appleJAC Macintosh Users

President’s Corner: New Year, New Promises

by Tom Piper, aJMUG President

Where has the year gone? Christmas is upon us, and the new year is immediately around the corner. I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions, but I do express expectations for what I hope will happen. I’m not so excited about the potential for Apple’s new television subscription services, but I definitely want to see a new Apple tablet by any name they want to call it (many have already dubbed it the “iTablet”). What are you hoping for???

Our last meeting was the annual “30 Gadgets in 60 Minutes” where we heard six great sets of presentations in 58 minutes. This will be followed by the annual election of officers with the following results:

Position                     Name      
President                   Tom Piper (16th term)
Vice-President           Greg Breuer
Secretary-Editor        George Kopp
Treasurer                  Mark Snell
Webmaster               Alice Kopp
Librarian                   Bruce Heerboth
Members-at-Large     Peggy Landwehr   
                                Joe Mertzlufft
                                Ken Zindle
                                Julie Smith

The evening was capped off with a wonderful 25th Anniversary Celebration of the appleJAC Macintosh Users Group, with a special cake, punch, commemorative mugs, memories from Thom Day, and a City of Jefferson Proclamation declaring Dec. 1 as appleJAC Day. For a variety of different pictures of the evening from different people, check out: http://applejac.typepad.com/photos/25th_anniversary_event/index.html.

George and I were also honored with service awards and Lifetime Memberships (thank you). All in all, it was a great night with 54 people in attendance (and 3 more members). 60 anniversary mugs were distributed, but we will only hold the rest until the next meeting if you didn’t already get yours (the rest will be sold). The evening’s door prize winners included:

•     Snow Leopard (book)               Colleen Collins
•     iPhone 3G (book)                     Steve Archer
•     My New iPhone                        Rosalind Moulton
•     Mac OS Helpline (book)            Ed Brandt
•     Photoshop Elements 3 (book)   Alice Kopp
•     Lapdesk                                  Julie Koengsfeld
•     Apple bag                                Larry Garvin
•                                                   Sue Snell
•     Apple clip                               Dan Walsh

   
Our next meeting will highlight stories brought back from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (not confined to just Apple products). We will also invite everyone to bring their favorite Christmas gift (presumably Apple related) for show-and-tell. Be sure to check out the agenda for several special features.

Mark your calendar NOW for the next appleJAC Macintosh Users Group meeting on the second Tuesday, January 12, 2010, at 7:00 pm. Bring family, friends and new members back  to Lewis and Clark Middle School to get the most out of your Mac and Apple products.

January 2010 Meeting Agenda

  

iPhone and iPod touch: Disabling digital camera notification in Mac OS X

When the iPhone or iPod touch is connected to Mac OS X, a dialog is presented with choices for connecting as a digital camera and working with the digital pictures stored on the iPhone or iPod touch.

This is the default behavior under Mac OS X for digital imaging devices. Mac OS X provides a way to disable this notification.

Mac OS X 10.6

To disable this notification:

1. Connect the iPod or iPhone.
2. Open Image Capture (located in Applications).
3. Select the iPod or iPhone in the Devices list.
4. Click the "Show Device Settings" buttonin the lower left corner if Device Settings are not visible.
5. Select "No Application" in the pop-up menu in the Device Settings.
   
   
   

Mac OS X 10.5

To disable this notification:

1. Open Image Capture (located in Applications).
2. Choose Image Capture > Preferences.
3. Choose No application from the "When a camera is connected, open" menu.
   
   
4. Quit Image Capture.
   
   Information an apple support article

December User Group Offers

Take Control Books: 30% Discount on All Ebooks

Whether you're looking to upgrade to and get started with Snow Leopard or you want to set up a rock-solid backup strategy, there's a Take Control ebook for you. There are also books offering expert advice on maintaining your Mac, troubleshooting, AirPort wireless networks, iWeb, GarageBand and more. Take Control ebooks are written by the most-trusted names in the Mac world and published by Adam and Tonya Engst of TidBITS.

An exclusive 30% off their already low prices is offered to Apple User Group members on all Take Control ebooks.

Purchase Take Control books: http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/    TidBITS: http://www.tidbits.com

Strider Software TypeStyler: 25% Discount

TypeStyler is an extremely sophisticated, yet simple and intuitive, page layout and graphic design tool that allows users to create spectacular graphic designs by applying special effects and distortion to type and graphic images. The new version takes TypeStyler's unequaled control over text shaping, styling, flow and layout even further by exploiting Apple's latest technologies such as Unicode, Core Image, OpenGL, QuickTime and Quartz compositions.

User group members can buy TypeStyler, regularly $179.95 (US), for $134.95 (US), and TypeStyler Upgrade for $74.95 (US); both are 25% discounts.

Download a 60-day tryout and purchase at: http://www.typestyler.com

SmartMotion SwingChair: 20% Off

SmartMotion Technology produces one of the the best office chairs for computer users. The SwingChair is especially helpful to those who sit for long periods of time, providing continual support. Satisfaction is guaranteed with a 30-day money back guarantee.

The SwingChair is regularly priced $495 (US), but Apple User Group members can purchase one for $445 (US), with shipping and handling of $49 (US) free in the continental United States. If outside this area, SmartMotion will cover the first $49 (US) in shipping costs. Ask about discounts on accessories.

To order, ask questions or get a free DVD, call: 1-800-409-3350 Get more information: http://www.swingchair.com/   

Stockphoto images: 20% Discount

iStockphoto is the world's leading royalty-free stock destination with more than 5.6 million stock photos, vector illustrations, video footage, audio and Flash files. Add style to your next creative project with iStock. Buy stock or sell stock - or both.

Apple user group members get 20% off your first purchase of 50 credits (iStock's currency) or more.
Get great pictures now: www.istockphoto.com/appleusergroup   

New 27" iMac can be a DIsplay for another Mac

With Target Display mode, you can use your 27-inch iMac with Mac OS X as an external display. Connect any computer or other device with a Mini DisplayPort to your 27-inch iMac using a Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable (Cables and converters available separately.)

