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Apple releases supplemental OS X 10.7.3 update

Apple has released a supplemental update to OS X 10.7.3 that addresses problems some people have had when trying to use Time Machine to restore their Macs.

The update is a 24.55MB download that is available via Software Update, but can also be downloaded at the update's Web page and manually installed.

The update requires OS X 10.7.3 to install, so if you are running prior versions and are thinking about updating, you'll need to first update and then check Software Update again or manually apply this patch to ensure your system is … Read more

Add a 'pull to refresh' gesture to Chrome, Safari

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The "pull to refresh" feature that is now a staple of any great iOS app has found its way to your desktop via a Chrome and Safari extension. There is one caveat, however: you will need to be using OS X Lion in order for it to work.

Originally covered by Lifehacker, but brought to my attention by Twitter follower @StephToThe, the pull to refresh browser extension only takes a few seconds to install and set up.

Head on over to the developer's GitHub page. Download the ZIP file containing the Chrome and Safari extension. … Read more

OS X Desktop backgrounds gray after waking from sleep

A problem some Mac users have been experiencing with OS X Lion is an issue where their desktop backgrounds are showing as a bland gray color instead of the designated picture or pattern. This happens randomly after the systems have been woken from sleep, and when it occurs, the background will not change even if you manually try to reset it.

It appears that this occurrence is a problem with the management of multiple monitors and desktops, which in OS X is the responsibility of the Dock. When this problem happens, you can usually correct it by using Activity Monitor … Read more

Q&A: MacFixIt Answers

MacFixIt Answers is a feature in which we answer questions e-mailed in by our readers.

This week people wrote in with questions about log-in items returning after being deleted, installing Lion to another partition within Snow Leopard, missing menu extras for Spaces in Lion, whether or not it's feasible to customize a Mac's wakeup schedule, and how to reset a lost account password. We welcome alternative approaches and views from readers, so if you have any suggestions, then post them in the comments!

Question: Log-in items returning after being deleted MacFixIt reader Thom asks:

I have two programs … Read more

Windows 8 vs. OS X Mountain Lion: The debate begins

The Mountain Lion Developer Preview came out just a couple of weeks ago, and today's announcement for Windows 8 Consumer Preview now puts both of the major next-generation operating systems on display for all to see. CNET editors Seth Rosenblatt and Jason Parker went through and answered some key questions at this very early stage of the game. While neither operating system is close to finished, we put up some of the known features and examined reasons people might be enticed by one or the other.… Read more

Will your Mac run Mountain Lion?

With the release of the Developer Preview of OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion came a list of system requirements that excludes more Intel-based Mac systems from running the new operating system, including a few models such as the first Mac Pro that seem like they should run the new OS just fine.

Given the first Mac Pro's processing capabilities, with its multicore 64-bit-capable CPUs with plenty of RAM and advanced graphics card, it ought to be more than capable of running Mountain Lion. After all, the difference here is not like Apple's switch to a new architecture … Read more

How to get Mountain Lion-style Growl notifications

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Apple is bringing Notification Center to OS X Mountain Lion, looking to replace the need for popular notification app, Growl. While developers are able to get a taste of the overall look and feel of the new OS, who's to say those of us without access to Mountain Lion can't as well?

Well, thanks to a creative individual who took it upon himself to create a Mountain Lion Growl style, you can experience the general look of the upcoming Notification Center alert right now.

You can download the Growl style from this Dribbble page. The link … Read more

iMac Wi-Fi update resolves Lion sleep bug

Apple has released a small patch to fix a problem a number of iMac users have been experiencing with network connectivity on their systems after waking from sleep. Apparently, after the latest OS X 10.7.3 update, people with iMac systems from late 2009 or newer found that the system wouldn't connect to their preferred wireless network, requiring the user to manually select the network from the Wi-Fi menu.

While not a serious bug, it was a problem that caused a bit of frustration with users. MacFixIt readers wrote in asking about this issue, and while some have … Read more

OS X Lion Finder bug deletes moved files

When you move files from one location to another in the OS X Finder, if their names are the same as existing files or folders, the system will ask you whether you wish to keep both files, replace the existing file, or cancel the move operation. If you replace the file, then the one you are moving should be the only one left in the new location; however, a bug in the Finder in OS X might result in both files being deleted.

Earlier today, Mac OS X Hints posted steps that show the Finder deleting both the original and … Read more

Apple confirms plans to build data center in Oregon

A 160-acre parcel of land has been signed over to Apple and will be used to build a data center, an Oregon TV station reported today, confirming a long-standing rumor.

The piece of land in Prineville cost the company $5.6 million and the deal, formerly known as "Project Maverick," has been quietly in the works for months, according to a KTVZ.com report. An Apple representative confirmed to the station that the company purchased the land for a data center but declined to comment further.

Before the deed was signed over last week, no one was allowed … Read more