It seems Apple is on a real tear to clean up the iPhone App Store as of late, and now it wants to make sure that apps at least add some form of value to the user.
Not too long ago, we brought you the news that over 5,000 apps got banned for being too sexually suggestive. Then came the even odder news that Wi-Fi detection apps had been locked out of the store. And now it seems that all apps are being looked at for quality.
TechCrunch is reporting that developers that it has spoken with are being warned by Apple to spruce up their apps. After speaking to multiple developers, there seemed to be a general consensus as to what Apple was doing:
Apple doesn’t appear to be opposed to ‘app generators’ and templates per se, but in the last month or so it has started cracking down on basic applications that are little more than RSS feeds or glorified business cards. In short, Apple doesn’t want people using native applications for things that a basic web app could accomplish.
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that this is all happening in the days leading up to the launch of the long awaited iPad. While some of these applications looked fine on the smaller screens of the iPhone and iPod Touch, when you blow them up a screen the size of the iPad, they will just come off as looking potentially silly. When you add in the fact the new tablet is focused heavily on Web browsing to begin with, Apple is of course going to want the apps to differentiate themselves from what the user can find in the built-in copy of Safari.
While Apple has often touted how many apps are in the App Store, it looks like the company is finally getting more interested in quality over quantity.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Apple App Store passes 10K iPad apps
App developers are wasting no time on rolling out applications for the iPad, surpassing 10,000 barely two months after its release.
The rate with which the number of iPad apps is growing is staggering. Just last Monday Steve Jobs announced at the iPhone 4 launch that the number was over 8,500, and a mere five days later the total has flown past the 10,000 mark. At the end of April the number stood at just over 5,000 meaning that the number of apps just about doubled in six weeks.
With more than two million iPads already sold, it isn’t all that surprising that developers are flocking to the device, but the same problem that has plagued iPhone developers is sure to hit the iPad now: getting lost in the shuffle. As the number of iPhone apps has grown, it has become harder and harder for an iPhone app to become a break out hit as consumers don’t want to browse through pages and pages of apps.
While Apple is always eager to crow about the number of apps, something is going to have to be done about making them easier to explore or else developers may just get burned out on being lost in the shuffle.
The rate with which the number of iPad apps is growing is staggering. Just last Monday Steve Jobs announced at the iPhone 4 launch that the number was over 8,500, and a mere five days later the total has flown past the 10,000 mark. At the end of April the number stood at just over 5,000 meaning that the number of apps just about doubled in six weeks.
With more than two million iPads already sold, it isn’t all that surprising that developers are flocking to the device, but the same problem that has plagued iPhone developers is sure to hit the iPad now: getting lost in the shuffle. As the number of iPhone apps has grown, it has become harder and harder for an iPhone app to become a break out hit as consumers don’t want to browse through pages and pages of apps.
While Apple is always eager to crow about the number of apps, something is going to have to be done about making them easier to explore or else developers may just get burned out on being lost in the shuffle.
Apple Mac App Store opens with problems
The newest of Apple’s online ventures, the App Store for Mac has opened, perhaps fated to be the ultimate purveyor of software for Macs, once some of the teething problems of the new service are solved.
The doors opened with not all the merchandise that will eventually be there and you had to upgrade OS X in order to access it, but there it is, in all its radiant glory. It is almost certainly a good idea, a way to spread the iOS4 App Store warm and fuzzies to the developers of Mac applications. That model has certainly been successful with the iPhone and iPad crowds, so it could be seen as simply a way to spread the wealth with the developers that write for Apple’s OS X platforms. That does not mean that the format and formula will be perfect right out of the gate.
For one thing, you need to upgrade to OS X version 10.6.6 to even get to the new store. For another users and developers alike are worried that the Mac App Store could increase the likelihood of piracy. A commonly used Digital Rights Management (DRM) system is being put into use by the new store, and copies of a hack were bing passed around the internet yesterday, allowing users to circumvent the copy protection scheme. According to a CNET story, this is more of a problem with the way developers are using the system to check ownership than it is with the app store or DRM algorithms themselves.
