractions

MisterMac — 2009-05-20T21:39:33+01:00

Or abbreviations: I was looking at the backups on the Time Capsule and found Mac OS X has a curious way of contracting words:

Five on your Mac

MisterMac — 2009-05-01T15:59:10+01:00

So along with 40d, channel Five is now Mac compatible too and the site has been much improved. You can also watch with the ITV Player, but the site design is a disaster. Still it’s nice to finally be getting some Mac recognition.

4oD on a Mac!

MisterMac — 2009-04-06T15:40:59+01:00

Finally, 4oD, Channel 4’s catch up service is now available on the Mac, streaming at least. Quality isn’t too bad on new programmes, older programmes like Father Ted are a bit more iffy, but it’s nice no longer to have to open Windows. Link

iPod Shuffle

MisterMac — 2009-03-11T15:05:24+00:00

It’s not going to win any design awards (well, it will of course), but it’s smaller, lighter and still has a little clip on it. ...I know at the moment it’s a pain to dig the iPhone out of my pocket to check what’s playing, so it might be a great feature (and perfect for anyone visually impaired). ...At the moment you’re stuck with Apple’s headphones, but no doubt better ones will come and nobody is forcing anyone to run out and buy a new shuffle until they do.

Mac Cottages

MisterMac — 2009-03-23T21:01:45+00:00

Some are better than others, but we have noticed an odd correlation between cottages which have websites Made on a Mac being better than ones that haven’t. Not to say the ones that haven’t are awful, just the ones which have are often better presented, or have gone that one bit further with presentation. ...Sadly one of our favourites, 31a Rivers Street in Bath appears to have vanished.

Flash

MisterMac — 2009-02-25T18:27:12+00:00

Adobe has updated Flash to version 10.0.22.87. Fixes some critical flaws which could’ve allowed your computer to be hacked. Download

Free Omni

MisterMac — 2009-02-25T13:12:02+00:00

Had OmniWeb been set free before Safari 4 launched I’m sure I would be using it now. It’s always seemed ahead of most browsers, but the price put me off when you could use Safari or Firefox for nada. I’ll download it of course, but I’m not sure my head can cope with two new browsers in one day.

Safari 4

MisterMac — 2009-02-25T13:05:37+00:00

I’ve only had a quick play around but so far I like the tabs at the top giving a little more screen space and top sites, but it may take some getting used to. ...I’m unsure how useful Cover Flow is going to be in Safari, but maybe it has finally found a use? I can’t say I use Cover Flow in anything else, it’s always been something you wow at then never use.

Mad Men

MisterMac — 2009-02-12T23:55:17+00:00

Mad Men season 2 has recently started on BBC 4. A wonderful series, if you’ve not seen season 1, go find it!

Function Flip

MisterMac — 2009-02-11T23:58:19+00:00

When I first got my new MacBook, there were certain F keys I had been using for other things; F8 for Spaces, F5 for CoverSutra etc., which on the MacBook keyboard now have special functions. ...So now I can use the brightness keys etc., as well as assigning some of the Special F keys I don’t really use to other functions. ...Also, although I had been using F9 & F11 for Exposé, those functions can be done using the Multitouch trackpad, allowing me to use the volume up & down keys as intended.

British Dictionary

MisterMac — 2009-02-11T23:55:29+00:00

I’m talking about how Mac OS X decided that despite living in the UK, I really should spell colour without the u and stick a z in everything else. ...I finally looked up how to stop it (without right-clicking on each word and having the Mac learn it). ...to right-click on any word, choose Spelling and Grammar > Show Spelling and Grammar and then switch from 'English' to 'British English'.

Friendface

MisterMac — 2009-02-11T23:46:06+00:00

friendface from gleden on Vimeo.

Where is he?

MisterMac — 2009-02-03T12:55:31+00:00

As I’m often very slow to update this site, I thought I’d give a list of some great sites for all your Mac news needs: ...Cult of Mac Between those you should be able to stay up-to-date.

Mactini

MisterMac — 2008-12-18T00:01:04+00:00

Damn, I should’ve waited a few more months to get one. Not quite as good as his Kitchen Gun.

Christmas Ads

MisterMac — 2008-12-16T19:39:29+00:00

Two new animated for Christmas Holiday ads from Apple. I can do Anything and Tree Trimming. Link

10.5.6

MisterMac — 2008-12-15T18:54:01+00:00

Apple has released Mac OS 10.5.6. No doubt you’ve already installed it.

MacBook

MisterMac — 2008-12-17T15:58:56+00:00

I had some early niggles which may’ve tainted my initial excitement, blame the problems I had with my previous Black MacBook which made me paranoid. ...There was an initial problem with the trackpad not always responding when pressed, fixed in the Trackpad Firmware Update. ...It’s a beautiful computer, feeling lighter and more solid than the Black MacBook, due to the new unibody design, with none of the problems with greasy finger marks.

Mapple

MisterMac — 2008-12-02T15:55:22+00:00

I'm a PC

MisterMac — 2008-10-13T16:14:32+01:00

Their new adverts have just started appearing in the UK, having dropped the whole Seinfeld idea, they’ve now just photocopied Apple’s. ...Daring Fireball covers it well: “...they’re not countering Apple’s message, but instead they’re reinforcing it.” I just think it strange how a company that has the biggest market share is acting like it’s the small guy.

Apple Event 14th October

MisterMac — 2008-10-09T20:11:09+01:00

The invite simply reads The Spotlight Turns to Notebooks with a photo showing the back of an unknown Apple notebook. You can see the invite over at Ars. Here’s hoping it’ll be something I can buy.

Mac OS X 10.5.5

MisterMac — 2008-09-16T22:17:45+01:00

Another day, another update. Mac OS X 10.5.5, appearing in your Software Update now.

QuickTime & Front Row

MisterMac — 2008-09-11T12:26:56+01:00

QuickTime 7.5.5 (Tiger, Leopard, Windows) and Front Row 2.1.6 have both received updates. The usual security and bug fixes. They should be popping up in Software Update now.

Let's Rock

MisterMac — 2008-09-09T20:29:34+01:00

First, iTunes 8 which features a new Grid view, visualizer and Genius, a smart way of creating playlists. ...The iPod Nano has returned to the long form factor of old, with a larger better screen, the Genius feature, voice-annotation, and a fun feature, you shake the Nano to shuffle songs. ...The iPod Touch gained a slimmer form, improved software with 2.1, built in Nike+iPod for those who like to run about.

Boateng

MisterMac — 2008-08-27T23:11:53+01:00

Who’d not want one of his suits?

Free alternatives

MisterMac — 2008-08-18T14:56:41+01:00

You will probably also need you to upgrade your X11 using XQuartz, but for the price it’s worth a try, even with an initial fiddley setup. ...How about messenger clients, like Adium which allows you to have all your clients in one, or aMSN a MSN client which adds video support, which even the official version doesn’t have. There’s probably an alternative for most apps you can think of, osalt.com is a great place to find them.

Cuil

MisterMac — 2008-07-29T12:55:33+01:00

Cuil is a new search engine from former Google employes. It’ll probably not catch on like many others, but I do like how it displays results in columns. It means a lot less scrolling, taking advantage of all the horizontal space monitors tend to have.

WALL•E

MisterMac — 2008-07-29T12:44:55+01:00

It’s well worth seeing the new PIXAR film WALL•E, if only to find you’re the only ones laughing in the audience when he charges up and makes the Mac start-up sound. ...THQ have also released the game, and yes, it’s available for your Mac, alas the demo isn’t. It’s available on the Apple Store.

iPhone iPod Interface

MisterMac — 2008-07-29T12:40:22+01:00

Interesting post at The Small Wave on how the iPhone and iPod Touch iPod interface could be improved. It all seems so obvious. via Daring Fireball.

Nokia N73 & Bluetooth/iSync

MisterMac — 2008-07-24T13:27:56+01:00

Annoyingly, you are unble to update the firmware on a Mac, and must use a Windows PC to use Nokia Software Update (this is a story in itself, having to set up an old PC of ours purely to do this update). I managed to update the phone which sped it up, but found it no longer worked with Bluetooth/iSync on the Mac running Mac OS 10.5.4. ...It appears the problem is between the 4.0735.3.0.2 firmware and Mac OS 10.5, as it appears it will work with Mac OS 10.4.

iTunes 7.7

MisterMac — 2008-07-10T11:14:42+01:00

Just in time to support the iPhone launch, iTunes 7.7 has appeared in Software Update. ...“Use iTunes 7.7 to sync music, video, and more with iPhone 3G, and download applications from the iTunes Store exclusively designed for iPhone and iPod touch with software version 2.0 or later. Also use the new Remote application for iPhone or iPod touch to control iTunes playback from anywhere in your home — a free download from the App Store.”

Check Off

MisterMac — 2008-07-03T11:52:12+01:00

Check Off the handy menu todo list has been updated, you’ll need Mac OS X 10.5 mind. I find it one of the more useful todo list managers, as it allows you to expand on a short one line list below each entry. Go take a look to get the idea.

How to change the System Preferences icon

MisterMac — 2008-07-02T15:28:06+01:00

Thankfully, I’ve worked out how you can do it quite easily, without messing about in Terminal (there may be some simpler way I’ve missed of course): ...Highlight your name again and select the Cog button at the bottom (to the right of + & -) ...After you’ve changed it, you can highlight the system name in the list, select the Cog button once again, and set it as the owner.

Another nail in Facebook's coffin?

MisterMac — 2008-06-12T22:48:48+01:00

I know this is pure schadenfreud on my part, but I couldn’t not post about a guy selling Facebook profiles on eBay. I do hope you’re not a friend..... Link

WWDC 2008

MisterMac — 2008-06-10T10:48:40+01:00

It’s also now available in white and black, the buttons are metal and the headphone socket is no longer recessed, making it easier to work with other headphones. ...The problem is we still tend to go by the numbers and see 7mp as better than 2, just like the old days of the Mhz myth, we have the Megapixel myth: ...Sadly, and I didn’t really expect it, there were no new Macs, specifically a new MacBook or MacBook Pro which is what I’m waiting for.

RapidWeaver 4

MisterMac — 2008-06-03T13:01:35+01:00

RealMacSoftware have released version 4 of RapidWeaver, their easy to use website creation app., the same one I use to knock up this website. It’s a free upgrade if you bought version 3. There’s a review at arstechnica.com of what’s new, which is more than just a new icon.

Tasty Apps

MisterMac — 2008-06-03T12:54:39+01:00

If you’re one that does, Tasty Apps have Flappie, a free cute green, um, flapping widget of a pet. ...Tasty Unzip, as you can guess another way to unzip files with an auto-delete option. ChatCop, a parental monitoring program so you can keep an eye on what your kids are up to, yes, you too can be big brother of your home.

FuzzyClock

MisterMac — 2008-06-03T12:50:19+01:00

Another one from the Macworld timewasting video which is well worth watching. Fuzzyclock is a more human style clock for your menubar, displaying time in more a way people think, so instead of 17:10, you’ll get ten past five (apart from me, I need to see those seconds counting down!).

Photo Booth/iChat Effects

MisterMac — 2008-06-03T12:40:08+01:00

I can’t really play with Photo Booth at the moment, not having a Mac with a camera, but it has to be one of the most compelling Mac apps, for us easily amused people. If you’re bored of the built in effects, you can add a whole lot more and for free! MoreIchatEffects is a collection of 48 effects for iChat 4 and Leopard (Photo Booth).

Again and again and again and again

MisterMac — 2008-05-22T11:42:28+01:00

I apologise now, but it shows off the Mac OS, pity about Word 2004.

You want adverts

MisterMac — 2008-05-22T10:25:26+01:00

At least Microsoft think you do, everywhere, even on that Zune you bought. Seems like Steve Ballmer deserved the egging, pity the guy had such a bad aim.

Sex and the City

MisterMac — 2008-05-21T13:09:31+01:00

If you ever saw an episode of Sex and the City, you would've noticed Carrie always had some form of Mac laptop. Well, if you have the urge, you can now delve into her virtual MacBook Pro, oh, and have a chance to win a poster from the film! ...Apparently she's still on Tiger.

