My new 24” iMac has arrived. Up until about thirty minutes ago it was still in the box. I finally got time to unbox it and turn it on.
It is everything I expected. As expected.

I ordered the full size wired keyboard and wired mouse, I still don’t really trust this wireless stuff. I also took the 640GB HDD over the 1TB, after all, how do you backup 1TB??

Anyway, now starts the arduous task of finding and copying all my mac-apps over to the iMac from the Macbook. The good thing is, it’s so much more easier than on windows.

I still cannot quite believe how fast it is. I guess the real test will be Photoshop CS3 and scanning negatives at 4000dpi. Fun Fun Fun.

Update: 18/04/09
All apps have been migrated or installed. The new iMac is now a fully armed and fully operational battle station.

Tags: OS X, mac

The mighty white squeeziness arrived today.
I ordered a wireless mighty mouse for the laptop. This wasn’t a flippant purchase, far from it. I don’t make flippant purchases. I had considered getting a mighty whitey for the macbook a while ago but, AU$99 for a mouse on it’s own is a bit of a stretch even for me.
So, I bought it as an additional item with my new iMac.

In other news, I have bought an iMac.

It won’t arrive for a good month or so, so I won’t go into details about it yet...I’ll wait till it arrives.

Back to the mouse... so far seems to be an excellent critter. Turned on the Bluetooth and before you could say “hey presto” the mouse had paired with the macbook and not a word was said.

All done and dusted.

Tags: mac

Today marks the 25th Birthday of the Apple Mac, or as it was known back then, the Macintosh.

I remember playing a game called Artillery on an Apple Macintosh IIe back in primary school. Those were the days. Incidentally, there was a similar game that came shipped with MS Basic on MSDOS 5 called Gorillas.

The Mac has come a long way. Take a look at the Apple web site to see what the Mac has morphed into, along with all the other gadgets that have come along since.

Thanks to Paul for bringing this to my attention.

Tags: apple, mac

What catalogs your CD’s, movies, books and a swag of other stuff... and tastes delicious?

Delicious Library!

This beaut little program uses the iSight camera built into your MacBook to scan the ISBN bar-code on your books, movies and whatever else then looks them up on the interweb and puts them in your library. How easy is that!?

It can search through ISBN libraries in other countries just in case your “item” was imported.

Not only can it do this, but it also hooks into your iTunes library as well.

Once you’ve cataloged your tools and the like, you can then add “friends” from the Address Book so you can check out items to them. Never again will you forget who you loaned that widget-remover to. Even have Delicious Library notify you when they’ve had that doovey for too long.

Go to www.delicious-monster.com and check out the latest version.

Tags: OS X, mac

So you’ve succumed to the anodised aluminium wonder and purchased the slimline Apple keyboard (wired in this case)... but you don’t own a Mac and you want to get it working on WinXP.

You could just plug it in and it would work satisfactorily as it is.

However, what about the INS (Insert key) or the NUM (Numlock key) and all those specific OS X keys? What do they do now that this brushed beauty is running on a legacy OS?

Solution: Get the Apple driver.

If you’re an OS X user you’ll know that OS X 10.5 comes with BootCamp. This allows you to run a Microsoft OS on your Apple hardware with no OS X in sight. To fascilitate this desecration Apple have provided a swag of Windows drivers to allow the hardware to function.

One of the drivers is for the Apple keyboard.

To get the driver you could try downloading it, or you could ask one of your OS X using friends to get it for you.

If you have an OS X 10.5 DVD as I have you do the following:

1. Mount the OS X DVD on a Windows PC
2. double click the “Drivers” folder
3. double click the “Apple” folder

To install the drivers double click the “applekeyboardinstaller.exe”.

You can reboot if you like, it’s Windows afterall and it’s never happy without a reboot of some type.



Now when you plug in your slimline “twiggy” of the keyboard world, WinXP will detect it and away you go!

Key equivalents:

fn = INS
clear = NUM LOCK


Hiccups that I’ve found:

1. When installing NetWare in ESX server you are required to press the F10 key to accept the licence. In this instance F10 is not translating. Could be the Apple driver, could be the keyboard mapping to ESX. Fairly obscure I know, but worth mentioning.
UPDATE:- The F10 key is working fine, along with all the function keys. Solution: press the FN key in combination with the function key of your choice. All good. So now I have no hiccups.