There is also some concern about synching applications purchased from a company’s web site and/or from the Apple store. This problem may be a little thornier than the DRM issues, at least for a while, while Apple and developers work out the kinks. It seemingly is not a problem for Apple, who is using its new Mac app store to sell many of its own applications, including iPhone, iMovie, GarageBand, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and Aperture 3. Although not perfect yet, the Mac App Store sounds promising.
The doors opened with not all the merchandise that will eventually be there and you had to upgrade OS X in order to access it, but there it is, in all its radiant glory. It is almost certainly a good idea, a way to spread the iOS4 App Store warm and fuzzies to the developers of Mac applications. That model has certainly been successful with the iPhone and iPad crowds, so it could be seen as simply a way to spread the wealth with the developers that write for Apple’s OS X platforms. That does not mean that the format and formula will be perfect right out of the gate.
For one thing, you need to upgrade to OS X version 10.6.6 to even get to the new store. For another users and developers alike are worried that the Mac App Store could increase the likelihood of piracy. A commonly used Digital Rights Management (DRM) system is being put into use by the new store, and copies of a hack were bing passed around the internet yesterday, allowing users to circumvent the copy protection scheme. According to a CNET story, this is more of a problem with the way developers are using the system to check ownership than it is with the app store or DRM algorithms themselves.
There is also some concern about synching applications purchased from a company’s web site and/or from the Apple store. This problem may be a little thornier than the DRM issues, at least for a while, while Apple and developers work out the kinks. It seemingly is not a problem for Apple, who is using its new Mac app store to sell many of its own applications, including iPhone, iMovie, GarageBand, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and Aperture 3. Although not perfect yet, the Mac App Store sounds promising.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Start using your Apple TV on Mac!
Apple operates an online business called the iTunes store. The iTunes store sells not only music, but also other digital media, including movies, TV shows, audiobooks, and games via download. In addition, you can also rent movies there.
To pair the iTunes store, you need software called iTunes, which can be free download on Apple website.Through iTunes, you can buy your favorite movies, songs, or other digital media from iTunes store, or rent movies from the store to sync to your iPod, iPhone or Apple TV.
Although iPod and iPhones are much more popular than Apple TV, on the contrary, I'd like to say more about Apple TV here.
Apple TV is a device that allows consumers to stream iTunes data from computers to their HD TVs. The device is known as a set-top box, because it connects to the TV, and it is considered to be part of the iPod family products because it requires the use of iTunes, and can use contents purchased at the iTunes Store.
To start using your Apple TV on Mac, you need the following items:
Widescreen TV: A widescreen, enhanced-definition or HDTV capable of at least one of the below mentioned resolutions: 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576p, 480p
Cables: An HDMI cable, or component video cables, with analog audio cables or an optical audio cable
Network: A wired or wireless network, a broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, LAN), your wireless network password (if you use one)
Computer and Software: To play content from a Mac on Apple TV, your computer must meet a Mac with Mac OS X v10.3.9, or v10.4.7 or later, iTunes 7.6 or later, an iTunes store account
Furthermore, digital media formats supported:
Video formats supported:
-H.264 and protected H.264 (from iTunes Store): Up to 5 Mbps, Progressive Main Profile (CAVLC) with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps (maximum resolution: 1280 by 720 pixels at 24 fps, 960 by 540 pixels at 30 fps) in.m4v,.mp4, and.mov file formats
-iTunes Store purchased video: 320 by 240 pixels, 640 by 480 pixels, 720 by 480 pixels (anamorphic), or high-definition 720p
-MPEG-4: Up to 3 Mbps, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps (maximum resolution: 720 by 432 pixels at 30 fps) in.m4v,.mp4, and.mov file formats
Audio formats supported
-AAC (16 to 320 Kbps); protected AAC (from iTunes Store); MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps); MP3 VBR; Apple Lossless; AIFF; WAV; Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound pass-through
Photo formats supported
-JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PNG
As all the above things are paid close attention and well prepared, you can launch applications to do your purchasing or renting work at iTunes store via iTunes, and then sync your favorite contents to your widescreen TV. Apple TV has its own menu system through which you can choose movies and download them directly to the set-top box. TIP: movies rented on an Apple TV are not transferable to any other device.