Vlad Studio

MisterMac — 2008-05-21T13:06:49+01:00

If you're looking for some new desktop pictures/wallpaper, take a look at vladstudio.com. They also have some pictures which also act as a desktop clock. ...You will have to pay a registration fee for the high quality pictures to support the artist and have no signature in the corner, but the free low quality versions seem perfectly fine to me for a desktop.

Rating iTunes

MisterMac — 2008-05-20T13:52:17+01:00

I did go through a period of rating my iTunes music, but then realised I never actually played any of it using the ratings, so I stopped doing that. I know though, there are those completist types who simply must rate every track. For them I think I Love Stars should make things a lot easier.

Facebook Security

MisterMac — 2008-05-19T23:25:36+01:00

If you're stupid enough to still have a Facebook account, you may at least want to follow some of these security tips from the BBC's Click show. In other social networking news, it looks like they've had to downgrade their ad revenue forecasts, boohoo. You know you're there to be monetarised right?

MacBook Black & Blues

MisterMac — 2008-05-14T11:33:06+01:00

He pointed out that Apple could be rather difficult repairing small issues like this but said he’d talk to their main Mac guy, I also had a brief chat with him and eventually my guy came back and said they’d just replace it. ...It then started to make a louder static sound from the right speaker area, which stopped, but then came back again, but even worse, alternating from the right to the left speaker whenever you turned the volume up (or as stated above, whenever any "single" sound was made). ...I recorded it a few times with my camera (hence it being wobbly, I was trying to keep it’s mic near the speaker area). - First with the sound on, which may be hard to hear, then muted.

Cambridge Apple Store - Grand Opening

MisterMac — 2008-03-27T11:20:32+00:00

... ...

Phorm

MisterMac — 2008-03-17T16:47:55+00:00

Think about changing your ISP, it's as bad as bloody Facebook. Phorm will allow the 3 big ISPs to track everywhere you go on the internet and sell that information to an advertiser, oh and with some guff that they're making the net a better place. ...Update: You can now also sign the petition here.

Aperture 2

MisterMac — 2008-02-12T23:51:09+00:00

Apple have released Aperture 2, it be faster.

There be updates

MisterMac — 2008-02-12T00:05:52+00:00

Security Update 2008-001 - An update that includes us mortals still on 10.4 Mac OS X 10.5.2 - The one that's probably been most awaited. Yes, you can finally turn off that menubar transparency, what more do you want?

iPlayer downloads for Mac 2008

MisterMac — 2008-02-07T18:30:08+00:00

BBC have announced (again) they'll bring a download version of the iPlayer for Mac by the end of 2008. That nonsense over developing for every platform, ohh really there's only 3. I wish they'd stop announcing and start delivering.

QuickTime 7.4.1

MisterMac — 2008-02-07T10:48:57+00:00

QuickTime 7.4.1 for Leopard, Tiger, Panther and Windows. Fixes some stuff.

Software Updates

MisterMac — 2008-02-05T22:17:43+00:00

This update improves reliability for Apple's professional applications and is recommended for all users of Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Express, Aperture, Logic Studio and Logic Express. ...Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard includes a powerful screen reading technology for the blind called VoiceOver that supports a variety of refreshable Braille displays. When you have a supported Braille display connected to your computer, VoiceOver automatically detects it and sends it information about what is displayed on the screen.

iPhone & iPod Touch get bigger

MisterMac — 2008-02-05T20:27:37+00:00

They get bigger in the US store at least, there's no mention of the new sizes on the UK store. So, in the states for now you can pick up an iPhone in 8GB and now 16GB. ...The iPhone size still seems a little small, at least 32GB is more where it should be.

iWeb 2.0.3

MisterMac — 2008-01-30T23:47:20+00:00

Update to iWeb just out, check thems Software Updates. Version 2.0.3 does "... update addresses compatibility with Mac OS X."

Little iWork updates

MisterMac — 2008-01-29T22:35:12+00:00

Popping into your Software update soon, well, assuming you have iWork: ...Pages 3.0.2 Numbers 1.0.2

Apple by design.

MisterMac — 2008-01-29T13:55:35+00:00

Apple have brought design to our attention, and although I probably would still use a Mac if it wasn't that great looking (being it's the OS first for me), I have come to expect that a Mac will be generally unobtrusive, which to me helps you focus on just getting whatever it is you're doing done, with less distraction (or at least not like it was manufactured in the eastern block in the 80s) ...There are those who think the PC should be some sort toy for those nerdy back-room boys, a bit like train sets (not that there's anything wrong with a train set), but a very male pursuit that you tinker with and bash, like your old car you've been doing up in the garage. ...After years of many people not knowing what a Mac was, I still find it strange that Apple has risen to such a well known brand, so I guess they're bound to get some people's noses out of joint.

Get a Mac ads get gone?

MisterMac — 2008-01-29T14:46:00+00:00

The UK Get a Mac ads starring Mitchell & Webb have gone missing from the UK Apple site, instead you're treated to a why you'll love a Mac page. ...Mitchell & Webb were a fun choice, although odd considering some of their sketches took the piss out of advertising, perhaps an unknown pair may've been better?

MacSpeech Dictate

MisterMac — 2008-01-28T23:36:30+00:00

Mac OS X does have some speech recognition built in, but it's for more simple input, like asking what time it is, or closing windows etc. ...This should free up a lot of people that may have wanted a Mac, but had to go down the PC route because they needed this sort of technology. It's not really just for people too lazy to type, but is an important way to input text for those who may have no other means to do so.

Apple Autogiro G-AXVK

MisterMac — 2008-01-25T12:07:27+00:00

You may remember seeing a similar one in James Bond - You Only Live Twice (1967) called Little Nellie. I can't remember the programme, it was in July 2005 on the UK Discovery Channel (+1), but I did take a quick snap (on the ancient telly). Why Apple was sponsoring it I do not know, and the only other images I've found of this particular Autogiro has it in British Airways livery in the late 70s.

Check Off

MisterMac — 2008-01-24T16:38:29+00:00

It will probably stay like that until I have Leopard with its notes function in mail. However; a lot of the time I just want to write a tiny To do note and have found the perfect little application, Check Off. It lives in your menubar, appearing with a click or short cut key and is just so simple to use.

MacHeads the Movie

MisterMac — 2008-01-23T11:34:35+00:00

 MacHeads the Movie seriously...

Inquisitor 3 & CoverSutra 2

MisterMac — 2008-01-22T22:17:28+00:00

Inquisitor 3, an update to the what is dubbed the Spotlight for the web has arrived. This really is a great add-on to Safari, and well worth downloading. CoverSutra is my favourite controller and enhancement to iTunes, it's not free, but it just great.

Quicktime 7.4 & iTunes 7.6

MisterMac — 2008-01-18T23:03:57+00:00

"Rent and download your favourite movies with iTunes on your computer or directly to your living room on Apple TV. Enjoy rented movies in sizes up to 720p HD with surround sound on your Apple TV and sizes up to DVD-quality on your computer. Transfer your rented movies from iTunes to your iPod or iPhone and enjoy them on the go.

More from Macworld 2008

MisterMac — 2008-01-16T13:46:04+00:00

Apple TV 2.0: As Steve Jobs announced on stage, this is their second attempt at Apple TV, and it now does seem much more like a useable product, at least in the US. ... You can now rent as well as buy films (again, no films in the UK yet), download music and TV* direct from iTunes and play them on your computer, iPod as well as your Apple TV. So you can sit back and rent HD quality films from your sofa to play on that HD TV of yours, without having to get a HD player or sign up to some service from Virgin or Sky.

Start-up Keys

MisterMac — 2008-01-18T11:50:39+00:00

Puzzled, I thought I'd best try and remember some of those start-up keys, problem is there are so many and some are from my Mac OS 9 days, I wonder if any normal Mac user would remember any? I tried resetting the PRAM (Preference Ram) etc. which involved holding down various keys, until I remembered to just hold down the Option key! Holding down the Option key at start-up allows you to decide on which drive to boot your Mac from, in this case it allowed me to select a Mac OS 9 CD, and finally started.

MacBook Air - Macworld 2008

MisterMac — 2008-01-15T20:17:20+00:00

It may not be a super-sub-notebook, but I find it's the weight more than the size of a notebook that puts my back out and this way you still have that 13.3 inch widescreen. ...Apple will sell you a USB optical drive (or buy a 3rd party device), but what's clever is, they've introduced some clever software, Remote Disc, which allows you to use an optical drive of another PC or Mac, just as if it were attached to your machine wirelessly. ...Some have complained about the built-in-battery, probably the same ones who complained about the iPod, I don't see it as much of an issue when Apple won't charge to replace it, plus it's bound to have some third-party battery replacements for those who don't mind using a screwdriver, just like the iPod.

Lower iTunes Prices

MisterMac — 2008-01-09T11:45:32+00:00

Apple are going to lower the UK prices for the iTunes store, bringing it in line with the rest of Europe. ...Apple have said this is what they wanted to do at the start, but were prevented by the major labels. The new prices should be available in 6 months.

Mac Pro & Xserve Updates

MisterMac — 2008-01-08T19:52:46+00:00

Apple has started the year early, before the MacWorld expo. next week, announcing updates to their Mac Pro and Xserve lines. The Mac Pro now has 8 cores, that's two Intel Quad-Core Xeon 5400s running up to 3.2Ghz, up to 4.2TB of ram and can fit 4 terabytes into those 4 storage bays. ...The Xserves also gain the Quad-Core Intel Xeon 5400s up to 3.0GHz.

MacBook, MacBook Pro Software Update 1.1

MisterMac — 2007-12-19T11:13:37+00:00

If you've had problems with your keyboard freezing, then things should be fixed with the MacBook, MacBook Pro Software Update 1.1.

Security Update 2007-009

MisterMac — 2007-12-17T23:59:50+00:00

Another day, another update, Security Update 2007-009 for Tiger & Leopard. Available via Software Update or Apple's Site.

Updates: Garageband & Quicktime

MisterMac — 2007-12-13T23:30:22+00:00

Garageband 4.1.1 - This update improves overall stability and addresses issues with file export to iPhone. ...Java For Mac OS X 10.4 Release 6 - 1.0: Reliability & compatibility for Java 2 Platform Standard Edition 5.0 and Java 1.4 on Mac OS X 10.4.10 and later. Updates J2SE 5 to version 1.5.0_13 & Java 1.4 to 1.4.2_16.

BBC iPlayer on the Mac

MisterMac — 2007-12-13T18:50:20+00:00

I still don't like that they're using any form of DRM, we pay the license fee, we should be able to keep whatever we download for as long as we like. ...I also wish it would stay full screen on one screen whilst I do other things on another (that's for those of us with a Mac & two monitors or a laptop Mac connected to another screen). ...The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 also recently announced they'll be creating a combined on-demand service, we wait to see what computer support it will have, as at the moment 4oD is not Mac compatible.

Flash 9

MisterMac — 2007-12-04T22:11:44+00:00

Adobe Flash Player has been updated and now sports support for H.264 and fixes a bunch of the usual bugs. Download

Leaving Facebook

MisterMac — 2007-12-04T12:49:16+00:00

By posting User Content to any part of the Site, you automatically grant, and you represent and warrant that you have the right to grant, to the Company an irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive, transferable, fully paid, worldwide license (with the right to sublicense) to use, copy, publicly perform, publicly display, reformat, translate, excerpt (in whole or in part) and distribute such User Content for any purpose, commercial, advertising, or otherwise, on or in connection with the Site or the promotion thereof, to prepare derivative works of, or incorporate into other works, such User Content, and to grant and authorize sublicenses of the foregoing. ...So, I left, as I didn't really have much a use for it, or use it much (other than doing a quiz when bored), the people on there (which wasn't many) I can just as well talk to in other ways, the internet being one social network, plus there's the phone/texts email, messengers; oh even a letter or a postcard, now there's a thing (not likely I know). ...Steven Mansour - 2504 steps to closing your facebook account & Privacy Round-up including the amusing quote (don't take it too seriously): "People - including some of the smartest people I know - have stopped asking questions, not so much because they don't care, but because they don't want to have to reflect upon their perfect little friend-poking, facebook-app-adding, group-joining little sterile world."

