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

Net Scan iPhone app -- Installed

Net Scan

This app rocks!

This application has some decent configurability. I was able to scan the whole range of my home network (which contains over 10 hosts), getting details similar to a default scan using NMap.

The app costs $0.99. I got the app based on the recommendation of a friend and I played with his install of it a bit. The fact that I pulled the trigger on this app when I never buy iPhone apps speaks for itself!

iPhone firmware v3.1.2 is available

See "Apple iPhone Software now v3.1.2" article at PCWorld

I've no idea when v3.1.2 was released but I've never needed an update so badly.

My phone has been going comatose since I installed v3.1. During this time, I've also had cellular network issues. I'd have to restart the phone every couple of days. I'd miss calls because I couldn't tell when the phone was comatose until maybe 6 hrs with no e-mails and/or texts.

So, today, I decided to check for an update and v3.1.2 was queued up. I've installed it, along with an iWorks and iTunes update.

We'll see how things go.

AVI and Mac

So, I've been trying to view .avi files (movies) on my Mac. I've found that this can't be done unless I've the proper codec, so I did a bit of research and found the following:

http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/avidivx.html

I downloaded and installed DivX for Mac, which seems to work OK, but will ocassionally lag (voice vs. picture). If I continue to have issues, I'll try a different codec from the above link.

Software Updates - Sep 2009

While I was trying to back up my iPhone's data since I had to visit a local Genius Bar for a repair, I was prompted to install v3.1 of iPhone's flashcode. I believe this fixes that recent SMS vulnerability, but I could've sworn I already installed v3.1. I also had to update to the latest iTunes version, but I don't normally care too much about iTunes functionality, so I don't know what version is new and what functions and fixes apply.

Also, since I was at the Apple Store in Fair Oaks, VA, I bought the Family Pack of Snow Leopard. I installed it on my Macbook first and will do my wife's at a later time. I've not noticed any massive differences yet, but I only installed it last night (at 12AM). As a note, I don't believe this version will install on my PowerMac...it is for Intel CPUs only.


The visit to the Genius Bar wasn't all that stellar. The service was great, technical-wise, but my appointment was at 7:50PM. I wasn't seen until 8:30. My name wasn't called the whole time but I was showing as the next person to be seen. People kept coming in without appointments and just asking for adhoc help. I've no idea why someone wasn't telling those without appointments that they couldn't be helped because there was an established waiting list. The topper is that they called someone's name from the list (at 8:30PM) that was after me (and he wasn't even there...I guess he got tired of waiting)...I was like, WTF, I've been here the whole time and you're acting like I'm not even here. Then they immediately started to help someone that wasn't on the list and I had to yell that I'd been waiting 30 minutes without anyone calling my name.

Apple sent me a customer survey form and I informed them of these issues....wasted effort, maybe?

They did fix my phone, though. I had an issue with bubbles that I may have already reported on this blog already. Bubbles under the screen. I noticed this maybe 2-3 months ago. When I initially noticed the bubbles, there weren't all that many (4-5). When I checked earlier this week, there were 11. The Genius asked me if I'd been leaving my phone in the car. I told her that I work in an office environment and that my phone was always with me. They replaced the glass within 5 minutes. I didn't know the iPhone was modular in nature. I was assuming I'd get a new phone (LOL!). I'm just glad I got the issue fixed and hope it is not a repeat issue, as I've only had the phone a year.

[EDIT: The store manager called me today. I sort of expected it since they sent me a survey and asked if they could contact me for a verbal follow-up. I explained what happened and he apologized. I told him that I know things get busy and I also have similar experiences at work, but that a half-hour wait for a 5 minute fix was borderline unacceptable. He was also surprised no one was calling out names of the appointment holders. Hopefully he'll have a chat with his team and get things better organized. This is the second time I've had issues with that particular store. Last time it was them holding my Macbook for an excessive amount of time. Maybe I'll go to the Reston store next time...[9/14/2009]]