Macs: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Ejecting CDs/DVDs from Macs
Unlike many PCs, Macs don't have a manual eject button on their CD/DVD drives. You can eject a CD or DVD from a Mac using one of three methods: the eject key on the keyboard, the F12 key on the keyboard, or an application's eject command.
Unlike many PCs, Macs don't have a manual eject button on their CD/DVD drives. You can eject a CD or DVD from a Mac using one of three methods: the eject key on the keyboard, the F12 key on the keyboard, or an application's eject command.
Macs and HDTV
Your new big-screen HDTV probably has more video connections than your old TV. Why not use one of them for your Mac?
Your new big-screen HDTV probably has more video connections than your old TV. Why not use one of them for your Mac?
Pick the Right External Drive
Buying an external hard drive may seem to entail making difficult decisions, but once you understand the basic choices available, you'll find that selecting an external hard drive enclosure is a simple process.
Buying an external hard drive may seem to entail making difficult decisions, but once you understand the basic choices available, you'll find that selecting an external hard drive enclosure is a simple process.
Printer Sharing - PC to Mac
Windows printer sharing lets your Mac use a printer that’s connected to one of your PCs. Setting up printer sharing for OS X 10.5 (Leopard) is easy with these step-by-step instructions.
Windows printer sharing lets your Mac use a printer that’s connected to one of your PCs. Setting up printer sharing for OS X 10.5 (Leopard) is easy with these step-by-step instructions.
Share Mac Files with WinXP
Apple uses the SMB (Server Message Block) protocol for file sharing with Windows users, as well as Unix/Linux users. This is the same protocol that Windows uses for network file and print sharing, but Microsoft calls it Microsoft Windows Network.
Apple uses the SMB (Server Message Block) protocol for file sharing with Windows users, as well as Unix/Linux users. This is the same protocol that Windows uses for network file and print sharing, but Microsoft calls it Microsoft Windows Network.
Erase and Install of OS X 10.6
Erase and Install of Snow Leopard: Previous versions of OS X had installers that could perform various types of installations. The most popular types of installations were ‘Erase and Install’ (sometimes called a clean install), ‘Archive,’ and ‘Upgrade.’ The Snow Leopard installer has no option for performing any type of installation other than an upgrade, but with a few extra steps, you can get it to perform an ‘Erase and Install’ for you.
Erase and Install of Snow Leopard: Previous versions of OS X had installers that could perform various types of installations. The most popular types of installations were ‘Erase and Install’ (sometimes called a clean install), ‘Archive,’ and ‘Upgrade.’ The Snow Leopard installer has no option for performing any type of installation other than an upgrade, but with a few extra steps, you can get it to perform an ‘Erase and Install’ for you.
Format Your Hard Drive
Disk Utility provides several options for formatting a hard drive. You can select the drive format, as well as the method of erasing and testing the drive, during the format process.
Disk Utility provides several options for formatting a hard drive. You can select the drive format, as well as the method of erasing and testing the drive, during the format process.
iPod to Mac
It's easy to copy media files, music, audio books, podcasts, movies, and videos from your iPod to your Mac. Focus on Macs shows you how.
It's easy to copy media files, music, audio books, podcasts, movies, and videos from your iPod to your Mac. Focus on Macs shows you how.
Removing Safari Plug-ins
To remove Safari Plug-ins, you must delete or move the appropriate plug-in files from the Internet Plug-ins folder.
To remove Safari Plug-ins, you must delete or move the appropriate plug-in files from the Internet Plug-ins folder.
File Sharing in OS X 10.5
File sharing with the newest version of OS X provides finer control over who can access shared folders on a Mac network and what access rights they have.
File sharing with the newest version of OS X provides finer control over who can access shared folders on a Mac network and what access rights they have.
Printer Sharing - Vista to Mac
Vista's printer sharing feature requires a bit of tweaking before it will work with your Mac. Learn how to configure printer sharing in both Vista and OS X 10.5 with these step-by-step instructions.
Vista's printer sharing feature requires a bit of tweaking before it will work with your Mac. Learn how to configure printer sharing in both Vista and OS X 10.5 with these step-by-step instructions.
Back Up Your Mac
There are many Mac backup software programs available. With so many products to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Focus on Macs takes a look at some of the software and hardware that can help you with your Mac backups.
There are many Mac backup software programs available. With so many products to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Focus on Macs takes a look at some of the software and hardware that can help you with your Mac backups.
Copy iPod Music With iTunes
You can easily transfer purchased content from your iPod to your Mac, using iTunes 7.3 or later. These step-by-step instructions will help you recover the purchased files from your iPod.
You can easily transfer purchased content from your iPod to your Mac, using iTunes 7.3 or later. These step-by-step instructions will help you recover the purchased files from your iPod.
Anti-Virus Programs and Macs
The Mac has a longstanding reputation as a secure operating system, with no known successful virus attacks in the wild. With a rich history of being virus free, do Macs need anti-virus protection?
The Mac has a longstanding reputation as a secure operating system, with no known successful virus attacks in the wild. With a rich history of being virus free, do Macs need anti-virus protection?
Share Mac Files with Vista
File sharing between a Mac running OS X 10.5 Leopard and Windows Vista is fairly easy. This step-by-step guide will take you through the process of file sharing using the SMB (Server Message Block) protocol.
File sharing between a Mac running OS X 10.5 Leopard and Windows Vista is fairly easy. This step-by-step guide will take you through the process of file sharing using the SMB (Server Message Block) protocol.
Boot Camp: Partitioning
Boot Camp Assistant, part of Apple's Boot Camp, is the primary application for getting an Intel-based Mac ready to run Microsoft Windows. Using Boot Camp Assistant, you can create two partitions on your hard drive, one for Mac OS X and one for Windows.
Boot Camp Assistant, part of Apple's Boot Camp, is the primary application for getting an Intel-based Mac ready to run Microsoft Windows. Using Boot Camp Assistant, you can create two partitions on your hard drive, one for Mac OS X and one for Windows.
Buying an iMac
The Apple iMac is a superb desktop computer that combines the power of an Intel Core 2 Duo processor or Intel Core 2 Quad processor with your choice of a 21.5-inch or 27-inch display, plus a large helping of Apple's well-deserved reputation for style. The result is a gorgeous, all-in-one desktop Mac that has been setting industry trends since its debut in 1998.
The Apple iMac is a superb desktop computer that combines the power of an Intel Core 2 Duo processor or Intel Core 2 Quad processor with your choice of a 21.5-inch or 27-inch display, plus a large helping of Apple's well-deserved reputation for style. The result is a gorgeous, all-in-one desktop Mac that has been setting industry trends since its debut in 1998.
Partitioning with Disk Utility
Disk Utility is the application of choice for partitioning a hard drive. Disk Utility is straightforward and easy to use, it provides a nice graphical interface, and best of all, it’s free. Disk Utility is included with the Mac OS.
Disk Utility is the application of choice for partitioning a hard drive. Disk Utility is straightforward and easy to use, it provides a nice graphical interface, and best of all, it’s free. Disk Utility is included with the Mac OS.