Games on the Mac

MisterMac — 2007-11-29T10:19:26+00:00

I just wanted to let you know about a website, Mac Game Files, it's a great site listing games for the Mac oddly enough. ... Apple also has its own site of games, usually showcasing some of the bigger titles (like EVE: Online now out on Mac) ...There's quite a few of those types of games which aren't that polished, but you keep going back to play, another's Slope Rider.

Tired iPod? Just replace that battery!

MisterMac — 2007-11-27T14:42:04+00:00

The Cult of Mac have posted a quick step-by-step guide on how easy it is to replace your iPods battery. It looks to be quite a simple process really (maybe not as easy as sticking in a few triple-As). ...Maplin have a good selection of replacement batteries for most iPods, for around £18 which come with the tools you need.

Make Opera more Mac like

MisterMac — 2007-11-27T14:04:04+00:00

I don't use the web browser Opera much, but I have noticed it does seem to eat less processor (meaning my fan comes on less) than say Camino. ...There is an easy way to fix all this, just read David Storey's tips on how to make it more Mac like. I agree with most of his recommendations, apart from I'd chose Samui 2 as a more Mac like skin; so it ends up looking more like this (oh blessed be, the tabs are below):

Leopard Tweaks

MisterMac — 2007-11-21T12:16:02+00:00

Some people aren't really fans of the new Leopard dock with its 3D look, but there are ways to change it if you wish. ...I can't say I'd miss it, whenever I was feeling industrious I'd put folders in the dock, then just forget to use them, so it's likely I'd prefer Stacks. ...At a glance it's not quite so obvious what's what; you can of course change your folders, one you might want to try are these.

iChat Matte

MisterMac — 2007-11-21T11:56:59+00:00

I like iChat, but maybe those bubbly bubbles are starting to look a bit to bubbly? Fancy going a bit matte? Try iChatMatte by Joshua Bryant.

Mac OS X 10.5.1 is here

MisterMac — 2007-11-15T21:35:10+00:00

The start of the point upgrades has started in Leopard with 10.5.1, the first update to Leopard and usually the one people wait for before upgrading (if they're sensible). As you would expect there's various bug fixes, notably a rather nasty one that could mean a loss of data when moving files. If you have Leopard you should see it appearing in Software Update, or from Apple.

Mac OS X 10.4.11 Update & more

MisterMac — 2007-11-14T22:22:49+00:00

For those of us, like me, who have yet to update to 10.5, Apple have just released Mac OS X 10.4.11. You should see it in Software Update, it includes Safari 3 (no longer beta) so if you've not updated that yet, you'll get that too. ...So if you've been waiting to update to Leopard due to some bug or other in one of those, it's likely one of these may fix that.

Hello iPhone

MisterMac — 2007-11-10T16:29:46+00:00

The iPhone arrived yesterday in the UK, I was surprised to see that there were queues in London etc. which just goes to show that the interest in the phone hasn't died down. I tried out the iPhone in the Carphonewarehouse in Cambridge today (and then saw it in the O2 shop opposite). I found it remarkably easy to use, surprisingly so, the keyboard works well and was very accurate, camera shots looked fine (I'd not believe the MP myth) and Safari was great, I even managed a smidge of self publicity.

Microsoft Office Update 11.3.9

MisterMac — 2007-11-07T11:15:34+00:00

Fixes an issue which caused Word to quit when printing. Download

Trojan Hype

MisterMac — 2007-11-06T15:26:21+00:00

The media sure like to get over excited at any mention that Mac OS X may not be secure, it's like they're desperate to all run in and say 'I told you so'. Well Bill Thompson who gets his guff blog posted on the BBC site sure seems like your average wind up merchant, I think he must be paid by the word for all the waffle. ...He's not the only one of course, and for a nice take on the whole thing, take a read of Daring Fireball on the same subject: "To get hit by it, you must (a) be the sort of moron who downloads “video codecs” from porno sites; (b) mount the disk image and launch the installer;"

iTunes 7.5 & Quicktime 7.3

MisterMac — 2007-11-06T10:08:16+00:00

It's more updates for you, so back to Software Update for iTunes 7.5 and Quicktime 7.3 you go. iTunes now can now activate the iPhone anywhere the service is available, a new game for iPods, Phase and various fixes. Quicktime, create iPhone compatible web content, updated JavaScript support, support for iTunes, and various fixes.

iMac & MacBook Pro Updates

MisterMac — 2007-11-02T11:06:16+00:00

Apple have released a couple of updates which include those pesky various bug fixes: ...iMac Software Update 1.2 Tiger ...So, if you're lucky enough to own one of those, better get updating, they should pop up in Software Update.

Updated MacBooks

MisterMac — 2007-11-02T10:51:39+00:00

Apple have updated their MacBook line with intel's Santa Rosa chip set, so if you have been waiting, now's the time to buy. ...13" White 2.2Ghz Core 2 Duo, 1GB RAM, 120GB hard drive, GMA X3100 Graphics chip set, Superdrive £829 13" Black 2.2Ghz Core 2 Duo, 1GB RAM, 160GB hard drive, GMA X3100 Graphics chip set, Superdrive £949

Leopard, THE review.

MisterMac — 2007-10-29T21:28:45+00:00

More than you ever may want to know about Mac OS X 10.5, in Ars Technica's review by John Siracusa.

The best PC Laptop, a Mac?

MisterMac — 2007-10-29T21:26:40+00:00

Funny isn't it? Link

Screen Savers

MisterMac — 2007-10-26T16:15:26+01:00

Some new screen savers I've found: Super Star is fun and funky, where Filigree is more mesmerising.

Mac OS X 10.5 is here

MisterMac — 2007-10-26T16:13:33+01:00

Today is the day, incase you don't know - so if you want Leopard, you can now get it. It should just be a simple case of installing it, I'd make a back-up first.

BBC iPlayer

MisterMac — 2007-10-19T11:11:15+01:00

Really it was no different than the BBC saying, unless you own a Sony TV, you can't watch our content. Talking of things Microsoft, John Pugh MP has pointed out that the Government has pretty much sold its soul to Microsoft. ...Update: Not that I've got it in for the BBC, but this interview with Mary Taylor, President of UK Open Source Consortium, by Sean Daly makes you want to shove their license fee where...well you know.

Cambridge Apple Store

MisterMac — 2007-10-19T10:57:00+01:00

This is news because I live here, Apple are planning on opening an Apple Store here in Cambridge (that's in England, and the one in Cambridgeshire). It's set to open in the newly built Grand Arcade once it opens March 2008, John Lewis flag ship store will be opening there this November which is a pity as at the moment John Lewis is very nearby.

Mac OS X 10.5 arrives 26th October

MisterMac — 2007-10-19T10:37:26+01:00

Single user is £85 and Family Pack (5 license) £129 from Apple's store. However; Amazom.co.uk prices £79.98 for single license and £119.98 for the Family Pack. ...It's best to check the minimum requirements before buying, as it might be the time to sell your old Mac, and buy a new(er) one.

Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac 11.3.8 Update

MisterMac — 2007-10-10T11:33:15+01:00

This update fixes a vulnerability in Word 2004. Download

Updates Updates Updates

MisterMac — 2007-09-27T11:12:17+01:00

All should be popping up in your Software Update, I had some problems with network errors when trying to install the Garageband update, so I used the link (above) which worked fine. Various bug fixes, but iMovie gains some extra features (see link). For you MacBook & MacBook Pro people there's also an update for you, it'll only appear if you need it.

The iPhone has arrived (almost).

MisterMac — 2007-09-18T11:22:39+01:00

It will cost you £269 plus a monthly tariff of either £35, £45 or £55 but all plans offer free unlimited traffic (with a fair usage caveat) as well as access to The Cloud WiFi hot spots. You'll be able to buy the iPhone from Apple, O2 and Car Phone Warehouse. ...I'd still say wait for the next version, but if you wants it, you can now get it.

Bored of your icons?

MisterMac — 2007-09-14T13:47:05+01:00

However; there are some system icons like the trash, finder icon and other standard icons that can't be so easily changed. There are ways to do it manually, but the whole process is made far more easy using Candybar, from Panic, you can try the demo, it costs $12.95. ...InterfaceLift which also has a wide selection of desktop pictures (for details of how to change that, look here).

iTunes 7.4

MisterMac — 2007-09-06T17:21:46+01:00

Along with all those new iPods, to support ringtones etc. ... It should be turning up in your Software Update soon, or you can download it directly from iTunes.com. Make that 7.4.1, that was quick.

iPods

MisterMac — 2007-09-05T20:16:43+01:00

Today Apple introduced a whole lot of iPods. New Shuffle colours, a squarer larger screened nano, higher capacity iPod Classic (as it's now known) and to top it off, the iPod Touch, which is like a cut down iPhone without the phone, so it's an i then, ahem. ... You can now also download music from Apples new iTunes WiFi store straight to the iPod Touch or iPhone.

iLife 08 going cheap

MisterMac — 2007-09-03T18:59:26+01:00

If you've recently bought a Mac (on or after 7th August) then you can purchase iLife 08 for the princely sum of £9.99! See Apple's site for more details.

iPhone MP3 Ringtong

MisterMac — 2007-08-22T23:31:42+01:00

Ringtone

MSN Messenger 6.0.3

MisterMac — 2007-08-22T11:12:39+01:00

Microsoft has updated MSN Messenger for Mac. Bug and performance fixes. Download

What time is it?

MisterMac — 2007-08-21T11:07:15+01:00

Fancy using your Mac as an Alarm Clock using your own music? Try Aurora. and a rather unique time telling screen saver, try PolarClock.

Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac 11.3.7 Update

MisterMac — 2007-08-14T20:53:46+01:00

Microsoft have updated Office 2004 to fix a critical vulnerability, so best download it quick. Link

Leopard Dock

MisterMac — 2007-08-14T18:01:14+01:00

If only the new Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard dock looked less like this and more like this.

Apple AirPort Basestation Update 2007-002

MisterMac — 2007-08-14T11:39:10+01:00

Update to the AirPort software, for those with more modern AirPort basestation. Not me with my old Snow one.

Mac Mini

MisterMac — 2007-08-08T12:34:53+01:00

Apple also quietly updated the Mac Mini to the Intel Core 2 Duo chips: Combo Drive - 1.83Ghz , 1GB memory and 80GB hard drive £399 SuperDrive - 2.0Ghz, 1GB memory and 230GB hard drive £499

AirPort Extreme

MisterMac — 2007-08-08T12:34:47+01:00

The AirPort Extreme basestation has been updated to now include Gigabit Ethernet, many people found it odd it didn't include the faster form of Ethernet in the first place, so that ought to please them. It also includes 3 local network ports and the USB port. Oddly, the UK tech page mentions nothing about the Gigabit Ethernet hmmm.

iLife '08

MisterMac — 2007-08-08T12:33:59+01:00

iPhoto '08 includes the ability to organise your photos by event, which seems a great way of dealing with thousands of photos (I've 3000+) which you can skim through, you can now also hide photos you'd rather not have showing and improved editing. ...Creating a video/movie has never been that simple, but from the demo Steve gave it really does look like they've come up with a quick and easy way to make them without sitting for hours. ...The new suite also offer improved .mac integration, .mac itself has been upgraded to 10GB of storage and with all the new gallery features, you'll probably need it. iPhoto's online gallery feature does look very polished, so much so you might think you're in iPhoto.

iWork '08

MisterMac — 2007-08-08T12:33:49+01:00

Keynote, the better presentation app, I am always impressed with the richness of Apple's presentation made in Keynote - it makes those old Powerpoint presentations I used to have to sit through look distinctly amateur affairs (ok, it was a long time ago, even so). ...Using a canvas where you can add elements of spreadsheets and charts, and the printing out of reports looks much easier, I remember messing around with that stuff for hours. ...* Claris was a spun out software subsidiary of Apple in the late 80s & early 90s, among others they had FileMaker, which is still going, MacWrite the word processor, MacDraw a drawing app, Claris Resolve for presentations and Resolve and then Claris Works, which went on to become Apple Works when Apple brought Claris back into the fold.

