Google Chrome is a way to browse the Internet similar to Internet Explorer.
Donna Dalton
Conquering the mystifying world of computers
Archive for ‘Mac OS X Tips & Tricks’
What is a Wiki?
A “Wiki” is basically a web page that can be viewed and modified by anyone with a Web browser and access to the Internet. It is typically used for collaborative efforts within a group. Students can use one to work on a group project. Company employees can use one to create meeting agendas, notes and comments. Homeowner Associations can use a Wiki to collaborate on common area projects. I’m planning to create and use a Wiki in my computer business as a dynamic knowledge base for everything from company policies to troubleshooting techniques and more. Anyone who collaborates or shares knowledge can benefit from a Wiki.
The downside is that modifications may have to be monitored for content, and that means someone has to take on that job. Also, the content comes from people in the group, true or not, opinion or fact. So, as time changes, opinions and facts may change, and therefore the content may become obsolete with time. Therefore, one should be careful in assuming that Wikis are reliable sources of information.
The upside is that Wikis offer a powerful and flexible way for people to collaborate. Emailing and replying with attachments become a way of the past. Wikis are immediate and accessible to everyone in the group as soon as someone hits the Save button.
To create your own Wiki, all you need is some Wiki software, like Twiki, and a place to host it. You can host it on a website, or even a shared location on your server or computer.
“To Do” Software to Help You Get Things Done
If you’re a fan of David Allen’s, “Getting Things Done” book, then you’ll like the EasyTask Manager software by OrionBelt.com for Windows or Mac OS X. The software lets you organize your tasks by project, context or category. If you are like me, on an average day, I like to organize my tasks by where I can get things done. For example, I have calls to make, emails to send, and errands to run in my car. A context helps you separate your tasks according to the tools/places needed to complete the task. I also like to see the projects that I’m working on, like writing an e-book or preparing for a class that I’m teaching.
The main reason I decided to use the EasyTask Manager software is that I can sync my tasks with my iPhone. It was easy – I just installed the app and followed the simple instructions to sync. Now I can see everything I have to do and add tasks while I’m away from my computer. No more little pieces of paper floating around!
3 Ways to Run Windows on Your Mac
There are 3 common ways to run Windows on your Mac. All 3 methods will allow you to install Windows 7. All 3 methods work with Snow Leopard. Each method has advantages and disadvantages.
- Use Bootcamp that comes for free with your Mac.
- Install VMWare Fusion 3
- Install Parallels 5
I have used all 3 methods. My personal preference is to use either VMWare Fusion or Parallels. With either of those, I avoid having to reboot the machine everytime I want to go into Windows. Opening Windows is as easy as running any other Mac application. I use Windows often, because I have Windows-specific software that I purchased, such as Quicken and Quickbooks, so for me, that was the way to go. Since I had previously used VMWare Fusion 3, I opted to use Parallels 5 this time around.
With Windows installed using Bootcamp, I would have to restart my Mac from the Windows partition, thereby leaving Mac OS X behind for a while. When I wanted to get back to Mac OS X, I’d have to reboot from the Mac OS X partition. The main advantage, and the only advantage to me, to using Bootcamp is that the drivers are Windows drivers, not virtualized. I have a few clients who have security cameras, and the software to view them only work with Windows in a non-virtualized environment. Other than that, I don’t need Bootcamp.
In a nutshell, The following article just came out in November, so it’s recent and discusses all the latest versions of software. It’s a good article to help you decide:
http://atlchris.com/1136/parallels-desktop-5-vs-vmware-fusion-3/
If you have used any of the 3 methods, please comment. I’d like to know your experience.
Apple Magic Mouse
Apple recently released the world’s first Multi-Touch mouse. The technology is similar to the features on the iPhone, but instead your fingers doing the walking on the screen, your fingers do the walking on the mouse. No actual buttons, only virtual ones. Click anywhere, scroll in any direction, and swipe through images on the smooth, seamless top shell of the Magic Mouse. The built-in software lets you configure Magic Mouse any way you want. No wires, as it uses bluetooth technology. It works with 10.5.8 or better. It’s the most advanced Apple mouse made… so far! You know Apple. Just wait a while. This is just the beginning!
What to Use for Online Meetings
An easy-to-use website called Mikogo.com allows people to have online meetings. Mikogo is helpful for people who are looking for a simple way to collaborate over the Internet. It is also useful for people who want to show someone, or multiple people, something on their computer.
As an example, imagine that you have a graphics designer working on a brochure. Instead of emailing it, marking it up, emailing it back, you can simply have an online meeting where you both look at the brochure at the same time. If you want another opinion, that person can also join the meeting and see the brochure as well. Anyone can make comments. In fact, it’s easy to change the person either controlling the mouse, or even change presenters.
ByteMarks uses it often when a client has a problem that is easier to show than explain. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. It saves time, money and frustration. The technicians at ByteMarks can answer their client’s question or fix their problem right then. And, Mikogo works with both PCs and Macs! Try it, you’ll like it. Click here to go to Mikogo. Click here to go to ByteMarks if you need remote assistance.
How to Take Screenshots on a Mac
The Mac has a feature similar to the “print screen” on a Windows machine. There are several different options for taking screenshots on a Mac. You can use the keyboard shortcuts listed below, or use the Grab program located in the Utilities folder.
Take a picture of the entire screen: Command (⌘)-Shift-3
Take a picture of part of the screen: Command (⌘)-Shift-4. Drag the crosshairs to select the area. The picture is taken when you release the mouse button.
The pictures will be on your desktop as a png file. To read how to take pictures of windows and menus, click here: http://tinyurl.com/6bedma
How to Unload the Email Overload
If you’re like many people, your inbox can get overwhelming. Some people have dozens of folders into which they neatly organize their emails. Others delete virtually everything. (I envy them!) If you’re the type of person who just keeps everything, you might find Merlin Mann’s “Inbox Zero” worthwhile. Merlin gives his famous lecture periodically, and I was lucky to see him once myself. He gives simple advice on how to keep your inbox down to zero. Although the link below is a video from a few years ago, his recommendations are relevant today. Even if you don’t take his advice, you’ll enjoy the show!
Remotely Control Your Computer with Logmein
If you want to be able to connect to your home computer when you’re away from home, try Logmein. I use it to connect to my parents’ computers when they need help. It’s easy. First install Logmein on your home computer. You may have to setup a password to connect remotely. Then, when you’re ready to connect remotely, go to logmein.com and login to your account. You’ll see your available computer there. As long as the remote computer is on and logmein is running in the background, you can connect. You control the computer just like you are sitting in front of it. It’s easy and it’s free. Try it at logmein.com.
There’s also different versions for IT Support people.
What is a TinyURL?
Have you been noticing short links that begin with tinyurl? TinyURL.com is a website that will take a long url, such as a link that you want to email someone, and create a short, or tiny, url that is much easier to use. No more cutting and pasting. The new url will not break in email posting. And, it never expires. TinyURL was created as a free service to make posting long URLs easier.
Of course, quoting directly from their website, “using it for spamming or illegal purposes is forbidden and any such use will result in the TinyURL being disabled and you may be reported to all ISPs involved and to the proper governmental agencies.”
Try it yourself… http://TinyURL.com