More Widgets and Apps

A few more widgets that I've installed onto the iMac:

MightyMonitor - monitors battery life of keyboard/mouse.

A few more apps:

Smultron - HTML editor
Adium - IM chat client

Note that all of the above is free or donate-ware.  I'll always try those types of software first.

MobileMe

Experimenting with MobileMe.  MobileMe is fantastic.  I mainly got it so that I could track and erase my iPhone in case I lost it.  I also wanted to play with it to learn its capabilities while using it on a trial basis.  What really got me was the iCalendar syncing. I am beginning to be heavily involved with teleconferencing at work and am sometimes participating in these three times a day, along with my other tasks, so I really needed to be able to track what I’d be doing in advance of a call, no matter what system I was using.  So, with MobileMe, I can edit or add a calendar entry and no matter which system I use, the other gets updated.  The calendar entry can be done on either my Macbook, iMac or iPhone!

 

I also decided to start trying to evaluate other aspects of MobileMe, such as the blogging and website potential.  Blogging will be first, but I'm also willing to test webpage capability.


The blog looks good so far (only one entry, but linked pictures show up slowly...not particularly good). And, I have to use iWeb to make blog posts...I don't think iWeb is accessible via the web, though...I'll find out soon enough and it may be at MobileMe.


I'll post my evaluations here as I discover the good and bad.

Recent Software Installs

The software I've tried so far:

Adium - multi-protocol IM client (more protocol support than iChat)
mBackup - for backup of mSecure for my iPhone
Firefox - browser for Mac from Mozilla
Chrome - beta browser for Mac from Google
iWork - office suite for Mac
TeamSpeak 3 - voice chat for Mac
Flip4Mac - WMV Components allow you to import, export and play Windows Media video and audio files on your Mac
Hewlett-Packard printer software/drivers - for HP Deskjet All-In-One F4240 printer

The software I still want to install:

Xchat (Aqua) - IRC client for Mac
One of these - DVD/CD burning software for Mac

Time Machine

So, I've got a 750GM LaCie drive that I bought maybe a year and a half ago at Microcenter for the purpose of backing up my work laptop's hard disk.  Instead, I decided to use it for my Macbook.  I've been using it off and on, but after I got the iMac, I decided that I could just activate Time Machine on the desktop.  In fact, I may be able to use it for both the laptop and desktop.

Backing up every hour for the past 24 hours, daily backups for the past month, and weekly backups for all the previous months is cool as hell when all you have to do is keep it plugged in (and not that this is without configuration).

Sooner or later, though, I'm going to have to get a bigger drive...got a 1TB disk in the iMac.

iMac - Stuck Pixel

So, I've a stuck pixel (showing as red) on the left lower quadrant of the screen.

So far, I've used JScreenFix in an attempt to unstick it, but have not been able to rid myself of it.  I can't massage the pixel to unstick it, either.

I'm looking at other possible remedies, but the existence of this stuck pixel isn't a deal-breaker. It's one of millions?  We'll see if this is an issue later, if others are discovered...it will come down to how many are discovered.  I'm not going to actively seek them out, either.

This would be a deal-breaker for a lot of Mac owners, due to the nature of Mac owners constantly seeking perfection.  I'm NOT going to adopt that philosophy, swapping out multiple machines until I get that perfect machine.  Perfection is non-existent, unless you're purchasing a Ferrari or Porsche, and some of those cost close to a third of a million dollars in some cases.  Some will say that the Mac is the Ferrari or Porsche of computers.  Hardly.

Want 64-bit Mode?

If you're not already aware, recent Macs are sold in 32-bit mode.  Suppose you want to try 64-bit mode?

This link explains how.

Dashboard Widgets

What are my favorite dashboard widgets on my Macs?

iMac:

iStat Pro
WhoisConnected
Clock (standard widget)
Weather (standard widget)
Calendar (standard widget)
Calculator (standard widget)

Macbook:

iStat Pro
Mighty Marvel Wallpapers
Clock (standard widget)
Weather (standard widget)
Calendar (standard widget)
Calculator (standard widget)
HO printer monitor

Now, with the Macbook, I purposely limited how many I used since I value screen real estate and try to limit the apps that are being run.  The iMac will be a different story, since the screen is so big and since this machine has horsepower to spare.