Products Affected
iMac (27-inch, Late 2009)
To use a 27-inch iMac in Target Display mode with another computer as the source:

Make sure both computers are turned on and awake. 

Connect a male-to-male Mini DisplayPort cable to the Mini DisplayPort on each computer. The 27-inch iMac will enter Target Display Mode and display content from the source computer.

Note: If you are connecting two 27-inch iMacs, connect a Mini DisplayPort cable to each computer and press Command + F2 on the 27-inch iMac keyboard that you will use as an external display.

To leave Target Display mode, press Command + F2 on the keyboard of the 27-inch iMac that is in Target Display mode. To return to Target Display mode, press Command + F2 again.
Points to keep in mind:

Applications running on the 27-inch iMac computer remain open and running while it is in Target Display mode.

I Lost It!

 I LOST IT!

(Or maybe I should say: “I Can’t Lose It!”)

Do you remember the younger day and your ‘eating habits’. I bet you don’t, and that’s just the point. When we were younger, we didn’t have ‘eating habits’, we just ate!  We ate when we wanted; what we wanted.  Grand times!  Special times! 

I’m invoking those special times mainly, mostly because for so many of us they are by-gone days. Of course the world teems with those who just eat and don’t need a plan; It also abounds with many people who might need a plan and eschew such a need. (Don’t you just love being able to use words like ‘eschew’; it’s almost as cool as saying that something is ‘palpable’----but I digress.)

There are many of us, however, who are bothered by that significant  ‘having to grunt, when you bend over’ embarrassment. It’s the result, the consequence of all those years of being among those who simply ‘eat’. Then, one day, that life style catches up with us and we find ourselves to be charter members of that ‘grunting’ group. What’s to do?

The american answer has been steady, if really for the most part, ineffectual:  go on a diet; lose the weight; slim down. And all of  this for the purpose of getting into that group of those who merely ‘eat’, although, face it, friends, going back to hose halcyon days is not in the cards for most of us.

No, so many of us in the ‘grunters group’ need to join the pack seeking the diet that really works, or at least really works for us. So, here I am!  I’m not  going to say that what I’m going to talk about is the ultimate answer, only that it works for me.

As a ‘grunter’ I was moving into the class of those heavyweights who weigh in at almost 200 lbs. The scales at the hospital, where I do cardiac rehab exercises, showed me getting close to 196 lbs. Of course, I always maintained that those scales weighed me in at least at 6 pounds over what I was, based on my old faithful scale at home.  (My friend through years of struggle.)

Okay then to it:  I want to talk briefly about the iPhone app “LiveStrong”. It’s a diet app that I was introduced to by a friend, who said it really worked for him. I decided to look into it. And I’m here to tell you that it’s a program that works.  Or let me change that and say: “It works for me.”  That’s about all that a person could or should say about a diet program.

The app is supported by the web site ‘livestrong.com’, where your iPhone, via syncing, sends your information. The program begins with you putting in a description of yourself and then your weight loss goals. (My own called for losing a pound a week to get to my goal of being about 175 lbs, a weight that keeps my safely out of the ‘grunt zone’ for the most part.)

Once you have indicated what your weight loss goal is, the program will prescribe an amount of daily calories for your diet. (My own is in the neighborhood of 2200 calories.) Then the tracking begins. 

(Please note that my intention here is to talk about how I use the program, which has been successful for me. I don’t pretend to know all the ins and outs of the LiveStrong program.)

The tracking involves logging each day your exercise activity.  The ‘fitness’ menu, at the bottom of the screen, will allow you to enter your exercise program and amount. There is a data base for checking out specific exercise activities, so that a caloric value can be given to those exercises. The result is that the caloric value of the exercises can be added to your base caloric intake figure for the day.

After each meal, you consult the ‘food’ item on the menu, at the bottom of the screen. The program has a data base of over 500,000 items, very extensive. The caloric value of the food that you’ve eaten, and the amount, can be entered here. It will then be deducted from your total allowed calories for the day.

On the website, on which you register and then log in to use, the information from your iPhone is put into your own part of the program. What I do is to retrieve that information to keep a diet log for myself.

The program is fairly simple, at least the way that I use it is.  There is a menu item on the bottom of the program screen on the iPhone to ‘sync’ your latest information with the  internet program. There is also a menu item there to enter and track your weight.

My own results have taken me from the ‘grunt zone’ to the neighborhood of 176---a comfort zone for me.  The value of the program  is that your attention is constantly directed to the caloric value of what you’re eating. It becomes a way of looking at your eating activity that helps the diet program along.

The app is a good one. Results are so good that they’re palpable!  (There I did it!)

Ken Zindle 

appleJAC Recognized by the City of Jefferson

On Monday, December 7th, Tom Piper, appleJAC President, and Greg Breuer, appleJAC Vice President, accepted the following proclamation from Mayor John Landwehr in Jefferson City, MO.

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, Apple Computer introduced the Macintosh Computer, 128 K, in a now-famous Orwellian ad on Super Bowl Sunday, on January 24, 1984; and

WHEREAS, In December of that same year, Tom Piper and Thom Day founded a Macintosh Users Group (MUG) in Jefferson City, Missouri.  The purpose of the organization was to share their enthusiasm, interest, and knowledge about the new Macintosh computers; and

WHEREAS, The Jefferson City Macintosh Users Group was named “appleJAC,” which stands for “Joint Aid and Comfort.”  The organization has met on the first Tuesday of each month in computer stores, businesses, and schools throughout the community for twenty-five years; and

WHEREAS, appleJAC has grown to 77 members from all walks of life and includes teachers, college professors, professional photographers, graphic designers, software engineers, business people, doctors, lawyers, engineers, homemakers, construction workers, to name a few; and