2. Let me know if you find more and I’ll add them to the list.

Tags: apple, technology, mac

RapidWeaver 4.0 has arrived. Usually this would be a paid upgrade however, as I found out today, owners of version 3.6 get a free upgrade to 4.0. That includes me...woohoo!

RapidWeaver 4.0 is built using Cocoa, OS X Leopard’s native language and takes advantage of Core Animation and Quick Look(available in 4.0.1).

The interface has also had quite an overhaul and looks very fresh and, well ... Leopardy!

The good news is, if you’re wanting to try it, RealMacSoftware are offering RapidWeaver for $59. That’s a $20 saving.

Tags: rapidweaver, technology, mac

OpenOffice.org version 3.0 beta has been released, and finally drops the X11 requirement on OS X.

Open Office is everything you need and nothing you don't. Why pay money for Microsoft Office (over bloated behemoth that it is) when OOo is FREE?

I've been using OO for a while now on Linux(home) and Windows(work) and I've been waiting for a Aqua version of it so I could run it on the MAC without X11. NeoOffice is available (and I do have it installed) but nice as it is, it was a change in interface/icons that annoyed me.

Now that particular issue has vanished.

There are a number of nice new things in version 3.0 and you can read about them here, but mostly I'm impressed with the compatibility with latest version of MS Doc and XLS files, as well as the GoogleOffice format.

Version 3.0 is still in beta and it is rather obvious. It is horribly slow on Windows and passable on OS X. I'm still using version 2.4 on Ubuntu and will wait until the final release before upgrade on that OS.

If it's been a while since you last looked at OOo, it is time to have another look.

Remember:

OpenOffice = FREE
MSOffice = $$$

Tags: openoffice.org, Linux, mac, OS X

The worlds best browser is getting even better.

Firefox 3 is now in Beta 3 release, and ready for you to download and try. You can get it here.

One of the many new features is the redesigned location bar. You can read about that here.

At the suggestion of the Mac Guru at work (aka Paul) I renamed my current Firefox application to Firefox2 so the install of the beta wouldn't overwrite it. I can now run the two versions side-by-side with nary a problem. Windows users shouldn't need this step. I haven't tested it (because I no longer use Win) but from memory the beta installs as a separate program, but you might want to pay attention during the install.

Be prepared for the bug or two, but as yet I haven't found any with the Mac binary. Most of the themes/plugins I was using no longer work, but I expected this. FF3b3 is doing it's update check each time I launch it and it will grab them as they become available. I'm not really concerned with themes as the out-of-the-box theme is so close to the minimalistic one I use in FF2. All is good.

Switch to Firefox, because friends don't let friends use IE.

(Now.. me wonders when the new version of Thunderbird will be released.. last news was late this year 2008.)

Tags: firefox, mac, OS X, Linux

This always makes me laugh.

... and laugh

... and laugh

Tags: firefox, mac, OS X, Linux

Microsoft would have you believe they have the only computer operating system in the world. But nothing could be further from the truth. There are much more capable OS's out there than Windows. More capable in every way.

People move away from Microsoft Windows for many reasons, and they're all good ones. I have made the move away from the endless security updates, virus scanning, failed promises, poor performance, lockups and all the other problems that are endemic to a Windows world. There are so many better options than a Microsoft operating system and the world is starting to realise this.

I thought I'd share the strategy I used to move away from Windows, which is also the one I recommend to my friends.

Step 1 - Find open source equivalents to the windows software that you use

This is actually a very easy step. I have blogged about some of the open source software on this site but there is so much more. First of all I made a list of the windows software I used and went hunting for replacements. It also helps if you have an idea of which OS you think you'd like to move toward. I wasn't sure but figured it would be Linux of some flavour but also considered MAC OS X, so the software I went looking for ideally would work on all three platforms. Once you have your list you can now install your Open Source software on Windows so you become familiar with it and ensure that it meets your needs.

