From tony at tastardata.com Wed Apr 1 10:24:31 2009 From: tony at tastardata.com (Tony Auretto) Date: Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:24:31 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Wiebetech Product Announcements Message-ID: Today, Wiebetech announced an interesting range of new products, most are Apple centric, one deals with managing data destruction when disposing old computer equipment, etc. Worth a look (and will probably be most interesting to the techie's out there) - at this link [http://www.wiebetech.com/aprilfools/ultraduck.php]. Tony Auretto -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090401/bc4a652e/attachment.htm From ronladams7 at gmail.com Wed Apr 1 13:23:25 2009 From: ronladams7 at gmail.com (R_Adams) Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 13:23:25 -0600 Subject: [NPMUG] iPod Message-ID: <525018B8-7F19-403D-BB9D-954C58DF1BE1@gmail.com> not sure what to say... hope it was still in the nice packaging. http://twitter.com/jaketapper/status/1432886841 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090401/4d7da082/attachment.htm From cuzinbrucie at mac.com Wed Apr 1 21:16:44 2009 From: cuzinbrucie at mac.com (Bruce Wells) Date: Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:16:44 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] the latest technology! Message-ID: At the meeting tonight. A REAL hand set for you cell. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: P1010474.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 150899 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090401/4e87f62e/attachment-0001.jpg -------------- next part -------------- From charles at firthconsulting.com Wed Apr 1 21:24:26 2009 From: charles at firthconsulting.com (Charles Firth) Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 23:24:26 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] iPod In-Reply-To: <525018B8-7F19-403D-BB9D-954C58DF1BE1@gmail.com> References: <525018B8-7F19-403D-BB9D-954C58DF1BE1@gmail.com> Message-ID: Thing is, the Queen already had one :) Still, a better gift then the one he gave PM Brown. On Apr 1, 2009, at 3:23 PM, R_Adams wrote: > not sure what to say... hope it was still in the nice packaging. > > http://twitter.com/jaketapper/status/1432886841 > > _______________________________________________ > NPMUG mailing list > NPMUG at davesevick.com > http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090401/d873615e/attachment.htm From ronladams7 at gmail.com Wed Apr 1 23:39:50 2009 From: ronladams7 at gmail.com (R_Adams) Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 23:39:50 -0600 Subject: [NPMUG] Recycle... Message-ID: <7D588389-B175-4128-853C-9A95890AACB0@gmail.com> http://bit.ly/SfUQr -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090401/84e4f5f3/attachment.htm From radonaldson at mac.com Thu Apr 2 07:12:13 2009 From: radonaldson at mac.com (Robert A. Donaldson) Date: Thu, 02 Apr 2009 09:12:13 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Stolen Titanium PowerBook G4 Message-ID: <94740C6E-B9C0-4EFF-808D-7950CDFDDA75@mac.com> Dear Mac friends: A client's Titanium PowerBook G4 was stolen in a home burglary. The serial number is SQT2330FVLP4. It has a shallow dent and surface wear on the right palm rest. If you come across this PowerBook, please call the Pittsburgh Police and drop me a line. Thanks! Robert A. Donaldson radonaldson at mac.com (H) 412-922-3303 (M) 412-477-9188 From marty.swartz at gmail.com Thu Apr 2 09:38:53 2009 From: marty.swartz at gmail.com (Marty Swartz) Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 11:38:53 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Sims Recycling Solutions in Roseville, California ... looks like Goodwill to me ... only better .... In-Reply-To: <6611C64D-D008-49AF-941C-2B32219E8306@davesevick.com> References: <6611C64D-D008-49AF-941C-2B32219E8306@davesevick.com> Message-ID: A very interesting operation, to be sure. I wish we could find some similar photos regarding the recycling of our deprecated friend, the CRT. The TUBE part specifically, since we know it's full of nasty old lead. Wikipedia tells me that the melting point of glassis 1600 degrees F, and lead is only 621 degrees F . The article points out that the world's industrial production of lead in 2008 was 8.7 million tons, half of which was from recycling. We're heading in the right direction! - Marty Swartz On Thu, Apr 2, 2009 at 11:04 AM, Dave Sevick wrote: > This link was sent to us by one of our Apple User Group Members, *Ron > Adams*. Please take a quick look at all the recycling work being done and > see how it is very similar to what Dennis Abbott has built at Goodwill. > The Sims Recycling Solutions has several sites .... this one is in > Roseville, CA > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090402/fd63e370/attachment.htm From anomie at zbzoom.net Thu Apr 2 10:49:03 2009 From: anomie at zbzoom.net (Anomie) Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 12:49:03 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] new to mac THANKS In-Reply-To: <7D588389-B175-4128-853C-9A95890AACB0@gmail.com> References: <7D588389-B175-4128-853C-9A95890AACB0@gmail.com> Message-ID: Thanks everyone that responded! I sent the notes on to her and hopefully she will get what she needs! I will keep that mailing for myself too.... Mary Jo I miss coming to the meetings, I have an ongoing class on Wed nights.... pout From ronladams7 at gmail.com Thu Apr 2 10:50:48 2009 From: ronladams7 at gmail.com (R_Adams) Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 10:50:48 -0600 Subject: [NPMUG] CPU Priority Message-ID: <5C1AD1B9-AECC-4127-8309-98AF6368F0A6@gmail.com> There are times when I'm sending fairly large files over Mail. This can slow down all of my processes. Is there a way to put Mail on a lower CPU priority, slowing down Mail, but keeping everything else running as normal? Thanks From dave at davesevick.com Thu Apr 2 22:14:11 2009 From: dave at davesevick.com (Dave Sevick) Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2009 00:14:11 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Gmail is 5 .... and Apple is 33 .... as of April 1, 2009 Message-ID: <0B8706B1-D61A-4A05-8524-85A4E66BB0D7@davesevick.com> http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/gmail-turns-5.html Gmail turns 5 Thursday, April 02, 2009 6:13 PM Posted by Todd Jackson, Gmail Product Manager Five years ago yesterday, Gmail starting giving people a gig. What started as an internal tool for Google employees is now used by tens of millions of people around the world in 52 languages. In honor of the occasion, you may have noticed a little cake on the Gmail homepage today. We wanted to put it there yesterday, but given that Gmail launched on April Fool's day 2004 and has a history of joking around on April 1st since then, we did something else instead. In all seriousness, we want to give a big thank you to all of you who use Gmail every day, to those who've been around since the beginning, to those who were using an AJAX app before the term AJAX was popular, to those who started chatting right in your email and then video chatting a couple years later, to those who changed your theme on day one, and to those who have turned on some of the 43 experimental Gmail Labs features (and put up with the occasional bugs they introduce)...we couldn't have gotten here without you. Thanks. Permalink ====================== http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/20641/ Happy 33rd birthday, Apple Inc! Wednesday, April 01, 2009 - 08:43 AM EDT Apple Inc. is 33 years old today! TIME Magazine's 80th anniversary issue featured a look back over 80 years in a piece titled "80 Days That Changed the World," published on March 31, 2003. Lev Grossman wrote about one such day that changed the world, the founding of Apple Computer, Inc. on April 1, 1976: They were two guys named Steve, so Steve Jobs was called Steve and Steve Wozniak went by Woz. At 25, Wozniak was the technical brains. Jobs, 21, was the dreamer with a knack for getting others to dream along with him. They had gone to the same high school, and in the hazy years after graduation (both were college dropouts) a shared interest in electronics brought them together. Jobs didn't yet have his own place, so when their formal partnership began, the decision was made in a bedroom at his parents' ranch house in Los Altos, Calif. Most computers in 1976 were room-size machines with Defense Department- size price tags, but Wozniak had been tinkering with a new design, and his computer was different. It wasn't much to look at - just a bunch of chips screwed to a piece of plywood - but it was small, cheap and easy to use, and Jobs had noticed the stir it caused when they took it to a local computer club. "He said, 'We'll make it for 20 bucks, sell it for 40 bucks!'" Wozniak remembers. "I kind of didn't think we'd do it." Jobs came up with the name, inspired by an orchard in Oregon where he had worked with some friends: Apple Computer. "When we started the little partnership, it was just like, Oh, this will be fun," Wozniak says. "We won't make any money, but it'll be fun." They didn't go out and celebrate that day. Woz wouldn't even quit his day job designing chips for calculators at Hewlett-Packard until months later, after Jobs had sold his Volkswagen bus for seed money. Nobody, not even Jobs, saw what was coming next: that Apple would create the look and feel of every desktop in the world and start our love affair with the personal computer. Full article here. ```````````````````````````` Dave Sevick Consulting Apple Certified Support Professional 10.5 Apple User Group Ambassador Apple Recycling in Pittsburgh Helping people use technology in Pittsburgh Western PA, WV, OH, MD ... Since 1988 724.779.0099 mobile/office dave at davesevick.com http://www.davesevick.com ```````````````````````````` -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090403/08bd531c/attachment-0003.htm -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: mvelope_fifth_bday_cake.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 15664 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090403/08bd531c/attachment-0002.jpg -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090403/08bd531c/attachment-0004.htm -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 080401_jobs_woz.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 42777 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090403/08bd531c/attachment-0003.jpg -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090403/08bd531c/attachment-0005.htm From radonaldson at mac.com Fri Apr 3 18:57:01 2009 From: radonaldson at mac.com (Robert A. Donaldson) Date: Fri, 03 Apr 2009 20:57:01 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Goodwill CRC update, April 3 Message-ID: <5D90D14C-31F4-4E79-A5E5-8D8BC2F454D8@mac.com> Dear Mac friends: Many thanks to Charlie Hutchens, Rich Fitzgibbon, John Hamill, Tucker Trainor, Bob Wray, John Bauerlein and Dave Sevick for joining me at the Goodwill Computer Recycling Center today. It was an all-day rain outside, and seemingly inside also. It was just one of those days... Goodwill received a large Macintosh donation from the Charleroi Area School District, who requested that Goodwill securely wipe the disk drives. The secure drive wiping operation is on the fifth floor where computers awaiting the process can be kept under lock and key. This was the first large batch of Macs needing to be wiped, and the infrastructure is set up to remove drives from PCs and attach them to stations to run a Department of Defense type multiple-pass erasure. Dave Sevick devised a setup to do multiple drive erasures in the Macs using FireWire net boot with a G4 Mac running the Super Scrubber disk wiping program. All was going well until we had 21 Macs being erased on two separate FireWire networks. Then we learned just how many computers the electrical system would support. It, unfortunately, was 20. We'll be doing this all over again real soon... It was just as bad on our work benches downstairs. It was another day of taking on recalcitrant tray-load CD iMacs. Fix one, de-manufacture one. And change out the CD two or three times in between. The crew refurbished 12 Macs, and de-manufactured 8 more. We re-imaged two returns to the ComputerWorks store. Our all-time total of refurbished Macs is now 1,820. We'll have another work day next Friday, April 10. It's Good Friday and our turnout will be decidedly less than usual as family matters take precedence. We'll be concentrating on low-priority tasks as the ComputerWorks store is currently well-stocked. As a gentle reminder, please note Goodwill has finally re-instituted the security procedures they were using in the Lawrenceville facility before the CRC moved to the South Side. Security cameras have been activated, and the metal detector at the exit has been switched on and staffed. Entry is only from the South 26th St. entrance. We cannot enter the ComputerWorks Store and go through the back door as we used to. We are asked to stop at the reception desk at the main lobby to sign in to get a volunteer badge, then sign in to the log book at the CRC entrance at the metal detector. The log book now has a separate tab section just for our members to sign in and out. We followed these procedures when we were in the Lawrenceville building, and it's taken Goodwill some time to re-install all the devices to cover the area with video surveillance. These measures are to make sure data on disk drives does not get out of the building before the drives can be securely erased or destroyed. Goodwill is serious about this, as everyone should be. Any incident of data from the drives they are entrusted to wipe or destroy getting out would destroy the credibility of their operation, and lead to people sending computers elsewhere for recycling. So please, check in. It takes two minutes, and we're not in any hurry. Hope to see you there! Robert A. Donaldson radonaldson at mac.com (H) 412-922-3303 (M) 412-477-9188 From dadditude at gmail.com Fri Apr 3 20:22:37 2009 From: dadditude at gmail.com (Dadditude) Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2009 22:22:37 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] My iPhone Catastrophe. Don't let this happen to you! Message-ID: <1f5ff77f0904031922l77d71c1bnfbd3d2cb17aa2e0f@mail.gmail.com> For all of you iPhone users out there who haven't bought a protective case for your little beauty, this is what happened to me, and it could happen to you, too! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090403/42338239/attachment.htm From marty.swartz at gmail.com Sat Apr 4 08:10:36 2009 From: marty.swartz at gmail.com (Marty Swartz) Date: Sat, 4 Apr 2009 10:10:36 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] My iPhone Catastrophe Message-ID: You know, with so many iPhones hitting the ground, or ending up (*ahem*) underwater, I wonder why nobody has take a page from the Victorian era and produced a protective case that includes a pocket-watch chain. Hmmm.... Gravity! It's the LAW! Obey it! (Your iPhone will.) - Marty On Fri, Apr 3, 2009 at 10:22 PM, Dadditude wrote: > For all of you iPhone users out there who haven't bought a protective case > for your little beauty, this is what happened to me, > and it could happen to you, too! > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090404/6c751ccd/attachment.htm From dcarlin at carlinimotorsports.com Sat Apr 4 08:37:42 2009 From: dcarlin at carlinimotorsports.com (Theodore Carlin) Date: Sat, 4 Apr 2009 10:37:42 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] My iPhone Catastrophe In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <34D47342-A23C-48CF-B0F7-70E489DE52E7@carlinimotorsports.com> I like the idea! But that's one long chain to reach my ear:) On Apr 4, 2009, at 10:10 AM, Marty Swartz wrote: > You know, with so many iPhones hitting the ground, or ending up > (*ahem*) underwater, I wonder why nobody has take a page from the > Victorian era and produced a protective case that includes a pocket- > watch chain. Hmmm.... > > Gravity! It's the LAW! Obey it! (Your iPhone will.) > > - Marty > > On Fri, Apr 3, 2009 at 10:22 PM, Dadditude > wrote: > For all of you iPhone users out there who haven't bought a > protective case for your little beauty, this is what happened to me, > and it could happen to you, too! > > > _______________________________________________ > NPMUG mailing list > NPMUG at davesevick.com > http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090404/b14871c1/attachment.htm From marty.swartz at gmail.com Sat Apr 4 09:31:04 2009 From: marty.swartz at gmail.com (Marty Swartz) Date: Sat, 4 Apr 2009 11:31:04 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] My iPhone Catastrophe In-Reply-To: <34D47342-A23C-48CF-B0F7-70E489DE52E7@carlinimotorsports.com> References: <34D47342-A23C-48CF-B0F7-70E489DE52E7@carlinimotorsports.com> Message-ID: The fundamental is that the anchor-to-ear dimension should be longer than anchor-to-floor. If one chooses an anchor point on or above the belt, all is good! Now, how to make this "stylish". :| On Sat, Apr 4, 2009 at 10:37 AM, Theodore Carlin < dcarlin at carlinimotorsports.com> wrote: > I like the idea! But that's one long chain to reach my ear :) > > On Apr 4, 2009, at 10:10 AM, Marty Swartz wrote: > > You know, with so many iPhones hitting the ground, or ending up (*ahem*) > underwater, I wonder why nobody has take a page from the Victorian era and > produced a protective case that includes a pocket-watch chain. Hmmm.... > > Gravity! It's the LAW! Obey it! (Your iPhone will.) > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090404/6d3c4f9f/attachment.htm From harmonyroute at mac.com Sat Apr 4 10:48:53 2009 From: harmonyroute at mac.com (harmonyroute at mac.com) Date: Sat, 04 Apr 2009 12:48:53 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] My iPhone Catastrophe In-Reply-To: References: <34D47342-A23C-48CF-B0F7-70E489DE52E7@carlinimotorsports.com> Message-ID: <8D9625CE-EEDB-4058-A2EC-E176208C6520@mac.com> Provides a whole new use for pierced ears! CuZinBruce On Apr 4, 2009, at 11:31 AM, Marty Swartz wrote: > The fundamental is that the anchor-to-ear dimension should be longer > than anchor-to-floor. If one chooses an anchor point on or above the > belt, all is good! > > Now, how to make this "stylish". :| > > On Sat, Apr 4, 2009 at 10:37 AM, Theodore Carlin > wrote: > I like the idea! But that's one long chain to reach my ear :) > > On Apr 4, 2009, at 10:10 AM, Marty Swartz > wrote: > >> You know, with so many iPhones hitting the ground, or ending up >> (*ahem*) underwater, I wonder why nobody has take a page from the >> Victorian era and produced a protective case that includes a pocket- >> watch chain. Hmmm.... >> >> Gravity! It's the LAW! Obey it! (Your iPhone will.) >> > > _______________________________________________ > NPMUG mailing list > NPMUG at davesevick.com > http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090404/fbbb0e68/attachment.htm From relhmbvc at ctc.net Sat Apr 4 15:25:21 2009 From: relhmbvc at ctc.net (Henderson/Van Cura) Date: Sat, 4 Apr 2009 17:25:21 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] My iPhone Catastrophe In-Reply-To: <8D9625CE-EEDB-4058-A2EC-E176208C6520@mac.com> References: <34D47342-A23C-48CF-B0F7-70E489DE52E7@carlinimotorsports.com> <8D9625CE-EEDB-4058-A2EC-E176208C6520@mac.com> Message-ID: <3DAEEC47-F03B-442A-8D1F-9B99E1D0C487@ctc.net> That's close. Why not just have one of those miniature projectors that aims a picture directly in the eye (to see) plus an earpiece (to hear). You could bring back the wheel and put in in your mouth, using the tongue to "spin the wheel". Dick Henderson On Apr 4, 2009, at 12:48 PM, harmonyroute at mac.com wrote: > Provides a whole new use for pierced ears! > > CuZinBruce > > On Apr 4, 2009, at 11:31 AM, Marty Swartz wrote: > >> The fundamental is that the anchor-to-ear dimension should be >> longer than anchor-to-floor. If one chooses an anchor point on or >> above the belt, all is good! >> >> Now, how to make this "stylish". :| >> >> On Sat, Apr 4, 2009 at 10:37 AM, Theodore Carlin >> wrote: >> I like the idea! But that's one long chain to reach my ear :) >> >> On Apr 4, 2009, at 10:10 AM, Marty Swartz >> wrote: >> >>> You know, with so many iPhones hitting the ground, or ending up >>> (*ahem*) underwater, I wonder why nobody has take a page from the >>> Victorian era and produced a protective case that includes a >>> pocket-watch chain. Hmmm.... >>> >>> Gravity! It's the LAW! Obey it! (Your iPhone will.) >>> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> NPMUG mailing list >> NPMUG at davesevick.com >> http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug > > _______________________________________________ > NPMUG mailing list > NPMUG at davesevick.com > http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090404/bbe9c9d0/attachment-0001.htm From dave at davesevick.com Sat Apr 4 16:13:59 2009 From: dave at davesevick.com (Dave Sevick) Date: Sat, 4 Apr 2009 18:13:59 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] My iPhone Catastrophe In-Reply-To: <3DAEEC47-F03B-442A-8D1F-9B99E1D0C487@ctc.net> References: <34D47342-A23C-48CF-B0F7-70E489DE52E7@carlinimotorsports.com> <8D9625CE-EEDB-4058-A2EC-E176208C6520@mac.com> <3DAEEC47-F03B-442A-8D1F-9B99E1D0C487@ctc.net> Message-ID: <3B0A8052-3120-47A0-AED4-8A5C6B3FED55@davesevick.com> Hey guys .... That is starting to get like a chat .... Please get back on track with helpful Mac stuff ... Twitter is always out there for these types of exchanges ..... Not that I don't love you all ...... I need to step in here ..... Thanks .... Dave On Apr 4, 2009, at 5:25 PM, Henderson/Van Cura wrote: > That's close. Why not just have one of those miniature projectors > that aims a picture directly in the eye (to see) plus an earpiece > (to hear). You could bring back the wheel and put in in your mouth, > using the tongue to "spin the wheel". > > Dick Henderson > > On Apr 4, 2009, at 12:48 PM, harmonyroute at mac.com wrote: > >> Provides a whole new use for pierced ears! >> >> CuZinBruce >> >> On Apr 4, 2009, at 11:31 AM, Marty Swartz wrote: >> >>> The fundamental is that the anchor-to-ear dimension should be >>> longer than anchor-to-floor. If one chooses an anchor point on or >>> above the belt, all is good! >>> >>> Now, how to make this "stylish". :| >>> >>> On Sat, Apr 4, 2009 at 10:37 AM, Theodore Carlin >> > wrote: >>> I like the idea! But that's one long chain to reach my ear :) >>> >>> On Apr 4, 2009, at 10:10 AM, Marty Swartz >>> wrote: >>> >>>> You know, with so many iPhones hitting the ground, or ending up >>>> (*ahem*) underwater, I wonder why nobody has take a page from the >>>> Victorian era and produced a protective case that includes a >>>> pocket-watch chain. Hmmm.... >>>> >>>> Gravity! It's the LAW! Obey it! (Your iPhone will.) >>>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> NPMUG mailing list >>> NPMUG at davesevick.com >>> http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug >> >> _______________________________________________ >> NPMUG mailing list >> NPMUG at davesevick.com >> http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug > > _______________________________________________ > NPMUG mailing list > NPMUG at davesevick.com > http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug ```````````````````````````` Dave Sevick Consulting Apple Certified Support Professional 10.5 Apple User Group Ambassador Apple Recycling in Pittsburgh Helping people use technology in Pittsburgh Western PA, WV, OH, MD ... Since 1988 724.779.0099 mobile/office dave at davesevick.com http://www.davesevick.com ```````````````````````````` -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090404/09263a29/attachment.htm From alotafish at comcast.net Mon Apr 6 17:02:19 2009 From: alotafish at comcast.net (Sallie Boggs) Date: Mon, 6 Apr 2009 19:02:19 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] My iPhone Catastrophe. Don't let this happen to you! In-Reply-To: <1f5ff77f0904031922l77d71c1bnfbd3d2cb17aa2e0f@mail.gmail.com> References: <1f5ff77f0904031922l77d71c1bnfbd3d2cb17aa2e0f@mail.gmail.com> Message-ID: <9CD06C6C-2335-4682-9C57-3A478DA10386@comcast.net> I discovered that certain of the wider-type eye glass cases that snap shut are great to protect the iphone and disguise the iphone from would be thieves. On Apr 3, 2009, at 10:22 PM, Dadditude wrote: > For all of you iPhone users out there who haven't bought a > protective case for your little beauty, this is what happened to me, > and it could happen to you, too! > _______________________________________________ > NPMUG mailing list > NPMUG at davesevick.com > http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090406/5234d35a/attachment.htm From dave at davesevick.com Wed Apr 8 06:34:50 2009 From: dave at davesevick.com (Dave Sevick) Date: Wed, 8 Apr 2009 08:34:50 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] =?iso-8859-1?q?Digital_Rights_Management_now_removed_from?