WHEREAS, appleJAC members have taught each other the enjoyment and usefulness of the Macintosh Plus, the Macintosh SE, the Mac IIx, the Mac SE/30, the Mac IIcx, the Mac IIci, the Mac Portable, the Macintosh IIfx, the Macintosh Classic, the Mac LC and LC II, the Macintosh IIsi, the Mac Classic II, the Mac Quadras, the Mac PowerBooks, the Macintosh Performas, the Mac IIvx, the Mac IIvi, the Mac PowerBook Duos, the LC III, the Color Classic, the Centris, the Newton, the Power Macs, the 20th Anniversary Mac, the iMac, the iBook, the Power Mac G4 Cube, the eMac, the iPod, the Mac Mini, the Mac Pro, the MacBook, the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air, and the iPhone ; and

WHEREAS, appleJAC has provided instruction for hundreds of teachers, members, and business people in the Jefferson City community.  AppleJAC has a community outreach project of providing computers and instruction for senior citizen communities; and

WHEREAS, Many members of appleJAC work on PCs by day and come home to the Macintosh that they love.  Macintosh users are no longer just a cult in that Apple has become an accepted technological leader with a large following.  appleJAC members are still “geeks,” but they are also “gurus;” and

WHEREAS, Like Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King, Jim Henson, Frank Sinatra, Mahatma Ghandi, Amelia Earhardt, Charlie Chaplin, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Neil Armstrong, appleJAC members “Think Different;” and

WHEREAS, appleJAC has become an important resource in our community by providing helpful technological advice, friendship and camaraderie throughout the last twenty-five years; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, John Landwehr, Mayor of the City of Jefferson, do hereby proclaim

December 1, 2009  as  appleJAC Day

in the City of Jefferson and urge all citizens to show support and encouragement to the members of this fine organization.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the official seal of the City of Jefferson to be affixed the seventh day of December, 2009.

End of January appleJAC Digest/Blog

25th Anniversary Recognized in News Tribune

  Reprinted from News Tribune Local News, November 29, 2009

President’s Corner: Are We There Yet?

by Tom Piper, aJMUG President

Only 25 years ago Thom Day and I set out to bring interested Mac users together to help each other, learn more about our tools (and toys), and have fun doing it. By all accounts (including the survey responses from half of our membership), we have not only succeeded, but actually surpassed many of our expectations. Today, we have 74 members, plus hundreds of others who have moved through our meetings. Many names vibrate through my memory as early memorable contributors to our cause such as:

    Mark Roebuck        first Public Domain library and early desktop publishing
    Randy Bisig        setup our first newsletter and bulletin board system
    Roger Toppins        converted newsletter to a many-featured digest
    Bob Shoop    first user group crossword puzzle
    George Kopp        set a high standard of excellence for Mac training
    Mark Snell    archived almost all of the appleJAC newsletters

        (and the list goes on and on . . . )

I’m sure that you remember many more names of key contributors to our efforts. Over time we have met at off the the Apple reseller’s stores including Century Next Computers (JC), DataPro Computers (JC), MidMissouri Computer Services (JC and Columbia), and MacXprts Store (Columbia). By 1990, our annual dues were $25 (same as today), and we had a public domain library, a 24-7 dedicated electronic bulletin board, a monthly paper newsletter, self-help trouble-shooting, great presentations from many experts, and you could buy a new internal 40MB (not GB) hard drive for only $399, or a whopping 600MB (that is 0.6 GB) external hard drive for a mere $2,325 . . . how times have changed!

Ten years ago Apple was just getting serious about its “boutique” retails stores, iMacs were putting a big dent in the market, and appleJAC had its own website (www.applejac.org), the colorful newsletter had gone electronic, 80 members were on the rolls, and meetings were regularly held at Lewis & Clark Middle School. Tremendous progress had been made, and we had also made significant contributions to schools in our area. The templates for our meetings and presentations were established so members always knew what to expect.

Last month we reviewed the many faces of Google. George Kopp, Greg Breuer, Joe Mertzlufft, Terry Larkin and I made a quickly-paced set of presentations of 15 of the top software tools from Google (over 60 are currently available). Though time was short, I introduced a wide variety of excellent Avery paper products and gave everyone a CD of exceptional print software. The evening’s door prize winners included:

• My New iPhone (book)    Tim Breuer 
• Apple-logo cap    Tom Vaughn 
• Apple-logo clip    Bruce Heerboth, Joe Mertzlufft 
• Apple-logo bag    Julie Koenigsfeld 
• Conference T-shirt    Dan Walsh, Trish Alexander, Gale Fuller, Alice Kopp 
• Conference playing cards   Julie Smith, Bonnie Culley
• Conference water bottle    Steve Archer
• Conference mouse pad        Mark Snell 
• Avery Greeting Cards        Jan Watson 
• Avery T-shirt transfers        Jenice Taggert 
• Avery CD labels & inserts    ??? 
• Avery address labels        Greg Breuer 

Our next meeting is multi-faceted starting with our annual “30 Gadgets in 60 Minutes” where we have broadened the categories to include software and iPhone apps due to their popularity. This will be followed by the annual election of officers right after the break for refreshments (see list below for initial nominations, more are still being sought):

The evening will be capped off with our gala 25th Anniversary Celebration of the appleJAC Macintosh Users Group, complete with a special cake, punch, commemorative mugs, and an exchange of warm and lasting memories (be sure to see special articles in this newsletter edition). Also watch for the NewsTribune coverage of our club in the November 29 Sunday edition which will be really special. This is a meeting you don’t want to miss!!!

Mark your calendar NOW for the next appleJAC Macintosh Users Group meeting on Tuesday, December 1, 2009, at 7:00 pm. Bring family, friends and new members back  to Lewis and Clark Middle School to get the most out of your Mac and other Apple products

December 2009 Meeting Agenda

For Links to all the products, Download the PDF of this file here.

 

25th Anniversary Stories - Mark Roebuck

Mark Roebuck
Chief Technology Officer
Health Resources and Services Administration
and charter member (I think), appleJAC

One could wax poetic on the passage of time, invoke the hazy glow of memory, call up the shared struggle to adopt – well, actually promote – heretical technology in those early days of “serious” personal computing, but I won’t.