OpenOffice replaces Microsoft Office
This is an easy one for me. I'd been using OpenOffice for a while and already new about the product before I decided to make the move. Thanks to the Novell/Microsoft agreement, you are guaranteed that documents created in on will work in the other.

Thunderbird replaces Outlook
Thunderbird is a worthy replacement for Outlook. It has most of the bells and whistles and all the features you need in an email client. It's also available for Windows, Linux and OS X.

Firefox replaces Internet Explorer
This is a no-brainer. If you're not using this Web Browser already, you should be. Firefox has been available for Windows for a long time, and is usually where Microsoft gets their improvements for IE from. Just look at the Tabbed interface. Firefox also has a built in pop-up blocker and enhanced security features that are lacking in IE. Even if you decide to stay with Windows, you should be using this browser.

RealPlayer replaces Windows media player
Not much to add here, they both play media files.

The GIMP replaces ...MS Paint????
Yes, you noticed this too.. Windows doesn't have a half-decent image editing application. The GIMP is a powerful Open Source image editing package. It has a lot of the features of the VERY costly Adobe Photoshop, and if you're not in the image editing area this is still worth a look. All those digital photos you take and store on your computer can be touched up beautifully with this application.

There are many other applications, and I'll let you find them. Remember, GOOGLE is your friend. You might also wish to have a look at www.theopendisc.com

Step 2 - Practice
Now that you have your software, spend a good 6 months getting used to it and how they work. Learn how they work, how to back them up and restore them. Now is also the time to look at the hardware you use. Start researching support for your devices under other Operating systems. Search for drivers and software to support your devices. 6 months may seem a long time and it will depend on the individual. Only you will know when you're ready.

Step 3 - Testing the waters of a new Operating System
This step is the most exciting one and it's fortunate that Linux especially has many options that boot from a "Live CD". A Live CD is a bootable CD/DVD that contains the operating system. You can boot from it and load up the OS into memory without effecting your installed OS. This enables you to test the waters without actually taking the plunge. Ubuntu is my favourite choice for Linux, for the home user. Novell's SuSe Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED) is also an excellent choice but doesn't come as a Live CD. All Linux distributions are essentially the same under the hood. So you could trial one but select another.
Another option is to download the Free VMWARE player software or Microsoft Virtual PC software. These applications allow you to create a virtual workstation on your Windows computer and use it like any other application. You could trial every OS you wanted this way and get comfortable with how they work.
You should be using the Internet to good effect. There are uncountable support forums for every OS available. All of them are filled with people just waiting to help you out and answer your questions. Make good use of these resources, ask lots of questions.

Step 4 - Ripping out that hapless water-buffalo
You're now ready. You're comfortable with your new software suites and you have all the drivers for your hardware (bare in mind that recent OS's have nearly all the drivers built in). Backup your data to an external drive. If you've decided to go with a version of Linux that comes on a Live CD then all you need to do is double click on the install icon and you're away. Otherwise, follow the install instructions that come with the version you've chosen.
If you've decided to go Mac OS X then you've bought yourself a new bit of kit. Either way, have fun and start enjoying the world without Windows.

Conclusion:
There is no reason to stay with Microsoft Windows. Unless of course you want to.. but that couldn't possibly be the case. Why would you want to pay large amounts of money for all the bits and pieces you need to maintain a Windows OS? The saying "It just works" doesn't really apply anymore to Windows (not that it ever did).

Anyway.. this is the process I followed. I ended up going to both Linux and Mac OS X. There were two reasons for this and the first was Adobe Photoshop. I use it rather heavily for photography and well, Adobe don't release Photoshop for Linux...yet. The other was I had only just bought a new Dell PC and so I went Linux on it. I've been happily Windows free for nearly 12 months. During this time, Vista was released, but there is nothing that I've read that could tempt me back. I haven't missed Windows at all.

Tags: Linux, mac, OS X

For those of us who use this powerful FREE office application suite, OpenOffice.org have released version 2.3.
This new version sees quite a number of enhancements to the overall product.
For those of you who don't use OO, here is a quick breakdown of what the product offers...

