Laura's Mac Blog

10/19: OS X 10.4 TIger: Keychains and Security

2007-10-18T21:28:00.000-07:00

I read the Nov 2007 Macworld magazine with interest because of the new iPods, iLife '08 and iWork '08. But the cover story "Secure Your Mac," is one of the best articles I've read in a long time. There is something for every Mac user in this article. Here is the link to the article "Lock It Up"

So, here's some more about Keychains. What is a keychain? Why is it important? What do I do if I have a problem?

Here is how Apple describes keychains in the main Help file on your Mac:
"About keychains
You can use keychains to reduce the number of passwords you have to keep track of. A keychain can store all your passwords for applications, servers, and websites; cryptographic keys and X509 certificates; or even sensitive information unrelated to your computer, such as credit card numbers or personal identification numbers (PINs) for bank accounts.
When you connect to a network server, open an email account, or access any password-protected item that is keychain-aware, your keychain can provide the password so you don't have to type it."

Importance: Your keychain saves your passwords for most any login (when you check the save password box), and if you forget your password, you can look it up in your keychain. This is why you must open Keychain Access and LOCK YOUR KEYCHAIN! You should also change your keychain password so it is not the same as your computer login password (especially if you have no password). Read the Macworld article for instructions.

Problems: below is the link to the Apple web site link:
Mac OS X 10.4 Help
Solving problems with keychains

LAURA

10/18: Dot Mac - Mac.com Backup Issues

2007-10-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

For those of us using Backup with our Mac.com account, sometimes we have failures with it. I have researched the many issues, and mostly the problems occur when our Internet connections are inconsistent. Also, there are some who have problems when their computers are sleeping when Backup starts. That's another post.

So, here is a plan to check Backup and make sure it runs properly:

Run Backup "Naked," (with no other things happening):

Restart your Mac.

Make sure you are connected to the Internet - open System Preferences and click Network. In that window you should see "You are connected to the Internet via..." If you do not see that phrase, you are not connected, and that is an issue to solve. If you are connected, quit System Prefs.

Check your Dock and make sure no Applications are running, except Dashboard and any Internet Connect Applications. When an Application is running, there will be a black triangle under or next to the Application icon. Quit any unnecessary Applications.

Start Backup Application. If it asks to go ahead and run your scheduled backup plan, click OK. If it doesn't ask, click on the first plan in the list and click the Back Up button on the lower right of the window. If this is successful, do the same for remaining plans in the window. DO NOT RUN ANYTHING ELSE ON YOUR COMPUTER WHILE IT IS RUNNING BACKUP!

If this does not work, please "Take a Picture" of the error window.

Please let me know if this worked for you or not. LAURA

Leopard - OSX 10.5 Update information

2007-10-17T06:19:00.000-07:00

My clients are e-mailing me to ask if they should or must update to Leopard OSX 10.5. The price for installation DVD is $129 Single User, $199 Family Pack - not available as a download. Pre-orders being taken now.

First, start with the General Requirements, according to Apple:
• Mac computer with an Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor
• 512MB of memory
• DVD drive for installation
• 9GB of available disk space
• Some features require a compatible Internet service provider; fees may apply.
• Some features require Apple's .Mac service; fees apply.

To find out what your processor and memory are, click the blue apple in the upper left of your screen, then click About This Mac. To check available disk space, click your Macintosh HD icon once and go to File > Get Info

Second, check Apple's web pages for Leopard, and decide if you REALLY want and will use the new features.

Third, most of my clients in the Sandpoint area, wait about 12-15 months to update their OS.

Please call me with any other questions! LAURA

DotMac - Free Trial - Excellent for Back Ups and More!!

2007-10-16T22:20:00.001-07:00

I have subscribed to .Mac since it was first offered. I originally subscribed because of the SMTP sending e-mail that allowed me to send e-mail wherever I was connected. Also, the webmail is fabulous. As a .Mac subscriber, you also have access to training on Apple's web site.

I use it for iChat, Backup, and to keep my Safari bookmarks at my .Mac page. I can access many important things at others' computers, and this is very handy.

The free trial is currently for 60 days. Don't forget to call if you need help! LAURA

Mac OS X Leopard to ship on October 26

2007-10-16T21:07:00.001-07:00

Sent to you by lauramacs via Google Reader:

Mac OS X Leopard to ship on October 26

via Apple Hot News on 10/16/07

Packed with more than 300 new features, Mac OS X Leopard goes on sale Friday, October 26, at 6:00 p.m. at Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers, Apple announced today. And, beginning today, customers can place pre-orders on Apple's online store. "Leopard, the sixth major release of Mac OS X, is the best upgrade we've ever released," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "And everyone gets the 'Ultimate' version, packed with all the new innovative features, for just $129."

Things you can do from here:

Visit the original item
on Apple Hot News
Subscribe to Apple Hot News using Google Reader
Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

10/16: Inaugural blog post

2007-10-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

Hello!

This is Laura Bry from Walden Orchards / Sandpoint Macs, and I have been playing with blogs for the past couple of years, but got bored with them...

Now, the software and capabilities are so cool, that I have come back to blog again.

What I Love about Blogger.com:
1. My blog shows up on my web site.
2. I can post several ways:
A. Via browser through my web site or through blogger.com
B. Via e-mail
C. Via mobile phone text message - great when I am on the road...
3. I can send photos from my mobile phone to the blog!!
4. It is easy to add links, product referrals, etc...

I hope when I invite you to read / share my blog, that you will find it interesting and full of useful information.

The purpose of Laura's Mac Blog is to share information about Macintosh computers and other Apple products to my Sandpoint-area clients.

I appreciate you all! LOVE - PEACE - LAURA