Instead, I’ll just say that I scarcely remember the winter of 1985; a time when this newsletter was delivered by a mail carrier (and Tom included a card we needed to “complete and mail back to [him] as soon as possible”).  What I DO remember are those first meetings and particularly Tom’s infectious enthusiasm and boundless energy. The group was small, geeky to be sure (a word I don’t recall existing at the time), and a lot of fun. I had the first of the now endless 8-month model revisions: the 512MB Mac (!), and thought it quite smart that I waited until the fourth quarter of 1984 before I committed the princely sum of $2,400 to a machine that didn’t even have wheels.

That product cycle continues to be confounding and frustrating (getting ready to sell my eight-month-old 24” iMac as soon as the 27” i7 is delivered). But hey, it’s still great to stay on the edge!

Pictured here is my office at the Department of Health and Human Services – something else I have Tom to thank for (he couldn’t be persuaded to move to Washington, so I was tapped as a poor second), but that’s a story for another anniversary edition…

Note the PC (the two monitors on the sinister side of the desk) is overwhelmed by the presence of Macs. My old G4 sits on the conference table awaiting a new power supply the good IT folks at CDC are sending up from Atlanta. Congrats to Tom, and to all of us, actually, who continue to champion the insanely great alternative.

Why I Can't Make the appleJAC Meeting

vs Why I Really Should Attend the Next One

 

by Bruce Heerboth, Librarian

      You missed it.
This is the first Tuesday?
      You know how it is:
I’m out of town this week.
      Things get busy and there’s just no time to do all the things you want.
The kids have a ball game.
    You really wanted to come to the meeting.
I had to pick up someone at the airport.
    Just didn’t quite make it.
Sorry…conflicting meetings.
    But there is a reprieve.
I’m on the election committee.
    We have been busy videotaping the meetings.
The hot water tank sprang a leak!
    As well as some of our special classes.
I’ve got the flu.
    They are on CD’s and DVD’s.
Mom just got out of the hospital.
    We’ve assembled a small library.
I’ve been abducted by aliens.
    You know how it is.
I can’t find a babysitter.
    When life is interrupted.
I have to work late.
    Take a look at the list below.

Here is what’s available:

• iWork 2009 Class with Tom Piper – CD -  Loaned or $10 to purchase
• Mac Basics 2009 with George Kopp – DVD -  Loaned or $15 to purchase
• iPhoto 2009 with George Kopp – DVD – Loaned or $15 to purchase
• Meetings from January 2009 to the present. – Free loan to members.

Here’s how you get them:

Email to: bheerboth@gmail.com or
Contact any appleJAC officer

We also have Back Issues of the appleJAC Digest – Downloadable from our web site.
Go to http://www.applejac.org and look for “Archives” on the left side.

Cool Books: Pathways to Fun and Functionality

iPhone 3G S Portable Genius

a review by Tom Piper
Author: Paul McFedries, David Pabian
Publisher: Wiley
Released: August 2008
Pages: 267
Print: ISBN: 978-0-470-42348-6
Ebook: ISBN: 978-0-470-45267-7

You don’t have to be a genius to use an iPhone 3G. But if you want to get the very most out of yours, put this savvy Portable Genius guide to work and start ramping up the pace. Want to e-mail attachments twice as fast? Talk and browse at the same time? Quickly locate the nearest coffee shop? Sync your iPhone 3G with multiple computers? You’ll find cool and useful Genius tips, full-color screenshots, and pages of easy-to-access shortcuts and tools that will save you loads of time and let you enjoy your new iPhone 3G to the max.

Below is the sequence of educational steps as shown in the Table of Contents.

Chapter 1: How Do I Configure My iPhone 3G?
Chapter 2: How Can I Get More Out of My iPhone 3G’s Phone Feature?
Chapter 3: How Can I Make the Most of Web Surfing with My iPhone 3G?
Chapter 4: How Do I Maximize E-mail on My iPhone 3G?
Chapter 5: How Can I Take Control of Syncing My iPhone 3G?
Chapter 6: How Can I Get More Out of My iPhone 3G’s Media Features?
Chapter 7: Can I use My iPhone 3G to Manage Contacts and Appointments?
Chapter 8: How Can I Use iPhone 3G to Help Organize My Life?
Chapter 9: How Do I Keep My Life In Sync with MobileMe?
Chapter 10: How Do I Enhance My iPhone 3G with App Store?
Chapter 11: How Do I Fix My iPhone 3G?

This is the book that brings vibrant colors and excitement to our reading . . . it almost has a 3D effect as you move from topic to topic. Some great pull-outs with Caution, Note, Genius and other notations of special interest. The text is open with ample line spacing and white space. The descriptions are simple and straight-forward, with easy-to-learn steps. This is a great way to learn for the beginners with interesting reminders for veteran iPhone users. Its well worth the economical price.

This book normally retails for $25.00, or as little as $16.50 from competing sources such as Amazon. To learn more about this book from Wiley, visit http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-047042348X.html.

My New iPhone: 52 Projects to Get You Started

a review by Tom Piper

Author: Wallace Wang
Publisher: No Starch Press
Released: July 2009
Pages: 464
Print: ISBN: ISBN-10 1-59327-195-6

You finally did it—you bought the gizmo that everyone's talking about. Maybe you've already figured out how to play music or make phone calls, but then what? How does the voicemail work? And that keyboard? What about all of those cool apps—which ones do you need, and how do you get them? You need a book like My New iPhone to make everything easy. This simple, project-oriented book will have you using the best features of your iPhone or iPod Touch in no time. Rather than drag you through some boring manual, My New iPhone focuses on individual, fun projects, like configuring multiple email accounts, transferring your music, and syncing your computer with your iPhone.
Below is the sequence of training parts as shown in the Table of Contents.

PART I: Getting Started
PART II: Modifying Your iPhone
PART III: Making Phone Calls
PART IV: Enjoying Music, Pictures, and Movies
PART V: Browsing the Internet
PART VI: Using Email
PART VII: Business Stuff
PART VIII: Fun Stuff
PART IX: Safety and Privacy
PART X: Cool Things You Can Do with Apps

This is the book that educates through black-and-white project instructions. It is spaced well with lots of illustrations of how to do things. I would think of this as a new to intermediate user reference book, but the price seems high compared to other competitors on the market. It does use a nice step-by-step process.