I'll add to these lists as I add more widgets on my systems.

Apple Serial Number Info Website

I found this very cool site when perusing posts at MacRumors:

http://appleserialnumberinfo.com

If you put the serial number of a Mac into the field at the top left and hit 'enter', you should see something similar to the following.  Mine is:

Model:	- iMac (27-inch Late 2009)
Codename:	- ?
Build Country:	- Your Mac was built in the USA.
Build Year:	- Your Mac was built in 2010.
Build Week	- Your Mac was built in week 7 of that year (February).
Production Nr.:	- Your Mac was number 1117 to be built that week.
Source:	AppleSerialNumberInfo.com

An interesting fact is that they are now building Macs in the USA.  This probably cuts down on delivery, as I read that some people are getting their Macs within three days of ordering.  Nice!

Google's Chrome Browser for Mac -- NICE!

It feels more robust (and looks better) than the last time I tried it (on a Windows machine and maybe 4 months ago).

Would love to use it at work but it keeps getting removed (corporate policy).

I'd like to see plugins similar to Firefox. I haven't even checked to see if they have implemented those yet.

LINKSYS PSUS4 USB Print Server w/4-port Switch -- Not Compatible with Macs!

The Linksys PSUS4 print server is NOT compatible with Macs. Macs will not discover this server, in my experience. I bought it so that I could have one networked printer. The printer itself, an HP DeskJet F4240 All-In-One is compatible with Macs, as I've got it plugged right into the iMac and it prints without issue with no configuration and it is auto-detected. When I add the print server into the mix, things get bad. The server also appears to overload quickly, requiring constant power-cycles. It prints fine with Windows machines, though.

I've left a review at NewEgg ( search for "unixfool"...currently, the review is on page 1) but this was before I tested on Macs.

Tried it for Linux also (gOS on the Dell Mini 9)...it doesn't like the server either.

If your house is heavy with Macs, avoid this print server.

Got me an iMac tonight!

Yep.

Got the 3GHz 27-inch (non-quadcore). It has 4 GB of 1067 MHz RAM and is running an ATI Radeon HD 4670 video card. I've got a 1 TB hard disk in it, also.

This thing is HUGE. It is the biggest monitor I've EVER typed upon. It won't fit on my desk, so I have it on a separate folding table. I've also never set up a computer, from the box, so quickly. Basically, there's the monitor, the keyboard, and the mouse, and that's it...one cord to plug in (the power cord), as the keyboard and mouse are bluetooth equipment. The keyboard is SMALL. I'm not used to using a keyboard without the numberpad and this may cause me issues when I try to game (yeah, I will definitely game on this system, via Parallels or VMWare Fusion).

A few pics:







Will supply pictures of the computer as soon as I'm done with the software updates.

EDIT:

Pics below



This one is next to a 15.4" Dell Inspiron that is a foot behind and to the left of the iMac. The screen on this thing is BIG!



The keyboard and mouse are bluetooth...no wires. Both take AA batteries, also. The mouse works sorta like the Macbooks' touchpad...this is a good mouse!



The box is mid-thigh to me and I'm 5'7". It weighs like 60ish lbs. and I had to carry this from the Apple Store in Fairfax to my car! The escalator was off, also! By the time I got to the car, I was almost dead. What's funny was the looks I was getting after I got this thing. People were staring...WTF, I guy can't go out and get a computer??

EDIT (2/21/10):

So far so good. I plugged in my printer and it was automatically detected (it's an HP DeskJet 4240 All-In-One). I had to add the HP drivers to my Macbook for the Macbook to see the printer properly, although that was awhile ago...I'm thinking that Snow Leopard has updated its printer driver set.