Migration Assistant
Migration Assistant makes it easy to migrate user account data, home directories, applications, files, and computer settings from your old version of OS X to your latest installation of Leopard.
Migration Assistant makes it easy to migrate user account data, home directories, applications, files, and computer settings from your old version of OS X to your latest installation of Leopard.
Startup Shortcuts
These startup keyboard shortcuts come in handy if you need to troubleshoot your Mac, or you just want to boot from a different volume than usual.
These startup keyboard shortcuts come in handy if you need to troubleshoot your Mac, or you just want to boot from a different volume than usual.
USB Flash Drive as Boot Device
Most USB flash drives are formatted for use with Windows. Before you can install OS X on a USB flash drive, you will need to change the drive’s formatting to the standard used by OS X (Mac OS X Extended Journaled).
Most USB flash drives are formatted for use with Windows. Before you can install OS X on a USB flash drive, you will need to change the drive’s formatting to the standard used by OS X (Mac OS X Extended Journaled).
Clean Install OS X 10.5
Installing OS X Leopard requires you to boot from the Leopard Install DVD. There are multiple ways to start this boot process, including a method for when your Mac isn’t working correctly.
Installing OS X Leopard requires you to boot from the Leopard Install DVD. There are multiple ways to start this boot process, including a method for when your Mac isn’t working correctly.
Resize With Disk Utility
The version of Disk Utility bundled with OS X 10.5 or later has a few notable features, specifically, the ability to add, delete, and resize hard drive partitions without erasing data. If you need to resize a partition, or you would like to split a partition into multiple partitions, you can do it with Disk Utility, without losing the data that’s currently stored on the drive.
The version of Disk Utility bundled with OS X 10.5 or later has a few notable features, specifically, the ability to add, delete, and resize hard drive partitions without erasing data. If you need to resize a partition, or you would like to split a partition into multiple partitions, you can do it with Disk Utility, without losing the data that’s currently stored on the drive.
Sharing Your Windows Printer
Printer sharing between Windows and OS X can be a bit tricky, but with the help of our printer sharing guides, you should be able to print from your Mac to your Windows computer in no time.
Printer sharing between Windows and OS X can be a bit tricky, but with the help of our printer sharing guides, you should be able to print from your Mac to your Windows computer in no time.
Defragging and Macs
Do you need to defragment a Mac’s hard drive? About: Macs explains how your Mac is capable of defragmenting your hard drive on its own, without any intervention by you.
Do you need to defragment a Mac’s hard drive? About: Macs explains how your Mac is capable of defragmenting your hard drive on its own, without any intervention by you.
Easy VHS to DVD for Mac
Easy VHS to DVD for Mac marks Roxio’s entry into the video capture market for the Mac. Easy VHS to DVD for Mac is an analog, USB-based video capture device for turning your VHS, Hi8, and Video8 takes into DVDs.
Easy VHS to DVD for Mac marks Roxio’s entry into the video capture market for the Mac. Easy VHS to DVD for Mac is an analog, USB-based video capture device for turning your VHS, Hi8, and Video8 takes into DVDs.
Install a Hard Drive: Mac Pro
Adding an internal SATA (Serial ATA) hard drive to a Mac is a fairly simple task under any circumstances, but it's particularly easy with a Mac Pro, because it doesn't require any special tools. The Mac Pro's hard drive sleds are easy to pull out and then pop back into place.
Adding an internal SATA (Serial ATA) hard drive to a Mac is a fairly simple task under any circumstances, but it's particularly easy with a Mac Pro, because it doesn't require any special tools. The Mac Pro's hard drive sleds are easy to pull out and then pop back into place.
iMac 21.5- and 27-Inch Models
The fall 2009 edition of the iMac line of Macintosh computers ushers in more than just an upgrade or speed bump. It brings distinctive new style and improved performance and capabilities to the iMac family
The fall 2009 edition of the iMac line of Macintosh computers ushers in more than just an upgrade or speed bump. It brings distinctive new style and improved performance and capabilities to the iMac family
Virtualization Benchmark Test
Benchmark: Parallels 5, Fusion 3, and VirtualBox 3: How do they compare? We used GeekBench and CineBench to test the three most popular virtual environments running under Mac OS X.
Benchmark: Parallels 5, Fusion 3, and VirtualBox 3: How do they compare? We used GeekBench and CineBench to test the three most popular virtual environments running under Mac OS X.
Desktop Wallpaper
You can change your Mac’s desktop wallpaper from the standard Apple-supplied image to almost any picture you care to use. You can also set your Mac’s desktop wallpaper to randomly select a picture from a specified folder.
You can change your Mac’s desktop wallpaper from the standard Apple-supplied image to almost any picture you care to use. You can also set your Mac’s desktop wallpaper to randomly select a picture from a specified folder.
View Hidden Folders
Your Mac has a few secrets, hidden folders and files that are invisible to you. You can use Terminal, which is included with OS X, to force your Mac to reveal its secrets.
Your Mac has a few secrets, hidden folders and files that are invisible to you. You can use Terminal, which is included with OS X, to force your Mac to reveal its secrets.
Back Up Your Startup Disk
You can create a replica of your startup disk that is not only an exact copy, but bootable as well. This is the ideal type of backup to perform before updating any system software.
You can create a replica of your startup disk that is not only an exact copy, but bootable as well. This is the ideal type of backup to perform before updating any system software.
Add Administrator User Account
Adding administrator user accounts to your Mac allows you to specify other individuals who can take on the administrator role. Administrators have an elevated set of privileges that allow them to install applications, change system preferences, and perform a variety of maintenance tasks.
Adding administrator user accounts to your Mac allows you to specify other individuals who can take on the administrator role. Administrators have an elevated set of privileges that allow them to install applications, change system preferences, and perform a variety of maintenance tasks.
AOL Email Using Apple's Mail
Apple's Mail is one of the most intuitive email applications currently available for Macs. It can easily handle AOL and other web-based email accounts.
Apple's Mail is one of the most intuitive email applications currently available for Macs. It can easily handle AOL and other web-based email accounts.
13-inch MacBook Pro
Review of 13-inch MacBook Pro Summer 2009: The 13-inch MacBook Pro didn’t undergo many changes from its earlier incarnation as a 13-inch MacBook to earn its new designation as a member of the MacBook Pro line. Still, it has a lot to offer, and at its base price of $1199 it’s a great value for a MacBook Pro.
Review of 13-inch MacBook Pro Summer 2009: The 13-inch MacBook Pro didn’t undergo many changes from its earlier incarnation as a 13-inch MacBook to earn its new designation as a member of the MacBook Pro line. Still, it has a lot to offer, and at its base price of $1199 it’s a great value for a MacBook Pro.
Apple Magic Mouse Review
Apple’s Magic Mouse is the first offering from Apple to mate the capabilities of a Multi-Touch surface with a movable mouse. The result may be the best mouse Apple has ever made or the worst, depending on your expectations. The Magic Mouse has good points and bad points, but it has great potential, especially if Apple makes a few minor changes to future releases of the mouse software.