This book normally retails for $29.95 ($23.95 ebook bundle, or $32.95 ebook and paperback), or as little as $19.77 from competing sources such as Amazon. To learn more about this book from O’Reilly Media, visit http://nostarch.com/newiphone_toc.htm.

Mac OS X Snow Leopard: The Missing Manual

a review by Tom Piper

Author: David Pogue
Publisher: O’Reilly Media / Pogue Press
Released: October 2009
Pages: 912
Print: ISBN: 978-0-596-15328-1
Ebook: ISBN: 978-1-4493-7727-4

For a company that promised to "put a pause on new features," Apple sure has been busy-there's barely a feature left untouched in Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard." There's more speed, more polish, more refinement-but still no manual. Fortunately, David Pogue is back, with the humor and expertise that have made this the #1 bestselling Mac book for eight years straight. This one witty, expert guide makes it all crystal clear.

Below is the sequence of educational steps as shown in the Table of Contents.

The Mac OS X Desktop
Chapter 1: Folders & Windows
Chapter 2: Organizing Your Stuff
Chapter 3: Spotlight
Chapter 4: Dock, Desktop, & Toolbars
Programs in Mac OS X
Chapter 5: Documents, Programs, & Spaces
Chapter 6: Entering Data, Moving Data, & Time Machine
Chapter 7: Services, Automator, & AppleScript
Chapter 8: Windows on Macintosh
The Components of Mac OS X
Chapter 9: System Preferences
Chapter 10: The Free Programs
Chapter 11: CDs, DVDs, & iTunes
The Technologies of Mac OS X
Chapter 12: Accounts, Parental Controls, & Security
Chapter 13: Networking, File Sharing, & Screen Sharing
Chapter 14: Printing, Faxing, Fonts, & Graphics
Chapter 15: Sound, Movies, & Speech
Chapter 16: The Unix Crash Course
Chapter 17: Hacking Mac OS X
Mac OS Online
Chapter 18: Internet Setup & MobileMe
Chapter 19: Mail & Address Book
Chapter 20: Safari
Chapter 21: iChat
Chapter 22: SSH, FTP, VPN, & Web Sharing
Appendixes
Appendix Installing Mac OS X 10.6
Troubleshooting
Windows-to-Mac Dictionary
Where to Go from Here
The Master Mac OS X Secret Keystroke List
Colophon

This is probably the most comprehensive publication on the new Snow Leopard that has yet been produced (although I wish it were in color). David Pogue again packs more information into this book than I can absorb (a good thing). He hits all of the big stuff, but does not overlook the little stuff. If you really want to learn the full gambit of information about this important new operating system upgrade, then you will want this book to review, and keep as a continual reference guide. His notes and tips keep you on-track and provide excellent advice. Like all of the books in “The Missing Manual” series, if you really want to understand Snow Leopard, then run (don’t walk) to the nearest bookstore, or order online, or get an ebook for your iPhone (or iPod touch) to get a total education.

This book normally retails for $34.99 (ebook $27.99, or print and ebook $38.49), or as little as $23.09 from competing sources such as Amazon. To learn more about this book from O’Reilly Media, visit http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596153298.

Mac OS X Snow Leopard Pocket Guide: The Ultimate Guide to Mac OS X

a review by Tom Piper

Author: Chris Seibold
Publisher: O'Reilly Media
Released: September 2009
Pages: 234
Print: ISBN: 978-0-596-80272-1
Ebook: ISBN: 978-0-596-80921-8

Whether you're new to the Mac or a longtime user, this handy book is the quickest way to get up to speed on Snow Leopard. Packed with concise information in an easy-to-read format, Mac OS X Snow Leopard Pocket Guide goes right to the heart of Apple's latest OS, with details on system preferences, built-in applications, and utilities. You'll also find configuration tips, keyboard shortcuts, guides for troubleshooting, lots of step-by-step instructions, and more.

Below is the sequence of educational steps as shown in the Table of Contents.

Chapter 1: What’s New in Snow Leopard?
Chapter 2: Installing Snow Leopard and Migrating Data
Chapter 3: The Quick Guide to Snow Leopard
Chapter 4: Quick Guide to Troubleshooting Mac OS X
Chapter 5: System Preferences
Chapter 6: Built-in Applications and Utilities
Chapter 7: MobileMe
Chapter 8: Security
Chapter 9: Keyboard Commands and Special Characters

This is a black-and-white book that looks like a quick reference guide, but is not really “entertaining” as in fun to read. If you are looking for a small book where simple explanations and directions can be found, this would probably travel well in your bag. If you want detail and color, this will not be your first choice.

This book normally retails for $14.99 ($11.99 for ebook or $16.49 for print and ebook), or as little as $9.59 from competing sources such as Amazon. To learn more about this book from Wiley, visit http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596802738.

iPod touch for Dummies

a review by Tom Piper

Author: Tony Bove
Publisher: Wiley
Released: August 2009
Pages: 240
Print: ISBN: 978-0-470-50530-4

The perfect full-color guide to the iPod touch for both Mac and Windows users
With this full-color guide, you can get hip to all your iPod touch has to offer and take full advantage of the iTunes store and the App Store, as well. You'll start by learning how to manage the multi-touch interface and setting up iTunes. Then you'll discover how to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi, receive and send e-mail, get directions and use maps, play games, download and watch movies, shop for cool new apps at the App Store, and much more. Starts with the basics of setting up and using the iPod touch, richly illustrated in full color, covers listening to music, synchronizing your data, working with the calendar, setting up iTunes, and getting online via Wi-Fi, shows how to send and receive e-mail, shop for movies and music at the iTunes Store, browse the Web, share photos, download and watch movies and TV shows, and download apps from the App Store, explains how to use your iPod touch as a portable game console and how to manage your contacts and to-do lists, and also covers protecting your information and troubleshooting. iPod touch For Dummies helps you make the most of this amazing device that combines a widescreen iPod with touch controls, a portable game console, and a breakthrough Internet device.