Keyboards

MisterMac — 2007-08-08T12:33:07+01:00

The USB 2 wired keyboard is now much thinner than the plastic trough keyboard it replaces, I think this can only be a good thing, but why no wireless version? ...Although Apple seems to have missed a trick here: What could've been an ideal keyboard for using with a MacMini under a television, or just using your iMac at more a distance has been let down due to them missing any form of pointing device. ...There is some confusion here as to whether they've removed it on the UK keyboard, the Apple still appears on the UK iMac page, but not on the US one, but; the Apple doesn't appear on the UK Keyboard page.

New iMac

MisterMac — 2007-08-08T12:32:33+01:00

It's thinner and now made from Aluminium (or Aluminum) and Glass, although I'm sure there's plastic in there too, but it's got great recycling possibilities Steve Jobs said. ... It looks perhaps more solid than the previous white plastic model and I'm sure it'll have its instant haters and lovers, I think the complainers will just be nitpicking, I'd describe as handsome. ...I'd have thought they'd enclose the remote in aluminium as well, seems a strange oversight.

Apple Special Event - August 2007

MisterMac — 2007-08-08T12:16:57+01:00

Yesterday Apple hosted a Special Event at its campus announcing new: ...Plus upgraded AirPort Extreme and Mac Mini. You can watch the event here.

iTunes 7.3.2

MisterMac — 2007-08-03T09:29:18+01:00

Apple have released iTunes 7.3.2, which provides bug fixes to improve stability and performance. It's meant to be available via Software Update, but it wasn't appearing for me, you can also download it from their site.

Updates

MisterMac — 2007-08-01T12:01:23+01:00

Security Update 2007-007 and Safari Beta Update 3.0.3 AirPort Extreme Update 2007-004, for those with AirPort Extreme and for those who aren't in the UK - iPhone Firmware 1.0.1

Pro Application Support 4.0.1

MisterMac — 2007-07-31T11:30:29+01:00

Apple have released Pro Application Support 4.0.1, available via Software Update, or from their site. This update improves general user interface reliability for Apple's professional applications and is recommended for all users of Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Pro, Motion, Soundtrack Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Aperture, Final Cut Express HD, Soundtrack, Logic Pro and Logic Express. If you don't have any of these Applications, it won't show in Software Update, and there is no need to install it.

BBC iPlayer Petition

MisterMac — 2007-07-24T22:35:06+01:00

As you probably know the BBC are introducing a way where we can catch up with their programmes online, but it'll be only available for Windows PCs until they get their act together (whenever that will be). Just to add to the pressure there is a petition you can fill in online at Number 10. So don't hang about, we've got them on the run now with over 10,000 signatures so far.

Journler

MisterMac — 2007-07-24T16:02:24+01:00

Write down random ideas and all that daily sort of stuff, it all ends up in different documents and you never know where things are? ...Now either they've been more than I possibly need, or just not enough, have some quirk I dislike, or; a price tag I'm not willing to pay. Well, thankfully Journler has come along and seems a great solution plus it does a little more (iLife integration, images etc.) but isn't overly complicated.

1997-2007 History Lesson

MisterMac — 2007-07-19T17:15:32+01:00

Settlement discussions regarding Apple's "Look and Feel" lawsuit and the "QuickTime piracy" lawsuit resulted in a five-year commitment from Microsoft to release Microsoft Office for Macintosh [Which they've continued beyond 5 years, because it makes them money] as well as a US$150 million investment in non-voting Apple stock. ... Microsoft chairman Bill Gates appeared at the expo on the large screen, explaining Microsoft's plans for the software they were developing for the Macintosh, and saying that he was very excited to be helping Apple. ...People who say things like 'It's lucky MS saved Apple, or they'd be no iPod' are missing the point, they'd also be no Microsoft Windows if Apple hadn't created the Mac.

Those darned .pub files

MisterMac — 2007-07-19T17:08:07+01:00

Why anyone is using MS Publisher is strange enough, but when you get sent a .pub file it's even more annoying, you just can't open it on a Mac! ...You should be able to convert a .pub into a PDF file online (for free) at pdfonline.com ...Of course, you could always ask whoever sent it to you to use an open standard (it's worse if the sender is a public organisation who ought to know better).

Gears of War & Unreal Tournament

MisterMac — 2007-07-18T11:23:52+01:00

Like shooting and blowing stuff up? Well, Epic have announced that both Gears of War & Unreal Tournament are coming to the Mac. You can watch a video of the announcement over at gametrailers.com.

Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac 11.3.6 Update

MisterMac — 2007-07-13T16:59:22+01:00

A new update to Office for Mac 2004: Fixes a vulnerability that an attacker could use to overwrite data in memory and other improvements. Download

Buying a Phone

MisterMac — 2007-07-12T13:11:19+01:00

It's not like this when I buy a phone; remember, he's buying a phone! Still, I also don't get hugged by Whoopi Goldberg.

iTunes 7.3.1 & QuickTime 7.2

MisterMac — 2007-07-12T10:21:08+01:00

Apple have released an update to both iTunes & QuickTime, available via Software Update or their downloads. ...QuickTime 7.2 fixes bugs, updates the H.264 code, but the most significant thing is full screen viewing in QuickTime. Up until now you've had to pay for QuickTime Pro for that feature, which has seemed increasingly daft considering you can have full screen movies in iTunes or running something like VLC.

Erase your HD before selling it!

MisterMac — 2007-07-10T12:10:31+01:00

If you ever come to selling your old Mac and really don't want people recovering all your sensitive information, it's well worth erasing it correctly; that's more than just reinstalling the OS. There's a nice guide at The Small Dog Apple Blog.

Tidy Desktop

MisterMac — 2007-07-10T12:11:18+01:00

Dump everything there and never know where anything is? kinkless.com has the answer to a tidy desktop in five steps, including short videos explaining the process step by step. It's well worth taking a look.

Yahoo Messenger Poll

MisterMac — 2007-07-05T10:55:44+01:00

Messenger users whether they'd prefer to wait for the messenger to be updated to work with older versions of OS X, or release updates sooner but will only work with newer versions of the OS. I went with the later, it's not like the older OS won't still be able to run the older version of the messenger. Take the poll here.

Greed isn't good

MisterMac — 2007-07-05T10:54:42+01:00

iTunes 7.3

MisterMac — 2007-07-03T10:32:21+01:00

Nearly forgot, with the release of the iPhone, Apple have updated iTunes to 7.3, available via Software Update and downloads.

Software Updates

MisterMac — 2007-07-03T10:24:25+01:00

Time to check Software Update if you're on an intel Mac. Apple have released Mac OS X 10.4.10 Update v1.1 and Audio Update 2007-001. Download

Just one more iPhone

MisterMac — 2007-07-02T22:49:59+01:00

That concludes my iPhone coverage, being it won't be in the UK for sometime. There are more rumours that Apple has done a deal with Vodafone/T-Mobile and CarPhoneWarehouse and it'll be 3G in Europe.

iPhone iPhone iPhone

MisterMac — 2007-07-02T22:36:53+01:00

iPhone Ad

MisterMac — 2007-06-24T13:24:42+01:00

s Alec Sutherland has made his own take on an iPhone Advert, it's unofficial of course, but clearly professional.

So you want to clean your keyboard?

MisterMac — 2007-06-22T11:01:33+01:00

Here's how.

A Big Ass Table

MisterMac — 2007-06-22T10:53:08+01:00

Although, I kinda like the idea of ordering at my table and not having to wait for a waiter to turn up, or notice that we asked for the bill half an hour ago.

Mac OS X 10.4.10

MisterMac — 2007-06-21T16:42:39+01:00

Well, Apple has made available the new update to Mac OS X 10.4 via Software Update and their download page. Available for PPC, PPC Combo, Intel & Intel Combo and the server versions of course. You can read exactly what it does here.

Get a Mac Ads cleared by ASA.

MisterMac — 2007-06-13T15:45:05+01:00

In your faces complainers! The UK Advertising Standards Agency has rejected a bunch of complaints against Apple's UK Get a Mac ads, starring Mitchell & Webb. Smug link

WWDC 2007 - Keynote Video

MisterMac — 2007-06-12T16:29:02+01:00

You can now watch the WWDC 2007 Keynote video, I always recommend watching, despite it often being somewhat cringey in places, you get a better idea than reading about it. Watch

WWDC 2007 - Mac OS X 10.5: Leopard

MisterMac — 2007-06-12T15:46:38+01:00

The Finder is made up of many different document types of documents, which should be instantly more apparent with the large preview of Cover Flow, this may give a quicker visual clue as to the file you’re looking for, rather than in iTunes where it's really just one type of file (cover art). ...Spaces was also shown again; I’m still unsure if or how much I would use it (I may turn around and love it), unlike Dashboard, which I actually have turned off for being just too slow on a 12" PowerBook. ...There will be those who will be underwhelmed, and few more features we’d not seen in his 10 would’ve been nice, but; it’s still not ready yet, who knows what else may come in the final version in October?

WWDC 2007 - Gaming on the Mac

MisterMac — 2007-06-12T15:34:05+01:00

Gaming on the Mac, one of the few places Windows users still say why they wouldn't use a Mac was given a boost during the keynote. Both EA Games and ID (pronounced id not i.d. it seems) announced they are developing and will have simultaneous launches of games for PC and Mac in the future. Games include: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Madden NFL 08, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08, Need for Speed Carbon, Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars and Battlefield 2142 from EA.

Apple's New Website

MisterMac — 2007-06-12T15:20:00+01:00

Apple has updated their homepage, it's now more simple and streamlined. Oddly thought the UK site hasn't as yet been updated. The website has been showing its age for quite sometime, so it's nice to see the change.

WWDC 2007 - Safari 3 beta for Mac and now Windows

MisterMac — 2007-06-12T15:21:54+01:00

Apple have released a beta version of Safari 3 for Mac, and now for Windows in an effort to increase its market share. ...I'm not sure if it saves your tabs, or if you'll still need Forgetmenot (of even if Forgetmenot is compatible with it). ...The installer does come with its own de-installer, but even so, unless you're really happy with running BETA software, I would advice against installing it for now, let everyone else beta test the beta test software for you first.

Microsoft Surfaces

MisterMac — 2007-06-08T12:48:20+01:00

I just thought I'd mention Microsoft's Surfaces as it looks like it'll be a cool future technology, I'd also hate to be accused of just being a Mac Fanboy who can see no merit in something just because of a Microsoft label. Surfaces is a way of interacting with a computer using hand gestures, with the addition of utilising other technology like wifi to interact with your devices in perhaps a more user friendly or human way. ...Also you might be surprised but this sort of more human interaction with a computer goes right back to the 70s, for instance the Spatial Data Management System (Scroll down to 1979).

Parallels & Bootcamp

MisterMac — 2007-06-08T12:16:10+01:00

Parallels the virtualization software has been updated to version 3, available now. Many new features but the one that stands out is: "Run today’s most popular PC games on a Mac with support for 3D graphics". Apple also have released a new version of BootCamp, 1.3beta.

Updated MacBook Pro

MisterMac — 2007-06-05T13:42:29+01:00

Apple have just updated the MacBook Pro line in a quiet introduction. ... Now 2.2 or 2.4Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo, memory is up to 4GB. The 15" model now comes with an LED (Mercury Free) backlit display & the 17" has an optional higher resolution display.

iPhone coming 29th June

MisterMac — 2007-06-04T12:39:00+01:00

Apple has confirmed through their latest TV ads,that June 29 is the US launch date. They're a good set of ads, concentrating on the iPhone ease of use, I've never understood why Apple don't make similar adverts for the Mac. Still no word on when it'll be out in the UK, or who the carrier will be (rumoured to be T-Mobile).