Apple’s Magic Mouse is the first offering from Apple to mate the capabilities of a Multi-Touch surface with a movable mouse. The result may be the best mouse Apple has ever made or the worst, depending on your expectations. The Magic Mouse has good points and bad points, but it has great potential, especially if Apple makes a few minor changes to future releases of the mouse software.
Snow Leopard Upgrade Install
The default installation method for Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) is an upgrade from Leopard. If you prefer, you can erase your hard drive and start fresh with a clean install (in fact, I highly recommend that method), but in this step-by-step guide, we’ll perform the basic upgrade installation.
The default installation method for Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) is an upgrade from Leopard. If you prefer, you can erase your hard drive and start fresh with a clean install (in fact, I highly recommend that method), but in this step-by-step guide, we’ll perform the basic upgrade installation.
Buying a Mac mini
Mac minis are small and inexpensive. They're a good choice for first-time Mac users, for adding to home theater systems, or for serving as very portable desktop computers for college-bound students. But as attractive as they are, Mac minis are not flawless.
Mac minis are small and inexpensive. They're a good choice for first-time Mac users, for adding to home theater systems, or for serving as very portable desktop computers for college-bound students. But as attractive as they are, Mac minis are not flawless.
Before You Buy a Mac Pro
A tower of 8-core power, the Mac Pro is nothing if not powerful and expandable. Its elegant design makes adding memory, hard drives, and add-in cards a simpler task than almost any other computer can claim.
A tower of 8-core power, the Mac Pro is nothing if not powerful and expandable. Its elegant design makes adding memory, hard drives, and add-in cards a simpler task than almost any other computer can claim.
Build Your Own External HD
Building an external hard drive is an easy project that anyone can undertake. All you need is an external enclosure, a hard drive, and about 10 minutes of your time.
Building an external hard drive is an easy project that anyone can undertake. All you need is an external enclosure, a hard drive, and about 10 minutes of your time.
Time Machine: Setup
Backing up files using Apple’s Time Machine couldn’t be easier. All it takes is a few clicks to make your data safe and secure.
Backing up files using Apple’s Time Machine couldn’t be easier. All it takes is a few clicks to make your data safe and secure.
File Sharing With OS X 10.4
Sharing files among the Macs on a home network is a straightforward process that's easy to set up.
Sharing files among the Macs on a home network is a straightforward process that's easy to set up.
Musical Typing
You can play your Mac keyboard like a grand piano or any other software-based instrument you load into GarageBand 3.
You can play your Mac keyboard like a grand piano or any other software-based instrument you load into GarageBand 3.
Roxio Toast 10 Titanium Review
Review: Toast 10 Titanium brings a wide selection of data, audio, and video tools to both amateur and professional Mac enthusiasts. Its ability to provide multiple tools does not interfere with its core function: to burn information onto recordable media.
Review: Toast 10 Titanium brings a wide selection of data, audio, and video tools to both amateur and professional Mac enthusiasts. Its ability to provide multiple tools does not interfere with its core function: to burn information onto recordable media.
iMac Early 2009 Review
The iMac Early 2009 is available in four basic models so it can easily meet the needs of individuals looking for an economical desktop, as well as those who want a powerful all-in-one desktop. In this About: Macs review, we will look at the new iMac offerings.
The iMac Early 2009 is available in four basic models so it can easily meet the needs of individuals looking for an economical desktop, as well as those who want a powerful all-in-one desktop. In this About: Macs review, we will look at the new iMac offerings.
Review of Carbon Copy Cloner
Review of Carbon Copy Cloner 3.1. New or improved data backup, cloning, and scheduling features earn Carbon Copy Cloner a 4-star rating from Focus on Macs.
Review of Carbon Copy Cloner 3.1. New or improved data backup, cloning, and scheduling features earn Carbon Copy Cloner a 4-star rating from Focus on Macs.
Mac Gift Guide
The holidays are a great time to give a Mac-related gift to friends, family, or even yourself. The range of possibilities covers everyone from casual Mac user to Mac fanatic. Whether it’s a new Mac system, software, peripherals, accessories, or a gift card, there’s something for every budget and need.
The holidays are a great time to give a Mac-related gift to friends, family, or even yourself. The range of possibilities covers everyone from casual Mac user to Mac fanatic. Whether it’s a new Mac system, software, peripherals, accessories, or a gift card, there’s something for every budget and need.
Get Ready for Snow Leopard
Get Your Mac Ready for Snow Leopard: Clean Up, Back Up, Repair Permissions, and Test Your Drive: Getting ready for Snow Leopard involves performing a few basic tasks, including cleaning up your Mac, backing up your files, and verifying that your startup drive is ready for a new OS.
Get Your Mac Ready for Snow Leopard: Clean Up, Back Up, Repair Permissions, and Test Your Drive: Getting ready for Snow Leopard involves performing a few basic tasks, including cleaning up your Mac, backing up your files, and verifying that your startup drive is ready for a new OS.
Late 2009 iMac Hard Drives
Upgrading the hard drive in an iMac is a DIY project that has always been a difficult, though not impossible, task. With the advent of the late 2009 edition iMacs, there’s a new twist that limits how you can upgrade the iMac’s hard drive.
Upgrading the hard drive in an iMac is a DIY project that has always been a difficult, though not impossible, task. With the advent of the late 2009 edition iMacs, there’s a new twist that limits how you can upgrade the iMac’s hard drive.
OWC Mercury Elite-Al Pro
Review: OWC’s Mercury Elite-AL Pro series of external hard drives and cases provides more bang for the buck, not only in having a quad interface made up of USB 2.0, FireWire 400, FireWire 800, and eSATA ports, but also in ruggedness and ease of assembly and use.
Review: OWC’s Mercury Elite-AL Pro series of external hard drives and cases provides more bang for the buck, not only in having a quad interface made up of USB 2.0, FireWire 400, FireWire 800, and eSATA ports, but also in ruggedness and ease of assembly and use.
Eject a CD or DVD
There are several ways to eject a CD or DVD from a Mac, including dragging its icon to the Trash, and using the right-click pop-up menu.
There are several ways to eject a CD or DVD from a Mac, including dragging its icon to the Trash, and using the right-click pop-up menu.
Modify the Sidebar
The Finder sidebar is a handy place to store frequently used files, folders, and applications. It's also easy to customize.
The Finder sidebar is a handy place to store frequently used files, folders, and applications. It's also easy to customize.
Share Mac Files with Windows 7
File Sharing With Snow Leopard: Setting up Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) to share files with a PC running Windows 7 is a fairly straightforward process. In fact, it may be the easiest of all the Windows operating systems to share files with. But, like any networking task, it's helpful to understand how the underlying process works.
File Sharing With Snow Leopard: Setting up Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) to share files with a PC running Windows 7 is a fairly straightforward process. In fact, it may be the easiest of all the Windows operating systems to share files with. But, like any networking task, it's helpful to understand how the underlying process works.
Adding Screen Savers
You can add a screen saver to your Mac in one of two ways. You can manually copy the screen saver to the appropriate location on your Mac or you can use the installer that's included with many screen savers.
You can add a screen saver to your Mac in one of two ways. You can manually copy the screen saver to the appropriate location on your Mac or you can use the installer that's included with many screen savers.