Below is the sequence of educational steps as shown in the Table of Contents.

Part I: Touching All the Basics
Part II: Filling Up Your Empty Cup
Part III: Playing It Back with Interest
Part IV: Touching the Online World
Part V: Staying in Touch and Up-to-Date
Part VI: The Part of Tens
Part VI: The Part of Tens

What a terrific little paperback with good use of color, a delightful format, and easy to follow. The chapter headings are well thought-out, and the frequent bull-eye tips, “on the web” notes, and instructive warnings add much to the dialogue. I find the dense packing of text a bit distracting, but overall am impressed with its value.

This book normally retails for $21.99, or as little as $14.95 from competing sources such as Amazon. To learn more about this book from Wiley, visit http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470505303.html.

iPhone: The Missing Manual, Third Edition

a review by Tom Piper

Author: David Pogue
Publisher: O'Reilly Media / Pogue Press
Released: July 2009
Pages: 416
Print: ISBN: 978-0-596-80429-9
Ebook: ISBN: 978-0-596-55963-2

The new iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3.0 software have arrived, and New York Times tech columnist David Pogue is on top of it with a thoroughly updated edition of iPhone: The Missing Manual. Each custom-designed page helps you use your iPhone for everything from web browsing to watching videos. The iPhone is packed with possibilities, and with this handy book, you can explore them all. If you have a new iPhone 3GS, or just updated your 3G with iPhone 3.0, iPhone: The Missing Manual, will bring you up to speed quickly. New York Times tech columnist David Pogue gives you a guided tour of every feature, with lots of tips, tricks, and surprises. You'll learn how to make calls and play songs by voice control, take great photos, keep track of your schedule, and more.

Below is the sequence of educational steps as shown in the Table of Contents.

The Phone as Phone
Chapter 1: The Guided Tour
Chapter 2: Typing, Editing, & Searching
Chapter 3: Phone Calls
Chapter 4: Voicemail, Texting, & Other Phone Tricks
Pix, Flix, & Apps
Chapter 5: Music and Video
Chapter 6: Camera, Photos, & Video
Chapter 7: Maps and Apps
Chapter 8: Ringtones, Nike, & Talking Buttons
The iPhone Online
Chapter 9: Getting Online
Chapter 10: The Web
Chapter 11: Email
Chapter 12: The App Store
Connections
Chapter 13: iTunes for iPhoners
Chapter 14: Syncing the iPhone
Chapter 15: MobileMe
Chapter 16: The Corporate iPhone
Chapter 17: Settings
Appendixes
Setup and Signup
Accessories
Troubleshooting and Maintenance

This is the book that I would recommend if you want a comprehensive and enjoyable read, whether new or experienced to the iPhone. David Pogue does such a wonderful and colorful job of presenting information that almost dances off the page. He has the well-deserved title of being one of the world’s best explainers. This book deserves a place in your library (and perhaps the ebook version on your iPhone as it is on mine). Its hard to go wrong with any book in “The Missing Manual” series.

This book normally retails for $24.99 ($19.99 for ebook, or $27.49 for print and ebook), or as little as $16.49 from competing sources such as Amazon. To learn more about this book from Wiley, visit http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596804305.

Photographing Nature: A Photo Workshop

a review by Tom Piper

Author: Ralph A. Clevenger
Publisher: New Riders
Released: August 2008
Pages: 267
Print: ISBN: 0-321-63754-2
Ebook: ISBN: I0-321-63835-2

In this stunning, four-color course-in-a-book, each chapter opens with a spectacular photo spread from the natural world that Clevenger uses to illustrate themes and techniques essential to mastering nature photography. Just as he does in his classroom at Brooks, Clevenger explains how each photo was captured, the tools and techniques used, and typical problems related to capturing such a photo, along with solutions. Chapters also include sample Q&A sessions as well as assignments you can try yourself. By the time you’ve worked through all of the techniques in this beautiful, yet informative book, you’ll not only photograph the world differently, you’ll see it differently as well. With a foreword by George Lepp, one of North America’s best-known contemporary outdoor and nature photographers, it is a spell-binding publication.

Below is the sequence of educational steps as shown in the Table of Contents.

Chapter 1: Play Nice
Chapter 2: You need more stuff?
Chapter 3: It’s all about the light
Chapter 4: Not everything’s black-and-white
Chapter 5: Flash! And you’re in control
Chapter 6: Wet-belly photographer
Chapter 7: Garden variety shots
Chapter 8: The wonder of wildlife
Chapter 9: An ounce of prevention
Chapter 10: Land, sea, and sky
Chapter 11: Looking through the frame
Chapter 12: What are you looking at?
Chapter 13: On the road
Chapter 14: Back in the lab

WOW, this is an incredible book with vivid, gorgeous, colorful pictures that virtually leap off the page in splashes of animal, plant, reptile, landscape, bird and all manner of beautiful illustrations of natures wonders. It is a delightful page-turner that takes your breath away with variety, creativity and respect for the environment. AND, best of all, the author tells you (and shows you) how to take your own dramatic shots. This is actually a “how-to” photographer’s handbook neatly disguised as a study of nature’s glory!

The information is deceptively simple in its presentation, but reflects a rich understanding of everything from lighting to composition to ethics to equipment selection (and that’s just a sampling). Observations like “leaves are translucent”, so light the front AND the back; or, to improve “flower shots”, just get closer and open your aperture to put the background out of focus. Viewing this book and its excellent observations and instructions reinvigorated my passion for fine photography that causes the viewer to stand in awe of the picture, and yearn to be there . . . that, to me, is the real essence of image capturing. I don’t have enough quality words fully describe this book . . . if you are pursuing nature photography, be sure to add this book to your active collection.