Google Map Street View

MisterMac — 2007-06-01T12:20:44+01:00

I am a little slow, but if you missed it (like me), google have a very cool new Street View option in google maps. It's not really a Mac thing, but it works on Macs (that counts). ...Only a few US cities so far & considering they've not even done a High Res sat. map of Basingstoke yet, don't expect your local town to be done soon.

Screen Savers

MisterMac — 2007-05-31T16:14:47+01:00

On the left is the list of installed Screen Savers, the top are those available to all users, and the bottom ones installed just for the current user. ...You can also drag and drop them to either one of two folders, depending on if you want the Screen Saver to be available to all users, or just one. ...For just an individual user, choose the user from the Users folder (or just click on Home if you wish to install for the current logged in user) and place in the Users>'User Name'>Library>Screen Savers.

Steve & Bill at all things digital

MisterMac — 2007-05-31T14:57:10+01:00

Interesting set of videos of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates at this years All Things Digital. It's quite cringy in places. Link

iTunes 7.2

MisterMac — 2007-05-30T11:20:49+01:00

Apple has also released iTunes 7.2 via software update for the Mac, and also for Windows, available from Apple downloads. With iTunes 7.2, preview and purchase iTunes Plus music—new higher-quality, DRM-free music downloads from participating music labels.

Security update for QuickTime 7.1.6

MisterMac — 2007-05-30T11:18:45+01:00

Apple have released via software update a security update for QuickTime 7.1.6 or from Apple's downloads. This fixes an exploit using Java.

10 Reasons why it doesn't pay to be the computer guy

MisterMac — 2007-05-29T13:11:40+01:00

It's funny, because it's true: Link

Security Update 2007-005

MisterMac — 2007-05-28T14:16:00+01:00

Apple have released Security Update 2007-005, so do make sure you install it. It may be worth doing a back-up before installation as I've read of some people having problems. When I installed it, halfway through restarting, which seemed to take an age the Mac restarted itself, then started over, all went well from then on, but just so you know.

Skype 2.6

MisterMac — 2007-05-17T15:56:09+01:00

Skype 2.6 is now available for download, includes audio improvement and a new Mac only call transfer feature. Download

Microsoft Office Open XML File Format Converter for Mac

MisterMac — 2007-05-17T15:52:47+01:00

That's a bit of a mouthful. ...This is a stand-alone Macintosh application that converts .docx documents - that is, documents saved by Word 2007 for Windows in the Office Open XML file format - into rich text format (RTF) documents so that they can be automatically opened in either Word 2004 or Word v. ...So if you're getting files from PC users with Word 2007, you can now open them.

MacBooks Updated

MisterMac — 2007-05-15T14:47:18+01:00

Apple have updated the MacBooks. They now come with either a 2.0Ghz or 2.16Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo, larger hard drives and 1GB of memory as standard. They have a new starting price of £699, down £50.

Macworld Video: Filter your spam

MisterMac — 2007-05-09T10:03:43+01:00

MacWorld (US) have made an easy to follow video on ways to reduce your spam in Mail. It's well worth watching. Link (via iTunes)

Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac 11.3.5 Update

MisterMac — 2007-05-09T10:04:13+01:00

Secure the hatches, MS has released another MS Office update. It's quite large at 58.8 mb, so it must be fixing something. You can download it here.

Choose a Vista

MisterMac — 2007-05-08T10:01:17+01:00

I know, I know, I ought not to poke fun, but this really does some up buying Vista, the wheel really would simply it. ...I'm not such a fan of this one, yes Macs run Office, but I'd like real alternatives.

Southpark PC & Mac

MisterMac — 2007-05-04T14:22:19+01:00

I like how the Mac ends with the spinning wheel of doooom!

QuickTime & Secruity

MisterMac — 2007-05-04T11:27:50+01:00

Forgot to mention; but I'm sure you would've noticed in Software Update that Quicktime has been updated to 7.1.6 for both PC and Mac. ... My Software update hasn't prompted me for this one, so I doubt I need it so I'd not worry if you don't either. ...Security Update 2007-004 v1.1 (10.3.9 Client)

A Greener Apple

MisterMac — 2007-05-03T17:22:01+01:00

Steve Jobs has written another essay, this one on how Apple is working to be more environmentally friendly. This comes in the wake of Greenpeace attacks against Apple, which have been found to be pretty misleading anyway.

Flip4Mac

MisterMac — 2007-05-01T09:32:23+01:00

The Quicktime plug-in for playing Windows Media files, Flip4Mac has been updated. As well as other fixes, it has improved windows media 9 advanced playback. Go get it.

Hats off to Channel 4

MisterMac — 2007-04-21T14:15:18+01:00

Linux currently has no such DRM system available and so our content providers will not allow us to support the Linux operating system. Macintosh do have a solution, however the closed DRM system used by Apple is not currently available for licence by third parties and there is no other Mac-compatible DRM solution which meets the protection requirements of our content owners. ...We are sorry to disappoint on this occasion and assure you that if changes throughout the industry happen, as we would like, we will ensure the support of other operating systems.

Channel 4 4OD

MisterMac — 2007-04-20T11:08:14+01:00

I'd heard of it before, just never looked; so I thought, I know I'll give that a go. ...This is an industry-wide issue caused because the accepted Digital Rights Management (DRM) system used to protect online video content, which is required by our content owners, is not compatible with Apple Mac hardware and software. The closed DRM system used by Apple is not currently available for licence by third parties and there is no other Mac-compatible DRM solution which meets the protection requirements of content owners.

Security Update 2007-004

MisterMac — 2007-04-20T10:39:58+01:00

You may've noticed, but if you've not it's time to open System Preferences and hit that Software Update, as Apple have released Security Update 2007-004. Also available online at Apple's download page in a variety of flavours.

DockStar

MisterMac — 2007-04-19T11:13:50+01:00

Here's a fun and possibly even useful add on to Mail, DockStar: DockStar is an add-on for Mail.app that adds up to 5 new-mail indicators to the dock icon. This lets Mail users keep track of email as it arrives in various accounts and local mailboxes.

Mac 101

MisterMac — 2007-04-19T10:50:33+01:00

If you're ever looking for little tips on the Mac, Apple have their own page called Mac 101. It covers most of the basics, but who knows, you might find something you've missed. ...Also, if you’re new to 10.5, there’s a video guide available that covers some of the new features.

The Gracious BBC

MisterMac — 2007-04-19T10:32:40+01:00

Oh, how gracious the BBC are; you may remember I mentioned the BBC making content available on the internet with their iPlayer, and how at the moment it's PC only. ...Mr Highfield said Apple's "proprietary and closed framework for digital rights management gives us headaches," but, "it is one of our top priorities to re-engineer our proposed BBC iPlayer service to work on Macs". ...Just at a time where DRM is finally being seen as the crap thing that it is, the BBC want to lumber us with it.

PC to Mac Applications

MisterMac — 2007-04-19T10:24:16+01:00

More for the switchers, an interesting list of Windows Apps and their alternative on the Mac over at Blalther.org. The only odd one is IE to Parallels on the Mac, obviously you can use Safari, FireFox, Camino etc. He explains why he's done that at the bottom of the article, but I'd have still pointed out the choice of browsers.

How sexy were they?

MisterMac — 2007-04-17T11:27:01+01:00

Posing tech icons when they had more hair; who was the more sexy? I think these photos show the difference in character:

Bill & Steve, gettin' it on.

MisterMac — 2007-04-17T11:08:55+01:00

...I still find it strange, that only a few years ago If I mentioned Steve Jobs, the reply would be 'huh, who?' ...Yes it may not be very accurate, and Bill was the Nerd and Steve more a visionary, leaving the nerdy stuff to Woz.

Skype 2.6 Beta

MisterMac — 2007-04-12T11:23:41+01:00

Why is all software Beta software these days? Anyway, Skype 2.6 beta is available to download. ...It’s recommended for experienced Skype users; I’m sure we can handle it.

Macs do work too

MisterMac — 2007-04-11T11:30:39+01:00

Despite those Mac ads making it seem it’s all fun and games on the Mac, you can do your exciting business work on it too, those lovely home accounts for instance. Apple have put together a nice page that should give you some pointers, and applications you could. run. There's no need to run out and buy a PC for that stuff.

I’ll never buy another PC

MisterMac — 2007-04-10T17:49:52+01:00

Writes long time PC user John, on his blog John's Adventures: The adventures of a Scotsman living in Yorkshire. ... It’s a great read, I’d recommend it to any new switchers, or those thinking of switching, there are many links worth following. ...On the same note, well known Tech columnist Walt Mossberg complains of the awful out-of-the box experience you get with new PCs, and Vista's slow start-up times.

Google Desktop vs Spotlight

MisterMac — 2007-04-04T10:45:54+01:00

It indexes your hard drive and displays results, which can also be viewed in a web browser window (it’s still local, your results aren't uploaded to the web). I’m hoping it will support the standard queries you can use with Google, i.e. putting parenthesis around words to link them: "hot dog" or ignoring words like: hot -dog. ... Searching in spotlight for hot Mac Stu, wouldn't just gives results of Mac Stu, it would give you Sarah Mac, Stuck, Stupid etc.

Why won't you eject?

MisterMac — 2007-03-29T10:48:07+01:00

When Apple updated Mac OS X to 10.4.9 they changed the delay time for the eject key. This was to help out PowerBook/Macbook users who may accidentally hit the key and eject a disc. Of course, this could cause much confusion, as it did my brother who was hitting his key on his PowerMac at work and wondering why his CD wasn't ejecting.

UNO Update

MisterMac — 2007-03-28T18:12:01+01:00

The ever-so-good UNO has been updated to 1.5, make that 'orrible metal go away from your Mac. ...Note: Uno doesn't play nice with Mail Stamps, the little utility that makes Mail look less hideous. You'll need to re-install Mail Stamps after running Uno.

iTunes Update 7.1.1

MisterMac — 2007-03-19T11:36:19+00:00

Apple don't hang about, there's an update to iTunes 7.1 already. Fixes some users problems with library corruption. Available via Software Update or here.

Flux

MisterMac — 2007-03-16T19:58:38+00:00

Not that I get many visitors, but anyone that does, yes I keep messing about with the design, I'll stop soon...

iPhoto 6.0.6

MisterMac — 2007-03-14T09:57:10+00:00

As well as the OS update, Apple released an update to iPhoto, bringing the application up to 6.0.6. It addresses issues with EXIF data compatibility and photocasting. Available via Software update and their site.

Mac OS 10.4.9 Update

MisterMac — 2007-03-14T09:42:57+00:00

Apple have released Mac OS 10.4.9 for both PowerPC and Intel based Macs. ...Mac, Bluetooth, iChat, iCal, iSync, Networking, Printing, Aperture and some third-party products. The one that caught my eye is iChat now includes support for USB Video webcams, up until now iChat would only work with Firewire or built in cameras unless you used a product like ecamm's iChatUSBCam which cost $9.95.

Go sit on the naughty step!

MisterMac — 2007-03-12T16:16:13+00:00

Apple have released six more UK Get a Mac adverts featuring David Mitchell and Robert Webb aka. ...Plus three original UK only ads; Naughty Step, Magic and Court. Nice to see we're getting out own ads and not just US remakes.

The Best of Open Source

MisterMac — 2007-03-08T14:34:25+00:00

I mentioned CyberDuck earlier as a great open source FTP application, well why pay for software? Cyber Duck isn't the only bit of great Mac open source out there, so if you're interested in a few more. Have a look at The Best Open Source Mac Applications over at TechPwn and save your pennies.

iTunes 7.1 & Quicktime 7.1.5

MisterMac — 2007-03-06T09:36:46+00:00

It now has better sorting capabilities (which I've not worked out yet) and a full screen mode for coverflow, which seems quite fancy but I'm not sure I'm really going to use that much, still, nice to know you can if you want. QuickTime 7.1.5 fixes various security issues, before they become an issue! Both should be availble via Software Update or you can download them from Apple's site.

CyberDuck

MisterMac — 2007-02-23T12:08:37+00:00

There are a lot of FTP applications; the old favourite was Fetch and the new is Transmit, both cost a little money. ..."Cyberduck is an open source FTP and SFTP (SSH Secure File Transfer) browser licenced under the GPL with an easy to use interface, integration with external editors and support for many Mac OS X system technologies such as Spotlight, Bonjour, the Keychain and AppleScript" ...So, if you need an FTP to upload things to your website etc., it's worth giving it a look.