Roxio Toast 9 Titanium Review
Review of Toast 9 Titanium and its many new features, including Blu-ray support, streaming video, and an improved user interface. Roxio Toast 9 Titanium continues its dominance as the leading CD/DVD burning application of choice for the Mac.
Review of Toast 9 Titanium and its many new features, including Blu-ray support, streaming video, and an improved user interface. Roxio Toast 9 Titanium continues its dominance as the leading CD/DVD burning application of choice for the Mac.
Windows Keyboards and Macs
Almost any Windows keyboard that has a USB interface will work with a Mac. The only catch is that some of the keys on Windows keyboards have different names than those on Macintosh keyboards. This FAQ covers the Windows keyboard equivalents for the Mac's command, option, control, delete, and return keys.
Almost any Windows keyboard that has a USB interface will work with a Mac. The only catch is that some of the keys on Windows keyboards have different names than those on Macintosh keyboards. This FAQ covers the Windows keyboard equivalents for the Mac's command, option, control, delete, and return keys.
Moving Apple Mail
Moving your Apple Mail to a new Mac, or to a new, clean install of the OS, may seem like a difficult task but it actually only requires saving three items and moving them to the new destination.
Moving your Apple Mail to a new Mac, or to a new, clean install of the OS, may seem like a difficult task but it actually only requires saving three items and moving them to the new destination.
Upgrade to OS X 10.5
Installing OS X Leopard requires you to boot from the Leopard Install DVD. There are multiple ways to start this boot process, including a method for when your Mac isn’t working correctly.
Installing OS X Leopard requires you to boot from the Leopard Install DVD. There are multiple ways to start this boot process, including a method for when your Mac isn’t working correctly.
EyeTV 250 Plus
Review: Elgato’s EyeTV 250 Plus is a small USB-based TV tuner and DVR (Digital Video Recorder) for the Mac. The EyeTV 250 Plus lets you turn your Mac into the equivalent of a TiVo recorder, without the yearly subscription fees. Read more in this expert review from About: Macs.
Review: Elgato’s EyeTV 250 Plus is a small USB-based TV tuner and DVR (Digital Video Recorder) for the Mac. The EyeTV 250 Plus lets you turn your Mac into the equivalent of a TiVo recorder, without the yearly subscription fees. Read more in this expert review from About: Macs.
Widgets on the Desktop
You can make Dashboard widgets appear on your Mac desktop by using Terminal to invoke Dashboard Development mode. Once you enter development mode, you can drag individual widgets from Dashboard to the desktop.
You can make Dashboard widgets appear on your Mac desktop by using Terminal to invoke Dashboard Development mode. Once you enter development mode, you can drag individual widgets from Dashboard to the desktop.
Create a RAID 1 (Mirror) Array
RAID 1, also known as a mirror or mirrored RAID, is one of the many RAID levels supported by OS X and Disk Utility. In this About: Macs guide, we will take you through the process of creating a mirrored RAID array using Disk Utility.
RAID 1, also known as a mirror or mirrored RAID, is one of the many RAID levels supported by OS X and Disk Utility. In this About: Macs guide, we will take you through the process of creating a mirrored RAID array using Disk Utility.
Mac Buying Guide
The Mac Buying Guide can help you learn about the latest Mac models, and decide which one is best for you. MacBook or MacBook Pro? iMac or Mac mini? Mac Pro or iMac? Check out our buying guides and product reviews before you go shopping.
The Mac Buying Guide can help you learn about the latest Mac models, and decide which one is best for you. MacBook or MacBook Pro? iMac or Mac mini? Mac Pro or iMac? Check out our buying guides and product reviews before you go shopping.
Set Up Parental Controls
On the Mac, Parental Controls are Apple's user management system for controlling which system functions and applications are available to a managed user. Parental Controls also offer content filtering, web site filtering, iChat and Mail approval lists, and time management, to prevent your children from using the computer when they should be doing something else.
On the Mac, Parental Controls are Apple's user management system for controlling which system functions and applications are available to a managed user. Parental Controls also offer content filtering, web site filtering, iChat and Mail approval lists, and time management, to prevent your children from using the computer when they should be doing something else.
Creating User Accounts
The Mac's User Accounts feature allows multiple individuals to use the same Mac, while protecting each user's privacy. The Mac supports several types of user accounts, including administrator, standard, managed, and guest.
The Mac's User Accounts feature allows multiple individuals to use the same Mac, while protecting each user's privacy. The Mac supports several types of user accounts, including administrator, standard, managed, and guest.
Time Capsule
Time Capsule provides network storage capabilities for home networks, allowing Mac and/or Windows computers to access and share its internal hard drive. Designed for use with Time Machine, the backup service included with OS X 10.5 and later, Time Capsule is an elegant solution to home backup needs.
Time Capsule provides network storage capabilities for home networks, allowing Mac and/or Windows computers to access and share its internal hard drive. Designed for use with Time Machine, the backup service included with OS X 10.5 and later, Time Capsule is an elegant solution to home backup needs.
Apple Top Ten Moments 2000s
Apple had a wide range of hits in the past decade, as well as a few misses. Together they make up the best and the worst of Apple's performance in the 2000s.
Apple had a wide range of hits in the past decade, as well as a few misses. Together they make up the best and the worst of Apple's performance in the 2000s.
File Sharing With Mac OS X
File sharing with Mac OS X is a wonderfully straightforward operation. A few mouse clicks in the Sharing preferences pane and you’re ready to go. In this article we will show you how to configure both OS X 10.5 and OS X 10.4 for file sharing.
File sharing with Mac OS X is a wonderfully straightforward operation. A few mouse clicks in the Sharing preferences pane and you’re ready to go. In this article we will show you how to configure both OS X 10.5 and OS X 10.4 for file sharing.
Printer Sharing
Printer sharing is one of the most popular uses for a home or small business network, and why not? Mac printer sharing can keep costs down by reducing the number of printers you need to buy. In this step-by-step tutorial, we will show you how to share a printer attached to a Mac running OS X 10.5 (Leopard) with a computer running Windows XP.
Printer sharing is one of the most popular uses for a home or small business network, and why not? Mac printer sharing can keep costs down by reducing the number of printers you need to buy. In this step-by-step tutorial, we will show you how to share a printer attached to a Mac running OS X 10.5 (Leopard) with a computer running Windows XP.
MacJournal 5
Mariner Software’s MacJournal 5 may be the best journal, diary, and blogging front end for the Mac. Focus on Macs found so much to like about MacJournal 5 that it earned a four-star rating.
Mariner Software’s MacJournal 5 may be the best journal, diary, and blogging front end for the Mac. Focus on Macs found so much to like about MacJournal 5 that it earned a four-star rating.
Mail Rules
Apple Mail rules allow you to set up conditions and actions that tell Apple Mail how to process incoming messages. With Apple Mail rules, you can automate and organize your email for a better workflow.
Apple Mail rules allow you to set up conditions and actions that tell Apple Mail how to process incoming messages. With Apple Mail rules, you can automate and organize your email for a better workflow.