= =?iso-8859-1?q?_ALL_iTunes_purchases_and_priced_at_69=A2=2C_99=A2=2C_or_?= =?iso-8859-1?q?=241=2E29?= Message-ID: <8EFA55C2-66B6-4C6A-ACF8-CD30D000B50F@davesevick.com> iTunes music. Now 100% iTunes Plus. Now, every song available on the iTunes Store is an iTunes Plus song. That means you get high-quality music with 256-Kbps AAC encoding, making every song you download virtually indistinguishable from the original recording. iTunes Plus songs are all free of burn limits and digital rights management (DRM). So the music you buy will play on iPod, Apple TV, all Mac and Windows computers, and many other digital music players. It?s also easy to upgrade songs you previously purchased from iTunes to iTunes Plus. You don?t have to buy the song or album again. Just pay the 30? per song upgrade price. (Music video upgrades are 60? and entire albums can be upgraded for 30 percent of the album price.) http://www.apple.com/itunes/whatsnew/ All songs on the iTunes Store are now available in our highest-quality 256-Kbps AAC encoding, making for a stellar sound that's virtually indistinguishable from the original recordings. It's easy to upgrade music you already purchased to iTunes Plus ? just click on the link below to view the selection of songs, albums, and music videos available to upgrade. And, of course, iTunes Plus music is always DRM- free. Choose from more than 10 million high-quality iTunes Plus songs, priced at 69?, 99?, or $1.29, with most albums priced at $9.99. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090408/e2345b4b/attachment.htm From ronladams7 at gmail.com Thu Apr 9 19:29:07 2009 From: ronladams7 at gmail.com (R_Adams) Date: Thu, 9 Apr 2009 19:29:07 -0600 Subject: [NPMUG] Power Message-ID: I'm looking at adding either a power conditioner or a UPS (with automatic voltage regulation) to our iMac. Any opinions or experiences that might help me with the purchase decision? From dave at davesevick.com Thu Apr 9 22:37:18 2009 From: dave at davesevick.com (Dave Sevick) Date: Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:37:18 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] When to reset the PRAM and SMC/PMU Message-ID: Good article from Ted Landau at MacFixit : http://www.macfixit.com/article.php?story=20090409081833464 ================ When to reset the PRAM and SMC/PMU The PRAM The Parameter RAM is a small amount of "nonvolatile" RAM (NVRAM) that holds various settings that the system can use before the operating system loads, and maintains these settings even when the computer is turned off. There is a small battery on the computer's mainboard that helps maintain the PRAM settings when power is off. Many times when people's computers get bogged down and they are experiencing problems, advice will be given to "Reset the PRAM." In certain situations this can fix things, but many times people just blindly throw that advice out there. Resetting the PRAM may sound like an exotic fix that somehow may magically cure something; however, many times doing this is just a shot in the dark. As such, it's not necessarily bad for the computer, but may lead to customized settings such as alternate boot devices and speaker volumes being put back at default values. If you have problems with any of the following then a PRAM reset might help you out: Volume changes or won't stick. Video resolutions not sticking or not all available Time zone information and clock settings Boot volume isn't set (question mark shows briefly before booting) Keyboard repeat rates Mouse input rates (click and tracking speeds) Default system fonts Prior to OS X, the PRAM held information for networking, but that has been removed so any network troubles should not be affected by PRAM settings. Sometimes there have been odd problems that have been cured by PRAM resets, including one reported on recently by MacFixIt regarding spell-checking not working. It is possible that settings in the PRAM may indirectly affect various system functions like the spell checker, but knowing this is anyone's guess. If these settings constantly get reset even when you have not manually reset the PRAM, the computer's logic board battery may need replacing. To reset the PRAM, reboot the computer and hold the options-command-P- R keys at the same time. The computer will chime, and then continually reset and chime while these keys are held. Allow it to cycle a couple of times and release the keys and allow the computer to boot normally. NOTE: Resetting the PRAM may require you to set some settings such as mouse speed and keyboard rates again. The SMC/PMU The System Management Controller (Intel Macs) or Power Management Unit (PowerPC Macs) is a chip that manages the power for various system components such as the fans and backlights, as well as the circuits that initiates power to the whole system when you turn on your computer. Like the PRAM, many people readily offer suggestions for resetting the SMC or the PMU. However, there are specific behaviors that will benefit from SMC/PMU resets, and others that won't. For the most part, the power management in the computer should only be reset if you experience problems with seemingly "stuck" settings, or nonfunctional indicators, especially any on the hardware itself (power adapter indicator, or battery life for laptops). The following list of situations are some instances where a SMC/PMU reset can be beneficial: Battery isn't charging properly Display brightness won't work properly Keyboard backlight won't work Fans blaring all the time Power button not functioning properly Closing/opening laptop lid doesn't sleep/awaken the computer External ports not receiving power External devices not recognized Internal components such as Airport or Bluetooth not starting up Unexpected shutdown Resetting the SMC/PMU will depend on the machine you have, but here are some resources for a few Mac models: Mac Pro iMac and Mac Mini MacBook and MacBook Pro -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090410/1adfe34e/attachment-0001.htm From ronladams7 at gmail.com Fri Apr 10 10:54:27 2009 From: ronladams7 at gmail.com (R_Adams) Date: Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:54:27 -0600 Subject: [NPMUG] 100 tips and tricks to speed up OS X Message-ID: <1DC81C81-EE04-4E5B-BEB7-CF192EE33C6C@gmail.com> http://digg.com/d1oOq3 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090410/d4138ee0/attachment.htm From radonaldson at mac.com Sat Apr 11 12:16:35 2009 From: radonaldson at mac.com (Robert A. Donaldson) Date: Sat, 11 Apr 2009 14:16:35 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Goodwill CRC update, April 10 Message-ID: <7EE6282C-A022-4A12-A56D-5CBCC485331E@mac.com> Dear Mac friends: Many thanks to Charlie Hutchens, John Hamill, and Dave Sevick for joining me at the Goodwill Computer Recycling Center yesterday. It was a slow day with a reduced crew for Good Friday. We spend most of our time helping Goodwill's Kilobyte disk erasure service in removing and securely wiping hard drives from last week's Mac donation from the Charleroi School District. That task is completed and we'll be putting refurbished hard drives into those machines when the hit our work benches in the next couple of weeks. Despite spending most of our time on another floor at Goodwill, we managed to refurbish five Macs and de-manufacture five more. Our all- time total of refurbished Macs is now 1,825. We'll have another work day next Friday, April 17. As the ComputerWorks store is currently well-stocked, we'll be doing some pre- sorting of our inventory to better manage our workflow, and prepare/ clean our keyboard inventory. We'll be limiting our refurbishing to just what comes in the door and machines already on the bench. And there's a lot of RAM to sort through... As a gentle reminder, please note Goodwill has finally re-instituted the security procedures they were using in the Lawrenceville facility before the CRC moved to the South Side. Security cameras have been activated, and the metal detector at the exit has been switched on and staffed. Entry is only from the South 26th St. entrance. We cannot enter the ComputerWorks Store and go through the back door as we used to. We are asked to stop at the reception desk at the main lobby to sign in to get a volunteer badge, then sign in to the log book at the CRC entrance at the metal detector. The log book now has a separate tab section just for our members to sign in and out. We followed these procedures when we were in the Lawrenceville building, and it's taken Goodwill some time to re-install all the devices to cover the area with video surveillance. These measures are to make sure data on disk drives does not get out of the building before the drives can be securely erased or destroyed. Goodwill is serious about this, as everyone should be. Any incident of data from the drives they are entrusted to wipe or destroy getting out would destroy the credibility of their operation, and lead to people sending computers elsewhere for recycling. So please, check in. It takes two minutes, and we're not in any hurry. Hope to see you there! Robert A. Donaldson radonaldson at mac.com (H) 412-922-3303 (M) 412-477-9188 From alotafish at comcast.net Sun Apr 12 19:50:20 2009 From: alotafish at comcast.net (Sallie Boggs) Date: Sun, 12 Apr 2009 21:50:20 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] When to reset the PRAM and SMC/PMU In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I have a time capsule with a ton of gigabites and just got a message that it is full and will start omitting the oldest files. Should i disconnect it and start over or what? On Apr 10, 2009, at 12:37 AM, Dave Sevick wrote: > Good article from Ted Landau at MacFixit : > > http://www.macfixit.com/article.php?story=20090409081833464 > > ================ > When to reset the PRAM and SMC/PMU > > The PRAM > > The Parameter RAM is a small amount of "nonvolatile" RAM (NVRAM) > that holds various settings that the system can use before the > operating system loads, and maintains these settings even when the > computer is turned off. There is a small battery on the computer's > mainboard that helps maintain the PRAM settings when power is off. > > Many times when people's computers get bogged down and they are > experiencing problems, advice will be given to "Reset the PRAM." In > certain situations this can fix things, but many times people just > blindly throw that advice out there. Resetting the PRAM may sound > like an exotic fix that somehow may magically cure something; > however, many times doing this is just a shot in the dark. As such, > it's not necessarily bad for the computer, but may lead to > customized settings such as alternate boot devices and speaker > volumes being put back at default values. If you have problems with > any of the following then a PRAM reset might help you out: > > Volume changes or won't stick. > Video resolutions not sticking or not all available > Time zone information and clock settings > Boot volume isn't set (question mark shows briefly before booting) > Keyboard repeat rates > Mouse input rates (click and tracking speeds) > Default system fonts > Prior to OS X, the PRAM held information for networking, but that > has been removed so any network troubles should not be affected by > PRAM settings. Sometimes there have been odd problems that have been > cured by PRAM resets, including one reported on recently by MacFixIt > regarding spell-checking not working. It is possible that settings > in the PRAM may indirectly affect various system functions like the > spell checker, but knowing this is anyone's guess. > > If these settings constantly get reset even when you have not > manually reset the PRAM, the computer's logic board battery may need > replacing. > > To reset the PRAM, reboot the computer and hold the options-command- > P-R keys at the same time. The computer will chime, and then > continually reset and chime while these keys are held. Allow it to > cycle a couple of times and release the keys and allow the computer > to boot normally. > > NOTE: Resetting the PRAM may require you to set some settings such > as mouse speed and keyboard rates again. > > The SMC/PMU > > The System Management Controller (Intel Macs) or Power Management > Unit (PowerPC Macs) is a chip that manages the power for various > system components such as the fans and backlights, as well as the > circuits that initiates power to the whole system when you turn on > your computer. > > Like the PRAM, many people readily offer suggestions for resetting > the SMC or the PMU. However, there are specific behaviors that will > benefit from SMC/PMU resets, and others that won't. For the most > part, the power management in the computer should only be reset if > you experience problems with seemingly "stuck" settings, or > nonfunctional indicators, especially any on the hardware itself > (power adapter indicator, or battery life for laptops). The > following list of situations are some instances where a SMC/PMU > reset can be beneficial: > > Battery isn't charging properly > Display brightness won't work properly > Keyboard backlight won't work > Fans blaring all the time > Power button not functioning properly > Closing/opening laptop lid doesn't sleep/awaken the computer > External ports not receiving power > External devices not recognized > Internal components such as Airport or Bluetooth not starting up > Unexpected shutdown > Resetting the SMC/PMU will depend on the machine you have, but here > are some resources for a few Mac models: > > Mac Pro > iMac and Mac Mini > MacBook and MacBook Pro > > > _______________________________________________ > NPMUG mailing list > NPMUG at davesevick.com > http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug Sallie Boggs Ph. D, DTM Governor District 13 Toastmasters 412 731 0724 alotafish at comcast.net -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090412/cce26372/attachment.htm From dave at davesevick.com Sun Apr 12 20:30:37 2009 From: dave at davesevick.com (Dave Sevick) Date: Sun, 12 Apr 2009 22:30:37 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Time Machine and Time Capsule .... "omitting the oldest files ...." In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: On Apr 12, 2009, at 9:50 PM, Sallie Boggs wrote: > I have a time capsule with a ton of gigabites and just got a message > that it is full and will start omitting the oldest files. Should i > disconnect it and start over or what? Sallie, One of the great features of the Time Machine system built into the Time Capsule is the ability to continue using it when the disk is full. The Time Machine software is able to allow new backups to come in and the oldest to be deleted so you'll have a history as big a the disk can allow. See : http://www.apple.com/timecapsule/backup.html You'll need to decide whether a daily update of the disk what you want is sufficient .... .... or whether you are OK with a complete wipe of the disk and starting Time Machine over again with today as Day 1. Alternatively you could get another disk (FireWire or USB ) , start a new Time Machine disk ( locally connected via FireWire or USB ) ..... and just store the current one away as a record of the files that were backed during the last year or so when you collected Gigabytes of data. As a business, you could also consider rotating drives each week or each month as alternating Time Machines. This is a strategy I recommend often to businesses that need to keep data off-site for security .... should there be a fire or data loss on their systems. ----------- So, for you as a home user, you'll need to decide if files are needed from that last year of the Time Capsule .... and that is a personal decision on how valuable that data is to you. For the time being ..... you are safe to use the very cool feature of "omitting the oldest files ...." Let me know if you have any more questions. Finally, I can say without reservation that the Time Machine backup feature of OSX 10.5 Leopard is one of the most compelling reasons to upgrade Leopard. It just works. Dave -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090412/92f736f1/attachment-0001.htm From macplus512 at verizon.net Sun Apr 12 20:49:38 2009 From: macplus512 at verizon.net (Scott Baret) Date: Sun, 12 Apr 2009 22:49:38 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Time Machine and Time Capsule .... "omitting the oldest files ...." In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <82C8C0CC-663F-4AA3-AE91-B194E0565236@verizon.net> Just to add to this--an external hard drive is a wise investment. Not only will it be the optimal method of backing up with Time Capsule, it also provides insurance in case your internal drive fails or if your computer is lost or stolen (especially true for laptop users). You may even want to buy two drives, one of which you would store off-site in case your house was robbed or you had a fire (I remember reading some time ago about a guy who kept a drive in a safe at the bank). Scott On Apr 12, 2009, at 10:30 PM, Dave Sevick wrote: > On Apr 12, 2009, at 9:50 PM, Sallie Boggs wrote: > >> I have a time capsule with a ton of gigabites and just got a >> message that it is full and will start omitting the oldest files. >> Should i disconnect it and start over or what? > > Sallie, > > One of the great features of the Time Machine system built into the > Time Capsule is the ability to continue using it when the disk is > full. The Time Machine software is able to allow new backups to > come in and the oldest to be deleted so you'll have a history as big > a the disk can allow. > > See : http://www.apple.com/timecapsule/backup.html > > You'll need to decide whether a daily update of the disk what you > want is sufficient .... > > .... or whether you are OK with a complete wipe of the disk and > starting Time Machine over again with today as Day 1. > > Alternatively you could get another disk (FireWire or USB ) , start > a new Time Machine disk ( locally connected via FireWire or > USB ) ..... and just store the current one away as a record of the > files that were backed during the last year or so when you collected > Gigabytes of data. > > As a business, you could also consider rotating drives each week or > each month as alternating Time Machines. This is a strategy I > recommend often to businesses that need to keep data off-site for > security .... should there be a fire or data loss on their systems. > > ----------- > > So, for you as a home user, you'll need to decide if files are > needed from that last year of the Time Capsule .... and that is a > personal decision on how valuable that data is to you. > > For the time being ..... you are safe to use the very cool feature > of "omitting the oldest files ...." > > Let me know if you have any more questions. > > Finally, I can say without reservation that the Time Machine backup > feature of OSX 10.5 Leopard is one of the most compelling reasons to > upgrade Leopard. It just works. > > Dave > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > NPMUG mailing list > NPMUG at davesevick.com > http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090412/e674bb09/attachment.htm From ronladams7 at gmail.com Sun Apr 12 20:58:16 2009 From: ronladams7 at gmail.com (R_Adams) Date: Sun, 12 Apr 2009 20:58:16 -0600 Subject: [NPMUG] Time Machine and Time Capsule .... "omitting the oldest files ...." In-Reply-To: <82C8C0CC-663F-4AA3-AE91-B194E0565236@verizon.net> References: <82C8C0CC-663F-4AA3-AE91-B194E0565236@verizon.net> Message-ID: <24284833-E7C5-40D8-9A63-A2663FEEC875@gmail.com> Another point... I think it is good to format your external drive as bootable drive and load OSX on that drive... another level of flexibility added if your internal drive fails, and another option to allow for an easy first step repair of your internal disk. On Apr 12, 2009, at 8:49 PM, Scott Baret wrote: > Just to add to this--an external hard drive is a wise investment. > Not only will it be the optimal method of backing up with Time > Capsule, it also provides insurance in case your internal drive > fails or if your computer is lost or stolen (especially true for > laptop users). You may even want to buy two drives, one of which you > would store off-site in case your house was robbed or you had a fire > (I remember reading some time ago about a guy who kept a drive in a > safe at the bank). > > Scott > > On Apr 12, 2009, at 10:30 PM, Dave Sevick wrote: > >> On Apr 12, 2009, at 9:50 PM, Sallie Boggs wrote: >> >>> I have a time capsule with a ton of gigabites and just got a >>> message that it is full and will start omitting the oldest files. >>> Should i disconnect it and start over or what? >> >> From markd at borkware.com Mon Apr 13 06:51:12 2009 From: markd at borkware.com (Mark Dalrymple) Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:51:12 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Time Machine and Time Capsule .... "omitting the oldest files ...." In-Reply-To: <24284833-E7C5-40D8-9A63-A2663FEEC875@gmail.com> References: <82C8C0CC-663F-4AA3-AE91-B194E0565236@verizon.net> <24284833-E7C5-40D8-9A63-A2663FEEC875@gmail.com> Message-ID: And just one opinion for the pile, I've started using a "Voyager" hard drive dock. Plug in a naked hard drive like it was a nintendo cartridge, archive the time capsule to it, then put the drive into the lockbox or somewhere off-site. It takes awhile to archive, about 12 hours for 600G. Cheers, ++md From alotafish at comcast.net Mon Apr 13 20:36:45 2009 From: alotafish at comcast.net (Sallie Boggs) Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2009 22:36:45 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Time Machine and Time Capsule .... "omitting the oldest files ...." In-Reply-To: References: <82C8C0CC-663F-4AA3-AE91-B194E0565236@verizon.net> <24284833-E7C5-40D8-9A63-A2663FEEC875@gmail.com> Message-ID: <89E00150-027F-4444-AECA-8D9977F6ABB6@comcast.net> I can't cotton on to the lingo here. I wonder if you could be more explanatory. On Apr 13, 2009, at 8:51 AM, Mark Dalrymple wrote: > And just one opinion for the pile, I've started using a "Voyager" hard > drive dock. Plug in a naked hard drive like it was a nintendo > cartridge, archive the time capsule to it, then put the drive into the > lockbox or somewhere off-site. It takes awhile to archive, about 12 > hours for 600G. > > Cheers, > ++md > > _______________________________________________ > NPMUG mailing list > NPMUG at davesevick.com > http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug Sallie Boggs Ph. D, DTM Governor District 13 Toastmasters 412 731 0724 alotafish at comcast.net From dave at davesevick.com Tue Apr 14 02:14:00 2009 From: dave at davesevick.com (Dave Sevick) Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 04:14:00 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] A delightful surprise at a train station in Antwerp, Belguim .... March 23, 2009 Message-ID: <8379706B-0B70-4883-AA9C-BDDE1DF82096@davesevick.com> Centraal Station Antwerpen gaat uit zijn dak! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UE3CNu_rtY Completely not computer related .... but so cool and refreshing .... Julie Andrews would be proud. Dave -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090414/1e9b88d7/attachment.htm From wtjames at mac.com Tue Apr 14 06:04:38 2009 From: wtjames at mac.com (William James) Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:04:38 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Time Machine and Time Capsule .... "omitting the oldest files ...." In-Reply-To: <89E00150-027F-4444-AECA-8D9977F6ABB6@comcast.net> References: <82C8C0CC-663F-4AA3-AE91-B194E0565236@verizon.net> <24284833-E7C5-40D8-9A63-A2663FEEC875@gmail.com> <89E00150-027F-4444-AECA-8D9977F6ABB6@comcast.net> Message-ID: <0F1FBFF0-B9CA-4E33-9E69-3E52D1A5DFE6@mac.com> I think this is what is meant. http://www.macworld.com/article/137692/2008/12/newer_voyager.html Bill James On Apr 13, 2009, at 10:36 PM, Sallie Boggs wrote: > I can't cotton on to the lingo here. I wonder if you could be more > explanatory. > On Apr 13, 2009, at 8:51 AM, Mark Dalrymple wrote: > >> And just one opinion for the pile, I've started using a "Voyager" >> hard >> drive dock. Plug in a naked hard drive like it was a nintendo >> cartridge, archive the time capsule to it, then put the drive into >> the >> lockbox or somewhere off-site. It takes awhile to archive, about 12 >> hours for 600G. >> >> Cheers, >> ++md >> >> _______________________________________________ >> NPMUG mailing list >> NPMUG at davesevick.com >> http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug > > Sallie Boggs Ph. D, DTM > Governor > District 13 Toastmasters > 412 731 0724 > alotafish at comcast.net > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > NPMUG mailing list > NPMUG at davesevick.com > http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug William James Pittsburgh, PA From wtjames at mac.com Tue Apr 14 06:14:52 2009 From: wtjames at mac.com (William James) Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:14:52 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] A delightful surprise at a train station in Antwerp, Belguim .... March 23, 2009 In-Reply-To: <8379706B-0B70-4883-AA9C-BDDE1DF82096@davesevick.com> References: <8379706B-0B70-4883-AA9C-BDDE1DF82096@davesevick.com> Message-ID: <978CECFF-10B0-4B33-AADB-36B364F1584A@mac.com> Thanks for sharing Dave! That was an AWESOME way to start my morning! Bill James On Apr 14, 2009, at 4:14 AM, Dave Sevick wrote: > Centraal Station Antwerpen gaat uit zijn dak! > > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UE3CNu_rtY > > Completely not computer related .... but so cool and refreshing .... > Julie Andrews would be proud. > > Dave > > > _______________________________________________ > NPMUG mailing list > NPMUG at davesevick.com > http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug William James Pittsburgh, PA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090414/a8c1b092/attachment-0001.htm From mapasmith at earthlink.net Tue Apr 14 08:26:24 2009 From: mapasmith at earthlink.net (Martha Smith) Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:26:24 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] A delightful surprise at a train station in Antwerp, Belguim .... March 23, 2009 In-Reply-To: <978CECFF-10B0-4B33-AADB-36B364F1584A@mac.com> References: <8379706B-0B70-4883-AA9C-BDDE1DF82096@davesevick.com> <978CECFF-10B0-4B33-AADB-36B364F1584A@mac.com> Message-ID: Thanks Dave, I'm forwarding it along to a long list. Martha On Apr 14, 2009, at 8:14 AM, William James wrote: > Thanks for sharing Dave! That was an AWESOME way to start my morning! > > Bill James > > > On Apr 14, 2009, at 4:14 AM, Dave Sevick wrote: > >> Centraal Station Antwerpen gaat uit zijn dak! >> >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UE3CNu_rtY >> >> Completely not computer related .... but so cool and >> refreshing .... Julie Andrews would be proud. >> >> Dave >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> NPMUG mailing list >> NPMUG at davesevick.com >> http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug > > William James > Pittsburgh, PA > > > > > _______________________________________________ > NPMUG mailing list > NPMUG at davesevick.com > http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090414/bdec1230/attachment.htm From wtjames at mac.com Tue Apr 14 08:39:48 2009 From: wtjames at mac.com (William James) Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:39:48 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Mac e-Cards Message-ID: <0D09C4C2-7290-42C2-B5C2-D0EFEAB786AE@mac.com> I haven't used the cool Mac e-Card greeting cards for a long, long time (formerly in the .Mac environment), but tried to find them this morning. I am guessing that product has been discontinued ... anyone know for sure? Did Apple replace it with something somewhere? Bill James From charles at firthconsulting.com Tue Apr 14 09:09:20 2009 From: charles at firthconsulting.com (Charles Firth) Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:09:20 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] The Register blasts Microsoft for lying about Apple Message-ID: <36607365-0FD0-4A7D-82F5-E212DEDD85F6@firthconsulting.com> A reporter jumps all over Microsoft's misleading new ad and "research" about a mythical "Apple Tax" http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/04/11/microsoft_flames_macs/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090414/8575693a/attachment.htm From ronladams7 at gmail.com Tue Apr 14 09:51:42 2009 From: ronladams7 at gmail.com (R_Adams) Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:51:42 -0600 Subject: [NPMUG] CARPE DIEM: Teardown of Apple's Tiny iPod Shuffle Message-ID: <590FF031-E3C6-4176-83D0-4F4B3300740B@gmail.com> http://mjperry.blogspot.com/2009/04/teardown-of-apples-tiny-ipod-shuffle.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090414/d9d8439c/attachment.htm From chris_hardin at mac.com Tue Apr 14 17:11:50 2009 From: chris_hardin at mac.com (Chris Hardin) Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:11:50 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Mac e-Cards In-Reply-To: <0D09C4C2-7290-42C2-B5C2-D0EFEAB786AE@mac.com> References: <0D09C4C2-7290-42C2-B5C2-D0EFEAB786AE@mac.com> Message-ID: <7176BAD7-9F07-4F34-8625-655D7343C9D4@mac.com> I seem to recall that the e-Cards were a .mac service that was discontinued when they shifted to MobileMe. CJ Hardin On Apr 14, 2009, at 10:39 AM, William James wrote: > I haven't used the cool Mac e-Card greeting cards for a long, long > time (formerly in the .Mac environment), but tried to find them this > morning. > > I am guessing that product has been discontinued ... anyone know for > sure? Did Apple replace it with something somewhere? > > Bill James > > _______________________________________________ > NPMUG mailing list > NPMUG at davesevick.com > http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug From dmarra at fast.net Tue Apr 14 17:25:45 2009 From: dmarra at fast.net (David M. Marra) Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:25:45 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Mac e-Cards In-Reply-To: <7176BAD7-9F07-4F34-8625-655D7343C9D4@mac.com> References: <0D09C4C2-7290-42C2-B5C2-D0EFEAB786AE@mac.com> <7176BAD7-9F07-4F34-8625-655D7343C9D4@mac.com> Message-ID: <20090414232545.499109627@relay.fast.net> >I seem to recall that the e-Cards were a .mac service that was >discontinued when they shifted to MobileMe. This is correct. iCards were discontinued as part of the .Mac to MobileMe transition last summer: .Mac to MobileMe transition FAQ If you are using Mail with Leopard, take a look at the built-in 30+ stationery templates. All are highly customizable, using your own photos, and all can be viewed by recipients on Macs or PCs. They are much easier to address and send, too. Have fun! -Dave ---------------------------------- * Dave Marra, dave at marrathon.com * * www.marrathon.com! * * dmarra (mac.com) - iChat * * marrathon - Twitter * * 610-390-0830 - iPhone * ---------------------------------- From wexfordpa at mac.com Tue Apr 14 18:16:16 2009 From: wexfordpa at mac.com (Ralph Waechter) Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:16:16 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] CARPE DIEM: Teardown of Apple's Tiny iPod Shuffle In-Reply-To: <590FF031-E3C6-4176-83D0-4F4B3300740B@gmail.com> References: <590FF031-E3C6-4176-83D0-4F4B3300740B@gmail.com> Message-ID: I trust this is not off-topic for this list, but I could not help but scratch my head reading this one. If one accepts the premise that there is a boat load of margin in the sale of a single Nano, I ask, "what's the point?" Even assuming some component of advert or other overhead cost is added into production cost, the GASE as it were, maybe the margin is a mere 21-foot two master worth of profit, rather than a Trump-esque ocean cruising yacht-sized profit. Still, I ask, whatzapoint? Sustainable sellers always try to max out on profit - that is why they make and sell what they do ... figuring out price is less a function of cost (the apparent point of the article) than it is what consumers will pay. If consumers pay the ask, then it is worth precisely that to the consumer. The trick for Apple (rather successfully it would seem) is that they make profits in sizable amounts by creating things folks pay a price for that permits the taking of profit. Kudos to Apple. Kudos to those consumers who value the product and pay the price. So, what was the point ;-) Sorry, couldn't help myself. On Apr 14, 2009, at 11:51 AM, R_Adams wrote: > > http://mjperry.blogspot.com/2009/04/teardown-of-apples-tiny-ipod- > shuffle.html > > _______________________________________________ > NPMUG mailing list > NPMUG at davesevick.com > http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090414/4f7ec73f/attachment.htm From ronladams7 at gmail.com Tue Apr 14 18:31:02 2009 From: ronladams7 at gmail.com (R_Adams) Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:31:02 -0600 Subject: [NPMUG] CARPE DIEM: Teardown of Apple's Tiny iPod Shuffle In-Reply-To: References: <590FF031-E3C6-4176-83D0-4F4B3300740B@gmail.com> Message-ID: <0173B67E-482E-407E-A24B-A59CEFA231A1@gmail.com> Reading between the lines on your post, you may be confused because you might be assuming that profit is implied as being bad. I took a different read. The article seems to be trying to substantiate that refinements that lead to smaller and more simple designs, result in more profitability. But then again, maybe Business Week is just jealous of Apple's margins. I agree that margins are a very good thing... unless you are currently in the banking business. Keep repeating as we joyfully pay our fair share tomorrow. :) On Apr 14, 2009, at 6:16 PM, Ralph Waechter wrote: > I trust this is not off-topic for this list, but I could not help > but scratch my head reading this one. If one accepts the premise > that there is a boat load of margin in the sale of a single Nano, I > ask, "what's the point?" Even assuming some component of advert or > other overhead cost is added into production cost, the GASE as it > were, maybe the margin is a mere 21-foot two master worth of profit, > rather than a Trump-esque ocean cruising yacht-sized profit. Still, > I ask, whatzapoint? Sustainable sellers always try to max out on > profit - that is why they make and sell what they do ... figuring > out price is less a function of cost (the apparent point of the > article) than it is what consumers will pay. If consumers pay the > ask, then it is worth precisely that to the consumer. The trick for > Apple (rather successfully it would seem) is that they make profits > in sizable amounts by creating things folks pay a price for that > permits the taking of profit. Kudos to Apple. Kudos to those > consumers who value the product and pay the price. > > So, what was the point ;-) > > Sorry, couldn't help myself. > > On Apr 14, 2009, at 11:51 AM, R_Adams wrote: > >> >> http://mjperry.blogspot.com/2009/04/teardown-of-apples-tiny-ipod-shuffle.html >> >> _______________________________________________ >> NPMUG mailing list >> NPMUG at davesevick.com >> http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090414/354a8d68/attachment-0001.htm From shelley at shelleylipton.com Thu Apr 16 06:43:12 2009 From: shelley at shelleylipton.com (Shelley Lipton) Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2009 08:43:12 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Fake Hallmark E-Cards Message-ID: <614607F5-8E8D-48E9-B2F1-C05C6DC781D3@shelleylipton.com> I have recently received two Hallmark E-Cards that were suspicious looking. It did not say who sent the card, did not provide any verification numbers to open it on their site instead of opening it from my email, only one link worked (which was to Hallmark's website) but looked like it had many links, the E in E-cards looked pixilated, and when I returned the email to it's sender, it bounced back as unsendable. The email had an attachment which I DID NOT OPEN and neither should any one else if you ever get something similar. How to tell if a Hallmark E-Card notification is real: Hallmark e-card e-mails do not include any attachments. To be safe, if you receive an e-card notification with an attachment delete it immediately then empty your "trash" or "deleted e-mails" from your email client. A legitimate Hallmark e-mail notification will come from the sender?s e-mail address, not Hallmark.com. The sender's first name and last name will appear in the subject line. If you do not recognize the name of the person sending the E-Card, do not click on any links in the e-mail. Delete the e-mail. The notification will include a link to the E-Card on Hallmark.com as well as a URL that can be pasted into a browser. The URL will begin with http://hallmark.com/ followed by characters that identify the individual E-Card. Hallmark E-Cards are not downloaded and they are not .exe files. In addition, Hallmark.com will never require an E-Card recipient to enter a user name or password nor any other personal information to retrieve an E-Card. E-mail Safety Tips Don't open e-mails you know are spam. A code embedded in spam advertises that you opened the e-mail and confirms your address is valid, which in turn can generate more spam. Don't open e-mails from unknown senders. Don't open attachments in e-mails unless you are expecting to receive one. If you receive an attachment that you are not expecting, even if it?s from someone you know, first read the e-mail and make sure the attachment is legitimate. If you're still not sure, call or e-mail the sender to confirm, but do not reply to the original e-mail. Don't click on links in e-mails that appear to be from financial companies (PayPal, banks, credit card companies, etc.) that direct you to verify or confirm account details. Instead, call the company if you are concerned about your account. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090416/ad222cd1/attachment.htm From wtjames at mac.com Thu Apr 16 07:53:14 2009 From: wtjames at mac.com (William James) Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:53:14 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Fake Hallmark E-Cards In-Reply-To: <614607F5-8E8D-48E9-B2F1-C05C6DC781D3@shelleylipton.com> References: <614607F5-8E8D-48E9-B2F1-C05C6DC781D3@shelleylipton.com> Message-ID: <2CD713CB-6FDD-4C9A-8132-CB4491A43D46@mac.com> Thank you Shelley! Just the kind of thing this list does very well. Bill James On Apr 16, 2009, at 8:43 AM, Shelley Lipton wrote: > I have recently received two Hallmark E-Cards that were suspicious > looking. It did not say who sent the card, did not provide any > verification numbers to open it on their site instead of opening it > from my email, only one link worked (which was to Hallmark's > website) but looked like it had many links, the E in E-cards looked > pixilated, and when I returned the email to it's sender, it bounced > back as unsendable. The email had an attachment which I DID NOT > OPEN and neither should any one else if you ever get something > similar. > > How to tell if a Hallmark E-Card notification is real: > > Hallmark e-card e-mails do not include any attachments. To be safe, > if you receive an e-card notification with an attachment delete it > immediately then empty your "trash" or "deleted e-mails" from your > email client. > A legitimate Hallmark e-mail notification will come from the > sender?s e-mail address, not Hallmark.com. > The sender's first name and last name will appear in the subject > line. If you do not recognize the name of the person sending the E- > Card, do not click on any links in the e-mail. Delete the e-mail. > The notification will include a link to the E-Card on Hallmark.com > as well as a URL that can be pasted into a browser. > The URL will begin with http://hallmark.com/ followed by characters > that identify the individual E-Card. > Hallmark E-Cards are not downloaded and they are not .exe files. > In addition, Hallmark.com will never require an E-Card recipient to > enter a user name or password nor any other personal information to > retrieve an E-Card. > > E-mail Safety Tips > > Don't open e-mails you know are spam. A code embedded in spam > advertises that you opened the e-mail and confirms your address is > valid, which in turn can generate more spam. > Don't open e-mails from unknown senders. > Don't open attachments in e-mails unless you are expecting to > receive one. If you receive an attachment that you are not > expecting, even if it?s from someone you know, first read the e- > mail and make sure the attachment is legitimate. If you're still not > sure, call or e-mail the sender to confirm, but do not reply to the > original e-mail. > Don't click on links in e-mails that appear to be from financial > companies (PayPal, banks, credit card companies, etc.) that direct > you to verify or confirm account details. Instead, call the company > if you are concerned about your account. > > > > > _______________________________________________ > NPMUG mailing list > NPMUG at davesevick.com > http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug William James Pittsburgh, PA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090416/645a04b1/attachment.htm From ejlist at adelphia.net Thu Apr 16 08:26:53 2009 From: ejlist at adelphia.net (Ellen List) Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:26:53 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Fake Hallmark E-Cards In-Reply-To: <2CD713CB-6FDD-4C9A-8132-CB4491A43D46@mac.com> Message-ID: Yes! A lot of research went into this post and I appreciate that. thank you, Shelley, Ellen List On 4/16/09 9:53 AM, "William James" wrote: > Thank you Shelley! Just the kind of thing this list does very well. > > Bill James > > > On Apr 16, 2009, at 8:43 AM, Shelley Lipton wrote: > >> I have recently received two Hallmark E-Cards that were suspicious looking. >> It did not say who sent the card, did not provide any verification numbers to >> open it on their site instead of opening it from my email, only one link >> worked (which was to Hallmark's website) but looked like it had many links, >> the E in E-cards looked pixilated, and when I returned the email to it's >> sender, it bounced back as unsendable. The email had an attachment which I >> DID NOT OPEN and neither should any one else if you ever get something >> similar. >> >> How to tell if a Hallmark E-Card notification is real: >> 1. Hallmark e-card e-mails do not include any attachments. To be safe, if you >> receive an e-card notification with an attachment delete it immediately then >> empty your "trash" or "deleted e-mails" from your email client. >> 2. A legitimate Hallmark e-mail notification will come from the sender?s >> e-mail address, not Hallmark.com. >> 3. The sender's first name and last name will appear in the subject line. If >> you do not recognize the name of the person sending the E-Card, do not click >> on any links in the e-mail. Delete the e-mail. >> 4. The notification will include a link to the E-Card on Hallmark.com as well >> as a URL that can be pasted into a browser. >> 5. >> 6. The URL will begin with http://hallmark.com/ followed by characters that >> identify the individual E-Card. >> 7. >> 8. Hallmark E-Cards are not downloaded and they are not .exe files. >> 9. >> 10. In addition, Hallmark.com will never require an E-Card recipient to enter >> a user name or password nor any other personal information to retrieve an >> E-Card. >> >> E-mail Safety Tips >> * Don't open e-mails you know are spam. A code embedded in spam advertises >> that you opened the e-mail and confirms your address is valid, which in turn >> can generate more spam. >> * Don't open e-mails from unknown senders. >> * Don't open attachments in e-mails unless you are expecting to receive one. >> If you receive an attachment that you are not expecting, even if it?s from >> someone you know, first read the e-mail and make sure the attachment is >> legitimate. If you're still not sure, call or e-mail the sender to confirm, >> but do not reply to the original e-mail. >> * Don't click on links in e-mails that appear to be from financial companies >> (PayPal, banks, credit card companies, etc.) that direct you to verify or >> confirm account details. Instead, call the company if you are concerned about >> your account. >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> NPMUG mailing list >> NPMUG at davesevick.com >> http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug > > > William James > Pittsburgh, PA > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > NPMUG mailing list > NPMUG at davesevick.com > http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090416/a4f2de00/attachment-0001.htm From ronladams7 at gmail.com Thu Apr 16 15:30:55 2009 From: ronladams7 at gmail.com (R_Adams) Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:30:55 -0600 Subject: [NPMUG] AppleInsider | Apple responds to Microsoft ads: "a PC is no bargain" Message-ID: <4D0F29C2-826C-4CEC-BEA7-2144B3E87D47@gmail.com> http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/04/16/apple_responds_to_microsoft_ads_a_pc_is_no_bargain.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090416/921a0a05/attachment.htm From wtjames at mac.com Thu Apr 16 07:53:14 2009 From: wtjames at mac.com (William James) Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:53:14 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Fake Hallmark E-Cards In-Reply-To: <614607F5-8E8D-48E9-B2F1-C05C6DC781D3@shelleylipton.com> References: <614607F5-8E8D-48E9-B2F1-C05C6DC781D3@shelleylipton.com> Message-ID: <2CD713CB-6FDD-4C9A-8132-CB4491A43D46@mac.com> Thank you Shelley! Just the kind of thing this list does very well. Bill James On Apr 16, 2009, at 8:43 AM, Shelley Lipton wrote: > I have recently received two Hallmark E-Cards that were suspicious > looking. It did not say who sent the card, did not provide any > verification numbers to open it on their site instead of opening it > from my email, only one link worked (which was to Hallmark's > website) but looked like it had many links, the E in E-cards looked > pixilated, and when I returned the email to it's sender, it bounced > back as unsendable. The email had an attachment which I DID NOT > OPEN and neither should any one else if you ever get something > similar. > > How to tell if a Hallmark E-Card notification is real: > > Hallmark e-card e-mails do not include any attachments. To be safe, > if you receive an e-card notification with an attachment delete it > immediately then empty your "trash" or "deleted e-mails" from your > email client. > A legitimate Hallmark e-mail notification will come from the > sender?s e-mail address, not Hallmark.com. > The sender's first name and last name will appear in the subject > line. If you do not recognize the name of the person sending the E- > Card, do not click on any links in the e-mail. Delete the e-mail. > The notification will include a link to the E-Card on Hallmark.com > as well as a URL that can be pasted into a browser. > The URL will begin with http://hallmark.com/ followed by characters > that identify the individual E-Card. > Hallmark E-Cards are not downloaded and they are not .exe files. > In addition, Hallmark.com will never require an E-Card recipient to > enter a user name or password nor any other personal information to > retrieve an E-Card. > > E-mail Safety Tips > > Don't open e-mails you know are spam. A code embedded in spam > advertises that you opened the e-mail and confirms your address is > valid, which in turn can generate more spam. > Don't open e-mails from unknown senders. > Don't open attachments in e-mails unless you are expecting to > receive one. If you receive an attachment that you are not > expecting, even if it?s from someone you know, first read the e- > mail and make sure the attachment is legitimate. If you're still not > sure, call or e-mail the sender to confirm, but do not reply to the > original e-mail. > Don't click on links in e-mails that appear to be from financial > companies (PayPal, banks, credit card companies, etc.) that direct > you to verify or confirm account details. Instead, call the company > if you are concerned about your account. > > > > > _______________________________________________ > NPMUG mailing list > NPMUG at davesevick.com > http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug William James Pittsburgh, PA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090416/645a04b1/attachment-0002.htm From pcarras+ at pitt.edu Fri Apr 17 10:51:07 2009 From: pcarras+ at pitt.edu (Peter Carras) Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:51:07 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Can you count to a billion? Message-ID: <8D50528C-AA4D-40DF-9103-026F5D0F3095@pitt.edu> The number of downloads from Apple's online App Store is approaching one billion, and Apple is now running a promotion to call attention to that milestone. Everyone who downloads an app will be entered into a drawing for a $10,000 iTunes Gift Card, a MacBook Pro, and other goodies. http://www.apple.com/itunes/billion-app-countdown/ No iPhone? No problem. The fine print says that no purchase is necessary, if you use the alternative entry form. But there is a limit to how many entries you can