What's more, if you want to copy your own DVD collections to Apple TV, and share them with your family or friends on your widescreen HDTV, it would be easy, just use 3rd party software (such as Pavtube DVD to Apple TV converter for Mac) to turn them into mp4 format or some other Apple TV supported formats, after that your expectation would come true, it has been a breeze.
To pair the iTunes store, you need software called iTunes, which can be free download on Apple website.Through iTunes, you can buy your favorite movies, songs, or other digital media from iTunes store, or rent movies from the store to sync to your iPod, iPhone or Apple TV.
Although iPod and iPhones are much more popular than Apple TV, on the contrary, I'd like to say more about Apple TV here.
Apple TV is a device that allows consumers to stream iTunes data from computers to their HD TVs. The device is known as a set-top box, because it connects to the TV, and it is considered to be part of the iPod family products because it requires the use of iTunes, and can use contents purchased at the iTunes Store.
To start using your Apple TV on Mac, you need the following items:
Widescreen TV: A widescreen, enhanced-definition or HDTV capable of at least one of the below mentioned resolutions: 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576p, 480p
Cables: An HDMI cable, or component video cables, with analog audio cables or an optical audio cable
Network: A wired or wireless network, a broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, LAN), your wireless network password (if you use one)
Computer and Software: To play content from a Mac on Apple TV, your computer must meet a Mac with Mac OS X v10.3.9, or v10.4.7 or later, iTunes 7.6 or later, an iTunes store account
Furthermore, digital media formats supported:
Video formats supported:
-H.264 and protected H.264 (from iTunes Store): Up to 5 Mbps, Progressive Main Profile (CAVLC) with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps (maximum resolution: 1280 by 720 pixels at 24 fps, 960 by 540 pixels at 30 fps) in.m4v,.mp4, and.mov file formats
-iTunes Store purchased video: 320 by 240 pixels, 640 by 480 pixels, 720 by 480 pixels (anamorphic), or high-definition 720p
-MPEG-4: Up to 3 Mbps, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps (maximum resolution: 720 by 432 pixels at 30 fps) in.m4v,.mp4, and.mov file formats
Audio formats supported
-AAC (16 to 320 Kbps); protected AAC (from iTunes Store); MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps); MP3 VBR; Apple Lossless; AIFF; WAV; Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound pass-through
Photo formats supported
-JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PNG
As all the above things are paid close attention and well prepared, you can launch applications to do your purchasing or renting work at iTunes store via iTunes, and then sync your favorite contents to your widescreen TV. Apple TV has its own menu system through which you can choose movies and download them directly to the set-top box. TIP: movies rented on an Apple TV are not transferable to any other device.
What's more, if you want to copy your own DVD collections to Apple TV, and share them with your family or friends on your widescreen HDTV, it would be easy, just use 3rd party software (such as Pavtube DVD to Apple TV converter for Mac) to turn them into mp4 format or some other Apple TV supported formats, after that your expectation would come true, it has been a breeze.
How to convert flip video to Apple TV on Mac?
Free download Mac flip video to Apple TV converter to convert flip video footages to Apple TV video H.264 720X480 (MP4), Apple TV video MPEG-4 512X384 (MP4), Apple TV video MPEG-4 720x432 (MP4) for playing on Apple TV. Flip video to Apple TV Mac converter has installed numerous codec provided for various Apple products, Apple TV, iPod, iPhone and differed editing tools, iMovie, Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Express.
The main features of Apple TV?
Apple TV gives you access to an easy-to-navigate world of entertainment. Rent HD movies. Buy HD movies and get iTunes Extras. Buy HD TV shows. Listen to your iTunes music and Internet radio. Even show off your photos. Connect one HDMI cable and, just like that, your TV becomes more than just a TV. Therefore, Apple TV becomes more and more popular in the world.
Any interest, free to download here to have fun!
During the process of converting flip video to Apple TV, what's the main problem?
Sometimes, you may have the right formats after converting but you still cannot import videos into Apple TV. Why?
For one thing, you do not have proper codec to compress the formats, for another, you do not have right screen size and resolution parameters.