This book normally retails for $44.99 ($35.99 for ebook, or $53.09 for book and ebook), or as little as $29.69 from competing sources such as Amazon. To learn more about this book from Peachpit Publishers, visit http://www.peachpit.com/store/product.aspx?isbn=0321637542.

Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac: Virtual PC at its BEST

a review by Tom Piper

Got a Mac but occasionally need to do something in Windows? Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac is the perfect answer that lets you seamlessly run Windows and Mac OS X side-by-side, drag-and-drop your files between operating systems, and run Windows software on your Apple computer without rebooting.

With more than 70 new, exciting features and enhancements, Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac is faster, smarter and more powerful than ever — helping you run Windows programs and devices seamlessly on your Mac.

Faster

• Run Windows 7 with Aero
• Enjoy Snow Leopard
• Use 1000s of Windows applications
• Run thousands of Windows programs faster on your Mac
• Enhanced! Install Windows XP, Vista or 7 in 3 easy steps
• Enhanced! Optimized for Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
• New! Full support for Aero, including Flip 3D in Windows Vista and 7 & OpenGL 2.1
• New! OpenGL 2.1 support for Linux guest Operating Systems
• Enhanced! Parallels Compressor automatically reclaims hard disk space
• Enhanced! Intel VT-x2 virtualization technology drives maximum performance
• Enhanced! Unmatched virtual machine performance
• Enhanced! KVM paravirtualization for Linux gives unmatched performance

Smarter

• Share files between Mac and Windows
• Use Windows apps like Mac apps
• Connect your favorite USB devices
• The simple and easy way to use Windows — show as much or as little of the Windows interface as you like — supporting those new to Mac and the very experienced. Easily share files between Mac and Windows
• Launch Windows apps directly from the Mac dock
• New! Support for Multi-Touch trackpad gestures in Windows applications
• Enhanced! Improved USB device compatibility — printers, cameras, mobile phones, scanners, GPS devices and more
• New! Run Mac OS X and Windows on multiple monitors
• Enhanced! Easily organize multiple windows with Exposé and Spaces
• New! Use Apple remote to control Windows applications
• New! Copy & paste formatted text and images between Windows, Mac and Linux

More Powerful

• DirectX 9.0c/9Ex with Shader Model 3
• All the security you need for Windows
• No compromise on performance or speed
• Enhanced! Run more than 60 different — operating systems, including Windows, Linux, BSD and more
• Enhanced! Full support for Snow Leopard, Mac OS X Server, 8 virtual CPUs and 64-bit Windows
• Enhanced! SmartGuard’s instant "snapshots" make backup and recovery easier than ever
• New! Use administrator tools to protect and secure virtual machines
• Enhanced! DirectX 9.0c/9Ex with Shader Model 3 support for games and 3D graphics apps
• $175 in Bonus Software Parallels Internet S

For the full version, one license is $79.99 (upgrade from earlier version is $49.99). Take a visit to www.parallels.com to learn more, download a Trial version, or buy. If you need Windows, this is one of the best solutions you can use . . . I use it every day, and just love Crystal (you have to see it to believe).

Verbatim Store ‘n’ Go: New Spin on USB Flash Drive

a review by Tom Piper

Flash drive, jump drive, thumb drive, finger drive, DiskOnKey, MemoryKey, pocket drive, data stick, data key disk, geek stick, keychain drive, memory drive, magic stick, nerd bling, pen drive, travel drive, vault drive, USB stick, etc.  . . . By any other name, this is a removable and rewritable NAND-type flash memory data storage device integrated with Universal Serial Bus (USB) 1.1 or 2.0 interface which became commercially available in 2000 and ranges from a few megabytes to 256GB (and getting bigger all the time) with a life span up to 10 years.

Marketed as a “true floppy-killer”, it represented the end of floppy disk use, and a wonderful improvement in cross-platform portability and convenience. Today USB flash drives come in many sizes and an incredible number of shapes, so how do you pick the right one for you? One flash drive that stands out from the crowd for me is from the Verbatim family of electronic storage products (www.verbatim.com).

I reviewed the easy-to-use 8GB Verbatim Store 'n' Go® USB Flash Drive for Mac OS X desktop and notebook systems. As advertised, it can conveniently store and transport data including everything from presentations to photos, video clips and music, all readily accessible on any computer. An important and distinctive feature is that it can protect sensitive files by utilizing the built-in password security feature. It has a retractable “click” USB connector (so there is no cap to lose), a cool blue LED activity light, and a Verbatim Limited Lifetime Warranty.

In actual use, the “intelligent” security system offers a “public” area which any user can freely access, a password-protected “private” zone for any OS X-equipped Mac, and a write-protect feature to prevent accidental erasure of the flash drive. The setup software comes on the flash drive, installs easily, and allows you to configure your zones quickly and efficiently. Once setup, insert the flash drive and see the PublicZone; activate the V-Safe software on your computer, enter the password, and the PrivateZone appears. Very secure, very effective, very distinctive . . . very safe!

Measuring about 2.5” inches long, and weighing less than half an ounce, it can fit easily in a pocket, purse, or bag. Its a great little unit at only about $30 . . . I only wish it came with a lanyard.

You can also buy the Store 'n' Go Red from 2GB to 64GB,  the 3-Pack (2GB each, Red, Blue, Green), Pink (2GB), Purple (4GB) and many more can be found at: http://www.verbatim.com/products/category.cfm?pc_id=B0733EA6-8EC0-45D8-A2D2583CDBCAF4D4.

1Password 3: A Gatekeeper You Can Trust

a review by Tom Piper

How many things do you have passworded for security protection? How often must they be changed? Are they truly secure? Do you keep a paper or electronic list? Are they easy to enter, yet sufficiently complex to stop hackers? Have you gotten frustrated because you couldn’t remember an important password in a timely fashion?

For two years now I’ve been using an excellent program from Agile Web Solutions known as 1Password that has both simplified by security, and strengthened my computer defenses. Much to my delight, they have just released version 3 with lots of important improvements. Previously known as “1Passwd”, it started out as a secure login and password management tool. This is a great application that allows you to manage all your Internet logins and passwords using a single master password, securely encrypted in a special keychain.