Hidden Features of OS X 10.6
Apple intended Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) to be a version of the Mac OS that concentrated on stability, as well as the future, not the past. Snow Leopard was supposed to focus on Intel multi-core processors and abandon previous technologies. Lucky for us, the engineers at Apple couldn’t completely suppress their desire to toss in a few new features, some of which have gotten more press than others. Here are some of the lesser-known features of Snow Leopard.
Apple intended Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) to be a version of the Mac OS that concentrated on stability, as well as the future, not the past. Snow Leopard was supposed to focus on Intel multi-core processors and abandon previous technologies. Lucky for us, the engineers at Apple couldn’t completely suppress their desire to toss in a few new features, some of which have gotten more press than others. Here are some of the lesser-known features of Snow Leopard.
Upgrade to Snow Leopard
Thinking about upgrading to Snow Leopard and wondering if your Mac can take it? The quick and dirty answer is, if your Mac uses an Intel processor then you can upgrade to OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard). However, there is much more to know before you make a final decision.
Thinking about upgrading to Snow Leopard and wondering if your Mac can take it? The quick and dirty answer is, if your Mac uses an Intel processor then you can upgrade to OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard). However, there is much more to know before you make a final decision.
Disk Utility First Aid
Disk Utility, one of the many applications included with OS X, allows you to work with your hard drives. You can use Disk Utility not only to erase, format, and partition a drive, but also to repair problems that may crop up from time to time.
Disk Utility, one of the many applications included with OS X, allows you to work with your hard drives. You can use Disk Utility not only to erase, format, and partition a drive, but also to repair problems that may crop up from time to time.
Bento 3 Review
Bento 3 is geared towards consumers, home-based businesses, and small businesses who need a capable database for organizing information, tracking projects, planning events, and keeping inventory, but who don’t need the high-end features or cost of FileMaker’s flagship product, FileMaker Pro.
Bento 3 is geared towards consumers, home-based businesses, and small businesses who need a capable database for organizing information, tracking projects, planning events, and keeping inventory, but who don’t need the high-end features or cost of FileMaker’s flagship product, FileMaker Pro.
iMac As External Display
The 27-inch iMacs introduced in late 2009 have many exciting features, but one that’s been a little overlooked is the ability to use the 27-inch iMac’s display as a separate monitor for video devices. These instructions will guide you through the use of Target Display Mode.
The 27-inch iMacs introduced in late 2009 have many exciting features, but one that’s been a little overlooked is the ability to use the 27-inch iMac’s display as a separate monitor for video devices. These instructions will guide you through the use of Target Display Mode.
Recent Applications Stack
Customize the Dock in Mac OS X by adding a Recent Items stack that can display Recent Applications, Recent Documents, Recent Servers, Recent Volumes, and Favorite Items.
Customize the Dock in Mac OS X by adding a Recent Items stack that can display Recent Applications, Recent Documents, Recent Servers, Recent Volumes, and Favorite Items.
Terminal Tricks
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of hidden preferences available within OS X and its many applications. Most of these hidden preferences are of little use to the average user; they’re intended for debugging or for compatibility with legacy applications. That leaves a few hundred that can be interesting to try out; in many cases, they can be very helpful. Some of these hidden preferences are so useful, you’ll wonder why Apple or other developers chose to hide them from their customers.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of hidden preferences available within OS X and its many applications. Most of these hidden preferences are of little use to the average user; they’re intended for debugging or for compatibility with legacy applications. That leaves a few hundred that can be interesting to try out; in many cases, they can be very helpful. Some of these hidden preferences are so useful, you’ll wonder why Apple or other developers chose to hide them from their customers.
RAID 0 (Striped) Array
RAID 0, also known as stripe or striped, is one of the many RAID levels supported by OS X and Disk Utility. In this About: Macs guide, we will take you through the process of creating a striped RAID array using Disk Utility.
RAID 0, also known as stripe or striped, is one of the many RAID levels supported by OS X and Disk Utility. In this About: Macs guide, we will take you through the process of creating a striped RAID array using Disk Utility.
Office 2008 for Mac
Office for Mac - It's been a long wait, but Office 2008 for Mac is finally here. Focus on Macs tests and reviews the performance of Office 2008's major applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Entourage), with a particularly critical look at how well they work with Intel Macs.
Office for Mac - It's been a long wait, but Office 2008 for Mac is finally here. Focus on Macs tests and reviews the performance of Office 2008's major applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Entourage), with a particularly critical look at how well they work with Intel Macs.
A SuperDuper Application
SuperDuper 2.5 may very well be the easiest way to create a bootable clone of your startup drive. With its easy-to-use interface, SuperDuper garners 4 stars out of 5 from Focus on Macs. Find out more about the SuperDuper 2.5 in this expert review from Focus on Macs.
SuperDuper 2.5 may very well be the easiest way to create a bootable clone of your startup drive. With its easy-to-use interface, SuperDuper garners 4 stars out of 5 from Focus on Macs. Find out more about the SuperDuper 2.5 in this expert review from Focus on Macs.
Mac mini Early 2009 Review
The Mac mini (early 2009 version) gives the Mac faithful some of the features they’ve been clamoring for, including new processors (Core 2 Duo) and a much-anticipated graphics update that finally brings some serious graphics capabilities to the littlest Mac.
The Mac mini (early 2009 version) gives the Mac faithful some of the features they’ve been clamoring for, including new processors (Core 2 Duo) and a much-anticipated graphics update that finally brings some serious graphics capabilities to the littlest Mac.
Safari 4 Shortcuts
Safari 4 Shortcuts: Safari 4 has a large number of keyboard and mouse shortcuts. So many, in fact, that it would take quite a few pages to list them all here. Instead of putting together a complete shortcut list, which would tend to change a bit as new functions are added, I thought you might like to know how you can view or print out your own, guaranteed-to-be-current list of all Safari 4 shortcuts.
Safari 4 Shortcuts: Safari 4 has a large number of keyboard and mouse shortcuts. So many, in fact, that it would take quite a few pages to list them all here. Instead of putting together a complete shortcut list, which would tend to change a bit as new functions are added, I thought you might like to know how you can view or print out your own, guaranteed-to-be-current list of all Safari 4 shortcuts.
Address Book Tips
Apple's Address Book is full of surprises and capabilities. Learn a few new Address Book tips from About: Macs that can help make you more productive.
Apple's Address Book is full of surprises and capabilities. Learn a few new Address Book tips from About: Macs that can help make you more productive.
Mercury Elite Pro-AL Dual SATA
About: Macs Review: The OWC Mercury Elite Pro-AL Dual SATA Drive Enclosure is simplicity at its best. Forgoing the electronics needed to create multiple external or internal interfaces results in a highly reliable enclosure whose only potential points of failure are a small, replaceable fan or an external power brick. For all practical purposes, you can think of this enclosure as just an additional drive bay connected to your Mac.
About: Macs Review: The OWC Mercury Elite Pro-AL Dual SATA Drive Enclosure is simplicity at its best. Forgoing the electronics needed to create multiple external or internal interfaces results in a highly reliable enclosure whose only potential points of failure are a small, replaceable fan or an external power brick. For all practical purposes, you can think of this enclosure as just an additional drive bay connected to your Mac.