With Mac flip video to Apple TV converter, neither issue will exist anymore for its built in codec and advanced settings. You may define the appropriate video Encoder, Resolution, Frame Rare, Bit Rate and audio Encoder, Sample Rate, Channel, Bite Rate to fit for different playing definitions in the process of converting!
Mac OS program flip video to Apple TV converter supports to input all popular formats for converting MP4, AVI, WMV, MOV, FLV, SEF, MKV, MPG, 3GP,DV to Apple TV for importing into iPod, iPhone, PSP, Creative Zen, Wii, iRiver, BlackBerry, Gphone and Nexus One. Flip video to Apple TV Mac converter can easily rip audio from videos for your preference and save them as MP3, M4A, MKA, WMA, AIFF, FLAC, AAC, AC3, AMR.
Converting flip video to Apple TV with powerful editing features to play video files on Apple TV/iPod/iPhone on snow leopard X10.6.
1. Supported video input:
MP4, AVI, WMV, MOV, FLV, SEF, MKV, MPG, 3GP, DV
2. Support audio input:
MP3, M4A, MKA, WMA, AIFF, FLAC, AAC, AC3, AMR
3. Support portable device:
iPod, iPod touch, iPhone, PSP, Creative Zen, Wii, iRiver, BlackBerry, Gphone，Nexus One.
4. Join files:
Combine several files into one
5. Take snapshot:
Capture favored images in JPG, BMP and PNG formats
6. Defines video setting:
Encoder, Bite Rite, Frame Rate, Resolution
7. Crop:
Cut off unnecessary objects and subtitles
8. Trim:
Clip time length video segments
9. Add effects:
Select Brightness, Contrast, Saturation
10. Rotate videos:
Flip videos upside down and left to right
Mac flip video to Apple TV converter has no problem to run on the Intel-based Mac version and Power PC-based Mac version. No virus and pop-ups attached!
Learn to convert flip video to Apple TV with Mac flip video to Apple TV converter step by step
Step one: Connect flip video camcorder with you Mac and transfer flip videos onto Mac
Step two: Download flip video to Apple TV converter and install
Step three: Load flip videos into flip video to Apple TV Mac converter
Step four: Trim and edit flip videos
Step five: Select Apple TV output formats and output destination
Step six: Define advanced video Encoder, Resolution, Frame Rate and Bit Rate
Step seven: Start converting flip video to Apple TV
The main features of Apple TV?
Apple TV gives you access to an easy-to-navigate world of entertainment. Rent HD movies. Buy HD movies and get iTunes Extras. Buy HD TV shows. Listen to your iTunes music and Internet radio. Even show off your photos. Connect one HDMI cable and, just like that, your TV becomes more than just a TV. Therefore, Apple TV becomes more and more popular in the world.
Any interest, free to download here to have fun!
During the process of converting flip video to Apple TV, what's the main problem?
Sometimes, you may have the right formats after converting but you still cannot import videos into Apple TV. Why?
For one thing, you do not have proper codec to compress the formats, for another, you do not have right screen size and resolution parameters.
With Mac flip video to Apple TV converter, neither issue will exist anymore for its built in codec and advanced settings. You may define the appropriate video Encoder, Resolution, Frame Rare, Bit Rate and audio Encoder, Sample Rate, Channel, Bite Rate to fit for different playing definitions in the process of converting!
Mac OS program flip video to Apple TV converter supports to input all popular formats for converting MP4, AVI, WMV, MOV, FLV, SEF, MKV, MPG, 3GP,DV to Apple TV for importing into iPod, iPhone, PSP, Creative Zen, Wii, iRiver, BlackBerry, Gphone and Nexus One. Flip video to Apple TV Mac converter can easily rip audio from videos for your preference and save them as MP3, M4A, MKA, WMA, AIFF, FLAC, AAC, AC3, AMR.
Converting flip video to Apple TV with powerful editing features to play video files on Apple TV/iPod/iPhone on snow leopard X10.6.