Bluetooth, 3GS, and Macbook

I'm trying to pair my Motorola H500 Red with my iPhone and my Macbook. Had some difficulty with the iPhone but finally got it working with the following solution:

Try this link. It solved my issue: www.scribd.com/doc/280088/motorola-h500-bluetooth-earpiece-manual. Basically what you need to do is power the earpiece off. Make sure that your IPhone is not currently attempting to discover bluetooth devices (i.e. Bluetooth is OFF). Hold the On button on your earpiece (it has the symbol of a phone on it) for 6-10 seconds. The light on the earpiece remains lit. Now your earpiece is in discovery mode. On your IPhone, go to Settings, General, Bluetooth. Turn Bluetooth ON. Now your phone and your earpiece are both in discovery mode. When you see "Headset" listed, select it and enter the password "0000". Your IPhone is now paired with your H500 headset.

That solves the iPhone/H500 issue.

Next, I paired my H500 with my Macbook. Easy Peasy.

Now, I'm trying to pair the phone with my Macbook. No success so far but I'll continue to investigate.

EDIT: apparently, the only use for pairing the phone with a Mac is for tethering. I don't need tethering (yet). No need for me to pair the phone with the Mac at this time if it will only allow tethering.

Apple iPhone and Apple iPod Touch Multiple Vulnerabilities

Apple iPhone and Apple iPod Touch Multiple Vulnerabilities - SANS.org

Affects -

• iPhone OS 3.1.3
• iPhone OS 3.1.3 for iPod touch

Got a new phone - iPhone 3GS!

Backed up old phone -3G 16GB

Sync'ed the new phone - 3GS 32GB.

Erased old phone.

How to erase all data from an iPhone - Apparently, this is a two-hour process (OMG). Maybe it won't take so long, since I was only using 7GB of the space.

Giving the 3G to the wife. The phone guys just swapped out my old SIM card from the old phone to the new one. Took the old one home and gave it to the wife and she was playing with it and yelled, "why is it working when there's no SIM?" We'd forgotten that this phone can still be used without a SIM, and she was going on the web and everything. Basically, it was in iTouch mode...hahaha. So, apparently, she can pop in the SIM from her phone (non-iPhone) and it should work. She'd still have to call or visit an AT&T authorized dealer so that they could turn on the iPhone data plan, though (from what I'm told). We'll add a family plan to my phone and she can piggy-back off of me.

Seriously, I considered the Droid but did not consider much else. Based on some reviews I read and some feedback from friends that have the Droid, I decided to not get that phone. Really, once you go iPhone, you're not turning back. Almost everyone I know that tried to switch away came right back.

The 3GS is much faster than the 3G (the 3G still lags a bit after finger inputs). I can play my Skee Ball much better with this new hardware (no lag due to other background tasks going on). It also feels just a tad lighter in weight. My old cases fit the new phone. All my apps are still compatible with the 3GS. The camera on the GS is worlds better, also...and the video function is a dream. Additionally, the speaker is WAY louder.

About all I have to do now is upgrade the firmware to v3.1.3 (it currently has v3.1.2).

And, to be different, I went black this time instead of white.

So, why upgrade to 3GS when this summer will probably be 4g? Because I'm not one to be a beta tester. I'll let other people sort out the new hardware...I just want a stable phone. Plus, if I REALLY want one, I'll get it anyways (and sell my 3GS to help pay for the 4g phone).

Mac Mini Server

Apple is offering a Mac Mini Server for $999. Tech specs are here and it doesn't appear configurable. You can add unlimited users to the server, though and it actually comes with the server OS software and what appears to be 1TB of drive space (tech specs state "dual 500GB disks"...dunno if this means some type of RAID). It also comes loaded with RAM (4GB) and utilizes a 2.53 GHz Core 2 Duo processor.

This appears to be hot stuff. If you attempt to build this yourself, it would more than likely cost quite a bit more than $999.

I'm in the market for another Mac, a desktop. I may be able to do a Mini like this, though, although I'd still want to game (via a virtual instance of Windows) and the video card in the Mini Server won't cut it...wait, I take that back, as it utilizes the Nvidia GeForce 9400M, which is actually used in the Macbook Pro as a default card (although it is upgradeable in the higher end models).

iPhone 3GS 32GB or Droid?