submit. http://www.apple.com/itunes/billion-app-countdown/entryform/ The counter on the Apple web site is clicking along at a rate of 100 downloads every two seconds. --- Peter L. Carras -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090417/098f04ee/attachment.htm From radonaldson at mac.com Fri Apr 17 16:37:36 2009 From: radonaldson at mac.com (Robert A. Donaldson) Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:37:36 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Goodwill CRC update, April 17 Message-ID: Dear Mac friends: Many thanks to Charlie Hutchens, John Hamill, and Tucker Trainor, for joining me at the Goodwill Computer Recycling Center today. Today was, without a doubt, the absolute worst day we've ever had refurbishing Macintoshes. And that's the good news... :-) We refurbished just one Mac, a 350 mhz Graphite G4 Tower. We de- manufactured 12 other Macs, but not before spending a lot of time trying to figure out why we couldn't get them to work. In retrospect, the answer was: They're broken. Well, duh... I guess it's just the Polyanna in us that leads us to try to get some of these lost cases running when we should cut our losses and punt. Our all-time total of refurbished Macs is now 1,826. Which, if you're keeping count, is exactly one more than last week's total. We'll have another work day next Friday, April 24. Please note PennDOT has begun the widening project on East Carson St., and the block in front of the CRC is restricted to two lanes. Meter parking in front of the building has been eliminated during the construction. As a gentle reminder, please note Goodwill has finally re-instituted the security procedures they were using in the Lawrenceville facility before the CRC moved to the South Side. Security cameras have been activated, and the metal detector at the exit has been switched on and staffed. Entry is only from the South 26th St. entrance. We cannot enter the ComputerWorks Store and go through the back door as we used to. We are asked to stop at the reception desk at the main lobby to sign in to get a volunteer badge, then sign in to the log book at the CRC entrance at the metal detector. The log book now has a separate tab section just for our members to sign in and out. We followed these procedures when we were in the Lawrenceville building, and it's taken Goodwill some time to re-install all the devices to cover the area with video surveillance. These measures are to make sure data on disk drives does not get out of the building before the drives can be securely erased or destroyed. Goodwill is serious about this, as everyone should be. Any incident of data from the drives they are entrusted to wipe or destroy getting out would destroy the credibility of their operation, and lead to people sending computers elsewhere for recycling. So please, check in. It takes two minutes, and we're not in any hurry. Hope to see you there! Robert A. Donaldson radonaldson at mac.com (H) 412-922-3303 (M) 412-477-9188 From steedinc at zbzoom.net Fri Apr 17 19:13:52 2009 From: steedinc at zbzoom.net (steedinc at zbzoom.net) Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:13:52 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Help please the Apple Mail Program ! Message-ID: <1815D1D8-E7DF-4E49-86DE-0F8BEBA45198@zbzoom.net> At the risk insulting Dave S. for asking for a solution that I should be paying a consultant for, I'll do it anyway and take the punishment later ! Anyway here's what I'm trying to do. Move all my mail (all accounts, locally stored boxes, sent messages, etc.) From: My original HD (now in an external enclosure, System 10.4.11 w/ Mail v2.1.3) To: new internal HD (in my MacBookPro 2.33GHz, System 10.5.6 w/Mail v3.5). I've tried a variety of methods but I never get a full working "clone" of what is on my original drive. I also find "migration manager" a total waste, as I can't narrow down what I want moved, without a bunch of "junk" being moved too ! ! ! This is very frustrating as the Mail problem is the only thing keeping me from using the new drive in my daily work with my business. I have paid for and loaded all the new apps on the HD and everything else is working. All help is appreciated ! Vince Vincent James Steed Vice President Steed Audio, Inc. Building E 20 Leonberg Road Cranberry Twp., PA 16066 724-779-6500 Voice 724-779-6599 Fax 412-551-1115 Vince's Cell Providing Sound, Lighting, and Production for over 32 years! www.steedaudio.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090417/db3fa7a1/attachment-0001.htm From dave at davesevick.com Sat Apr 18 04:20:03 2009 From: dave at davesevick.com (Dave Sevick) Date: Sat, 18 Apr 2009 06:20:03 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Help please the Apple Mail Program ! Message-ID: Vince and all, I'm only one of many Apple consultants that share the fellowship of this list .... No need to apologize for seeking some friendly help .... :-) Sent from my iPhone On Apr 17, 2009, at 10:15 PM, "steedinc at zbzoom.net" wrote: > At the risk insulting Dave S. for asking for a solution that I > should be paying a consultant for, I'll do it anyway and take the > punishment later ! > > Anyway here's what I'm trying to do. Move all my mail (all > accounts, locally stored boxes, sent messages, etc.) > > From: > > My original HD (now in an external enclosure, System 10.4.11 w/ Mail > v2.1.3) > > To: > > new internal HD (in my MacBookPro 2.33GHz, System 10.5.6 w/Mail v3.5). > > I've tried a variety of methods but I never get a full working > "clone" of what is on my original drive. I also find "migration > manager" a total waste, as I can't narrow down what I want moved, > without a bunch of "junk" being moved too ! ! ! > > This is very frustrating as the Mail problem is the only thing > keeping me from using the new drive in my daily work with my > business. I have paid for and loaded all the new apps on the HD and > everything else is working. > > All help is appreciated ! > > Vince > > Vincent James Steed > Vice President > Steed Audio, Inc. > Building E > 20 Leonberg Road > Cranberry Twp., PA 16066 > > 724-779-6500 Voice > 724-779-6599 Fax > 412-551-1115 Vince's Cell > > Providing Sound, Lighting, and Production for over 32 years! > www.steedaudio.com > > > _______________________________________________ > NPMUG mailing list > NPMUG at davesevick.com > http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090418/f5c7bf26/attachment.htm From ronladams7 at gmail.com Sat Apr 18 09:37:46 2009 From: ronladams7 at gmail.com (R_Adams) Date: Sat, 18 Apr 2009 09:37:46 -0600 Subject: [NPMUG] iPod and our military Message-ID: http://www.newsweek.com/id/194623 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090418/a037b0cb/attachment.htm From ronladams7 at gmail.com Sat Apr 18 21:35:01 2009 From: ronladams7 at gmail.com (R_Adams) Date: Sat, 18 Apr 2009 21:35:01 -0600 Subject: [NPMUG] Better plug in the headphones... Message-ID: <4877E1FC-F788-49A2-8800-9665FA5456E8@gmail.com> off topic, I'll beg for forgiveness: better get a good pair of headphones for this one http://bit.ly/te1dx and, a nice story here: http://bit.ly/ZHfsG -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090418/0ce014be/attachment.htm From l_drumheller at mac.com Sun Apr 19 10:21:09 2009 From: l_drumheller at mac.com (Lois Drumheller) Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2009 12:21:09 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Could it be? Canon PowerShot A85 IS "shot"? Message-ID: Hi all, I have this (4.0 mega pixel, but great) Canon digital camera that I purchased around 4 yrs ago when I bought my PowerBook G4. I have kept using the same compactflash card (FC-32MH) memory card to take the number of pictures I do periodically. Today, I turned on the camera mode after reloading the memory card. All I could see out the camera window was a layer of completely horizontal and stripped colors. If I didn't know any better (and I don't) I'd say, the ability to view is scrambled, not the ability to capture. I took a picture of something and the view mode looks like a pix of the same scrambled screen, true to my eye. Does it appear that the camera is "shot"? I some camera expert can help. Regardless, thanks for any suggestions. I'm trying to save money here, natch. Lois Drumheller Monroeville l_drumheller at mac.com From harmonyroute at mac.com Mon Apr 20 06:30:31 2009 From: harmonyroute at mac.com (harmonyroute at mac.com) Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:30:31 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] UPS features iMac on webpage Message-ID: <7D2E402A-BEF0-47EC-8863-80610637898D@mac.com> A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Picture 2.png Type: image/png Size: 37685 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090420/0300671d/attachment-0001.png -------------- next part -------------- Thought all you listers might find this interesting. Big company features Mac compatibility. What a concept! CuZinBruce From dsalsbury at zoominternet.net Mon Apr 20 08:49:11 2009 From: dsalsbury at zoominternet.net (dsalsbury at zoominternet.net) Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:49:11 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Time Machine Portability ? Message-ID: <19673.1240238951@zoominternet.net> Can time machine backups of one Mac, made to an external drive, be read/copied from the external drive to a different Mac ? thanks, Dave Salsbury -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090420/1ec16ccd/attachment.htm From ronladams7 at gmail.com Mon Apr 20 10:20:27 2009 From: ronladams7 at gmail.com (R_Adams) Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:20:27 -0600 Subject: [NPMUG] New Ads Message-ID: <3E95C7C6-7039-47BF-8329-1766A7457339@gmail.com> http://digg.com/d1p8DD From dave at davesevick.com Mon Apr 20 22:12:34 2009 From: dave at davesevick.com (Dave Sevick) Date: Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:12:34 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] State of Virginia's "Apple-friendly" Aneesh Chopra announced as Chief Technology Officer Message-ID: Aneesh Chopra announced as chief techie of the USA Aneesh Chopra has been appointed as the US govenrment's first chief etchnology officer. Photograph:bigmikesndtech/Flickr/Some rights reserved Chopra has been welcomed with open arms by Silicon Valley; the venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers said in a statement it is "an inspired appointment" while Google's chief executive Eric Schmidt (who was quick to rule himself out of the running when the post was announced a few months back) said Chopra had "built one of the best technology platforms in government in the state of Virginia" - though created in extensive partnerships with Google. Web veteran Tim O'Reilly said the industry couldn't do better: "He's a brilliant, thoughtful change-maker. He knows technology, he knows government, and he knows how to put the two together to solve real problems." The very Apple-friendly Chopra's initiatives for Virginia, where he has been since 2003, have included encouraging students and teachers to publish and share material through iTunes and also a competition for school kids to design a maths application for the iPhone. President Obama made the announcement via US radio on Saturday. "Aneesh will promote technological innovation to help achieve our most urgent priorities ? from creating jobs and reducing health care costs to keeping our nation secure," he said. Chopra will work alongside Jeffrey Zients, who has also been announced as chief performance officer. "Aneesh and Jeffrey will work closely with our chief information officer, Vivek Kundra, who is responsible for setting technology policy across the government, and using technology to improve security, ensure transparency, and lower costs. "The goal is to give all Americans a voice in their government and ensure that they know exactly how we're spending their money ? and can hold us accountable for the results." Read the article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/pda/2009/apr/20/obama-administration-usdomesticpolicy Watch President Obama speak about Chopra: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/04/18/Weekly-Address-Efficiency-and-Innovation/ Aneesh Paul Chopra - Chief Technology Officer Chopra serves as Virginia?s Secretary of Technology. He leads the Commonwealth?s strategy to effectively leverage technology in government reform, to promote Virginia?s innovation agenda, and to foster technology-related economic development. Previously, he worked as Managing Director with the Advisory Board Company, leading the firm?s Financial Leadership Council and the Working Council for Health Plan Executives. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090421/1f510445/attachment-0002.htm -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: aneeshchopra.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 120323 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090421/1f510445/attachment-0001.jpg -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090421/1f510445/attachment-0003.htm From marty.swartz at gmail.com Tue Apr 21 07:08:07 2009 From: marty.swartz at gmail.com (Marty Swartz) Date: Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:08:07 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] State of Virginia's "Apple-friendly" Aneesh Chopra announced as Chief Technology Officer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Fascinating! I didn't even realize that we -needed- a chief etchnology officer! (Yes, it's in the original article. I wonder whether the function of cop editor has been outsourced to MsWord, or perhaps this is another case of "two countries separated by a common language"? :D ) - Marty On Tue, Apr 21, 2009 at 12:12 AM, Dave Sevick wrote: > > *Aneesh Chopra announced as chief techie of the USA* > > *Aneesh Chopra has been appointed as the US govenrment's first chief > etchnology officer. > * > > -- Our past, our present, and whatever remains of our future, absolutely depend on what we do now. - Sylvia Earle -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090421/8e75d83c/attachment.htm From ronladams7 at gmail.com Tue Apr 21 13:43:24 2009 From: ronladams7 at gmail.com (R_Adams) Date: Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:43:24 -0600 Subject: [NPMUG] =?iso-8859-1?q?Does_Anyone_Understand_The_Internet=3F=A0?= =?iso-8859-1?q?=7C=A0OpenMarket=2Eorg?= Message-ID: This article does a pretty good job explaining the pros/cons of broadband metering. On the way to a neighborhood near you? http://www.openmarket.org/2009/04/21/does-anyone-understand-the-internet/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090421/21b53840/attachment.htm From dave at davesevick.com Wed Apr 22 00:00:49 2009 From: dave at davesevick.com (Dave Sevick) Date: Wed, 22 Apr 2009 02:00:49 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Michael Schneider - "... something changed. People started doing things quicker. Work started flowing faster ...." as he comments on a complete switch to Macs ... "even during a recession." Message-ID: <27E9E549-C03D-4767-AD9B-E6A17E51B81C@davesevick.com> Which is Better For Your Business?a Mac or a PC? To start, I need to tell you that up until 2006 I was an avid PC user. Starting with my first computer when I was five, an IBM PS2 Model 30 (without a hard drive), I've been loyal. I started with DOS, then Windows 3, 3.1, 95, and then XP. Then came Vista. Before Vista, I spent a lot of time rebooting but it was more or less bearable. After Vista, which is by far the worst operating system ever made, I had to find another solution. In the summer of 2006, I upgraded about 80% of my company's computers to Macs; we're a design agency, and so most people wanted Macs anyway. I kept hearing about their strengths - how the OS never crashed, how it just worked, how you don't need to reboot every day - and dismissed them as blind lust from googly-eyed Apple enthusiasts. But something changed. People started doing things quicker. Work started flowing faster (I estimate by about a third). After seeing how I could still use Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel on a Mac using Parallels, I decided to take the plunge myself. I upgraded the company's remaining PCs to top of the line Macs -- to the tune of about $4,000 each. Gave them each 8GB of RAM (probably overkill), top video cards, and two Samsung 24-inch screens. Words can't describe how much productivity rose, including my own. The same machine, two years later, sits on my desk and operates flawlessly every day. On the left, I have my Mac desktop, where I browse the web, listen to music, search for files using Spotlight (far better than Windows search), prepare presentations (in Keynote -- far superior to Powerpoint) and look for files on our public file server (still a PC). On the right screen I run Parallels with Windows XP SP3. I use Microsoft Office 2007, which works flawlessly with our Exchange server. I can drag and drop between the Mac and PC, even copy and paste. The Mac truly runs Windows better than PCs do. And Windows XP is far superior to Vista. If you did the same thing today, you would need the following: Mac Pro: Get at least 4GB of RAM, 500GB or larger hard drive, and an upgraded video card, all available for less than $3000. Parallels Desktop ($79) Fresh boxed copy of Windows XP Professional: Be sure to do buy a new retail copy (not an upgrade) with SP3 Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise Two Samsung 24" LCD Monitors (Model 245BW - about $240 each) If you're thinking of upgrading your IT setup, I would highly recommend a Mac, even if you need to run a PC. Same logic applies for laptops in your organization. Even during a recession, the productivity gained by giving your employees computers that just work can't be underestimated. Michael Schneider is the CEO of Fluidesign, a Los Angeles-based interactive agency. You can learn more about Michael at www.michaelschneider.com . http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/163537/which_is_better_for_your_businessa_mac_or_a_pc.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090422/675893e1/attachment.htm From dave at davesevick.com Thu Apr 23 06:45:23 2009 From: dave at davesevick.com (Dave Sevick) Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2009 08:45:23 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] OWC = Other World Computing = macsales.com = LEED certified green company that we use for Goodwill parts & more Message-ID: <4EF4194C-EE58-47B7-AA64-2A56BF333D45@davesevick.com> This is an unsolicited plug for a great company I have been using for years to get items I just cannot get from MacOutfitters, the Pittsburgh area Apple Stores, CDW or other local Best Buy stores. Other World Computing sales at macsales.com 800-275-4576 http://www.macsales.com/ Over the last several years Apple Recycling @ Goodwill ( mainly Dave Sevick, Bob Donaldson and Marty Swartz ) have accessed their great sales to get 1/2 AA logic board batteries and iBook batteries and much more. So today I would like to introduce them to you as a excellent and reliable source for MAC products online ( since 1988 ). Here is a little newsletter clip from yesterday 4-22-09 announcing their new "greener" facility in Woodstock, IL , with more links and info at the bottom: =============== Intro: Hello again from your friends at OWC! Today is 'Earth Day' and what a beautiful, sunny day we've got in Woodstock, Illinois. Going back to OWC's beginnings, we've truly focused on conservation two-fold. First by providing various products and solutions that both enhance usability and extend the useful life of computers and iPods, too. From replacement batteries to memory and processor upgrades, hard drive storage to optical drives - at the core of our primary product lines you find items that enhance the capabilities or enable the continued use of a Mac or iPod you've already got. When you look at most Apple products, the fact that they have a longer functional life (never mind the move towards greener manufacturing processes) is of great significance with respect to use of energy and various toxic chemicals which are utilized each time a consumer electronic item is produced. As does Apple, OWC builds our products to last and in that lasting. Not only is there a benefit to your bottom line when things last longer, you also save the time involved to deal with replacing something too + now the hidden environmental benefit of resources already expended going a further distance. The proper recycling and disposal of truly obsolete electronics is paramount to maximizing recoverable resources and preventing environmental damage due to various toxic substances present in products, but, having to produce less in the first place (through extended, productive use of product already in our hands) goes well beyond to eliminate that damage. A Mac you purchase today is likely to still be serving you just fine 5-7 years from now. You might be able to buy a PC for one half or even a third for semi-comparable hardware (not the OS though...), but PCs tend to need to be replaced far more often - a cost that adds up both financially, as well as on the environmental side. The same kind of thought can be applied to a lot of purchases, as there are plenty of consumer products out there where spending more once means something good for years vs. saving on the front-end and having to replace it every 6-12 months. Anyway, while they sure don't quite build Macs like they used to (some things are better, others - like less upgradability, not quite so), products from Apple and OWC are definitely built to last. That's a value not always recognized when one just looks at the raw dollars. Second, when it was time for OWC to pursue a new headquarters, we made more than just the average effort to ensure we would be proud of our new home . While, I'm not here to debate global warming (in many ways, that's a moot argument as it does not impact my primary conservational beliefs), I am concerned about the finite resources that we consume and how it affects our quality of life. Resources such as the water we drink and the air we breath can be negatively impacted by various resource use and manufacturing methods. I have three kids and I want them to have the same opportunities tomorrow that this good Earth has given us in the past and today. As such, OWC's new Headquarters was designed attain LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification and, actually now, is on point to attain the highest LEED rating, Platinum. Our new facility with nearly four times the space as our prior location actually requires less energy than our old headquarters.. You make a larger up front investment to go green, but just like buying a Mac, there is not only long term financial benefit, but also an environmental benefit as well. We're not done yet either, we plan to soon be powered 100% by the wind. I thought we'd already have our turbine 'blowing in the wind', but you wouldn't believe the number of steps involved for getting a permit to actually do it! The overly long process seemed to primarily exist because no one involved at the various steps had ever had experience in the permits for this kind of project. I expect, in our local area at least, our efforts here will have helped paved the way to both provide proof of concept as well as make the whole project easier. With the 'hard part' out of the way, we expect project completion and operation of our wind turbine to commence sometime this summer. Don't worry, when there isn't wind, conventional power still is provided by the same grid we're on now. (Even now, when there is a conventional power outage, OWC has both battery backup as well as a natural gas generator backup so that both our regular operations as well as online services continue without any interruption or even blip.) That said, this wind turbine will not only net cover 100% of OWC's power needs, it will also generate enough power for us to put up to 150% of what we use ourselves back on the grid for others to benefit from. These long term investments, aimed at conserving our natural resources, enable OWC to provide our products and services even more competitively, as long term costs benefits are recognized. For us at OWC, it's about a long-term relationship, not a short??"term one. OWC is here (thanks to you) planning for the long-term. We are working hard to make responsible choices because the decisions that all of us make will determine the difference for what that long term bodes. Apple MacBook Pro 15" 'Unibody' Update Our March 31st edition newsletter went into detail on all the new Mac models, including the 15.4" MacBook Pro unibody model 'speed bumps'. What we couldn't confirm until we had these units in our hands would be whether