BBC iPlayer

MisterMac — 2007-02-23T12:02:46+00:00

It seems on the surface that's good news, the only worry is; what do they mean by reasonable timeframe? ...Platform-agnostic approach: As proposed, the TV catch-up service on the internet relies on Microsoft technology for the digital rights management (DRM) framework. ... "This requires the BBC to develop an alternative DRM framework to enable users of other technology, for example, Apple and Linux, to access the on-demand services."

Messengers

MisterMac — 2007-02-20T11:42:55+00:00

Microsoft have updated MSN Messenger to 6.0.2 for all you crazy people who use it. ... If you're after a more feature rich MSN Messenger, give aMSN a go, it even supports video that's missing in the official Microsoft version on the Mac. Adium is also now at version 1.0.1, so if you prefer to have all your messengers in one, then this is the client for you.

Carbon Copy Cloner 3beta

MisterMac — 2007-02-20T11:37:41+00:00

Until Apple's Time Machine arrives with Mac OS X 10.5, you'll still need to do your back-ups some how, and there's always the very handy Carbon Copy Cloner. It's just been updated to version 3 beta with a new interface and extra features, including the ability to backup over a network.

Apple Updates

MisterMac — 2007-02-20T11:32:06+00:00

Java for Mac OS X 10.3 Update 5 or Java for Mac OS X 10.4 Update 5 ...Update: Apple also has released WWAN Support Update for Intel based portables. This seems to be a bunch of US mobile phone network updates.

Microsoft Office Update 11.3.3 & 11.3.4

MisterMac — 2007-02-14T10:51:21+00:00

Not sure how I missed it, but Microsoft released another update for Microsoft Office 2004 11.3.3 which has quickly been followed by 11.3.4. Go and download them.

Free online seminars

MisterMac — 2007-02-07T13:34:57+00:00

You can now watch many of Apple's seminars online for free. It just takes a quick registration, choose the seminar you're interested in and they'll mail you a link to watch online. From things like Enhancing Video Podcasts with Final Cut Studio, New to the Mac Compatibility with Windows and Making Music on the Mac with GarageBand, plus many more.

Steve Jobs - Thoughts on Music

MisterMac — 2007-02-07T13:26:52+00:00

It's really his thoughts on DRM (Digital Rights Management) used to protect music sold on the iTunes store, or for that matter, any online music store. You may not be aware, but it's not Apple who want DRM (their FairPlay system), it's the 'big four' music companies who will only let their music be sold online with some form of DRM. ... Also, at the moment, if Apple's FairPlay DRM is cracked, they must fix it in a couple of weeks, otherwise the Music companies will remove their music from the iTunes Store.

BBC to offer online TV downloads

MisterMac — 2007-02-01T15:45:54+00:00

Whilst this sounds like good news on the surface, at the moment they are using Microsoft's DRM (Digital Rights Management), this will obviously restrict access to anyone who's not running Windows. ...The BBC Trust have set up a consultation on the subject, if you could take the time to complete the questionnaire it could help to ensure that once launched, we aren't discriminated against. ...My thoughts are that they'd better not charge for any of the content, it's already paid for by the license fee.

Coloured Shuffles

MisterMac — 2007-01-30T13:50:30+00:00

Apple today introduced colours for the iPod Shuffle. As well as the standard silver, you can now choose from Pink, Green, Orange and Blue. ... You can check them out at the Apple Store.

That's Numberwang!

MisterMac — 2007-01-29T17:17:01+00:00

I was very surprised to see that Mitchell and Webb are doing the UK version of the Get a Mac adverts! Mitchell and Webb, if you don't know, are a comedy duo famous for Peep Show on Channel 4, and the BBC's that Mitchell and Webb look, which we recently saw on their live tour. ...You have to give it to Apple, not only did they not just run the US versions here, but managed to make a great choice with Mitchell & Webb to play the Mac and PC.

CoverSutra & Menuet

MisterMac — 2007-01-25T10:27:54+00:00

There's plenty of iTunes controllers out, of course the easiest and much overlooked is to just press the green + (maximise) button in iTunes and you'll have a nice small controller. There's also the Dashboard widget variety, but I'm not a great fan of those. Those looking for something more might want to try CoverSutra, it sits in one of those black transparent windows, showing you the cover art and other information and all can be brought up at the click of a hot key (F7 be default).

Security Update 2007-001

MisterMac — 2007-01-25T10:24:33+00:00

Apple have released Security Update 2007-001. You should've been prompted by Software Update to install it, if not go check. ...This update deals with security issues and QuickTime.

Side Trash

MisterMac — 2007-01-22T12:40:22+00:00

If you're someone who keeps the Dock hidden, or just like the idea of having a bin always at hand, try Side Trash, it places a 'Trash Can' in the sidebar of your Finder windows. Just download, drag to your Applications folder then drag it into your Finder window Sidebar. Sorted!

Vista

MisterMac — 2007-01-19T19:15:18+00:00

I think this says it all: "Nearly all of the major, visible new features in Vista are already available in Apple's operating system, called Mac OS X, which came out in 2001 and received its last major upgrade in 2005. And Apple is about to leap ahead again with a new version of OS X, called Leopard, due this spring." ...If you like a little tongue in cheek humour, have a look at New York Times, David Pogue's comparison between the two and The Joy of Tech Comic.

MyPhone

MisterMac — 2007-01-15T15:59:23+00:00

Well, I've got my iPhone! You can get yours too!

Airport Extreme etc

MisterMac — 2007-01-15T15:09:53+00:00

Something that didn't get a mention at the Keynote and was quietly introduced was Apple's new AirPort Extreme base-station (Wifi router). ...As well as being able to connect a printer to it via USB, you can now add a hard drive that will be available to share on the network, with zero configuration needed. ...It's also unsure if different models will be made for Europe & the US, if there is one model, it may still be possible to circumvent the low speed in the UK by using a US firmware.

Apple TV

MisterMac — 2007-01-15T14:21:46+00:00

Sadly, in the UK we still can't buy TV shows or films from the iTunes store, of course you can import ones you've got from other sources into iTunes and then play them via Apple TV. ...Eventually I'd imagine the idea is that you no longer pay a cable/sky/freeview type provider and instead (via iTunes) you just purchase the programmes/season of programmes/ films that you want to see. ... It's moving from a push to a pull from the internet what content you really want to see rather than just being a couch potato.

The phone is dead, long live the iPhone

MisterMac — 2007-01-10T00:32:58+00:00

One can only hope it will come, as the iPhone runs OS X, there's no technical reason why it couldn't run it, and as it's running the Safari browser, perhaps you could use an online messenger? ...It's a multi device so the price point may seem expensive for a phone, but, it's clearly not just a phone. how much would you pay for an iPod and a cool phone? ...No matter what you feel about the iPhone, it really is a revolutionary product and one the other mobile phone makers are hardly going to ignore, pst, it also makes the Zune look even more like the first generation iPod.

A new years message from Apple.

MisterMac — 2007-01-02T13:04:59+00:00

If you pop along to Apple.com at the moment, you'll be presented with the following message: ...Of course, people have already decided that there's some hidden meaning behind the new years greetings. I'm sure some will become clear at the MacWorld Expo on the 8th January.

Forget me not (sessions for Safari!)

MisterMac — 2007-01-02T10:23:40+00:00

Jim Fowler Software has made the new year better already, bringing to us a session saver for Safari. ... When you install it, be sure to install SIMBL first (it comes with the installer, you'll need to delete older versions first if you have them). ...Have a lot of Tabs open, quit, re-open and it opens them all back up again.

Security Update 2006-008

MisterMac — 2006-12-22T15:00:26+00:00

I must've missed this one, so hopefully you've already done the update. If not, Apple released Security Update 2006-008, available to download or via Software Update. This addresses a Java security issue with Quicktime.

Happy Holidays!

MisterMac — 2006-12-22T15:46:32+00:00

(null)

Video madness

MisterMac — 2006-12-18T19:50:09+00:00

Here's a funny video by the New York Times' David Pogue. It's a review of Microsoft's Vista in comparison to Mac OS X and demonstrates how Vista is not a rip-off of Mac OS X. Some daft Mac fans (fantatics) sent him hate mail after watching it, so just incase you miss the humour, he is taking the piss out of Vista.

Microsoft Office Update 11.3.2

MisterMac — 2006-12-13T13:12:45+00:00

Microsoft have released another security update for MS Office 2004 Mac. If you use it, then you'd best install it. ...You can download and install this one 11.3.2

Secret Notes

MisterMac — 2006-11-29T12:05:31+00:00

So, you now know how to hide away those documents you want to keep extra secure, but you're thinking really you just want to keep some text more secure, notes, or passwords. ...You can then give your note a Name, and then enter whatever text you wish to keep secure. ...Your note will then be created, you can see it by selecting Secure Notes from the left hand sidebar.

Keeping Mum

MisterMac — 2006-11-29T11:11:50+00:00

If you have such data on your Mac, especially on a portable Mac you often take out of the house, the first thing you may want to turn on is FileVault. ...Give the new image a name, perhaps something that won't draw attention to it, so calling it Top Secret may not be the best idea. ...When choosing the Size of the file, keep in mind what you are going to put on it, if it's just a few text files then something like 2.5mb may be fine, but if it's audio/video you may want to choose something larger.

Security Update 2006-007

MisterMac — 2006-11-29T11:01:02+00:00

If Software Update hasn't popped up it's little head to let you know, Apple released Security Update 2006-007 yesterday. Hopefully this will put your mind at rest to any hysteria you may have seen in the news concerning Apple security which; let me assure you, still makes Windows look like an open gate. You can install it via System Preferences>Software Update, or from Apple Downloads (be sure to pick the right one for your system (10.3.9 client or server, 10.4.8 intel client, ppc client, server ppc or server universal).

Flash Update

MisterMac — 2006-11-17T14:02:24+00:00

Adobe, now owners of Macromedia have updated the Flash player. So, run along and download it so you can continue to enjoy all those awful Flash unbookmarkable websites! (homestar isn't awful though).

FireFox 2 session saver

MisterMac — 2006-11-14T11:12:30+00:00

If you're a FireFox 2 user, you may be interested in its built in ability to save your sessions. This means, when you quit and open FireFox back up, it'll reopen the pages you were working on in Tabs. This can be very helpful if say you always open the same set of web pages, or if FireFox has quit on you right in the middle of things.

Dashboard Killer

MisterMac — 2006-11-14T11:09:07+00:00

**## waiting for it to appear (I'm sure it's quicker on newer Macs). Perhaps you don't like the idea it's sitting there all the time, taking up precious memory. There is an option to turn it off using Dashboard Killer, it doesn't actually delete it, it just gives you a handy option to turn it off and on.

Front Row on a Mac Pro

MisterMac — 2006-11-14T10:59:54+00:00

I know none of us have a Mac Pro, but you never know when someone may pop out and get one, and when you do you'll be wondering why you can't run Front Row, all because you don't have a remote? ...Of course, most of us can't run it full stop without a lot more hacking. I did manage to get it running on my PowerBook 12" and my older 15" TiBook, using my phone, via Salling Clicker as a remote, but it only ever seemed a novelty, having a laptop kinda negates placing your computer far away just to use FrontRow with a remote.

Clever Playlists

MisterMac — 2006-11-14T10:50:57+00:00

You can read about them on Apple's website, needless to say, they're like standard iTunes playlists, but instead of just being tracks you've dragged and dropped, they're dynamic, and are able to say list all your iTunes from a certain year, type etc, but you can combine them. To quickly create one, in iTunes select New Smart Playlist from the File menu (option+command+n) or hold down the option key, the standard + button in the bottom left of iTunes will change to a Cog wheel, click on it and up will appear a Smart Playlist window. ...There's also a website dedicated to them, so if you can't think of any yourself, there's some ideas for you over at smartplaylists.com

It's all gone 2 Duo

MisterMac — 2006-11-09T10:09:26+00:00

Apple have updated the MacBook, following on from the MacBook Pro. The MacBook now sports the intel Core 2 Duo chips. ...13-inch: White 2.0Ghz/1Gb/80Gb SuperDrive - £879

Aperture Give-Away!