Using the Finder
Using the Finder on a Mac isn't very difficult, but there are a few quirks and secrets that all Mac users should know about. Learn how to use the Finder and simplify your daily activities with your Mac.
Using the Finder on a Mac isn't very difficult, but there are a few quirks and secrets that all Mac users should know about. Learn how to use the Finder and simplify your daily activities with your Mac.
Review - Macally PHR-S100SUA
Review of the Macally PHR-S100SUA eSATA, FireWire, USB 2.0 external storage enclosure. This external drive enclosure has a universal, triple interface that allows you to use the PHR-S100SUA with just about any Mac or PC.
Review of the Macally PHR-S100SUA eSATA, FireWire, USB 2.0 external storage enclosure. This external drive enclosure has a universal, triple interface that allows you to use the PHR-S100SUA with just about any Mac or PC.
Halloween Screen Savers
Halloween screen savers can add a fun, if not downright scary, touch to your Mac during the Halloween season. Scarify your Mac with one of these fun- and fright-filled screen savers.
Halloween screen savers can add a fun, if not downright scary, touch to your Mac during the Halloween season. Scarify your Mac with one of these fun- and fright-filled screen savers.
Adesso CyberTablet 12000
The Adesso CyberTablet 12000 graphics tablet offers a very generous 9”x12” active workspace at a very affordable price. The tablet is compatible with almost any software program that accepts input from a mouse, and comes with a cordless, pressure-sensitive pen and a wireless three-button scrolling mouse. Find out more about the Adesso CyberTablet 12000 in this expert review from Focus on Macs.
The Adesso CyberTablet 12000 graphics tablet offers a very generous 9”x12” active workspace at a very affordable price. The tablet is compatible with almost any software program that accepts input from a mouse, and comes with a cordless, pressure-sensitive pen and a wireless three-button scrolling mouse. Find out more about the Adesso CyberTablet 12000 in this expert review from Focus on Macs.
Mac mini Server
The Mac mini server is by far the least expensive way to run Snow Leopard Server. The mini’s hardware is up to most of the tasks you can throw at it, as long as you keep the appropriate scale in mind. Ideal uses for the Mac mini server include workgroup, classroom, lab, small business, home office, and home. At $999, the mini offers terrific value, especially when you consider that if you purchased it separately, you would pay $499 for the Snow Leopard Server software.
The Mac mini server is by far the least expensive way to run Snow Leopard Server. The mini’s hardware is up to most of the tasks you can throw at it, as long as you keep the appropriate scale in mind. Ideal uses for the Mac mini server include workgroup, classroom, lab, small business, home office, and home. At $999, the mini offers terrific value, especially when you consider that if you purchased it separately, you would pay $499 for the Snow Leopard Server software.
Network Locations
If you use your Mac in more than one location, such as home and work, Network Locations can simplify the process of connecting to multiple networks.
If you use your Mac in more than one location, such as home and work, Network Locations can simplify the process of connecting to multiple networks.
File Sharing Mac and Windows
File sharing between a Mac and Windows is one of those exercises that can be easy or moderately difficult, but is not impossible or beyond the reach of even a novice user. We have gathered a series of step-by-step guides that will help you get your Mac to share files with Windows XP as well as Windows Vista. The instructions will cover file sharing using OS X 10.5 (Leopard) and various flavors of XP and Vista.
File sharing between a Mac and Windows is one of those exercises that can be easy or moderately difficult, but is not impossible or beyond the reach of even a novice user. We have gathered a series of step-by-step guides that will help you get your Mac to share files with Windows XP as well as Windows Vista. The instructions will cover file sharing using OS X 10.5 (Leopard) and various flavors of XP and Vista.
Buying a MacBook Pro
Apple’s MacBook Pro line of notebooks is available in 13-inch, 15-inch, and 17-inch models. Designed for the professional who needs power and portability, the MacBook Pro line of notebooks also appeals to a wide range of users beyond the professional user target market.
Apple’s MacBook Pro line of notebooks is available in 13-inch, 15-inch, and 17-inch models. Designed for the professional who needs power and portability, the MacBook Pro line of notebooks also appeals to a wide range of users beyond the professional user target market.
Wacom Cintiq 21UX
The Wacom Cintiq 21UX may be the ultimate in graphics tablets, not withstanding the two other available Cintiq sizes. Although it functions like a graphics tablet, it’s more accurate to call it an interactive pen display, because it includes its own built-in LCD. Find out more about the Wacom Cintiq 21UX in this expert review from Focus on Macs.
The Wacom Cintiq 21UX may be the ultimate in graphics tablets, not withstanding the two other available Cintiq sizes. Although it functions like a graphics tablet, it’s more accurate to call it an interactive pen display, because it includes its own built-in LCD. Find out more about the Wacom Cintiq 21UX in this expert review from Focus on Macs.
Photoshop Elements 6
Review of Photoshop Elements 6 for Mac, including ease of installation, new features, performance, and a look at how well Photoshop Elements 6 works with other Mac applications.
Review of Photoshop Elements 6 for Mac, including ease of installation, new features, performance, and a look at how well Photoshop Elements 6 works with other Mac applications.
Bento
Bento, FileMaker’s latest database application, may very well be the friendliest personal organizer for the Mac. Bento offers a fully relational database that is easy to use and easy on the budget.
Bento, FileMaker’s latest database application, may very well be the friendliest personal organizer for the Mac. Bento offers a fully relational database that is easy to use and easy on the budget.
Batch Change Photo Names
iPhoto has a batch change function that you can use to rename multiple photos at the same time. Batch changing iPhoto images is much easier than editing one image title at a time.
iPhoto has a batch change function that you can use to rename multiple photos at the same time. Batch changing iPhoto images is much easier than editing one image title at a time.
Epson PictureMate Zoom
The Epson PictureMate Zoom Compact Photo Printer packs a lot of features in a small package. It produces stunning snapshots, with vivid, true-to-life color; has its own DVD reader/CD burner; and can print photos with or without a computer. Find out more about the Epson PictureMate Zoom in this expert review from Focus on Macs.
The Epson PictureMate Zoom Compact Photo Printer packs a lot of features in a small package. It produces stunning snapshots, with vivid, true-to-life color; has its own DVD reader/CD burner; and can print photos with or without a computer. Find out more about the Epson PictureMate Zoom in this expert review from Focus on Macs.
Parallels Custom Install
You can optimize a Parallels Desktop for Mac virtual machine for flat-out performance or for better integration with the OS X environment.
You can optimize a Parallels Desktop for Mac virtual machine for flat-out performance or for better integration with the OS X environment.
Managed Accounts
Managed accounts are specialized user accounts that include a parental control feature that allows you (or the Mac administrator) to control which applications can be used and which web sites can be visited. Managed accounts are a good choice if you want to allow younger family members to use your Mac even when you’re not around to supervise them.
Managed accounts are specialized user accounts that include a parental control feature that allows you (or the Mac administrator) to control which applications can be used and which web sites can be visited. Managed accounts are a good choice if you want to allow younger family members to use your Mac even when you’re not around to supervise them.