they were still limited to 6GB or if 8GB was now possible. Although Apple supports only 4GB max for any of the MacBook Pro 15.4" models, OWC has offered options for up to 6GB for some time. We got both 2.66GHz and 2.93GHz units in and are pleased to have confirmed, that like the new Unibody 17" models, the new 2.66GHz and 2.93GHz also support 8GB with no problem at all! Although these two 15.4" processor speed models are good for 8GB, the 6GB limit does remain for all other unibody MacBook 13.3" as well as MacBook 15.4" models. Unibody 15.4" models with 2.4GHz, 2.53GHz, and 2.8GHz remain limited to the same 6GB unchanged. You can compare performance of these and other models + see the difference additional memory makes - on the OWC benchmark testing pages, now updated to include these latest models too. New and updated Products from OWC Done a lot of detail on Apple stuff, but we've got new stuff going too. :) OWC now offers a USB2 to Video Display Solution for $99 which allows the connection of additional displays right via an available USB2 Port. It's not for games, but it's a very cost effective way to add additional desktop space with resolution support of up to 1600x1200. Connects to VGA, DVI, and HDMI too (connect to a digital television display). Neat and cost effective option where you don't have a video card/port option for an additional display or display type desired. For Intel processor based Macs running OS X 10.4.x or later, and also PCs (or Mac w/Bootcamp) running Windows 2000 SP4 or later. OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro single bay solutions are now available with up to 2.0TB of capacity.This award-winning, plug n' play line of solutions now starts from $84.99 with available interfaces of FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB2, and/or eSATA. Ideal for just about any storage need from backup (time-machine ready) to music, photography & Audio/Video certified - these solutions provide high reliability and high-performance and are backed with a full 3yr Solution Warranty. The included Prosoft Data Backup, Intech HD Speedtools, and Carbon Copy Cloner software applications add even more value and functionality. OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro Dual-Bay RAID Solutions are now available with up to 4.0TB of capacity. Available from $159.99,this award winning line builds upon the feature of the single bay version - but with twice the capacity and with higher performance potential via built in Hardware RAID. This full line is also fully plug n' play and thanks to that Hardware RAID, the eSATA equipped model sustains data rates of over 220 Megabytes per Second (via eSATA) which is fast enough even for live, uncompressed, high-definition video capture. Amazing amounts of performance storage, plug & play, at an amazing value too. OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro Qx2 Quad-Bay RAID 0/1/5/10 Solutions are brand new and offer up to a whopping 8.0TBs of capacity. Starting from $679.99 for 2.0TB, these solutions feature FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB 2.0, and eSATA interfaces for ultimate performance and flexibility options. Hardware RAID modes of 0/1/5/10 and Non-Raid Span are user selectable for your choice of maximum performance/capacity/and redundancy choices. When it comes to high-capacity, high-performance, and maintaining plug and play interface flexibility - these solutions are tops. Included is a either a 3yr Standard or 5yr Enterprise solution warranty. OWC Mercury Rack Pro Quad-Bay RAID 0/1/5/10 1U Rack-Mountable solutions are new for 2009 and, like the Qx2, also offer up to 8.0TB of capacity. Starting from $799.99 for 2.0TB, these are essentially the Rack version of the Qx2. High performance for demand audio, music, video, high-definition video needs - as well as any application or even backup process where performance is key. Highly reliable design and RAID redundancy options to support both high performance while protecting against data loss even should a physical hard drive fail. Included is a 2yr Standard or 5yr Enterprise Warranty. New and updated NewerTech Products at OWC NewerTech miniStack storage + integrated hub solutions are are now available with up to 2.0TB of capacity. These award winning, clever devices provide not just high-performance drive capacity, but also the convenience of built-it, powered USB2 and FireWire Hubs.They can be especially convenient with the latest Mac models that have FireWire 800, but no FireWire 400 - as the miniStack integrated hub can be your bridge to existing FireWire 400 devices, thus negating the need for adapters or adapter cabling. NewerTech's highly acclaimed Guardian MAXimus Hardware RAID-1 Solution is not only now available with up to 2.0TB + 2.0TB of Redundant mirrored capacity, but also now offers eSATA in addition to the FireWire 800, FireWire 400, and USB2 interfaces previously standard. Plug and Play redundancy doesn't get any easier or more flexible than the latest GMAX solutions. Whatever interface available for the best performance today + the future is open via any of those quad interfaces to give you use of the best option tomorrow too. And of course, like all our multi-interface solutions - 'feel free to move about the cabin and mingle'... connect interchangeably between different systems and via the different interfaces as needed - your data is safe, sound and there from whatever interface best available. GMAX is used by customers looking to have a backup drive for critical data (photos, music, video, etc) which deserves an additional level of redundancy for their value, those doing regular Photo/Music/Video editing and capture where the failure of a drive during a project could cost significant down time... and also customers who aren't as regular with their backups (and/or not using TimeMachine or the Prosoft Data Backup we include) looking for that backup they don't have to think about in terms of a primary file location. The NewerTech Voyager Docking Solutions were introduced just a few short months ago and are one of our hottest products of 2009. A great 'external' storage solution, but that you can upgrade by just dropping in a new hard drive... plus that works fantastically for using hard drives for backup archiving, and even to facilitate data transfer during an internal hard drive upgrade process too. It's the easily capacity upgradable solution that has use beyond just that primary storage solution use. In the most recently published review, Macworld UK gives it a glowing 4 Star rating. We rave about it, but it's not just us. :) Featured new Products and Product lines now available at OWC We've got a great selection, IMHO, of our own product lines - but we also offer a wide selection well beyond. In general, we seek to bring availability to products of high quality, value, and need fulfilling. In some 'cases' (ok, like iPod/iPhone cases :) there can be hundreds of versions or just different brand marked of the same thing. We work to offer best of breed/value product lines that get the job done/ expectations met or exceeded. If it doesn't meet your needs or expectations, that's just an extra headache for us. As we test and even use most all of the items we offer, ideally we've experienced those headache items and not inclusive of what you'll find in our listings. Having said that, we're always looking at new items to add and we gladly accept suggestions via email. When it comes to the ever growing and expanding line of Music and Audio products, I don't even know where to begin! It's not a product area I have expertise in not often discuss. That's an injustice with respect to the wide selection, competitive prices, and high level of expertise supporting these products at OWC. Need some guidance/advice on anything in this category? Rick Van Dyne is your man and you can email him for free expert info or to discuss by phone too. Like the rest of the products we offer, these music and audio items are just sold by OWC - nearly all of them have been tested or are even in use for OWC's own productions. In stock, and for less than Apple charges - we've now got mini- DisplayPort to DVI and mini-DisplayPort to HDMI cable adapters for $19.99. All the new Unibody MacBook/MacBook Pro, Mac mini 2009, and Mac Pro 2009 models now feature the miniDisplay port when it comes to hooking up a 2nd display. With the exception of Apple's 24" LED Cinema Display, any other display you can buy or may already have will need to be adapted. Unfortunately, there is no non-Apple option for the Dual-DVI adapter type needed for 30" displays.... and, a quick rant, the pricey Apple Dual-DVI (no problem with the DVI or HDMI) adapter tends to have some issues of flicker. Anyway..... We've got the options in stock now for your DVI displays up to 24", HDMI. We met the iDowell team at Macworld this year - and came away really impressed with their products. Designed and manufactured in Italy (really, not China!), their line of stylish and Eco-Efficient UPS Battery Backup models keep your Mac running and protected during power outages/brownouts/blips + saves power vs. typically battery backups too. Designed for Macs (with what Macs covered by model) and priced from $219.99, you can count on these products to have the power that's needed when put to the test. Nothing worse than buying a battery backup which doesn't do the job when called upon. I also like their portable USB device Charger - it's built in battery which you charge via USB will power/charge virtually any device that can use USB Power (has the dock connector and tips included). Very nice, high quality products clearly made to last. iPod and iPhone cases are practically a dime a dozen... Got to see the same cases ten times over, also at Macworld this year. Fortunately, right next to our booth happened to be xGear. Their cases for iPods, iPhones, and even Macbooks are not the same as all the rest. In particular, I've been using their carbon fiber iPhone case (I have a 1st Gen, works fine with that as well as the current iPhones) and couldn't be happier. The case gives huge protection + excellent grip + doesn't pickup dust, etc like many rubber type ones do. Not the cheapest options out there - but, certainly in the case of their carbon fiber options, these are products you'll buy once and not be replacing again and again later. Alright, while Drobo products are not my favorite - I do have respect for their current products and recognize that they fulfill a niche + that there are a lot of people that swear by them. Although we did not offer them early, after it matured some (bugs out + with FireWire vs. just USB2), we did add the 4-Bay Drobo and DroboShare (NAS option) in late 2008. Brand new, and just introduced this month is the DroboPro. The DroboPro supports 8 hard drives + adds iSCSI support in addition to continuing FireWire 800 and USB2. The DroboPro truly goes after an higher end application while also giving those who don't mind the premium an 8 drive option where before there was just the 4. New and Improved OWC 'Do-it-yourself' Video Section For years we've been doing installation videos to show how various upgrades and replacements are done, usually to the effect of showing you how easy such 'professional' service jobs can be done by you, right at home. Now, not every component installation/upgrade is going to be in that do it yourself comfort zone, but our online videos give you the opportunity to be your own judge of this. The vast majority of upgrades and installations a typical service center will charge $80 and on up for (even stuff as simple as a memory upgrade!), these videos offer the clear, step by step instructional - so you can save yourself the cost and that trip. We are currently in the process of a total and complete site redesign... that said, certain pages are getting that future treatment made live a little sooner. While our old videos page was kind of a bear to navigate - you'll find our new page about as easy as it gets when it comes to seeing if we've got the free video guide for your Mac upgrade project. OWC has a Blog! Ok - I'm repeating myself with this one, but it's still new and it's really coming along. At some point it's likely that the blog will drive the newsletter more so than the newsletter driving the blog. With lots to share, our OWC Blog just gives our team a great means of doing that sharing. And slowly, but surely - more and more of our team is coming on board to do just that. Chris writes about it being 'inside that counts' when it comes to, well, what's inside that box you depend on your data being safely stored upon. Mike writes about an awesome deal we've got on these 'Cellboost' battery products in an ongoing 'repurposing technology' series. Here we have a product for a now obsolete iPod... it's being sold at a fraction of it's original (and current comparable product) price - but it happens to be 100% usable for nearly and iPod or iPhone, including the latest made today... can hardly beat $4.99 for portable, USB rechargeable, battery extension/charger. This blog isn't just a one way street either. While we started the ball rolling with some initial testing, outside user feedback as well as actual use experiences has made this 2009 Mac Pro Video Cards - Compatibility with 2006-2008 models entry of far greater purpose. Additional user feedback, which continues to roll in, is helpful to anyone looking at the best options for Mac Pro video in general. And.... if you're not a blog person, but you 'twitter'... well, so do we -and you can follow us via Twitter. :) Reader Special Deals and Deal Highlights Brand New Hitachi Rebates of up to $20 per internal hard drive, and up to $80 per OWC and/or NewerTech Solution! 1.0TB SATA 3.5" from $75.00, 2.5" 320GB Notebook 7200RPM HD $55.00, Notebook 500GB HD $85.00 Check out all the available Hitachi rebate options on drives and solutions up to 4.0TB online here. These rebates expire in just 3 days, so don't miss out! Prosoft Utility Software can save you time and even save your data.... you can get savings on owning these excellent utilities exclusively from OWC. Here's a fun fact for you - the same Drive Genius we offer for sale here is that which, at the Apple Store, customer's pay for the service of having that same application run on their Mac(s) at the Apple Genius Bar. Buy Prosoft Drive Genius v2.x (latest) for $99 $59.00 Buy prosoft Data Rescue v2.x (latest) for $99 $55.00 or Both of them for $198 $99.00! Or - Buy Drive Genius v2.x for as low as $25.00 (74% off Prosoft Retail!) with the purchase of a Qualifying OWC or NewerTech Storage Product Quality LCDs Built by Dell, Tested & Backed for Mac by OWC - Save! 22" LCD w/DVI & VGA connectivity support, up to 1680x1050 Resolution, and featuring High-Efficiency 'Green' LED Technology - $239 $179.00 23" LCD w/DVI, HDMI, VGA with resolutions supported up to 2048x1152, Built-In 2.0MPWebCam + USB2 Hub for $379 $275.00 24" LCD w/DVI, HDMI, VGA with resolutions up to 1920x1080 for $299 $245.00 Backed with a 3 Year Factory Warranty, these competitively priced displays are hugely popular for good reasons. elgato EyeTV Hybrid lets you Tune/Watch/Record/Playback TV/HDTV and Video right via your Mac for $149 $99 $89.00 These are Factory Refurbished, but in new condition. This '2008' Model Hybrid supports both Analog and Digital TV (including HDTV) as well as Clear QAM Cable too. Plug n' Play with any Mac with 512MB of memory, with available built in USB2 port, and running Apple OS 10.4 or later. Great for transferring video from VCRs, and other video sources too! See even more of our deal highlights via the latest online version of our Hot Deals Blast e-mail update. You can also subscribe to this weekly 'deal blast' online here. Even before we our newsletter emails roll out, these deals and many more - just for our subscribers - can be seen on our Reader Specials page. Quick Tip: Make your Current Mac feel like it's a New Mac again! I have to admit I've played this tune almost to the point of possibly wearing it out. None the less, and in that conservational mind set, it's amazing what hidden potential exists with Macs (and.. PCs too) that you may already own (and, ideally, are fully paid for). Eventually, the time comes when the old faithful needs to be replaced or shuffled from a primary to secondary role. Unfortunately, with the exception of regular OWC newsletter readers/upgrade educated customers, more often than not a brand new computer is purchased that might not even offer the performance an existing system could have. There are Macs with only 512MB of memory that an upgrade to 1GB or 2GB would double or triple performance... 2GB to 4GB for another doubling or more, and onward too depending on OS and application use. Only have the ability to burn CDs - upgrade to an internal or external optical drive with DVD/DVD-DL and even Blu-Ray burning capabilities. Not enough room on your hard drive - easy to plug n' play external if not a larger (or additional) internal drive + newer hard drives make your computer faster as drives keep getting faster and faster. Computers, so far, aren't restricted as other typical appliances are. With a few exceptions, when you want to improve performance or expand capabilities -there are typically multiple areas of upgrade potential and at a cost that is a fraction of purchasing a whole new Mac. Furthermore, and this depends one what you're starting with, it's not uncommon for a simple upgrade to provide better real world performance than that new Mac might offer in its base/standard factory config. Sure you can upgrade that new Mac too (and really should when ROI is considered), but regardless of the current system - you may add months or even years of acceptable usability with the performance gain a much lower upgrade option can provide. Our free installation videos (viewable via our website, no obligation, etc) show how easy various upgrades are to do. Our newsletter 'Speed bump that current Mac' article goes into real detail laying out just what options might be of consideration for the different Macs. Note - the only part of this article that's really dated are the prices... today's costs for memory and hard drives happens to be a lot lower than it was when this was 'penned' back in October. The upgrades were a deal then - even at twice or thrice the price. A definite must read if you've got that need for more speed, etc. :) See reviews, articles, and previous Quick-Tips online here. Quick Links Online Installation Videos, PDF Docs, FAQ & more in OWC Tech Center: From installing memory to ipod batteries, installing processor upgrades to Optical and Hard Disk Drives - you'll find help in the OWC Tech center. Tips on setting up hard drives, creating raids, proper memory handling, network setup, basic trouble shooting, and just a whole lot more. We're always adding new information, videos, etc - a wealth of information we're happy to share! There's lots of things you might pay someone to do for ya... with a little help from our Tech Center, you may learn and find out first hand how easy a lot things can be done right at home. Check out our Quick Tips Archive, Hardware/Software Review articles, and more - all in the OWC Product Reviews and Editorial center. For Fun and of Interest I do wonder what passes for a white paper these days. Same goes for some published research articles too. Be it of statistical, analytical, observation, or scientific - the conclusions reached (and data focused upon for such conclusions) is often times highly influenced by the entity funding said research (and that entity's agenda). While it can be hard to judge fact from propaganda with some published works, the 'Apple Tax' paper was acknowleded as propaganda even by those who don't like Apple. Microsoft, who -yes- funded this 'research', seems a little more desperate, more concerned about Apple lately. Given the mammoth difference in market shares (90% Windows vs. 8% Mac), to be lashing out in such ways... perhaps Microsoft fears a real shift in the balance. Of course, it doesn't stop there.... their marketing with this new this new ad series is attacking hard too. Whether these are actually real or just staged, have to give them credit for message. At the same time, the message seems to be about not buying an Apple rather than any compelling reason to buy something running Windows... they're about buying a PC cause they're cheaper, even if not really comparing comparable hardware (wow look at the giant screen... oh, but we don't need no stinking pixel resolution)... In the three ads, 'regular people' pick PCs over Macs (two times picking a HP, once picking a Sony - nah, they didn't contribute to the ad cost) with hardly even Windows having time in frame. Where it is framed, not exactly sure how 'Windows - Life without Walls' fits either. We'll just have to see. Short, simple, and more fun too - Apple's latest 'Time Travel' commercial takes the cake. This is definitely, IMHO, one of Apple's best commercials to date. I'm not going to spoil it if you haven't yet seen it. :) Coming off of all this, Apple just announced yet another blow-out quarter. iPhone sales doubled, and despite a major dip in February Mac sales - with all the new models finally shipping end of February, beginning of March, clearly made back a lot of ground in March with respect to Mac sales only being down 3% for the quarter as a whole. You spend more to have a Mac, but you can expect that Mac to last longer too. There's always cheaper stuff, but that doesn't make it a better buy. More and more people out there seem to recognize the value of Apple products with Apple's continuing on a solid roll, despite the overall economy. Intro Closing: Alrighty - hard to keep these things short when so much to write about. Guess the real intent is to make sure there's a least a little something for everyone in these editions. This one in particular, after the 'Earth Day' themed intro, actually covered a lot of OWC, NewerTech, and additional 3rd party offerings you'll find at OWC. There's always something to talk about when it comes the platform at large - but as good as a Mac may be, without the after market support, without the hardware and software that isn't available or practical (or not economical...) from Apple - well, Macs would be potentially a whole lot less appealing. Spending a little time to highlight some of these various products just rolls in theme I'd say. Earth Day - we've got one planet, one world to call our home. It's amazing all the stumping that goes on out there about various environmental issues and in many cases focused on what the government has to do to make the world a better place. I've always been a believer that individuals, collectively, make the difference and is where any kind of change has to start. Choices we make have a direct impact to the availability and quality of our fresh water supplies, of the clean air we'd like to be breathing. From bottled water vs. tap water (where tap is a safe choice), disposable goods vs. reusable, from products buried in packaging to those more practically packaged (insane how some foodstuffs you find in every day grocery stores are packaged - for the sake of marketing - these days), heck - even type of toilet paper. Automobiles get a ton of attention out there, but in the US and worldwide - livestock has a far greater impact. Who picks and chooses these various 'battles'... and what really drives those choices? Small changes in our own, individual habits add up significantly. It worries me that some of the loudest advocates for green house gas emission reduction are some of the worst offenders when it comes to their own 'carbon footprint' (using private jets vs. commercial, for example)... Oh, but they buy 'green credits' to make up for that... pay someone else who's actually making a difference, huh.. Do as I say, not as I do? Some of the loudest talkers seem to have their own agendas as the green business is a big business too. They don't walk the walk perhaps cause for them it's just about the talk, but you know what - this isn't a joking matter and it's all made worse when such talkers may have credibility issues from their own practices or even use questionable information to drive their point. When you can question the credibility of the source, that doesn't exactly bolster the credibility acceptance of the information itself. When OWC needed a new home, the choice was made to see this home be as 'green' as current technologies make feasible. Our new headquarters, which we moved into just a year ago April, not only provides an exceptional work environment to give you, our customer, the best we possibly can - but at nearly four times the prior location's size, the energy saving technologies employed allow it to actually use less total