MisterMac — 2006-11-02T23:09:31+00:00

Apple are letting you try out their professional post-production photo tool Aperture for 30 days. So, if you find iPhoto a little limiting and want to play with something a little more high-end, here's your chance. ...You could also try out the competition, Adobe's Lightroom Beta

QTAmateur

MisterMac — 2006-10-31T11:07:20+00:00

QTAmateur is a small, simple QuickTime video player. It can play any format that QuickTime can understand, it runs full screen and can also export to any format that Quicktime can. This application will make you wonder, why you you want to pay for QuickTime Pro?

Taboo

MisterMac — 2006-10-30T13:17:33+00:00

Talking of Safari plug-ins. Have you ever had a lot of tabs open in Safari, and accidentally clicked the close window button, and without any warning Boom, your window and all those nice Tabbed windows have gone. Well, there's a handy plug-in which gives you a nice warning before closing your window full of tabs, it's called Taboo, by Obsessive Compulsive Development.

Inquisitor... it's like Spotlight for Safari.

MisterMac — 2006-10-30T13:13:31+00:00

Probably one of the most useful add-ons for Safari, here's the blurb: ...Start typing and websites pop up immediately, along with ideas to refine your search. ...and you can add more search engines to Safari with customized keyboard shortcuts.

Mac Book Pro Core Duo2

MisterMac — 2006-10-24T16:03:21+01:00

Apple today released updated versions of the Mac Book Pro, they now boast the new intel Core Duo 2 chip. It pretty much means they're faster, Apple claims 39% faster than the previous models. ...Support for more memory, up to 3GB, increased storage, standard double-layer SuperDrive and ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics processor (up to 256mb Ram).

Skype 2

MisterMac — 2006-10-24T12:17:58+01:00

Skype 2 for Mac has been released. "Make video calls to anyone on Skype, no matter what kind of computer they are using." Download here.

FireFox 2

MisterMac — 2006-10-24T12:04:31+01:00

New features include; nicer theme, better search, improved tabbed browsing functionality, built-in anti-phishing, RSS & XML feed viewing and a better spell checker (You can add the UK dictionary). ... If you tend to open the same sites in tabs each time you use a browser, you'll like this. ...At the moment I'll be sticking with Safari and am looking forward to an update with Mac OS X 10.5.

Windows on the Mac

MisterMac — 2006-10-12T12:41:01+01:00

Running windows on a Mac came up, and they mentioned Boot Camp, I told them about Parallels (see below), which unlike Boot Camp allows you to run Windows without the need to restart, oddly, the chap said a colleague had told him about it, but hadn't believed him. ...New switchers are meant to find it comforting, there are still some Windows applications that aren't available on the Mac, so using one of these products would allow you to run AutoCad or Access. ... There are still a lot of games which don't make it to the Mac (or to the PC from game consoles really), so these solutions above makes running them an option.

Backache?

MisterMac — 2006-10-12T12:11:32+01:00

Then you really ought to sort out how you work with your Mac. Pop along to Macworld for an in-depth article on getting the ergonomics right. "Body Positioning Your body, monitor, and keyboard should form a straight line—you shouldn’t have to rotate your trunk or neck to type or to read your screen."

Overflow

MisterMac — 2006-10-12T12:06:22+01:00

Overflow is an application designed to quickly launch applications, open documents, or access folders while keeping the size of your dock in check. It's a little like Quicksilver and might be worth taking a look at.

Get a Mac

MisterMac — 2006-10-12T11:58:01+01:00

Apple have posted some more Get a Mac Ads. They are funny, but, would they really sell a Mac to a PC user? Oddy the PC guy is more endearing anyway, maybe that's just my British sense, wanting the underdog to win (though in reality, the Mac is the underdog).

More Updates

MisterMac — 2006-10-12T11:33:31+01:00

Well, in my last post I mentioned Microsoft has updated Messenger for Mac, well, they've updated it again, surprise surprise. ...Also, Microsoft office for Mac 2004 has been updated to 11.3.0, you can download the update here. ...iTunes gained a 0.1 update: iTunes 7.0.1 and iPhoto was updated as well iPhoto 6.0.5.

Messenger 6

MisterMac — 2006-09-27T23:29:49+01:00

For all those of you who still use MSN Messenger, they've updated it to version 6, it's a free download from here. ... • Share what you are listening to in iTunes with your personal contacts ...Of course, you could always move over to the multi-client messenger Adium and save the bother or just use good old iChat.

Scrolling Scrolling Scrolling

MisterMac — 2006-09-23T10:58:59+01:00

Here's a handy tip. If you happen to use a standard scroll wheel mouse (none of your fancy Mighty Mice), you can do sideways/horizontal scrolling. It's very simple, when you want to scroll to the side instead of up and down, just hold down the shift key.

One More Thing

MisterMac — 2006-09-13T15:06:37+01:00

This box will sit under your TV and you'll be able to stream music, film, photos etc to it from your computer wirelessly. ...This isn't a recording device, it's purely for streaming media from a computer. So if you want to record TV to your Mac, you'd still need something like eyeTV (yes, another itv to confuse you) from Elgato.

iPods

MisterMac — 2006-09-13T14:53:33+01:00

iPod Nano, the form has changed, and looks much more like a thinner version of the mini. ...You'll also be able to download (at a cost) new games for the iPod, available via the iTunes Store (it's no longer the iTunes Music Store for obvious reasons). The iPod also now has quick search and ability to use the scroll wheel to enter letters, so you can find music more easily.

iTunes 7

MisterMac — 2006-09-13T14:35:21+01:00

The look has some subtle changes, and I'm thinking this is where Mac OS X 10.5 is headed. ...It now has a Cover Flow view, which makes flicking through album art very simple, you may have seen this before under the Cover Flow name, but Apple have bought it and tied it right into iTunes, which is much better. ...Also, remove the OSS 3D plugin if you have it installed, it causes iTunes 7 not to play music at all.

iMac's Updated

MisterMac — 2006-09-07T11:06:56+01:00

17" now comes with a 1.83Ghz (£679) or 2.0Ghz (£799) Intel Core 2 Duo The 20" (£999) and new 24" (£1,349.01) both have a 2.16Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo, with a build to order option of a 2.33Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo. ...The Mac Mini now sports either a 1.66Ghz (£399.01) or 1.83Ghz (£529) Intel Core Duo (Not the Core 2 Duo).

Total Recall 2

MisterMac — 2006-08-25T10:54:29+01:00

It seems Dell isn't the only company with Sony battery problems, Apple have have started their own recall program. Check the Apple site to find out if yours is affected, and what to do to get a replacement. Seems mine is fine.

WWDC 2006

MisterMac — 2006-08-08T14:01:32+01:00

Mail: Brings a new notes feature, I know I'm forever writing text documents with things to do and memory joggers, now you can save those all in Mail, which seems a great place to keep them. ...Core Animation: Which isn't really so much a feature for you and me, but more part of Mac OS 10.5 which should make for a richer experience when using your Mac. ...It's fun just for the I'm a PC guy's introduction and Bertrand Serlet's comments on the remarkable way Window's Vista is starting to look rather like Mac OS X, we've never seen them do that before...

Security Update 2006-004

MisterMac — 2006-08-02T12:02:11+01:00

Apple have released Security update 2006-004, which can be downloaded and installed using Software Update (under System Preferences), or from Apple Downloads. So go, install, relax.

Total Recall

MisterMac — 2006-08-01T15:17:45+01:00

If you own a 15" Mac Book Pro, and bought it between Feb. and May this year then you may want to check your battery serial numbers. Apple have launched a battery recall program, due to some having faulty batteries and will replace them free of charge. More information can be found at Apple's site here.

Buying a Mac? Hold it right there...

MisterMac — 2006-08-01T14:57:35+01:00

Just incase you're thinking of buying a Mac (or iPod) in the next week, it would be best to wait. Apple's World Wide Developer Conference - WWDC, starts on 7th August and there's likely to be some new product releases, many are due. There's plenty of rumours as to what those will be, but it's not long to wait to know for sure.

Mighty Mouse

MisterMac — 2006-07-27T11:59:06+01:00

I'm not much of a fan of the Mighty Mouse, bar the scroll ball and much prefer Logitech's mice. They've also recently released a new wireless keyboard and mouse combination, the: Logitech Cordless Desktop S 530. Sadly though it's not Bluetooth, so you have to plug a stupid adapter into your USB port, which seems dumb.

Update your office

MisterMac — 2006-07-12T12:48:28+01:00

Microsoft have released an update to Office 2004 for Mac. If you use Office, you'd best download it here. Update has various security & bug fixes.

Bookmark Syncing Part 2

MisterMac — 2006-07-11T16:02:36+01:00

If you would like some Bookmarks to be private, just click Edit next to the Bookmark in question, then click the tick box: Do Not Share, here you can also add any other tags and rename the bookmark etc. ...Say you were using a computer elsewhere and wanted to access that Bookmark once you're home, you can add it to del.icio.us and it'll be available wherever you are, you could also then re-sync your del.icio.us bookmarks with Safari. ...Or, from the File Menu you can select New Post from Safari, which will select the web-site you currently have open in Safari, making bookmarking to del.icio.us even quicker.

Reasons to be cheerful 1. 2. 3.

MisterMac — 2006-07-07T14:49:38+01:00

"Security threats to PCs with Microsoft Windows have increased so much that computer users should consider using a Mac, says a leading security firm." Read the story at the Beeb. We're not perfect, but we are better.

Flash Player

MisterMac — 2006-06-28T15:19:37+01:00

Whilst you're doing the Mac OS X update; pop along to Adobe and get the latest version of Flash Player, now updated to version 9.

Update: Mac OS X 10.4.7

MisterMac — 2006-06-28T15:16:10+01:00

You should be able to get the update from Software Update in System Preferences. You can also download standalone installers from Apple's site. Update: Quicktime has also been updated to 7.1.2

Turns your voice into sugar water

MisterMac — 2006-06-27T13:57:40+01:00

Just to lighten the mood a little from all my back up preaching; you have to go and download Voice Candy! It has 8 crazy voice effects that should have you giggling like a mouse or even Darth Vader.

Back to the backup

MisterMac — 2006-06-26T15:50:23+01:00

Oddly; as we're on the subject of backups so was the MacObserver. In collaboration with Bob "Dr. Mac" LeVitus they have written a whole guide to backing up here.

Backup, Backup, Backup!

MisterMac — 2006-06-20T11:22:37+01:00

Right at the start of writing this little blog, said I was going to write about how to backup your Mac; it's very important you do. If you don't; then one day, you'll be crying over a whole lot of lost data when your hard disc drive dies. ...Tyler Hall had recently covered backing up on a Mac, so instead of rehashing, take some time and read his: how-to-backup-your-mac-intelligently.

A good review; from the Beeb?

MisterMac — 2006-06-20T10:26:50+01:00

The new MacBooks are powerful, fast and sleek machines, at a price to rival similar offerings from the world of Windows. In addition, they sport Intel chips, so they can run Microsoft's operating system as well as Apple's OS X." ...I'd still not run out and get one quite yet; tends to be best to avoid first generation products.

Macs? Expensive? Nah

MisterMac — 2006-06-15T17:56:22+01:00

Oh, I'm sure they're cheaper PCs but Apple lowered their prices today. Go take a look (Sadly even they've succumbed to using football *twitch* to try and sell stuff)

Bookmark Syncing Part 1

MisterMac — 2006-06-14T18:58:11+01:00

With .mac you get a lot of features (mail, web hosting, iDisk etc) , it's up-to-you if you think they are worth the cost, some argue that a lot of them are available elsewhere for free, though will lack the full integration of .mac. ...There are also a lot of extras out for it, but I find it uses up too much CPU compared to Safari and isn't as quick. ...That's it for now, in part 2 I'll explain another way to keep your bookmarks in sync, for free.

