Mac OS X

Have problems installing? Check the media

There are numerous instances of things going wrong when installing new programs, especially if the program requires a more in-depth installation than a simple drag and drop to the Applications folder. Sometimes missing or corrupt system components will not properly check out with the installation utility, or you may be using a package that is not built for your computer's architecture (running PPC or Intel-only applications on the opposite platform). Other times, however, the problems people experience are not caused by the operating system or application software at all.

We were contacted by a new iMac owner "Allan&… Read more

Quick tip: iPhone, iPad, iPod photo syncing could be filling your hard drive

Many users, especially those with notebooks, are at a constant battle to maintain decent onboard hard drive space without having to sacrifice too much content on their machine. Syncing the photos on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod could be costing you some of that valuable space.

When you are using iTunes to sync your photos to iPhone, iPad, or your iPod, iTunes automatically creates a folder on your machine called iPod Photo Cache. This folder contains a backup copy of the photos currently synced to your device.

If you change the folder that is syncing to your Apple device, the … Read more

Managing problems with Apple's Magic Trackpad update

A few people who have installed Apple's "Magic Trackpad" update are experiencing problems with the new behaviors. The main issue seems to be that scrolling is jittery instead of smooth, but others have had problems with mouse movement also not working well.

If you experience these problems, the first step is to test the trackpad behavior in another user account, since there may be a faulty settings file in the primary account that is interfering with the software. If everything works properly, then you will need to locate the trackpad's settings file and remove it.

An … Read more

Statistics and solutions for computer theft

People are constantly leaving their systems in vulnerable situations, where thieves can easily take them. I once was at a public Wi-Fi hotspot at a cafe and decided to browse the network for connected computers (heck, they conveniently pop up automatically on the OS X Finder's sidebar). While most systems ask for a password and deny access, I was surprised to find at least two computers out of about ten available that had fully shared hard drives and documents folders, with one having everything from personal bank statements and finance spreadsheets to saved job applications available for anyone to … Read more

Tip: No wireless router? Use your Mac

These days, wireless routers are quite common, and most retail options out there have some wireless capability; however, there still may be times when you are without a router and need to set up a wireless network for multiple computers, iPhones and iPads, or other devices that support Wi-Fi connectivity.

To do this, all you need is a Mac with an AirPort card in it. Connect it to an available network with the Ethernet connection, and then set up a shared wireless connection with the following procedure:

Go to the "Network" system preferences.

Select the "AirPort" … Read more

Apple releases raw image profile update

Apple released an update to its raw image compatibility profiles, adding support for the raw format from a number of new camera models. The update lets you manage raw images shot by newer cameras in Aperture 3 and iPhoto '09. The update is available for Mac OS X 10.5 and 10.6.

The specific cameras that Apple added to the compatibility list are:

Canon PowerShot SX1 IS Olympus E-PL1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 Samsung NX10 Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 Sony Alpha NEX-3 Sony Alpha NEX-5

In addition to this update, which is available for download at on Apple Support Web page, … Read more

CNET TV Apple Byte: Apple shows some magic

CNET TV's Brian Tong discuss the latest in Apple news, notes, and rumors. This week, Brian takes a look at the newest products released by Apple including the new Magic Trackpad. You'll also learn how to downgrade your older iOS devices if you're having issues with iOS 4.… Read more

iCal displaying 'Access not permitted' error

One problem you may run into when using iCal is the program constantly popping up with an error stating "Access to account 'account name' is not permitted." This may happen after syncing from another system, or after migrating to a new account or computer, but upon dismissing the error it may pop up again immediately or whenever the calendars are refreshed.

This happens because iCal has become set up with extra CalDAV accounts, either for another calendar server or for one that is already existing. This may have happened because of a problem with the migration from another … Read more

Will Apple's 'Spinning Wheel of Doom' become chic?

Can a symbol of frustration be turned into a signal of style? Can a visual aid that suggests something might be seriously amiss turn into a chic magnet?

I ask this important question because one enterprising marketer believes that if you are geek chic-forward, you ought to be wearing Apple's Spinning Wheel of Doom.

Should you not be familiar with this wheel, it is sometimes referred to as "the beach ball of hell" or, by the extremely naive, the "swirling rainbow circle thingy." Apple itself refers to it as the "spinning wait cursor." … Read more