Winclone Review
Winclone provides an effective way to clone a Boot Camp partition by creating compressed image files you can store on your Mac.
Winclone provides an effective way to clone a Boot Camp partition by creating compressed image files you can store on your Mac.
Add Standard User Accounts
Adding standard user accounts allows you to share your Mac with multiple individuals. It’s easy to add user accounts; all you need is an existing administrative account.
Adding standard user accounts allows you to share your Mac with multiple individuals. It’s easy to add user accounts; all you need is an existing administrative account.
Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac
Review - Parallels Desktop 4.0 for the Mac is a vast improvement over the previous version. Version 4 significantly improves performance and stability, two areas that were less than impressive in the previous version. Find out more about Parallels Desktop 4.0 for the Mac in this expert review from About: Macs.
Review - Parallels Desktop 4.0 for the Mac is a vast improvement over the previous version. Version 4 significantly improves performance and stability, two areas that were less than impressive in the previous version. Find out more about Parallels Desktop 4.0 for the Mac in this expert review from About: Macs.
DVDRemaster
DVDRemaster is a must-have video tool that can easily re-encode and compress video to fit a target device. Find out more in the About: Macs review of DVDRemaster.
DVDRemaster is a must-have video tool that can easily re-encode and compress video to fit a target device. Find out more in the About: Macs review of DVDRemaster.
Preview: MacBook Late 2008
Peview of the MacBook late 2008. The 13-inch MacBook offers impressive new graphics capabilities that will run circles around the earlier versions of the MacBook.
Peview of the MacBook late 2008. The 13-inch MacBook offers impressive new graphics capabilities that will run circles around the earlier versions of the MacBook.
Preview: Apple Mac mini
The fall 2009 edition of Apple’s Mac mini splits the product line into two distinct versions. The standard edition comes in two models that sport slightly different processor, memory, and hard drive configurations. The other edition of the Mac mini is a special server version. We will review the server version separately; here we’ll concentrate on the two models of the standard version.
The fall 2009 edition of Apple’s Mac mini splits the product line into two distinct versions. The standard edition comes in two models that sport slightly different processor, memory, and hard drive configurations. The other edition of the Mac mini is a special server version. We will review the server version separately; here we’ll concentrate on the two models of the standard version.
SATA
SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) has been the hard drive interface method of choice for Macintosh computers since the G5. SATA's advantages over other hard drive interface methods include faster transfer rates, thinner and more flexible cabling, and easier plug-and-play connections.
SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) has been the hard drive interface method of choice for Macintosh computers since the G5. SATA's advantages over other hard drive interface methods include faster transfer rates, thinner and more flexible cabling, and easier plug-and-play connections.
Add Apps to the Dock
The OS X Dock, which serves as an application launcher, comes pre-populated with many Apple applications. You can also add your own favorite apps to the Dock.
The OS X Dock, which serves as an application launcher, comes pre-populated with many Apple applications. You can also add your own favorite apps to the Dock.
Archive Install OS X 10.5
Installing OS X 10.5 Leopard using the Archive and Install method lets you create a clean, fresh install without giving up the ability to access your older system folder, should you ever need any of your old data.
Installing OS X 10.5 Leopard using the Archive and Install method lets you create a clean, fresh install without giving up the ability to access your older system folder, should you ever need any of your old data.
Install Vista
This step will tell you where to find your Windows Vista product key, and how to enter the key when you install Vista.
This step will tell you where to find your Windows Vista product key, and how to enter the key when you install Vista.
New Item Alert
Use OS X's Folder Actions feature to automate recurring events. In this example, it will notify you whenever a new file is added to a specific folder.
Use OS X's Folder Actions feature to automate recurring events. In this example, it will notify you whenever a new file is added to a specific folder.
Create a JBOD RAID Array
JBOD RAID, also known as a concatenated or spanning RAID, is one of the many RAID levels supported by OS X and Disk Utility. In this About: Macs guide, we will take you through the process of creating a JBOD RAID Set using Disk Utility.
JBOD RAID, also known as a concatenated or spanning RAID, is one of the many RAID levels supported by OS X and Disk Utility. In this About: Macs guide, we will take you through the process of creating a JBOD RAID Set using Disk Utility.
Dock Spacers
Dock spacers allow you to organize your Mac’s Dock by creating a blank Dock icon that you can place wherever you wish on the Dock. You can use Dock spacers to create a separation between groups of Dock icons. Dock spacers work with OS X 10.5 Leopard and later.
Dock spacers allow you to organize your Mac’s Dock by creating a blank Dock icon that you can place wherever you wish on the Dock. You can use Dock spacers to create a separation between groups of Dock icons. Dock spacers work with OS X 10.5 Leopard and later.
The Flashing Question Mark
If your Mac displays a flashing question mark after you turn it on, it may be a temporary hiccup or it may mean your Mac can't find a bootable operating system.
If your Mac displays a flashing question mark after you turn it on, it may be a temporary hiccup or it may mean your Mac can't find a bootable operating system.
Safari Window Shortcuts
Safari supports multi-window and tabbed browsing. If you're not sure how to take advantage of this feature, these keyboard shortcuts can help.
Safari supports multi-window and tabbed browsing. If you're not sure how to take advantage of this feature, these keyboard shortcuts can help.
iWeb '08
There aren't many easier ways to create a personal web site than with iWeb '08. It uses an intuitive WYSIWYG interface that is similar in look and feel to using a basic desktop publishing program. iWeb's only real flaw is that it limits automatic publishing to .Mac sites. If you host your web site anywhere else, you'll have to work a little bit harder to publish it.
There aren't many easier ways to create a personal web site than with iWeb '08. It uses an intuitive WYSIWYG interface that is similar in look and feel to using a basic desktop publishing program. iWeb's only real flaw is that it limits automatic publishing to .Mac sites. If you host your web site anywhere else, you'll have to work a little bit harder to publish it.
Eject CD/DVD Menu Bar Item
Add an Eject CD or DVD item to your Mac’s menu bar for a handy and always available way to open or close your Mac’s CD or DVD drive.
Add an Eject CD or DVD item to your Mac’s menu bar for a handy and always available way to open or close your Mac’s CD or DVD drive.
Windows XP File Sharing
Sharing Windows XP files with OS X 10.5: This step-by-step guide will show you how to access shared folders on your Windows XP machine from your Mac using the Finder’s Go To Server menu.
Sharing Windows XP files with OS X 10.5: This step-by-step guide will show you how to access shared folders on your Windows XP machine from your Mac using the Finder’s Go To Server menu.
Printer Sharing
Printer sharing is a great way to economize on computing costs for your home, home office, or small business. By using one of several possible printer sharing techniques, you can allow multiple computers to share a single printer, and save yourself cash, time, and space. In ‘Printer Sharing With Mac OS X and Windows’ we will show you step-by-step instructions for sharing printers attached to a Windows XP or Windows Vista PC with your Mac.
Printer sharing is a great way to economize on computing costs for your home, home office, or small business. By using one of several possible printer sharing techniques, you can allow multiple computers to share a single printer, and save yourself cash, time, and space. In ‘Printer Sharing With Mac OS X and Windows’ we will show you step-by-step instructions for sharing printers attached to a Windows XP or Windows Vista PC with your Mac.