1. Supported video input:
MP4, AVI, WMV, MOV, FLV, SEF, MKV, MPG, 3GP, DV
2. Support audio input:
MP3, M4A, MKA, WMA, AIFF, FLAC, AAC, AC3, AMR
3. Support portable device:
iPod, iPod touch, iPhone, PSP, Creative Zen, Wii, iRiver, BlackBerry, Gphone，Nexus One.
4. Join files:
Combine several files into one
5. Take snapshot:
Capture favored images in JPG, BMP and PNG formats
6. Defines video setting:
Encoder, Bite Rite, Frame Rate, Resolution
7. Crop:
Cut off unnecessary objects and subtitles
8. Trim:
Clip time length video segments
9. Add effects:
Select Brightness, Contrast, Saturation
10. Rotate videos:
Flip videos upside down and left to right
Mac flip video to Apple TV converter has no problem to run on the Intel-based Mac version and Power PC-based Mac version. No virus and pop-ups attached!
Learn to convert flip video to Apple TV with Mac flip video to Apple TV converter step by step
Step one: Connect flip video camcorder with you Mac and transfer flip videos onto Mac
Step two: Download flip video to Apple TV converter and install
Step three: Load flip videos into flip video to Apple TV Mac converter
Step four: Trim and edit flip videos
Step five: Select Apple TV output formats and output destination
Step six: Define advanced video Encoder, Resolution, Frame Rate and Bit Rate
Step seven: Start converting flip video to Apple TV
convert video files, DVD to Apple iPad on Mac OS X?
Any interest, free download here to have more fun!
There are tons of rumors about the name and specification of Apple tablet before the real release time- iSlate, iTablet, iPad, iwhatever, and about the screen size- 10 inch, OS - iPhone/iPad. Moreover, it supports both Wifi and 3G network. Now let's see what real Apple tablet look like?
Size and weight1
Height:
9.56 inches (242.8 mm)
Width:
7.47 inches (189.7 mm)
Depth:
0.5 inch (13.4 mm)
Weight:
1.5 pounds (.68 kg) Wi-Fi model;
1.6 pounds (.73 kg) Wi-Fi + 3G model
Capacity
16GB, 32GB, or 64GB flash drive
Processor
1GHz Apple A4 custom-designed, high-performance, low-power system-on-a-chip
Sensors
Accelerometer
Ambient light sensor
Mac system requirements
Mac computer with USB 2.0 port
Mac OS X v10.5.8 or later
iTunes 9.0 or later (free download from www.itunes.com/download)
iTunes Store account
Internet access
Windows system requirements
PC with USB 2.0 port
Windows 7, Windows Vista; Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later
iTunes 9.0 or later (free download from www.itunes.com/download)
iTunes Store account
Internet access
iPad video converter is a great software that can help you to convert video files to iPad, convert videos to iPhone 4, convert video clips to iPhone OS 4. Mac iPad video converter can work as a gorgeous video editor assist you cropping, trimming, adding effects, clipping, cutting, splitting and rotating video files.
Step by step tutorial for teaching you how to convert video files to iPad with iPad video converter on snow leopard, converting video files on Apple iPad and transfer video files for iPad.
Step 1. download iPad video converter and install
Step 2. import video files
Step 3. crop, trim and add effects
Step 4. set output formats and destination
Step 5. start video converter with iPad video converter on Mac
There are tons of rumors about the name and specification of Apple tablet before the real release time- iSlate, iTablet, iPad, iwhatever, and about the screen size- 10 inch, OS - iPhone/iPad. Moreover, it supports both Wifi and 3G network. Now let's see what real Apple tablet look like?
Size and weight1
Height:
9.56 inches (242.8 mm)
Width:
7.47 inches (189.7 mm)
Depth:
0.5 inch (13.4 mm)
Weight:
1.5 pounds (.68 kg) Wi-Fi model;
1.6 pounds (.73 kg) Wi-Fi + 3G model
Capacity
16GB, 32GB, or 64GB flash drive
Processor
1GHz Apple A4 custom-designed, high-performance, low-power system-on-a-chip
Sensors
Accelerometer
Ambient light sensor
Mac system requirements
Mac computer with USB 2.0 port
Mac OS X v10.5.8 or later
iTunes 9.0 or later (free download from www.itunes.com/download)
iTunes Store account
Internet access
Windows system requirements
PC with USB 2.0 port
Windows 7, Windows Vista; Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later
iTunes 9.0 or later (free download from www.itunes.com/download)
iTunes Store account
Internet access
iPad video converter is a great software that can help you to convert video files to iPad, convert videos to iPhone 4, convert video clips to iPhone OS 4. Mac iPad video converter can work as a gorgeous video editor assist you cropping, trimming, adding effects, clipping, cutting, splitting and rotating video files.