energy to heat/cool and overall operate. We had to make a real investment on the front end to attain such energy savings, but not only does this benefit our planet and help conserve resources for the next generation - it also has long term economic benefits. It's all about looking at the long term and that's what should be talked about out there. Our next green project, the wind turbine, not only makes us a wholly green powered operation - but even will put more than our own power consumption needs on our local power grid. That extra power we produce will potentially cut the use of coal or natural gas that 'peaker plants' use to generate power during peak demand times thanks to that little extra we out there. Every little bit helps. We have the ability to make smart decisions. We have the technology to implement energy saving methods as well as clean energy production. Special interests on all sides of the issue really cloud things up... A real breath of fresh air, pardon the pun, would be some leadership out there which promoted practical opportunities that all of us can feel a direct part of. Otherwise it always seems like the battle is elsewhere and we're just on the side lines. Then - that's our choice... while politicians and special interests, in the broader picture, really promote for their own ultimate gains - we can make our own decisions for better or worse when it comes to conserving our resources for the goal of tomorrow being as good as today. A pleasant breeze at your back and a comfortably warm sun shining down - the best always to you and yours. Thanks for reading! We Support our Troops The 'fine print': Contact Information+ ++++++++++++++++++++ Sales: sales at macsales.com or 800-275-4576, International 815-338-8685 Customer Service: custserv at macsales.com or 800-275-4576 / 815-338-8685 Tech Support: Online Tech Center or 815-338-8685 Please feel free to e-mail any comments or suggestions to:suggestions at macsales.com You may ALWAYS reply to our OWC Tips and Deals e-mail at owc at macsales.com with any questions or comments as well - PLEASE change the subject to reflect your e-mail question/comment to ensure a speedy reply! Other World Computing div. of New Concepts Development Corp. 2650 Bridge Lane Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-8685 This is a free subscribed E-Mail Newsletter that can be joined via our website. This e-mail is only received if you have joined our list. Notification is e-mailed to your address when you join as well as if you choose to cancel, which you may do at anytime, no hard feelings. :) To change, remove, or add an e-mail address for our newsletter, you can visit our online subscriber page anytime. If you'd just like to unsubscribe, that can also quickly be done by clicking the link at the end of this e-mail. Prices & availability subject to change without notice. New specials go up and old specials updated everyday. We Apologize for typographical errors. This e-mail may be freely distributed in its original form, complete and without any modification, alteration, insertion, or anything else that would make this different from the original intent. If you would like to 'reprint' just a portion you may make a request by e-mail to: larry at macsales.com. All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2000-2009, Other World Computing - Since 1988 =============== end newsletter ========== -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090423/2c6946af/attachment-0001.htm From ronladams7 at gmail.com Thu Apr 23 10:08:43 2009 From: ronladams7 at gmail.com (R_Adams) Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:08:43 -0600 Subject: [NPMUG] Apple History... Message-ID: starting with the firing of Steve Jobs http://blog.wired.com/business/2009/04/the-end-of-inno.html From jwrhen at live.com Thu Apr 23 13:40:36 2009 From: jwrhen at live.com (Jonathan Wrhen) Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:40:36 -0600 Subject: [NPMUG] ***SPAM*** Timemachine - I now appreciate it a lot more... Message-ID: Last night I was moving around music files from one mac to another when I accidentally deleted some music I had bought on iTunes. I started to panic a bit because I read online that you couldn't re-download the songs unless you paid again! It was a couple of minutes later that I remembered about that wonderful thing called time machine! So I browsed to the music folder hit the time machine icon, went back one day, and there they songs were! All I had to do after that was click restore and bam!, my purchases restored! _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live? SkyDrive?: Get 25 GB of free online storage. http://windowslive.com/online/skydrive?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_skydrive_042009 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090423/44972f26/attachment.htm From harmonyroute at mac.com Thu Apr 23 19:05:42 2009 From: harmonyroute at mac.com (harmonyroute at mac.com) Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:05:42 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] OWC = Other World Computing = macsales.com = LEED certified green company that we use for Goodwill parts & more In-Reply-To: <4EF4194C-EE58-47B7-AA64-2A56BF333D45@davesevick.com> References: <4EF4194C-EE58-47B7-AA64-2A56BF333D45@davesevick.com> Message-ID: Here...Here, I have been a satisfied customer for years. They have the stuff and they are very reliable. Their tech page has lots of great videos that show how to install drives, ram etc. CuZinBruce On Apr 23, 2009, at 8:45 AM, Dave Sevick wrote: This is an unsolicited plug for a great company I have been using for years to get items I just cannot get from MacOutfitters, the Pittsburgh area Apple Stores, CDW or other local Best Buy stores. Other World Computing sales at macsales.com 800-275-4576 http://www.macsales.com/ Over the last several years Apple Recycling @ Goodwill ( mainly Dave Sevick, Bob Donaldson and Marty Swartz ) have accessed their great sales to get 1/2 AA logic board batteries and iBook batteries and much more. So today I would like to introduce them to you as a excellent and reliable source for MAC products online ( since 1988 ). Here is a little newsletter clip from yesterday 4-22-09 announcing their new "greener" facility in Woodstock, IL , with more links and info at the bottom: =============== Intro: Hello again from your friends at OWC! Today is 'Earth Day' and what a beautiful, sunny day we've got in Woodstock, Illinois. Going back to OWC's beginnings, we've truly focused on conservation two-fold. First by providing various products and solutions that both enhance usability and extend the useful life of computers and iPods, too. From replacement batteries to memory and processor upgrades, hard drive storage to optical drives - at the core of our primary product lines you find items that enhance the capabilities or enable the continued use of a Mac or iPod you've already got. When you look at most Apple products, the fact that they have a longer functional life (never mind the move towards greener manufacturing processes) is of great significance with respect to use of energy and various toxic chemicals which are utilized each time a consumer electronic item is produced. As does Apple, OWC builds our products to last and in that lasting. Not only is there a benefit to your bottom line when things last longer, you also save the time involved to deal with replacing something too + now the hidden environmental benefit of resources already expended going a further distance. The proper recycling and disposal of truly obsolete electronics is paramount to maximizing recoverable resources and preventing environmental damage due to various toxic substances present in products, but, having to produce less in the first place (through extended, productive use of product already in our hands) goes well beyond to eliminate that damage. A Mac you purchase today is likely to still be serving you just fine 5-7 years from now. You might be able to buy a PC for one half or even a third for semi-comparable hardware (not the OS though...), but PCs tend to need to be replaced far more often - a cost that adds up both financially, as well as on the environmental side. The same kind of thought can be applied to a lot of purchases, as there are plenty of consumer products out there where spending more once means something good for years vs. saving on the front-end and having to replace it every 6-12 months. Anyway, while they sure don't quite build Macs like they used to (some things are better, others - like less upgradability, not quite so), products from Apple and OWC are definitely built to last. That's a value not always recognized when one just looks at the raw dollars. Second, when it was time for OWC to pursue a new headquarters, we made more than just the average effort to ensure we would be proud of our new home . While, I'm not here to debate global warming (in many ways, that's a moot argument as it does not impact my primary conservational beliefs), I am concerned about the finite resources that we consume and how it affects our quality of life. Resources such as the water we drink and the air we breath can be negatively impacted by various resource use and manufacturing methods. I have three kids and I want them to have the same opportunities tomorrow that this good Earth has given us in the past and today. As such, OWC's new Headquarters was designed attain LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification and, actually now, is on point to attain the highest LEED rating, Platinum. Our new facility with nearly four times the space as our prior location actually requires less energy than our old headquarters.. You make a larger up front investment to go green, but just like buying a Mac, there is not only long term financial benefit, but also an environmental benefit as well. We're not done yet either, we plan to soon be powered 100% by the wind. I thought we'd already have our turbine 'blowing in the wind', but you wouldn't believe the number of steps involved for getting a permit to actually do it! The overly long process seemed to primarily exist because no one involved at the various steps had ever had experience in the permits for this kind of project. I expect, in our local area at least, our efforts here will have helped paved the way to both provide proof of concept as well as make the whole project easier. With the 'hard part' out of the way, we expect project completion and operation of our wind turbine to commence sometime this summer. Don't worry, when there isn't wind, conventional power still is provided by the same grid we're on now. (Even now, when there is a conventional power outage, OWC has both battery backup as well as a natural gas generator backup so that both our regular operations as well as online services continue without any interruption or even blip.) That said, this wind turbine will not only net cover 100% of OWC's power needs, it will also generate enough power for us to put up to 150% of what we use ourselves back on the grid for others to benefit from. These long term investments, aimed at conserving our natural resources, enable OWC to provide our products and services even more competitively, as long term costs benefits are recognized. For us at OWC, it's about a long-term relationship, not a short??"term one. OWC is here (thanks to you) planning for the long-term. We are working hard to make responsible choices because the decisions that all of us make will determine the difference for what that long term bodes. Apple MacBook Pro 15" 'Unibody' Update Our March 31st edition newsletter went into detail on all the new Mac models, including the 15.4" MacBook Pro unibody model 'speed bumps'. What we couldn't confirm until we had these units in our hands would be whether they were still limited to 6GB or if 8GB was now possible. Although Apple supports only 4GB max for any of the MacBook Pro 15.4" models, OWC has offered options for up to 6GB for some time. We got both 2.66GHz and 2.93GHz units in and are pleased to have confirmed, that like the new Unibody 17" models, the new 2.66GHz and 2.93GHz also support 8GB with no problem at all! Although these two 15.4" processor speed models are good for 8GB, the 6GB limit does remain for all other unibody MacBook 13.3" as well as MacBook 15.4" models. Unibody 15.4" models with 2.4GHz, 2.53GHz, and 2.8GHz remain limited to the same 6GB unchanged. You can compare performance of these and other models + see the difference additional memory makes - on the OWC benchmark testing pages, now updated to include these latest models too. New and updated Products from OWC Done a lot of detail on Apple stuff, but we've got new stuff going too. :) OWC now offers a USB2 to Video Display Solution for $99 which allows the connection of additional displays right via an available USB2 Port. It's not for games, but it's a very cost effective way to add additional desktop space with resolution support of up to 1600x1200. Connects to VGA, DVI, and HDMI too (connect to a digital television display). Neat and cost effective option where you don't have a video card/port option for an additional display or display type desired. For Intel processor based Macs running OS X 10.4.x or later, and also PCs (or Mac w/Bootcamp) running Windows 2000 SP4 or later. OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro single bay solutions are now available with up to 2.0TB of capacity.This award-winning, plug n' play line of solutions now starts from $84.99 with available interfaces of FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB2, and/or eSATA. Ideal for just about any storage need from backup (time-machine ready) to music, photography & Audio/Video certified - these solutions provide high reliability and high-performance and are backed with a full 3yr Solution Warranty. The included Prosoft Data Backup, Intech HD Speedtools, and Carbon Copy Cloner software applications add even more value and functionality. OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro Dual-Bay RAID Solutions are now available with up to 4.0TB of capacity. Available from $159.99,this award winning line builds upon the feature of the single bay version - but with twice the capacity and with higher performance potential via built in Hardware RAID. This full line is also fully plug n' play and thanks to that Hardware RAID, the eSATA equipped model sustains data rates of over 220 Megabytes per Second (via eSATA) which is fast enough even for live, uncompressed, high-definition video capture. Amazing amounts of performance storage, plug & play, at an amazing value too. OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro Qx2 Quad-Bay RAID 0/1/5/10 Solutions are brand new and offer up to a whopping 8.0TBs of capacity. Starting from $679.99 for 2.0TB, these solutions feature FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB 2.0, and eSATA interfaces for ultimate performance and flexibility options. Hardware RAID modes of 0/1/5/10 and Non-Raid Span are user selectable for your choice of maximum performance/capacity/and redundancy choices. When it comes to high-capacity, high-performance, and maintaining plug and play interface flexibility - these solutions are tops. Included is a either a 3yr Standard or 5yr Enterprise solution warranty. OWC Mercury Rack Pro Quad-Bay RAID 0/1/5/10 1U Rack-Mountable solutions are new for 2009 and, like the Qx2, also offer up to 8.0TB of capacity. Starting from $799.99 for 2.0TB, these are essentially the Rack version of the Qx2. High performance for demand audio, music, video, high-definition video needs - as well as any application or even backup process where performance is key. Highly reliable design and RAID redundancy options to support both high performance while protecting against data loss even should a physical hard drive fail. Included is a 2yr Standard or 5yr Enterprise Warranty. New and updated NewerTech Products at OWC NewerTech miniStack storage + integrated hub solutions are are now available with up to 2.0TB of capacity. These award winning, clever devices provide not just high-performance drive capacity, but also the convenience of built-it, powered USB2 and FireWire Hubs.They can be especially convenient with the latest Mac models that have FireWire 800, but no FireWire 400 - as the miniStack integrated hub can be your bridge to existing FireWire 400 devices, thus negating the need for adapters or adapter cabling. NewerTech's highly acclaimed Guardian MAXimus Hardware RAID-1 Solution is not only now available with up to 2.0TB + 2.0TB of Redundant mirrored capacity, but also now offers eSATA in addition to the FireWire 800, FireWire 400, and USB2 interfaces previously standard. Plug and Play redundancy doesn't get any easier or more flexible than the latest GMAX solutions. Whatever interface available for the best performance today + the future is open via any of those quad interfaces to give you use of the best option tomorrow too. And of course, like all our multi-interface solutions - 'feel free to move about the cabin and mingle'... connect interchangeably between different systems and via the different interfaces as needed - your data is safe, sound and there from whatever interface best available. GMAX is used by customers looking to have a backup drive for critical data (photos, music, video, etc) which deserves an additional level of redundancy for their value, those doing regular Photo/Music/Video editing and capture where the failure of a drive during a project could cost significant down time... and also customers who aren't as regular with their backups (and/or not using TimeMachine or the Prosoft Data Backup we include) looking for that backup they don't have to think about in terms of a primary file location. The NewerTech Voyager Docking Solutions were introduced just a few short months ago and are one of our hottest products of 2009. A great 'external' storage solution, but that you can upgrade by just dropping in a new hard drive... plus that works fantastically for using hard drives for backup archiving, and even to facilitate data transfer during an internal hard drive upgrade process too. It's the easily capacity upgradable solution that has use beyond just that primary storage solution use. In the most recently published review, Macworld UK gives it a glowing 4 Star rating. We rave about it, but it's not just us. :) Featured new Products and Product lines now available at OWC We've got a great selection, IMHO, of our own product lines - but we also offer a wide selection well beyond. In general, we seek to bring availability to products of high quality, value, and need fulfilling. In some 'cases' (ok, like iPod/iPhone cases :) there can be hundreds of versions or just different brand marked of the same thing. We work to offer best of breed/value product lines that get the job done/ expectations met or exceeded. If it doesn't meet your needs or expectations, that's just an extra headache for us. As we test and even use most all of the items we offer, ideally we've experienced those headache items and not inclusive of what you'll find in our listings. Having said that, we're always looking at new items to add and we gladly accept suggestions via email. When it comes to the ever growing and expanding line of Music and Audio products, I don't even know where to begin! It's not a product area I have expertise in not often discuss. That's an injustice with respect to the wide selection, competitive prices, and high level of expertise supporting these products at OWC. Need some guidance/advice on anything in this category? Rick Van Dyne is your man and you can email him for free expert info or to discuss by phone too. Like the rest of the products we offer, these music and audio items are just sold by OWC - nearly all of them have been tested or are even in use for OWC's own productions. In stock, and for less than Apple charges - we've now got mini- DisplayPort to DVI and mini-DisplayPort to HDMI cable adapters for $19.99. All the new Unibody MacBook/MacBook Pro, Mac mini 2009, and Mac Pro 2009 models now feature the miniDisplay port when it comes to hooking up a 2nd display. With the exception of Apple's 24" LED Cinema Display, any other display you can buy or may already have will need to be adapted. Unfortunately, there is no non-Apple option for the Dual-DVI adapter type needed for 30" displays.... and, a quick rant, the pricey Apple Dual-DVI (no problem with the DVI or HDMI) adapter tends to have some issues of flicker. Anyway..... We've got the options in stock now for your DVI displays up to 24", HDMI. We met the iDowell team at Macworld this year - and came away really impressed with their products. Designed and manufactured in Italy (really, not China!), their line of stylish and Eco-Efficient UPS Battery Backup models keep your Mac running and protected during power outages/brownouts/blips + saves power vs. typically battery backups too. Designed for Macs (with what Macs covered by model) and priced from $219.99, you can count on these products to have the power that's needed when put to the test. Nothing worse than buying a battery backup which doesn't do the job when called upon. I also like their portable USB device Charger - it's built in battery which you charge via USB will power/charge virtually any device that can use USB Power (has the dock connector and tips included). Very nice, high quality products clearly made to last. iPod and iPhone cases are practically a dime a dozen... Got to see the same cases ten times over, also at Macworld this year. Fortunately, right next to our booth happened to be xGear. Their cases for iPods, iPhones, and even Macbooks are not the same as all the rest. In particular, I've been using their carbon fiber iPhone case (I have a 1st Gen, works fine with that as well as the current iPhones) and couldn't be happier. The case gives huge protection + excellent grip + doesn't pickup dust, etc like many rubber type ones do. Not the cheapest options out there - but, certainly in the case of their carbon fiber options, these are products you'll buy once and not be replacing again and again later. Alright, while Drobo products are not my favorite - I do have respect for their current products and recognize that they fulfill a niche + that there are a lot of people that swear by them. Although we did not offer them early, after it matured some (bugs out + with FireWire vs. just USB2), we did add the 4-Bay Drobo and DroboShare (NAS option) in late 2008. Brand new, and just introduced this month is the DroboPro. The DroboPro supports 8 hard drives + adds iSCSI support in addition to continuing FireWire 800 and USB2. The DroboPro truly goes after an higher end application while also giving those who don't mind the premium an 8 drive option where before there was just the 4. New and Improved OWC 'Do-it-yourself' Video Section For years we've been doing installation videos to show how various upgrades and replacements are done, usually to the effect of showing you how easy such 'professional' service jobs can be done by you, right at home. Now, not every component installation/upgrade is going to be in that do it yourself comfort zone, but our online videos give you the opportunity to be your own judge of this. The vast majority of upgrades and installations a typical service center will charge $80 and on up for (even stuff as simple as a memory upgrade!), these videos offer the clear, step by step instructional - so you can save yourself the cost and that trip. We are currently in the process of a total and complete site redesign... that said, certain pages are getting that future treatment made live a little sooner. While our old videos page was kind of a bear to navigate - you'll find our new page about as easy as it gets when it comes to seeing if we've got the free video guide for your Mac upgrade project. OWC has a Blog! Ok - I'm repeating myself with this one, but it's still new and it's really coming along. At some point it's likely that the blog will drive the newsletter more so than the newsletter driving the blog. With lots to share, our OWC Blog just gives our team a great means of doing that sharing. And slowly, but surely - more and more of our team is coming on board to do just that. Chris writes about it being 'inside that counts' when it comes to, well, what's inside that box you depend on your data being safely stored upon. Mike writes about an awesome deal we've got on these 'Cellboost' battery products in an ongoing 'repurposing technology' series. Here we have a product for a now obsolete iPod... it's being sold at a fraction of it's original (and current comparable product) price - but it happens to be 100% usable for nearly and iPod or iPhone, including the latest made today... can hardly beat $4.99 for portable, USB rechargeable, battery extension/charger. This blog isn't just a one way street either. While we started the ball rolling with some initial testing, outside user feedback as well as actual use experiences has made this 2009 Mac Pro Video Cards - Compatibility with 2006-2008 models entry of far greater purpose. Additional user feedback, which continues to roll in, is helpful to anyone looking at the best options for Mac Pro video in general. And.... if you're not a blog person, but you 'twitter'... well, so do we -and you can follow us via Twitter. :) Reader Special Deals and Deal Highlights Brand New Hitachi Rebates of up to $20 per internal hard drive, and up to $80 per OWC and/or NewerTech Solution! 