So, I'm really close to being able to upgrade my 3G 16GB soon (this coming Monday). I'm on the fence on if I should wait or upgrade to the 3GS 32GB. I just know as soon as I do, within months, Apple will release a new phone (happened last time, even though I knew it was coming but didn't know when).

I'm also curious about the Droid. The tech stats don't really mean all that much to me. I hear the keys on the pad are very small. The camera looks to be a lot better than any iPhone. Both can capture video. The Droid's memory and storage specs leave a bit to be desired, although it will take an external card (up to 16GB of microSD). Apparently, the Droid will chew up and spit out a freshly charged battery, although I've heard multiple people stating that the phone would need to be tuned (similar to when I tuned my phone to lessen battery consumption). Verizon's data plan has dropped to $69.99, according to some of the TV commercials I've recently been seeing. That would put a Droid close to what I'm paying now for my iPhone service. Both can tether and both can use headsets to voice-dial.

I could try out the Droid and return it within two weeks of purchase if I don't like it...wondering if I'd be wasting my time, though. My experience with Apple is GREAT and I'd definitely want to purchase through Best Buy and purchase their accident plan like I did with the last pone (and ended up dropping it not long after purchase, which Best Buy replaced for a small fee).

Basically, I'm afraid of giving up the Apple experience. I'll make a decision on what to do soon...but really, there's no rush to become indentured by another phone company...again.

A new year...what's in store for me, Apple-wise? ;-)

I'd like to get one of the following this year:

iPad 32- or 64-GB, wifi
iMac 27" 3.06-GHz
iPhone 3GS

Out of all of these, it will more than likely be the iMac. Really, an iPad would be cool and all, but its basically just a large iPod. And, I already have an iPhone (3G). I already have a Mac also (the Macbook)...I'd like a desktop system. What I'd REALLY like is a Mac Pro, but that's a bit beyond me. If I bought a Mac Pro, I'd definitely go all out, since at even the low range, you're already spending a lot.

Since it's almost bonus time, we'll see how this plays out. :-)

One full round of MW2 - Xfire Video

Yeah, this isn't related to Macs/Apple, but I thought it was cool.

One full round of MW2 - Xfire Video

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (for PC). The original .wmv video file has been heavily compressed to the .mp4 format, making it smaller but less clear (video- and quality-wise). There is also no sound (blame that on Xfire). The FPS person is me.

Latest jailbroken iPhone worm tries filching bank passwords

Latest jailbroken iPhone worm tries filching bank passwords

This is a nice read. This worm is named iBotnet.A. It explains the latest worm, which is quite a bit more malicious than the Rickroll worm that made the news two weeks ago.

Note that both of these worms aren't really exploiting holes in the underlying code. They take advantage of the ignorance of the user. To elaborage, both take advantage of the fact that jailbreakers need to install SSH software onto the phone. Jailbreakers tend to forget that the default password is public and known to the world. The smart moves would be to, 1) change the password to something else; 2) remove the SSH server after jailbreaking the phone; 3) if you still need the SSH server, use SSH key authentication. These seem like no-brainers to me but these are not apparent to most jailbreaker, since they usually don't have security in mind when installing this unauthorized firmware.

This worm is a bit humorous, also:

After it finds a vulnerable phone, iBotnet.A changes the root password to "ohshit"

Now that's funny!

iPhone worm in the wild

iPhone worm in the wild:

Couple of days ago there were a lot of discussions about an attack on iPhone users in the Netherlands where the attacker installed a backdoor that asked the iPhone owner to pay 5 EUR to get rid of the Trojan.

The attack was aimed exclusively against jailbroken (hacked) iPhones – these phones allow the user to run unofficial code and bypass Apple's official App Store. In other words – it allows users to run (often) pirated programs.

EDIT: More coverage at the SANS diary ==> Apple Security Update 2009-006 for Mac OS X v10.6.2