What's really special is that it is integrated across most of the major Mac browsers enabling you to switch between browsers and still have access to all your logins and passwords. Even better, it's integrated with MobileMe so you can backup all your logins and passwords and even sync them to multiple machines. This tool also has an automatic form filler built in that allows you to complete web forms with a single click.

As if that’s not enough, Agile also produced a native iPhone/iPod Touch 1Password application via the iTunes App store which is a free download! In its standalone form, it allows you to keep a secured database of your usernames and passwords (and notes) for your commonly accessed websites. 1Password for the iPhone allows you to sync over WiFi with your desktop 1Password data, giving you access to all your stored URLs, usernames, passwords and secure notes in your pocket! I just configured the iPhone application to securely connect to my MacBook Pro over WiFi and transferred all of my invaluable web data to the iPhone ( and iPod touch). Very simple, very effective, very convenient!

With the release of 1Password 3 which is fully compatible with Snow Leopard, they have completely redesigned the interface and added over 50 new features:

• Take 1PasswordAnywhere to view your 1Password 3 information when away—enjoy a gorgeous, Mac-like interface for viewing all of your items in the browser—logins, identities, secure notes, software licenses, wallet, and even recently generated passwords.
• Organize Software Licenses with that icons make each license stand out and you can add new Software items by dragging and dropping the application, or manually add your own icons.
• Attach file attachments to any item in 1Password such as file-based licenses and receipts to software licenses, adding images to secure notes, or adding a scan of
• Edit items in your browser and delete logins, credit cards, and identities right from our browser extensions.
• Get organized with Tags giving you more flexibility to tag, search, and organize your items for the way you work.
• Sync with your iPhone and iPod touch with the new Selective Sync feature that lets you pick specific folders to sync with your iPhone and iPod touch.
• Safari Login Bookmarklet allows you to selectively sync your data to Safari as a bookmarklet—once synced, simply click the bookmarklet from Mobile Safari's bookmarks window, enter your access code, and 1Password will fill in your login information.
• New Vault-type Accounts will store passwords for AirPort routers, Mail and Entourage accounts, FTP apps, instant messaging, and the iTunes Store.
• Put a face to Login names thanks to 1Password 3 which automatically grabs thumbnails images including “favicons,” the tiny icons you see in the address bar.
• Fresh new Wallet now sports gorgeous new icons for all item types.
• Put a face to your Identities by adding a unique image to each Identity to help it stand out.
• Smart Search can now search secure notes and tags and offers multiple filters for the ultimate search-fu.
• Gorgeous new user interface redesigned for a widescreen world, featuring a new, more flexible layout, and a lock screen.
• Clipboard Security that automatically removes passwords from the clipboard to protect your data.
• New Setup Screens to help new and existing users setup 1Password.
• Main Window includes new Activity view to display and manage background tasks and improved search in Snow Leopard.
• The number of features continues on with improved List View, Detail View, Browser Extensions, Preferences, Internal changes and more.

This is a great password solution which keeps my data on my computer and iPhone, keeps it safe with strong encryption, stops keyloggers and phishers, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee (100%, no less). Its fully compatible with Leopard and Snow Leopard (use version 2 if you have Tiger). You can even download a free 30-day trial version before you plunk down the very reasonable $39.95 purchase price.

Learn more at http://agilewebsolutions.com/products/1Password, and see how you can protect access to your electronic assets and online services with ease, power and convenience. I totally endorse this product, and fully understand why 1Password 3 is now the best password and identity manager on the market!!!

New Turnaround Times for Drive Savers Evaluation Service

 
In case you haven't already heard, DriveSavers now offers free evaluations for 5-7 business day service. DriveSavers evaluation process takes the guesswork out of pricing data recovery services and provides you with a more accurate cost range before work is completed. You can now decide on the value of lost data without risk or cost.

The new evaluation process works as follows: DriveSavers engineers will perform a preliminary diagnosis of the media within 2 to 3 business days of receiving it. At that point, DriveSavers will contact MMCS or you to explain what's involved to complete the recovery process and provide a cost, then you can make a decision. Once DriveSavers receives approval, they will complete your data recovery within the following 3 to 4 business days.

There is no charge if data is unrecoverable and . . . you save 10% when you mention DS10086, on all successful data recovery projects.

Call DriveSavers 800.440.1904 anytime (24 hours a day-7 days a week) if you have any questions about the evaluation service or when you're ready for your next data recovery job. Ask about special contract pricing for all government agencies. GSA Schedule# GS-35F-0121S

Mid-Misouri Computer Services is a authorized DriveSavers Partner, DS10086

MMCS will remove your drive and prepare for shipping free if under warranty or for a flat $30 charge out of warranty.

Joe Mertzlufft
Mid-Missouri Computer Services
PO Box 10050
Columbia MO 65205
(573) 881-6800
AIM: JoeMMCS

For the Guy who wants Everything Apple

 This is actually a local JeffCity/Columbia company called Rival Toilets. Mike Johnson, who is also a Mac user here in Jefferson City, had the inspiration to make this.

You can read all about it here.

MUG mugs: 25th Anniversary Expression of Appreciation

a review by Tom Piper

“Frolicking with Our Friends” could well be the theme of our December 2009 meeting when we celebrate the culmination of 25 years of self-help, community service and technological fun. Our first newsletter issue predicted this (see dancing couple below), and laid the foundation for many productive gatherings (nearly 300, I do believe!).

On December 1 we will take time out from our busy schedules to recognize the many people who have been involved over the years. In particular, we want commend you for being part of this effort. To show our appreciation, we also want you to take home a memorable item from this special event. We have commissioned a special 19 oz. translucent blue travel mug for our appleJAC MUG members with our new logo inscribed on the side (see above). Every member will get one!

Come join us at this every special event to frolic with ALL of our friends, old and new. Over the years we have successfully brought together many many Mac and other Apple product users to exchange information, learn more about tools and toys, and have a lot of fun doing it. Help us continue this quest, and get the word out so others can benefit too.