1.0TB SATA 3.5" from $75.00, 2.5" 320GB Notebook 7200RPM HD $55.00, Notebook 500GB HD $85.00 Check out all the available Hitachi rebate options on drives and solutions up to 4.0TB online here. These rebates expire in just 3 days, so don't miss out! Prosoft Utility Software can save you time and even save your data.... you can get savings on owning these excellent utilities exclusively from OWC. Here's a fun fact for you - the same Drive Genius we offer for sale here is that which, at the Apple Store, customer's pay for the service of having that same application run on their Mac(s) at the Apple Genius Bar. Buy Prosoft Drive Genius v2.x (latest) for $99 $59.00 Buy prosoft Data Rescue v2.x (latest) for $99 $55.00 or Both of them for $198 $99.00! Or - Buy Drive Genius v2.x for as low as $25.00 (74% off Prosoft Retail!) with the purchase of a Qualifying OWC or NewerTech Storage Product Quality LCDs Built by Dell, Tested & Backed for Mac by OWC - Save! 22" LCD w/DVI & VGA connectivity support, up to 1680x1050 Resolution, and featuring High-Efficiency 'Green' LED Technology - $239 $179.00 23" LCD w/DVI, HDMI, VGA with resolutions supported up to 2048x1152, Built-In 2.0MPWebCam + USB2 Hub for $379 $275.00 24" LCD w/DVI, HDMI, VGA with resolutions up to 1920x1080 for $299 $245.00 Backed with a 3 Year Factory Warranty, these competitively priced displays are hugely popular for good reasons. elgato EyeTV Hybrid lets you Tune/Watch/Record/Playback TV/HDTV and Video right via your Mac for $149 $99 $89.00 These are Factory Refurbished, but in new condition. This '2008' Model Hybrid supports both Analog and Digital TV (including HDTV) as well as Clear QAM Cable too. Plug n' Play with any Mac with 512MB of memory, with available built in USB2 port, and running Apple OS 10.4 or later. Great for transferring video from VCRs, and other video sources too! See even more of our deal highlights via the latest online version of our Hot Deals Blast e-mail update. You can also subscribe to this weekly 'deal blast' online here. Even before we our newsletter emails roll out, these deals and many more - just for our subscribers - can be seen on our Reader Specials page. Quick Tip: Make your Current Mac feel like it's a New Mac again! I have to admit I've played this tune almost to the point of possibly wearing it out. None the less, and in that conservational mind set, it's amazing what hidden potential exists with Macs (and.. PCs too) that you may already own (and, ideally, are fully paid for). Eventually, the time comes when the old faithful needs to be replaced or shuffled from a primary to secondary role. Unfortunately, with the exception of regular OWC newsletter readers/upgrade educated customers, more often than not a brand new computer is purchased that might not even offer the performance an existing system could have. There are Macs with only 512MB of memory that an upgrade to 1GB or 2GB would double or triple performance... 2GB to 4GB for another doubling or more, and onward too depending on OS and application use. Only have the ability to burn CDs - upgrade to an internal or external optical drive with DVD/DVD-DL and even Blu-Ray burning capabilities. Not enough room on your hard drive - easy to plug n' play external if not a larger (or additional) internal drive + newer hard drives make your computer faster as drives keep getting faster and faster. Computers, so far, aren't restricted as other typical appliances are. With a few exceptions, when you want to improve performance or expand capabilities -there are typically multiple areas of upgrade potential and at a cost that is a fraction of purchasing a whole new Mac. Furthermore, and this depends one what you're starting with, it's not uncommon for a simple upgrade to provide better real world performance than that new Mac might offer in its base/standard factory config. Sure you can upgrade that new Mac too (and really should when ROI is considered), but regardless of the current system - you may add months or even years of acceptable usability with the performance gain a much lower upgrade option can provide. Our free installation videos (viewable via our website, no obligation, etc) show how easy various upgrades are to do. Our newsletter 'Speed bump that current Mac' article goes into real detail laying out just what options might be of consideration for the different Macs. Note - the only part of this article that's really dated are the prices... today's costs for memory and hard drives happens to be a lot lower than it was when this was 'penned' back in October. The upgrades were a deal then - even at twice or thrice the price. A definite must read if you've got that need for more speed, etc. :) See reviews, articles, and previous Quick-Tips online here. Quick Links Online Installation Videos, PDF Docs, FAQ & more in OWC Tech Center: From installing memory to ipod batteries, installing processor upgrades to Optical and Hard Disk Drives - you'll find help in the OWC Tech center. Tips on setting up hard drives, creating raids, proper memory handling, network setup, basic trouble shooting, and just a whole lot more. We're always adding new information, videos, etc - a wealth of information we're happy to share! There's lots of things you might pay someone to do for ya... with a little help from our Tech Center, you may learn and find out first hand how easy a lot things can be done right at home. Check out our Quick Tips Archive, Hardware/Software Review articles, and more - all in the OWC Product Reviews and Editorial center. For Fun and of Interest I do wonder what passes for a white paper these days. Same goes for some published research articles too. Be it of statistical, analytical, observation, or scientific - the conclusions reached (and data focused upon for such conclusions) is often times highly influenced by the entity funding said research (and that entity's agenda). While it can be hard to judge fact from propaganda with some published works, the 'Apple Tax' paper was acknowleded as propaganda even by those who don't like Apple. Microsoft, who -yes- funded this 'research', seems a little more desperate, more concerned about Apple lately. Given the mammoth difference in market shares (90% Windows vs. 8% Mac), to be lashing out in such ways... perhaps Microsoft fears a real shift in the balance. Of course, it doesn't stop there.... their marketing with this new this new ad series is attacking hard too. Whether these are actually real or just staged, have to give them credit for message. At the same time, the message seems to be about not buying an Apple rather than any compelling reason to buy something running Windows... they're about buying a PC cause they're cheaper, even if not really comparing comparable hardware (wow look at the giant screen... oh, but we don't need no stinking pixel resolution)... In the three ads, 'regular people' pick PCs over Macs (two times picking a HP, once picking a Sony - nah, they didn't contribute to the ad cost) with hardly even Windows having time in frame. Where it is framed, not exactly sure how 'Windows - Life without Walls' fits either. We'll just have to see. Short, simple, and more fun too - Apple's latest 'Time Travel' commercial takes the cake. This is definitely, IMHO, one of Apple's best commercials to date. I'm not going to spoil it if you haven't yet seen it. :) Coming off of all this, Apple just announced yet another blow-out quarter. iPhone sales doubled, and despite a major dip in February Mac sales - with all the new models finally shipping end of February, beginning of March, clearly made back a lot of ground in March with respect to Mac sales only being down 3% for the quarter as a whole. You spend more to have a Mac, but you can expect that Mac to last longer too. There's always cheaper stuff, but that doesn't make it a better buy. More and more people out there seem to recognize the value of Apple products with Apple's continuing on a solid roll, despite the overall economy. Intro Closing: Alrighty - hard to keep these things short when so much to write about. Guess the real intent is to make sure there's a least a little something for everyone in these editions. This one in particular, after the 'Earth Day' themed intro, actually covered a lot of OWC, NewerTech, and additional 3rd party offerings you'll find at OWC. There's always something to talk about when it comes the platform at large - but as good as a Mac may be, without the after market support, without the hardware and software that isn't available or practical (or not economical...) from Apple - well, Macs would be potentially a whole lot less appealing. Spending a little time to highlight some of these various products just rolls in theme I'd say. Earth Day - we've got one planet, one world to call our home. It's amazing all the stumping that goes on out there about various environmental issues and in many cases focused on what the government has to do to make the world a better place. I've always been a believer that individuals, collectively, make the difference and is where any kind of change has to start. Choices we make have a direct impact to the availability and quality of our fresh water supplies, of the clean air we'd like to be breathing. From bottled water vs. tap water (where tap is a safe choice), disposable goods vs. reusable, from products buried in packaging to those more practically packaged (insane how some foodstuffs you find in every day grocery stores are packaged - for the sake of marketing - these days), heck - even type of toilet paper. Automobiles get a ton of attention out there, but in the US and worldwide - livestock has a far greater impact. Who picks and chooses these various 'battles'... and what really drives those choices? Small changes in our own, individual habits add up significantly. It worries me that some of the loudest advocates for green house gas emission reduction are some of the worst offenders when it comes to their own 'carbon footprint' (using private jets vs. commercial, for example)... Oh, but they buy 'green credits' to make up for that... pay someone else who's actually making a difference, huh.. Do as I say, not as I do? Some of the loudest talkers seem to have their own agendas as the green business is a big business too. They don't walk the walk perhaps cause for them it's just about the talk, but you know what - this isn't a joking matter and it's all made worse when such talkers may have credibility issues from their own practices or even use questionable information to drive their point. When you can question the credibility of the source, that doesn't exactly bolster the credibility acceptance of the information itself. When OWC needed a new home, the choice was made to see this home be as 'green' as current technologies make feasible. Our new headquarters, which we moved into just a year ago April, not only provides an exceptional work environment to give you, our customer, the best we possibly can - but at nearly four times the prior location's size, the energy saving technologies employed allow it to actually use less total energy to heat/cool and overall operate. We had to make a real investment on the front end to attain such energy savings, but not only does this benefit our planet and help conserve resources for the next generation - it also has long term economic benefits. It's all about looking at the long term and that's what should be talked about out there. Our next green project, the wind turbine, not only makes us a wholly green powered operation - but even will put more than our own power consumption needs on our local power grid. That extra power we produce will potentially cut the use of coal or natural gas that 'peaker plants' use to generate power during peak demand times thanks to that little extra we out there. Every little bit helps. We have the ability to make smart decisions. We have the technology to implement energy saving methods as well as clean energy production. Special interests on all sides of the issue really cloud things up... A real breath of fresh air, pardon the pun, would be some leadership out there which promoted practical opportunities that all of us can feel a direct part of. Otherwise it always seems like the battle is elsewhere and we're just on the side lines. Then - that's our choice... while politicians and special interests, in the broader picture, really promote for their own ultimate gains - we can make our own decisions for better or worse when it comes to conserving our resources for the goal of tomorrow being as good as today. A pleasant breeze at your back and a comfortably warm sun shining down - the best always to you and yours. Thanks for reading! We Support our Troops The 'fine print': Contact Information+ ++++++++++++++++++++ Sales: sales at macsales.com or 800-275-4576, International 815-338-8685 Customer Service: custserv at macsales.com or 800-275-4576 / 815-338-8685 Tech Support: Online Tech Center or 815-338-8685 Please feel free to e-mail any comments or suggestions to:suggestions at macsales.com You may ALWAYS reply to our OWC Tips and Deals e-mail at owc at macsales.com with any questions or comments as well - PLEASE change the subject to reflect your e-mail question/comment to ensure a speedy reply! Other World Computing div. of New Concepts Development Corp. 2650 Bridge Lane Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-8685 This is a free subscribed E-Mail Newsletter that can be joined via our website. This e-mail is only received if you have joined our list. Notification is e-mailed to your address when you join as well as if you choose to cancel, which you may do at anytime, no hard feelings. :) To change, remove, or add an e-mail address for our newsletter, you can visit our online subscriber page anytime. If you'd just like to unsubscribe, that can also quickly be done by clicking the link at the end of this e-mail. Prices & availability subject to change without notice. New specials go up and old specials updated everyday. We Apologize for typographical errors. This e-mail may be freely distributed in its original form, complete and without any modification, alteration, insertion, or anything else that would make this different from the original intent. If you would like to 'reprint' just a portion you may make a request by e-mail to: larry at macsales.com. All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2000-2009, Other World Computing - Since 1988 =============== end newsletter ========== _______________________________________________ NPMUG mailing list NPMUG at davesevick.com http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090423/c35f7579/attachment-0001.htm From ronladams7 at gmail.com Fri Apr 24 09:01:16 2009 From: ronladams7 at gmail.com (R_Adams) Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:01:16 -0600 Subject: [NPMUG] Apple and Steve Jobs Message-ID: Part II of the Apple - Jobs relationship. http://blog.wired.com/business/2009/04/the-end-of-in-1.html From patrick at cranstoninc.com Fri Apr 24 11:55:04 2009 From: patrick at cranstoninc.com (Patrick Cranston) Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:55:04 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Imagine a world without Apple Design Message-ID: <76B109BA-3A05-4C17-A5F0-8CBE3CBA94B1@cranstoninc.com> A true humorous account of setting up a Microsoft Surface Computer. It will make you grateful for Apple's dedication to the concept that "design and usability are intrinsically linked." http://kinesismomentum.wordpress.com/2009/04/16/skin-deep-usability/ Patrick Cranston Cranston Consulting & Media, Inc. 888-813-5558 www.CranstonInc.com patrick at cranstoninc.com Skype: phcranston From marty.swartz at gmail.com Fri Apr 24 13:33:30 2009 From: marty.swartz at gmail.com (Marty Swartz) Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:33:30 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Recycling in PA Message-ID: Those of us who are involved at the Goodwilll Computer Recycling Center love keeping Macs out of the landfill, but did you know that "Recycling and recycling markets represents more than a $20 billion industry in Pennsylvania"? Amazing. Read more at http://www.constructionjunction.org/eblasts/view/56 - Marty Swartz -- Our past, our present, and whatever remains of our future, absolutely depend on what we do now. - Sylvia Earle From wexfordpa at mac.com Fri Apr 24 14:20:09 2009 From: wexfordpa at mac.com (Ralph Waechter) Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:20:09 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] No capital "s" Message-ID: <0F0F6CE7-8B9B-43AD-A838-89A2CF01B48E@mac.com> Today, for reasons I do not understand, I have been unable to type a capital "s". That is, sHIFT+s does nothing except make a "thunk" sound. Everything else seems to work fine -- other letters, other caps. I also noticed that there was a "voice" program running -- my mail headers were being "read" and "spoken" by a generated voice. Any thoughts on this issue would be appreciated. Ralph From wexfordpa at mac.com Fri Apr 24 14:23:19 2009 From: wexfordpa at mac.com (Ralph Waechter) Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:23:19 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] No capital "s" In-Reply-To: <0F0F6CE7-8B9B-43AD-A838-89A2CF01B48E@mac.com> References: <0F0F6CE7-8B9B-43AD-A838-89A2CF01B48E@mac.com> Message-ID: Sorry -- Found it. On Apr 24, 2009, at 4:20 PM, Ralph Waechter wrote: > Today, for reasons I do not understand, I have been unable to type > a capital "s". That is, sHIFT+s does nothing except make a "thunk" > sound. Everything else seems to work fine -- other letters, other > caps. I also noticed that there was a "voice" program running -- > my mail headers were being "read" and "spoken" by a generated voice. > > Any thoughts on this issue would be appreciated. > > Ralph > > From bethm at ccop.org Fri Apr 24 14:31:33 2009 From: bethm at ccop.org (Beth McKee) Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:31:33 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] No capital "s" In-Reply-To: <0F0F6CE7-8B9B-43AD-A838-89A2CF01B48E@mac.com> References: <0F0F6CE7-8B9B-43AD-A838-89A2CF01B48E@mac.com> Message-ID: I was having keyboard issues occasionally as well. Then yesterday major keyboard and trackpad issues. Took it to genius bar and my battery was beginning to expand They replaced battery and I am back to normal. Sent from Beth McKee's iPhone On Apr 24, 2009, at 4:21 PM, "Ralph Waechter" wrote: > Today, for reasons I do not understand, I have been unable to type a > capital "s". That is, sHIFT+s does nothing except make a "thunk" > sound. Everything else seems to work fine -- other letters, other > caps. I also noticed that there was a "voice" program running -- my > mail headers were being "read" and "spoken" by a generated voice. > > Any thoughts on this issue would be appreciated. > > Ralph > > > > _______________________________________________ > NPMUG mailing list > NPMUG at davesevick.com > http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug > From radonaldson at mac.com Fri Apr 24 20:50:42 2009 From: radonaldson at mac.com (Robert A. Donaldson) Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2009 22:50:42 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Goodwill CRC update, April 24 Message-ID: Dear Mac friends: Many thanks to Charlie Hutchens, Rich Fitzgibbon, John Hamill, Tucker Trainor, John Bauerlein and Dave Sevick for joining me at the Goodwill Computer Recycling Center today. Do you know how you go through life, accumulating knowledge, and finally feeling you have a certain degree of competence? Well, today wasn't that kind of a day. As we move towards implementing our enhanced software package for our refurbished iMacs, we hit a bump on the road. We came across a technical problem nobody has really seen much before, caused by something we didn't know was there, and creates a problem that is seemingly totally unrelated, and we think we found a solution that really doesn't make sense. It means adding another step to our refurbishing process. We think. Maybe. Actually, we feel pretty dumb about now. We were beginning to think we were getting this thing rolling. Anyway, once we figured out what was happening we managed to refurbish 10 Macs today. We de-manufactured another 11 "recent" Macs, and consigned 17 beige Macs found in the basement to their greater glory. Our all time total of refurbished Macs is now 1,835. We'll have another work day next Friday, May 1. Please note PennDOT has begun the widening project on East Carson St., and the block in front of the CRC is restricted to two lanes. Meter parking in front of the building has been eliminated during the construction. As a gentle reminder, please note Goodwill has finally re-instituted the security procedures they were using in the Lawrenceville facility before the CRC moved to the South Side. Security cameras have been activated, and the metal detector at the exit has been switched on and staffed. Entry is only from the South 26th St. entrance. We cannot enter the ComputerWorks Store and go through the back door as we used to. We are asked to stop at the reception desk at the main lobby to sign in to get a volunteer badge, then sign in to the log book at the CRC entrance at the metal detector. The log book now has a separate tab section just for our members to sign in and out. We followed these procedures when we were in the Lawrenceville building, and it's taken Goodwill some time to re-install all the devices to cover the area with video surveillance. These measures are to make sure data on disk drives does not get out of the building before the drives can be securely erased or destroyed. Goodwill is serious about this, as everyone should be. Any incident of data from the drives they are entrusted to wipe or destroy getting out would destroy the credibility of their operation, and lead to people sending computers elsewhere for recycling. So please, check in. It takes two minutes, and we're not in any hurry. Hope to see you there! Robert A. Donaldson radonaldson at mac.com (H) 412-922-3303 (M) 412-477-9188 From ronladams7 at gmail.com Sat Apr 25 09:27:51 2009 From: ronladams7 at gmail.com (R_Adams) Date: Sat, 25 Apr 2009 09:27:51 -0600 Subject: [NPMUG] Apple and the iPhone Message-ID: <342E483A-404D-45B0-AF08-E5846C817336@gmail.com> A stunning strategic game changer.... the iPhone http://mjperry.blogspot.com/2009/04/1.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090425/0e9c8c77/attachment.htm From dave at davesevick.com Tue Apr 28 04:41:51 2009 From: dave at davesevick.com (Dave Sevick) Date: Tue, 28 Apr 2009 06:41:51 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Mac Fixit on "Tackling kernel panics, hangs, and unexpected quits." ( highly recommended reading ) Message-ID: <9119D58E-9FB0-4791-808C-1E2FF0842F4D@davesevick.com> This article was published yesterday on Ted Landau's Mac Fixit site. http://www.macfixit.com/article.php?story=20090427080548101 It is a basic summary of steps to take when your Mac freezes or has other system issues. ============== Tackling kernel panics, hangs, and unexpected quits In the Classic Mac OS, when an application crashed it would usually take down the whole system, requiring a hard reset. Apple largely tackled this in OS X by basing the system off of a UNIX kernel, which basically runs each system process more independently, almost like individual applications. Memory is protected and other resources are shared rather than taken over and as such, an individual application or system process shouldn't take down the whole system when it crashes. There are several crash scenarios that will happen in OS X, and while most should not take down the system, there are a couple that can. Here are the three main forms of crashes that people experience in OS X, along with a few methods for troubleshooting each type: Unexpected quits One common form of application malfunction is an "Unexpected Quit," which will happen if an application or process cannot continue to run because of some dependency problem or other problem in the coding of the program. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but luckily Apple will display an error log for the application that will help you troubleshoot which application threads ran into problems. The error logs will usually indicate which threads crashed, and what functions that thread was running when it crashed. Many times this can help you pinpoint items that may need reinstallation (such as plug-ins), among other routes for troubleshooting. If the same application keeps crashing, contact the developer; however, you can try the following suggestions to help. 1. Remove plist files. Try locating and removing plist files that are associated with the problematic application. These are usually found in the preferences folders in the Library folder under your account name, as well as in the Library folder at the root of the drive. 2. Reinstall application dependencies. Sometimes applications will hang when they are not able to access other programs on which they depend. Most of these instances are plug- ins such as QuickTime and Flash, and it's recommended to reinstall these if they're referenced in the error logs for the crash. 3. Reinstall the application. Try reinstalling the application to clear any problems with the binaries or other support files the application may use. 4. Troubleshoot with new or different accounts. Many times these problems can be from file corruption or other problems with your account, which can be tested by creating a new account and launching the application in that account. If everything works, you can try searching for resources in your account that the application may use. Various locations in which to look include the following: /username/Library/Preferences/ /username/Library/Application Support/ In addition, if there is a folder with the name of the problematic application that's in the /username/Library/ folder, then that's another source for troubleshooting. Application hangs The more frustrating application problems happen when a process hangs. The operating system is built to run independently of these processes, and usually will only show the infamous spinning color wheel when the hung application is in the foreground, which indicates the system is no longer able to communicate with the application. However, when a process that other applications depend on gets hung (such as underling system processes--Windowserver, QuickTime, etc), those applications may stop responding as well. There are several things you can try if an application hangs. 1. Force-quit Press Options-Command-Escape to bring up the Force-quit window. If that does not work or if the hanging process is not listed, try using Activity Monitor to select the unresponsive application (which should appear in red) and quitting it. Select the application in the list, and then select "Send Signal to Process" in the "View" menu. From here, choose "Kill (SIGKILL)" in the drop-down menu and click "Send." This should quit the process. For any process that has "root" as the user, we recommend you restart the system instead of just quitting the process. 2. Run system maintenance utilities (Safe Mode, cache cleaners, etc). Many times hangs can be the result of inaccessible files such as caches. There are a variety of utilities that can clean up caches and remove any corruption that can cause applications to hang, including Onyx, MacDust, and Leopard Cache Cleaner. Run the scripts in these applications to see if that clears the problem. 3. Boot into Safe Mode. Booting into Safe Mode by holding the Shift key at bootup will run several maintenance scripts and could help clear problems that can have applications hanging. 4. Ensure peripheral devices do not go to sleep. If you have attached drives and other devices that go into stand-by modes, the system might hang while it waits for them to start up and become available. One way to prevent this is to set the devices to not go into power-saving, sleep, or standby modes. Doing this will depend on the device and the software interface for it, so consult the manual and manufacturer's Web site for specific instructions. Kernel panic The least common form of a crash is a kernel panic, which usually indicates some problem with the system's ability to communicate with critical hardware, but can also be caused by problems with software that is trying to directly access hardware. In OS X and other UNIX- based systems, the kernel is the lowest level interface between the hardware and other software on the system. If it receives an erroneous command that causes problems from which it cannot recover, it will go into panic mode where it will quickly write a small log of what caused the panic to the NVRAM before halting all activity through the kernel and requiring a hard restart. On reboot, the system will write the NVRAM log to disk for troubleshooting. Common cause of kernel panics is corruption in drivers (kernel extensions), faulty hardware (especially critical hardware such as RAM and drive malfunctions), and malfunctioning external hardware. Luckily, most random kernel panics are isolated events and can usually be dismissed. However, if they start occurring after recent changes to the system, some event such as a power outage, or otherwise start randomly but continuously occur, then you can try a few basic steps for resolving the issue. 1. Unplug all peripheral devices. Remove all devices from the system except for the monitor and keyboard/ mouse. Then restart the system. 2. Reset PRAM and SMC. Reset the PRAM by rebooting and holding the Options-Command-P-R keys, letting the system reset several times before releasing the keys and allowing the system to boot normally. 3. Run Apple's Hardware Test. Insert the restore disk that came with your computer, and reboot while holding the "d" key, which should launch the diagnostics. 4. Thoroughly test RAM. Run a RAM testing program, which may take awhile but will ensure the installed and recognized RAM is OK. One that we recommend is "Rember". 5. Repair hard drive. Use Apple's Disk Utility (when booted off the install DVD) or a third- party disk repair program to run diagnostics and repairs on the hard drive. 6. Remove or reinstall newly added hardware. If you have recently installed any expansion cards or memory, remove the upgrades and reboot the system. 7. Uninstall newly installed applications (restore to backups) Lastly, if you have installed any applications, try removing them. This can probably most easily be done by restoring to a recent backup of the system, which is highly recommended before you install any new software. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090428/77acba30/attachment-0001.htm From shelley at shelleylipton.com Wed Apr 29 10:05:34 2009 From: shelley at shelleylipton.com (Shelley Lipton) Date: Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:05:34 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] slideshows & cf cards Message-ID: My SanDisk 4 GB fc card went through a wash cycle in a pocket of my jeans. It appears unscathed maybe because it was in a plastic carrying case but came out of the case probably during the spin cycle. Luckily, it was being used as a spare and had no images on it. It looks perfect. I will ask SanDisk their opinion on the matter but was wondering if anyone in the user group has had a similar experience? On another topic, since iPhoto has had an update (iPhoto 09), can anyone comment on how it performs in comparison to Fotomagico 2.62. Thank you for any comments. shelley lipton From ronladams7 at gmail.com Wed Apr 29 17:30:54 2009 From: ronladams7 at gmail.com (R_Adams) Date: Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:30:54 -0600 Subject: [NPMUG] Power Protection Message-ID: <7E69BFD6-381F-4992-BE1F-FC344BE02DBF@gmail.com> Recently, I posted a question about where to begin looking for proper line/power conditioning and surge suppression. A couple of you asked that I post what I learned and what I eventually purchased. Well, with one answer comes another question. I sought the advice of a couple of electrical engineers that I know. One is a power system designer and the other is a chip designer. Both were somewhat skeptical with line/power conditioning. Both were adamant about the need for surge suppression. It seems that line/power conditioning is a catch all term. But both agreed that a line conditioner that provided a steady voltage, and would filter out some of the line noise can only be a good thing... but cost needed to be considered. For surge suppression, you need at least a rating of greater than 1,500 Joules. Preferably, greater than 2,000 Joules. Also, some indication as to the condition of the surge suppressor would be important... indicating that an event had occurred. The "go-to" manufacturer when it comes to these two items appears to be TrippLite. I purchased the TrippLite LS606M Line Conditioner. I didn't have a need for a UPS, so no batteries for this unit. (note that the surge suppression on my unit is below 1,000 Joules) To provide more surge suppression, I added a TrippLite ISOBAR6Ultra surge suppressor. My only question is where to place the ISOBAR surge suppressor, upstream or downstream of the Line Conditioner. My uneducated preference would be to place it upstream of the line conditioner. But, the rule of thumb from the electrical engineering community is to place it as close to the device to be protected as possible... I think that we are now splitting hairs. Now for pricing... I found that www.provantage.com had the best shelf price and the best inventory. But, you will have to pay for shipping. www.amazon.com was a bit more expensive, but provided the option for free shipping. The price then nets out the same between the two.. but provantage had the best selection. The TrippLite website provides a nice list of prices from various distributors. ISOBA6Ultra = $42.83 LS606M Line Conditioner = $69.17 I also purchased the ISOBAR6DBS for each of our TV's. $49.01 Sometimes, one pays for protection to get the "feeling" that they are protected. I think that TrippLite has a product that is actually providing real protection. http://www.provantage.com/tripp-lite-surge-suppressors~220177612.htm http://www.tripplite.com/en/products/product-series.cfm?txtSeriesID=74&EID=81 http://www.tripplite.com/en/products/product-series.cfm?txtSeriesID=326&EID=13691 line From ronladams7 at gmail.com Wed Apr 29 17:40:08 2009 From: ronladams7 at gmail.com (R_Adams) Date: Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:40:08 -0600 Subject: [NPMUG] Power Protection References: <7E69BFD6-381F-4992-BE1F-FC344BE02DBF@gmail.com> Message-ID: <552C2D43-7337-4E9B-BD44-4A9AA09B4314@gmail.com> Better links: http://tr.im/k3S6 - Provantage http://tr.im/k3Sd - Surge Suppressors http://tr.im/k3Sj - Line Conditioners -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090429/165faaaa/attachment.htm From ronladams7 at gmail.com Wed Apr 29 22:56:12 2009 From: ronladams7 at gmail.com (R_Adams) Date: Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:56:12 -0600 Subject: [NPMUG] Power Protection References: <7E69BFD6-381F-4992-BE1F-FC344BE02DBF@gmail.com> Message-ID: <45941615-BE34-4BB5-8CD7-47711DC3BCE3@gmail.com> I received a very good comment... one has to take into account the value of data loss and not just hardware loss. In that case, a UPS in combination with a >2,000 Joule Surge Suppressor is a better combination. I agree. Better links: http://tr.im/k3S6 - Provantage http://tr.im/k3Sd - Surge Suppressors http://tr.im/k3Sj - Line Conditioners -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090429/9741c766/attachment.htm From harmonyroute at mac.com Thu Apr 30 19:12:37 2009 From: harmonyroute at mac.com (harmonyroute at mac.com) Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:12:37 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] virus protection??? Message-ID: I received this question from a felow trolley museum volunteer regarding his trepidation about switching and not feeling protected from viruses. I would appreciate insightful responses that I can use to sooth him. Thanks in advance, CuZinBruce Bruce - I need some advice. As you know, I am in the process of getting up to speed on my Mac Book Pro. Maybe I am too much an old PC fan, but I feel naked on the Internet without some form of virus, etc. protection. I know that Macs are supposed to be immune to such problems, but my reading of recent issues of PC magazines suggest that may not be entirely true. Do you run any such protection on your Macs and, if so, what product do you use? -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090430/9350139f/attachment.htm From dave at davesevick.com Thu Apr 30 20:13:23 2009 From: dave at davesevick.com (Dave Sevick) Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:13:23 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Goodwill, Burns & Scalo make partnership official 4-30-09 Message-ID: http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2009/04/27/daily59.html?t=printable Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Goodwill President and CEO Mike Smith, and Burns & Scalo Principal Jim Scalo at a press conference earlier today. Thursday, April 30, 2009, 3:05pm EDT | Modified: Thursday, April 30, 2009, 3:27pm Goodwill, Burns & Scalo make partnership official Pittsburgh Business Times - by Tim Schooley Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Burns & Scalo Real Estate Services Inc. made official their partnership to find the long-time South Side nonprofit organization a new home and redevelop its current headquarters, a 153,000-square-foot former J&L department store building on Carson Street. Goodwill hosted the press today to confirm its relationship with Green Tree-based Burns & Scalo, which made public its plans to convert the seven-story structure into an apartment building of between 60 to 70 units, along with street-level retail. ?We decided on an action plan with Burns & Scalo, and we?re confident we can get there,? said Mike Smith, president and CEO of Goodwill, which has operated out of the building for more than 40 years. ?Today we find ourselves at a crossroads regarding our surroundings.? Goodwill initiated a request-for-proposal process last fall to choose a developer that can both help it find a new facility in which to move its administrative operations and then eventually buy its collection of Carson Street properties that include both its main building as well as some surrounding parcels, excluding Goodwill?s store. Smith emphasized again that Goodwill?s current facilities are costly and inefficient to maintain and would be too expensive to upgrade, putting out an open call for suggestions of potential new locations. Jim Scalo, a principal of Burns & Scalo, looked forward to helping Goodwill to further its mission with a new headquarters and eventually buy and redevelop its property. He described the building as ?made for apartments? that he tentatively plans to redevelopment into one and two bedroom units rented at market-rate prices, with parking provided underground. Scalo gave a rough estimate that such a redevelopment would cost between $12 million to $15 million. ?The building is clearly the jewel of the South Side,? said Scalo, who believes the project may be eligible for historic tax credits. First, however, Burns & Scalo must help Goodwill find a new home, a quest that so far has proven elusive due to the nonprofit?s need for a one-floor facility to best accommodate its host of disabled clients that is close to ample public transportation. Its major challenge is an urban environment because of the mismatch of city neighborhoods well served by public transportation are typically too densely developed to have newly built facilities that offer 100,000 square feet on a single floor that Goodwill is seeking. ?The challenge is great because they?re looking for the Cinderella?s slipper,? Scalo said. Because of that unknown, Goodwill?s relationship with Scalo is so far a partnership, with no agreements of sale for any property. Mayor Luke Ravenstahl pledged to help in the process if needed, with potential assistance for the Urban Redevelopment Authority. tschooley at bizjournals.com | (412) 208-3826 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090430/98d599bb/attachment-0001.htm From dave at davesevick.com Thu Apr 30 20:30:08 2009 From: dave at davesevick.com (Dave Sevick) Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:30:08 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] Cranberry Twp meeting Wednesday May 6 , 7-9PM ..... topics include .... Message-ID: June 9 WWDC rumors: A new iPhone ? A new iPad or Media Pad ? iPhone 3.0 software .... And discussions on: ATT vs Verizon. Goodwill now partnered with Burns & Scalo ... looking for new site in town. Antivirus necessary on Macs ( answer is NO ) .... but we'll talk about it. Open Q & A as always ... Nightcap at Primanti Brothers in Cranberry to follow meeting. Hope to see you al there .... Dave -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090430/6eea8f0d/attachment.htm From charles at firthconsulting.com Thu Apr 30 20:44:10 2009 From: charles at firthconsulting.com (Charles Firth) Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:44:10 -0400 Subject: [NPMUG] virus protection??? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <71A39264-8E56-4886-A600-993287744355@firthconsulting.com> I get this question a lot. So let me respond to the group as a whole. First, I answer the personal question: I don't run any AV software on my Mac. And I feel safe. My safety is thanks to both my knowledge of Macintosh security and computers in general. My AV is Education. (I should trademark that phrase!) If your education is lacking, you may want to consider other AV solutions. (Lacking computer knowledge is not a sign of being "stupid" or an insult - we all have areas of expertise. I'm clueless about cars, and can't even change a tire) Note that although my education on Windows is just as high, I still require AV software on all my Windows machines. Let me explain: 1) First, and most critically - OSX does not have any viruses out for it (currently). It does, however, have some nasty trojans. These trojans will occasionally be reported in the news as "Mac virus found!" Or "new OSX virus shows Macs are vulnerable". But they are not viruses. a) A virus will spread on its own - you as the user don't have to "do" anything to get infected. Just having the machine turned on and connected to a network is enough. Viruses are like swine flu - if you're part of the social world, you can be at risk without kissing anyone. b) Trojans are named after the greek horse - they're full of bad stuff, but you have to actively let them in. On computers, Trojans pretend to be something desirable - pictures of a celeb naked, a new funny video, a required Quicktime codec, a useful new utility, a video game, etc. But in reality, the software full of evil. 2) Because Macs are vulnerable to trojans (after all, the Mac has to trust you, and if you open the door, the door is open) you can become compromised - not with a virus, but other malware (DNS hijacking, root- kits, etc. Basically, if something asks you for your password, you're potentially giving it complete and total control over your machine. Only type in the password if you're sure it's software you trust. Being in the industry I'm in, and since I'm active on the front lines daily, I have a very high education level and ability to distinguish between "clean" software and trojans. I'm not perfect, but I'm just paranoid enough. 3) AV software is not without it's flaws - it sucks up RAM, CPU speed, and can cause legitimate software to not function. No AV software is perfect. You'll get false-positives, annoying scans slowing the machine, etc. Naturally some are better then others, but in my case the risk of infection for me (less then 0.1%) is not enough to justify the loss of performance. For a teenager who insists on using Limewire and pirating software the risk of a trojan is much higher - 8-12%. High enough that AV software is probably a good idea. (For the record, pirated music and movies are safer then pirated software, since a media file asking for your password is suspicious while an installer asking for your password is normal) 4) On Windows, thanks to the large number of "real" viruses out there (and browser drive-bys, hijacks, buffer underruns, SQL injection attacks, etc) it doesn't matter how good you are at spotting Trojans - you're risk factor is still way to high (40-45% on my highly subjective "my opinion" scale) - the FBI claims the average time from a Windows PC connecting to the Internet to first intrusion attempt to be 7 seconds. 5) Can Macs get a virus? Yes. No OS is "immune". But OSX has been around for 10 years and there have been no serious viruses out there. We've found vulnerabilities - weaknesses or security holes that could be used by a virus to spread - but they have (so far) all been closed pretty quickly by Apple (or the third-party responsible, or by the open-source crowd that built so much of the code under the hood in OSX). And these security holes have not been "gaping" but pretty challenging to exploit. (And most required a local account be accessible by the hacker first) 6) Will my opinion change? Yes. I'm constantly watching the security sites and news - and the time may come when i decide to change my stance and install AV on my Macs. But right now my potential risk is low enough I'd prefer it to the annoyances and costs of AV. I'm more likely to get hit by a car while crossing the street, another risk I take on a daily basis. 7) "Good Neighbor Policy" - Something a lot of Mac people forget is the fact they share files with Windows folk. Although Word macro viruses and other "content file" viruses are dying out, they are still around. Just because your Mac is immune to Windows viruses doesn't mean you can't be a carrier. So if you do a lot of file sharing with Windows users, and the files you share aren't "made by me on my Mac" then you could be distributing viruses to your Windows friends. For example: Someone sends you an infected Word document, which works fine for you on your Mac, so you forward it on to other people. I'm well aware of what few files I forward, and have never inadvertently sent someone an infected file. But the possibility is there. I've encountered Windows-virus infected files on Macs at client sites, so I know it happens. 8) Since there are no viruses for Macs, OSX AV is securing you from the few trojans out there, and mostly just scanning for Windows viruses you have be a carrier for. You're spending money and resources to keep your neighbor's garden clean of pests. Recommendations. *These are my personal opinions, I am not reimbursed or paid by any of these companies* If you must have AV on your Mac, what do I recommend? 1) Sophos (no surprise to anyone who knows me) - by far the best choice in OSX AV. But it costs money, and they don't sell single copies - no retail box, no home user option, no single license. Sophos is business/education only. (5 licenses is the smallest they'll go). But they are the best I've ever seen for both OSX and Windows. 2) ClamAVX - Free. (horray open source!) Not the most friendly, and you'll probably want to just have it around to run periodic manual scans. But a nice tool if you're worried 3) Sorry - at this time I have no other recommendations. I do however have two anti-recommendations: a) If you're thinking about Symantec Anti-Virus for Mac, just hit your mac with a sledgehammer until it's dust. It's kinder to the poor machine b) If you're thinking about McAfee, just use the money to buy yourself a book on computer security. It's more effective. On Apr 30, 2009, at 9:12 PM, harmonyroute at mac.com wrote: > I received this question from a felow trolley museum volunteer > regarding his trepidation about switching and not feeling protected > from viruses. > > I would appreciate insightful responses that I can use to sooth him. > > Thanks in advance, > CuZinBruce > > > > Bruce - > > I need some advice. As you know, I am in the process of getting up > to speed on my Mac Book Pro. Maybe I am too much an old PC fan, but > I feel naked on the Internet without some form of virus, etc. > protection. I know that Macs are supposed to be immune to such > problems, but my reading of recent issues of PC magazines suggest > that may not be entirely true. > > Do you run any such protection on your Macs and, if so, what product > do you use? > _______________________________________________ > NPMUG mailing list > NPMUG at davesevick.com > http://davesevick.com/mailman/listinfo/npmug -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://davesevick.com/pipermail/npmug/attachments/20090430/57a3cfd1/attachment.htm