Writer

WRITER has everything you would expect from a modern, fully equipped word processor or desktop publisher.

Impress

IMPRESS is a truly outstanding tool for creating effective multimedia presentations. Your presentations will stand out with 2D and 3D clip art, special effects, animation, and high-impact drawing tools.

Calc

CALC is the spreadsheet program you've always wanted. Newcomers find it intuitive and easy to learn; professional data miners and number crunchers will appreciate the comprehensive range of advanced functions.

Draw

DRAW - from a quick sketch to a complex plan, DRAW gives you the tools to communicate with graphics and diagrams.

Base

New to Version 2, BASE enables you to manipulate database data seamlessly within OpenOffice.org. Create and modify tables, forms, queries, and reports, either using your own database or BASE’s own built-in HSQL database engine. BASE offers a choice of using Wizards, Design Views, or SQL Views for beginners, intermediate, and advanced users.

Math

MATH is OpenOffice.org's component for mathematical equations. It is most commonly used as an equation editor for text documents, but it can also be used with other types of documents or stand-alone. When used inside WRITER, the equation is treated as an object inside the text document.

That's just some of what OpenOffice.org has to offer. Check out some reviews of the product here. You can also get a promotional flyer here.
Best of all, OpenOffice.org runs on Windows, Linux, OSX, and many more. Is it compatible with M$ Office? Why yes it is, and it will only become more compatible as M$ adopts the Open Document Format (ODF) as it is in M$ Office 2007.
Download OpenOffice.org today and see what the free world is using.

Tags: openoffice.org, mac, Linux

I decided to wash the bike today. It has been a while and I was feeling sorry for it, the amount of bug-guts smeared over the fuselage was becoming a distraction for the flies.

Sudsy foam washer in hand I began to scrub back the layers of splat, when to my surprise I uncovered a startling truth...



Seems the bike has aligned itself with the rider!

Tags: apple, mac

So clean. So... Intelligent.

Tags: apple, mac, OS X

Well I've been fiddling around with Leopard for a few days now and am fully back up and running. The entire process was hassle free.

This is the process I followed:

1. took an image with carbon copy cloner to my external drive
2. took a second image with CCC to my external drive
3. then copied my documents folder to the external drive
4. the booted of my OS X 10.4 CD and used Disk Utility to take a clone of the entire hard drive to my external disk.

5. Inserted the OSX 10.5 CD and started the install
6. I think the term is "nuke 'n pave"

Done.

All the good stuff you've probably heard about is true.. it's all good!

Even on my MacBook Leopard is quite a bit faster in just about everything.

Updates as the come in...

Tags: apple, mac, OS X

October 26 is the date.

I don't get too excited about much I.T. related, however this has got me hopping with anticipation.

OS X Leopard is a rather large update from Tiger with some 300+ new things. Hop on over to the Apple website for a sneak preview on what will devastate the Windows Vista devotees.

I have never bought an operating system without a PC to go with it. That is, I've always received an OS via the OEM. Leopard is the first OS that I have laid down the plastic for.

Since embracing the Mac way of life my computing experience has never been better. It just works.

I can empathise with those who are unsure about making the change. All the doubts about software compatibility, range of software and usability went through my head before I took the leap. All of them, bar none, were worries I shouldn't have been having and I quickly learned this... with the help of a Mac redi-reference at work (Paul, you're a legend). I recommend you just do it.. you won't look back and you'll be living in PC nirvana.

I have pre-ordered Leopard and eagerly await it's arrival some time after the 26th. I live in the 'Bush' so I don't expect to get it on that Friday.

In preparation for the new arrival, I have been preparing my little MacBook. Thanks again to Paul, I have a great little tool called Carbon Copy Cloner that can make a DMG image of my hard disk. This is my backup strategy should I wish to roll-back for some reason...can't think of one at the moment but there may be some weird kind of software that I desperately need and can't do without that won't run on Leopard.

Anyway... Tiger was/is great, Leopard looks positively Grand, and if those Apple dudes continue their trend Leopard is going to be a jaw dropper!

Check back from time-to-time as I'll be putting up my impressions of the new animal.

Tags: OS X, mac, apple