Important Office Update

MisterMac — 2006-06-13T23:55:00+01:00

If you're running Microsoft Office 2004 on your Mac, then you'd better go download the latest update released today. It fixes various vulnerabilities etc, and you really don't want any Microsoft vulnerabilities on your Mac now do you?

More Gat a Mac

MisterMac — 2006-06-13T14:16:30+01:00

Apple have released 3 more "Get a Mac" ads. That PC guy makes you want to say "bless". Just kickin' it

Google Video

MisterMac — 2006-06-07T11:08:38+01:00

Google have released a stand alone video player for the Mac (Like Quicktime). So now you can watch videos downloaded from Google Video ...Add it to your collection of video players.

Zoom Zoom

MisterMac — 2006-05-31T00:42:15+01:00

Just click on it and you'll get the idea. http://interact10ways.com/usa/information_interactive.htm Careful you don't zoom too far, you might find you're clicking on the back of your head.

DivX for Mac

MisterMac — 2006-05-30T17:31:18+01:00

The official version of DivX for the Mac is all new and updated, so go download it. It also contains the codec for Quicktime, you can convert movies to the DivX format and play DivX movies directly from a web browser. ...Let's say it's an alternative to Quicktime or a companion, for more information on what DivX is, look here

Sharing

MisterMac — 2006-05-20T16:26:45+01:00

Then type in the user name and password of the Mac you are accessing (not the user name of the Mac you are using to access the other Mac, of course you can set them to be the same) ...In this case when connecting to Paul's Mac, it is showing me his main hard disc, Macintosh HD. ...Most of the time selecting the home directory (paul in this case) will give you access to the all information you may want, including the desktop of the machine in question.

Take the fifth!

MisterMac — 2006-05-20T16:11:41+01:00

Yes, crazy as it's just a shop, but would this ever happen at a PC store opening? ...To get the idea, just have to watch this video, and the full story at IFO. I think had I been the first one in I'd have been punching the air more!

Book your Mac

MisterMac — 2006-05-17T17:11:02+01:00

The black one being the top of the range, which just means it has a larger HD it seems, though oddly, if you order a White MacBook with the same size hard drive, it'll still cost less than the black one. ...One of the other cool new features I thought is the ability for a user to replace the internal hard drive, without having to take the whole thing to bits, finally getting a bigger HD will be like replacing memory. ...This chap was one of the first to get his hands on one, it's a very Mac thing to take photos of unpacking your Mac but, It didn't take long for those crazy Japanese to take one apart.

Good news everyone!

MisterMac — 2006-05-08T12:29:20+01:00

The Beatles to me was always that music my Mum liked (I'm not sure she actually liked them that much either, she says they were ok, but wasn't fanatical). ...It just seemed like common sense has won through, nobody was ever really going to confuse The Beatles record label and the computer company. ...The Beatles recently announced they might join the 21st century and allow their music to be sold online, but it's doubtful it'll be with iTMS.

Get a Mac

MisterMac — 2006-05-03T16:18:30+01:00

You've probably got one already, but Apple have just made some new adverts. ...I really like the new adverts, they're cute and funny and it's nice to see Apple putting over the reasons that Macs are better for a change. (better than the switch campaign, not that I think it ever aired in the UK hmm could be wrong) and thankfully not another iPod advert. The iLife one makes me chuckle.

Name that tune

MisterMac — 2006-05-01T17:35:39+01:00

I've tried it, and it identified most of the songs, but Dave from Mac Observer's MacGeekGab said he had problems he said in their latest podcast, but I managed to get it to identify the songs he had problems with. I think the key is increasing the input level of your mic (you need the eq line in tunatic really to be dancing) and/or getting the mic close to the output speaker. ...I did come across a companion product for it, Tunalyzer, that apparently analyses music on your mac and sends the audio fingerprint back to them, making tunatic work better in theory.

Nothing on telly?

MisterMac — 2006-04-11T15:07:33+01:00

Well, once, perhaps, and there probably are more geeky podcasts than not, but there are some gems out there that might have you clicking, rather than tuning in for each episode. ...There, a long list of Video Podcasts, you can either press subscribe, which will take you back to your list of subscribed Podcasts in iTunes, but I'd recommend clicking on the picture thumbnail of a Podcast you're interested in. ...Paul Knight: "Our wedding video chopped up into 15 small chunks for all to enjoy, 10 of which you can download for your iPod (but not just your iPod), the last 5 you can only watch on my blog courtesy of dailymotion.com"

Das Boot

MisterMac — 2006-04-05T17:06:51+01:00

It allows owners of Macs based on the intel chip to run Windows XP as well as Mac OS X on the same machine. ...To make this choice simply irresistible, Apple will include technology in the next major release of Mac OS X, Leopard, that lets you install and run the Windows XP operating system on your Mac" ...To be honest, I really have no need to run any Windows applications day-to-day, I'm sure I'm not the only one. (or we'd have bought a PC, right?)

Updates

MisterMac — 2006-04-04T11:51:53+01:00

You should be able to update straight from Software Update in your System Preferences, or download the standalone installation from here. ...I've read there is no need to repair your permissions after or before installing this update. I've noticed that 10.4.6 breaks Cage Fighter's ability to change Mail.app's Icons.

I command you

MisterMac — 2006-03-28T12:20:20+01:00

Some new users to the Mac may not be aware of some command keys. ...It doesn't work in ALL applications, but I often find hitting command+d very useful. ...Some users moving from using a full size keyboard to an iBook, PowerBook or MacBook Pro, miss the Forward Delete key.

Hit the button

MisterMac — 2006-03-24T13:46:54+00:00

"Rock Star is a music trivia game that pits you against a clock and your very own music. ... Britney may think that it's her against the music, but for only $9 you can put yourself against your music too!" It's similar to Buzz on the PS2, but was out well before it.

Cage Fighter

MisterMac — 2006-03-13T20:32:56+00:00

I'm sure I made a post about Cage Fighter before, it must've got lost somewhere during my being without mac weeks. ...I can't stand the new look to Mail.app introduced in Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger. Thankfully I wasn't alone, this is where Cage Fighter comes in.

Lady Bug

MisterMac — 2006-03-13T18:53:49+00:00

Lady Bugs (that's a Lady Bird to those of us in the UK) ...This game for small children will keep your little ones racing against other ladybugs, wandering around garden mazes and helping ladybugs find their homes. These are challenging yet extremely fun activities to stimulate your child's thinking and color recognition skills, and at the same time, simply having a good time."

Just browsing

MisterMac — 2006-03-13T16:39:29+00:00

If you're still using IE (Internet Explorer) on a Mac in OS X, it's really about time you stopped and switched to one of these below. ...FireFox is the I can do anything browser of the browser world, if it can't do it out of the box, there tends to be a plug-in for it that will. ...You've a lot of web pages open, and you need to restart, or shut down but really don't want to have to open all those pages at the specific places you left them?

Update

MisterMac — 2006-02-25T11:26:37+00:00

Where have I been? Well, even Mister Mac has Mac problems from time to time. Normal service shall resume shortly.

Hoo Ha

MisterMac — 2006-01-20T17:37:35+00:00

I posted a little about the similarity between between Apple's new Intel Mac ad & The Postal Service's (a music band, not a delivery company) 'Such Great Heights' video below (see: Happy New Year!) ...It has recently come to our attention that Apple Computers' new television commercial for the Intel chip features a shot-for-shot recreation of our video for 'Such Great Heights' made by the same filmmakers responsible for the original. ...You can look at it two ways, it's either great exposure for the band, and/or a lack of creativity by TBWA Chiat Day (Apple's Ad agency)/Josh & Xander, the directors behind both Ad and video.

iPhotoed Safari

MisterMac — 2006-01-20T14:46:00+00:00

iPhoto 6, part of iLife '06 has a new full screen mode, with translucent menus and palettes that appear as you mouse over them, then vanish. ...The bottom and top menus wouldn't appear at the same time in reality (like iPhoto), it's just for show. ...Instead of a list of photos at the top, in Safari it would be thumbs of recently visited web pages/sites (showing the sites name on mouse over) This could be changed to show bookmarks?

Here's looking at you kid

MisterMac — 2006-01-17T16:53:17+00:00

You'll get a list of webcams, that you can view. ... It's mostly watching people sitting around their offices, unis or around town ...Well, they're either open on purpose, or someone has forgotten about security for our amusement.

BBC News Watch

MisterMac — 2006-01-17T11:35:50+00:00

In summary, as there are no known Mac OS X viruses, having anti virus software won't really do anything, and may possibly cause more problems with your system. ..."and although I’m not their (Mac users) favourite person at the moment since I dared question the absolute security of their godhead, I was still allowed to comment on air." ...Apple or Mac users may need to be taken to task over a lot of things, this just doesn't seem one of them.

Wind-up merchants.

MisterMac — 2006-01-12T11:09:46+00:00

Seems all rather reasonable, until you notice the choice of 'have your say' reader feedback slapped on. ...It's not like Mac and PC users need any extra goading to go at each other. You can just imagine whoever choose it sitting there thinking "nyayahahahaha, let the fun commence".

Flippin' Eck!

MisterMac — 2006-01-11T21:11:07+00:00

Say goodbye to that awful looking Windows Media Player on your Mac, you need it no more! You can now download for free Flip4Mac, which adds components (codecs) to Quicktime that allow you to play windows media in the QuickTime player, and web browsers. Update: I've removed Flip4Mac, after discovering it causes the Finder to quit when getting info. on AVI files.

Other news from MacWorld

MisterMac — 2006-01-11T13:54:58+00:00

Dive right in -- Google Earth combines satellite imagery, maps and the power of Google Search to put the world's geographic information at your fingertips." ...If you liked the idea of sharing photos more easily, like Photocasting recently announced as part of iPhoto, why not try FilmLoop? ...It's available for PC & Mac, I'll try setting up some loops so you can take a look.

Happy New Year!

MisterMac — 2006-01-11T13:54:37+00:00

I had some problems starting up after the 10.4.4 update, it sat at the Apple logo with the spinning wheel, I had to force it to quit and start again in single-user mode and run a few repairs. ...You've nothing to worry about, having an Intel chip in your Mac doesn't make it a PC, it doesn't make it vulnerable to PC viruses, that's a software issue. ...It makes sense, although the first PowerBooks also didn't use a PowerPC chip, so the Power in PowerBook was never an indication of the chip used inside.

A little fun

MisterMac — 2005-12-01T12:45:42+00:00

Then, either cntrl+click on them, right click and select 'slideshow' or select slideshow from the cog menu (it appears on most Finder windows) ...There are options at the bottom to skip through them, show all selected. fit to screen and an X to return to the finder. ...Release the Command key with the pointer on the Application of your choice and you'll be switched to it (no clicking needed)

Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam. Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam.

MisterMac — 2005-11-07T16:57:00+00:00

Set your standard POP email account to forward all it's mail to your GMail account, and then add that GMail account to 'Mail'. ...Now, Google doesn't just give out Gmail accounts to anyone, it's all a bit exclusive at the moment and you'll need to be referred by someone who has a GMail account. ...If you really don't want to you can still use AOL mail with Apple's Mail application getting the benefits of its mail filter.

Spelling Bee

MisterMac — 2005-11-03T16:33:00+00:00

You know how to spell the word now, but you don't know what it means and you're in a hurry? ...You don't want to use Command-'letter' like Command-S, or you may find you're trying to look up a word and it's saving, quiting, opening, doing a little jig. ...Note: If you're going to use an F key on an iBook or PowerBook, you have to hold down the fn (Function) key then F1 etc or you'll just be adjusting your brightness or turning up the volume.

Welcome to Stu's News

MisterMac — 2005-11-01T13:31:00+00:00

Well, before you go to all the trouble of launching the dictionary, OmniDictionary or even that thing with real pages in you keep in the cupboard. ...Place your cursor over the word in question, right click or hold down the control 'ctrl' key and 'click' on it. Up will pop a handy little contextual menu with guesses at the word you meant to spell. (more of less depending on the word) In this case it gets the word straight away.