Display Hidden Files
Have you ever needed to edit or view one of the many invisible files on your Mac? There is now a simple keyboard trick that allows hidden files and folders to display in any ‘Open’ or ‘Save’ dialog box.
Have you ever needed to edit or view one of the many invisible files on your Mac? There is now a simple keyboard trick that allows hidden files and folders to display in any ‘Open’ or ‘Save’ dialog box.
Backup Software
Backup software is a kind of insurance policy for your Mac. Like home or car insurance, you hope you’ll never need to use it, but it’s reassuring to know that it’s there. If you back up your files on a regular basis, you won’t have to worry about losing all of your hard work and precious data if your hard drive fails.
Backup software is a kind of insurance policy for your Mac. Like home or car insurance, you hope you’ll never need to use it, but it’s reassuring to know that it’s there. If you back up your files on a regular basis, you won’t have to worry about losing all of your hard work and precious data if your hard drive fails.
Boot Camp: Windows on Your Mac
Apple’s Boot Camp, included with OS X 10.5 and later, lets you install and run Windows on your Mac.
Apple’s Boot Camp, included with OS X 10.5 and later, lets you install and run Windows on your Mac.
Animation-ish
Animation-ish is a delightfully easy to use program that will have you creating animations in a matter of minutes. No drawing skills are required; all you need are creativity and a sense of fun.
Animation-ish is a delightfully easy to use program that will have you creating animations in a matter of minutes. No drawing skills are required; all you need are creativity and a sense of fun.
Gmail Using Apple's Mail
Apple's Mail is one of the most intuitive email applications currently available for Macs. It can easily handle Gmail and other web-based email accounts.
Apple's Mail is one of the most intuitive email applications currently available for Macs. It can easily handle Gmail and other web-based email accounts.
Disk First Aid
Disk First Aid is the name of a disk repair utility that was included or available for download with Mac OS 9.x or earlier. Disk First Aid was able to analyze and repair basic hard drive problems.
Disk First Aid is the name of a disk repair utility that was included or available for download with Mac OS 9.x or earlier. Disk First Aid was able to analyze and repair basic hard drive problems.
Volume
A volume is a storage container that has been formatted with a file system that your computer (in this case, a Mac) can recognize. Common types of volumes include CDs, DVDs, hard drives, and partitions or sections of hard drives.
A volume is a storage container that has been formatted with a file system that your computer (in this case, a Mac) can recognize. Common types of volumes include CDs, DVDs, hard drives, and partitions or sections of hard drives.
DNS and Your Browser
My browser is not displaying web sites. When I use my browser to visit a web site, it sometimes fails to load a web page or only displays part of the page. Sometimes I see timeout errors, yet at other times the site loads fine. What’s going on and how can I fix this problem?
My browser is not displaying web sites. When I use my browser to visit a web site, it sometimes fails to load a web page or only displays part of the page. Sometimes I see timeout errors, yet at other times the site loads fine. What’s going on and how can I fix this problem?
Create a Virtual Machine
After you launch VMware's Fusion, go to the Virtual Machine Library. This is where you create a new virtual machine, as well as adjust settings for existing virtual machines.
After you launch VMware's Fusion, go to the Virtual Machine Library. This is where you create a new virtual machine, as well as adjust settings for existing virtual machines.
Clean Up Your Desktop
Clean up your Mac desktop using Terminal. With a simple Terminal command, you can sweep all of your Mac desktop debris out of sight. Bringing all of your Mac desktop icons back into view is just as easy.
Clean up your Mac desktop using Terminal. With a simple Terminal command, you can sweep all of your Mac desktop debris out of sight. Bringing all of your Mac desktop icons back into view is just as easy.
Refining Spotlight Searches
Spotlight, the Mac’s built-in search service, supports using the three Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT within a query.
Spotlight, the Mac’s built-in search service, supports using the three Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT within a query.
Canon PIXMA iP4500
As you might expect from its name, the Canon PIXMA iP4500 Photo Printer performs better as a photo printer than a document printer, but it’s strong enough at printing text and graphics to serve double-duty. The Canon PIXMA iP4500 can print directly from PictBridge-compatible digital cameras, but it doesn’t have any memory card slots. Find out more about the Canon PIXMA iP4500 Photo Printer in this expert review from Focus on Macs.
As you might expect from its name, the Canon PIXMA iP4500 Photo Printer performs better as a photo printer than a document printer, but it’s strong enough at printing text and graphics to serve double-duty. The Canon PIXMA iP4500 can print directly from PictBridge-compatible digital cameras, but it doesn’t have any memory card slots. Find out more about the Canon PIXMA iP4500 Photo Printer in this expert review from Focus on Macs.
Macs - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the Macs guide site.
An index of QuickTips for the Macs guide site.
Snow Leopard: Stacks
Snow Leopard improves on Stacks, a feature first introduced in Leopard, by adding a scroll bar that lets you scroll through large stacks, and by allowing you to drill down through folders while remaining in Stacks view.
Snow Leopard improves on Stacks, a feature first introduced in Leopard, by adding a scroll bar that lets you scroll through large stacks, and by allowing you to drill down through folders while remaining in Stacks view.
Review of the Mac Pro
Review of 8-core Mac Pro, early 2008 series. The Mac Pro, by any definition, is currently the ultimate desktop Mac. The use of dual 4-core Zeon processors for a total of 8 cores makes the Mac Pro one of the highest performing Macs you can currently get your hands on.
Review of 8-core Mac Pro, early 2008 series. The Mac Pro, by any definition, is currently the ultimate desktop Mac. The use of dual 4-core Zeon processors for a total of 8 cores makes the Mac Pro one of the highest performing Macs you can currently get your hands on.
Web Sharing on Your Mac
OS X uses the well-known Apache web server for sharing web sites on a local network. Setting up web sharing is an easy task for Mac users.
OS X uses the well-known Apache web server for sharing web sites on a local network. Setting up web sharing is an easy task for Mac users.
Printer & Fax Sharing
The print sharing capabilities in the Mac OS make it easy to share printers and fax machines among all of the Macs on a local network.
The print sharing capabilities in the Mac OS make it easy to share printers and fax machines among all of the Macs on a local network.
Customize the Finder Toolbar
You can easily customize the Finder toolbar by dragging and dropping new items onto it.
You can easily customize the Finder toolbar by dragging and dropping new items onto it.
Bento: Relational Database
Bento’s method of creating a relationship between two database sources is by far the easiest I’ve ever seen.
Bento’s method of creating a relationship between two database sources is by far the easiest I’ve ever seen.
Add a Desktop Printer
Create or restore a desktop printer in Leopard with this simple drag-and-drop technique.
Create or restore a desktop printer in Leopard with this simple drag-and-drop technique.
Dock Preferences Pane
The Dock preferences pane allows you to customize how your Mac's Dock looks and behaves. You can adjust the size and location of the Dock, as well as apply special effects when applications are launched or
The Dock preferences pane allows you to customize how your Mac's Dock looks and behaves. You can adjust the size and location of the Dock, as well as apply special effects when applications are launched or