“Apple” collection
Stay updated with the latest news and comprehensive tutorials focused on the entire Apple hardware and software ecosystem. This collection provides a deep dive into the devices and operating systems that define modern mobile and desktop computing.
HTD Tech Briefs
View all →December 21, 2006
AppleJack for OSX (Geek Alert!)
Next in line is a piece of software for all of the Mac users out there. I'm sure that you take good care of your mac from a maintenance perspective (you do, right?)...you install the Apple Software Updates, periodically run the Disk Repair utility, repair your permissions, and generally don't abuse your system. There are lots of tools that you…
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December 20, 2006
LogMeIn.com (Hamachi) Part 2
Since I already wrote about Hamachi, and I must say that I am really growing to like it, I figured that I should do a little write up of Hamachi's new parent company, LogMeIn.com. But first, a couple of new notes for Hamachi. I was able to finally access my Windows shared directories from a Mac. First you need to…
Read more →December 19, 2006
Software review a day (?)
It seems like recently, probably due to the holidays, that I have not been posting regularly. So last night, I made a decision (who knows if it will stick) to try to review one piece of "software" a day. I realize that it is ambitious, but I would rather make the attempt than have my blog turn stale. So, I'm…
Read more →November 14, 2006
Install Apple’s Front Row on Mac OS 10.4.8
This is one of the "neater hacks" for those of us who cannot normally run Front Row (e.g., you don't have a Built-in Infrared (IR) receiver). For the most part, it's any of us with the "older school" Macintoshes. It basically allows you to have a mini-media center (Music, Photos, Videos and DVD). More info here on Apple's Site. So,…
Read more →November 13, 2006
Dual-boot: Mac OSX and Ubuntu (Part II)
Well, I'm making this post from my 12" Powerbook G4, wirelessly connected to the internet using Ubuntu. Yep, you guessed it, I got the wireless working. Not the most elegant of solutions, but it works. I have have a fully functional, dual-boot, Mac OSX 10.4.8 and Ubuntu 6.10 system. So, here is what I did...and the guides I followed: Step…
Read more →November 12, 2006
Dual-boot: Mac OSX and Ubuntu (Part I)
OK, I admit it...I was bored. And a bit envious of those Intel-macs that can dual boot to Windows (or run Parallels). So, I figured that I would have some fun with my 12" Powerbook and set it up to dual boot with my favorite Linux flavor (next to OSX, of course) Ubuntu. Yes, don't forget, OSX is unix ((Please…
Read more →October 24, 2006
Installed the keyboard myself!
Well, I figured that I would try to save a little bit of $$$ and get some more notches in the tech belt and install the new keyboard on my Powerbook myself. I used the great guides (as previously mentioned) at iFixIt.com. I definitely recommend them. Anyway, the installation went relatively well, but I had to do it twice (the…
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October 24, 2006
Powerbook unboxing – Part 3
So, I got my wonderful Powerbook back from Apple Care yesterday. Yes, they fixed the issue of the ALS (Ambient light sensor). Now I'm shopping around for a good local vendor to help install the keyboard that I purchased on eBay. I have found a couple of local candidates and I'm just checking prices now. I would have tried to…
Read more →October 17, 2006
Apple Care – Part 4 – back for more repairs (ALS broken)
Well, I must say that I have been getting to know Apple Care a bit more that I really would have wanted to. Where I last left off, Apple had totally "styled me out" by fixing my case with new parts...however, it looks like they forgot to connect the Ambient Light Sensor (ALS) when they put it all together. For…
Read more →October 13, 2006
Helper apps for the Mac (specifically Remote Desktop Connection)
I'm sure that if you are a mac user and you use Microsoft's Remote Desktop (RDC) to connect to other PCs, that you have become frustrated on how limited the capabilities are. I found a couple of tools that may help with that lack-luster experience. First, there is RDC Menu. " RDC Menu adds an icon to your menubar, allowing…
Read more →October 6, 2006
Apple Care came through with flying colors!
OK, it looks like the saga is over. Today, I finally received my laptop today (see all of the previous posts). Actually, I was pretty impressed with this round. I shipped the laptop this past Monday, it was received and fixed on the same day (Tuesday) and shipped back on Wednesday. I missed the delivery on Thursday, but today, I…
Read more →September 28, 2006
MORE Apple Support madness!!!
So...the madness continues. After all of the fun as outlined here and here, and thinking that "all was well" when I received the laptop package yesterday...all hopes were shattered when I started reading the form letter in the repair box! The words "RETURN: CUSTOMER DECLINED REPAIR" jumped out at me and I wanted to cry. Quickly booting up my "fixed"…
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