appleJAC Users Group

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.

The Mouse that Roars

by Ken Zindle


I need to begin, of course, with appropriate apologies to the late Peter Sellers, a.k.a. Tally Bascomb, and anyone associated with that wonderful movie “The Mouse that Roared.” This is not really a movie review; it’s a short piece about the new Apple “Magic Mouse”.

I recall vividly a friend of mine stating, when the mouse was first available, that the history of computing would never be the same. I took his word for it, since I didn’t know really what a mouse was, at least not that kind of mouse, and, at the time, didn’t care much.

I have had my mouse struggles. The kind I really did like was the Kensington track balls. They were fun but sooner or later they did gum up, and become hard to use. I’ve tried others, which have failed to please over the long run for one reason or another. I settled, almost by default, on the Apple mouse products with the little ball for scrolling.

Alas, they have been in cahoots------no one says ‘in cahoots’ any more, when I was a kid and watched westerns on tv, they said it all the time!  Alas!-----in cahoots, I say, with the Kensingtons because sooner or later that little ball would stop working and gum up on me.

And now I have this “Magic Mouse”, which is mine via the good offices of our own Joe Murtzlufft----thank you Joe. It’s a marvel to use. The finger slides effortlessly across its curved spine and web pages, and computer documents are instantly responsive. It feels nice and sleek to the touch. It’s just a grand, grand mouse! Imagine my delight, when, as I was breaking  it or breaking myself in initially, with a swipe of two fingers across its surface I traveled from one photo in iPhoto to the next.  It was one of those ‘This is way beyond cool’ moments in my personal computing.

I can turn it off at night to save the battery and the computer doesn’t get cranky about that, or at least it has the ‘Cest’----Czechoslovakian for personal honor!-----to not complain until I’ve left the room. In the morning with a single click the mouse is back in business.  (By the way the mouse’s name, for those who’d like to know such arcane information is ‘Joe’)

On the mouse information page in ‘System Preferences’ an icon lets you know about the status of the mouse batteries.

If you’re at all in the market for a good, I say ‘a good’ bluetooth mouse, try it. I’ve paid more money for  much worse products often enough, mice prominently among them.
But ‘Joe’ and I are pleased to be working together.

MuzApps: Mobile Music Applications

For something musically unusual for your iPhone (or iPod touch), consider a revolutionary NEW series of musical contest apps, called iSINGR, iRIFFR, and iRAPPR. These were created and launched by MuzApps, who partnered with WidgetBuddies to make it happen. Sort of like American Idol or America’s Got Talent in your hand, and you are one of the judges using a 5-star system. Here is a brief description of each:

iSINGR is a social contest for upcoming singers to record their own singing into the iPhone and share it with the entire community of iSINGRs, who can listen to and rate their favorite songs.

iRIFFR is a social contest for upcoming guitarists to record their best riffs into the iPhone and share it  with the entire community of iRIFFRs who can listen and rate their favorite riffs.

iRAPPR is a social contest for upcoming rappers to record their best hip hop into the iPhone and share it  with the entire community of iRAPPRs, who can listen to and rate their favorite rhymes.

These are each 99¢ and can be acquired directly from the App Store on iTunes on your Apple computer, iPhone or iPod touch. At the end of each month, $100 cash is awarded to the entertainer with the most votes. It is a great way for new artistry to get heard, for potential bandmates to identify each other (email is available), and for interested people to hear some of the newest talent emerging on the scene. It requires a 3G or WiFi connection (an Edge connection is not fast enough).

In my experience, its initially a little strange to click a button, listen to music, and only see a picture (on some). You can record it for later playback if you think its memorable, and rate it on a 5-star system after its played. I probably don’t have enough patience to listen to each of these, or perhaps I need an MC to moderate the sessions . . . I think I know how they must have felt when auditioning new singers for the talent shows, but only 15 songs have been submitted so far. To learn more, visit http://www.muzapps.com.

End of December appleJAC Digest/Blog