Step by step tutorial for teaching you how to convert video files to iPad with iPad video converter on snow leopard, converting video files on Apple iPad and transfer video files for iPad.
Step 1. download iPad video converter and install
Step 2. import video files
Step 3. crop, trim and add effects
Step 4. set output formats and destination
Step 5. start video converter with iPad video converter on Mac
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Apple Mac Data Recovery
Data Recovery is an ever increasing business with more and more companies relying on its services, as technology advances, new problems arise. Companies that save documents etc to their computers always face the possibility of the computer failing and loosing their work, most companies back up their data however if the system hard drive fails, backups may not even work.
This is where the data recovery specialists come in, they can take your hard drive away and attempt to recovery the lost files. If it is too badly damages and they have special ways of taking sectors (parts) from other working hard drives, fix them to the malfunctioning hard drive along with other replaceable parts and start piecing together the lost information.
Apple Mac systems are different, the operating systems is different, the internal parts are different, the whole hardware and software structures work in different ways.
Should your Mac play up and cause loss of data, normal recovery experts deal with windows based (PC's) and may not have the expertise to correct the issues with your Mac.
Mac's are becoming increasingly popular in today's market, although they still only provide a fraction of used computers they are on the up.
Apple Mac Data Recovery requires different skills, all staff that perform these repairs will be trained and skilled in the way Mac's work, essentially the same process is undergone to achieve recovery it is just done in a different way, with different parts.
You should not attempt this on your own as it takes a highly skilled professional to achieve desired results.
This is where the data recovery specialists come in, they can take your hard drive away and attempt to recovery the lost files. If it is too badly damages and they have special ways of taking sectors (parts) from other working hard drives, fix them to the malfunctioning hard drive along with other replaceable parts and start piecing together the lost information.
Apple Mac systems are different, the operating systems is different, the internal parts are different, the whole hardware and software structures work in different ways.
Should your Mac play up and cause loss of data, normal recovery experts deal with windows based (PC's) and may not have the expertise to correct the issues with your Mac.
Mac's are becoming increasingly popular in today's market, although they still only provide a fraction of used computers they are on the up.
Apple Mac Data Recovery requires different skills, all staff that perform these repairs will be trained and skilled in the way Mac's work, essentially the same process is undergone to achieve recovery it is just done in a different way, with different parts.
You should not attempt this on your own as it takes a highly skilled professional to achieve desired results.
Apple IPhone Applications
The Apple iPhone applications are probably the primary reason for the popularity of the iPhone. These applications come in various categories from corporate business, to gaming and many other useful apps. Initially the applications come only in simple programs to simplify certain tasks but now the wonders of these applications will shock all of the users as they brings convenience to users as a basic cell phone, a PDA and an all-time entertainer as the games are unique. The development of the applications is not an easy task. One who intends to venture into the iPhone apps development business should be alert to market changes, able to predict the demands of customers and understand their individual requirements. Besides, the developers need to be creative to produce unique iPhone apps that can capture the hearts of users. The application does not only involve technology can basic interface, it is about understanding demands on users to invent applications.
Apple iPhone applications are now the leader in the smart phone domain where developers do not only create them as they like. It is challenging as developers need to absorb the insights from sources, particularly the users as they are the main consumers of the product. This is especially true for developers who provide customization services as they need to design and crate applications that fulfill the requirement of clients, complying with their needs and usage style. The business applications that aid in the organization of corporate tasks are one famous type of applications among iPhone owners. Corporate people can use the iPhone to conduct business deals and simplify tasks such as making statistical analysis. Then, games are another popular iPhone apps used among users of all ages.
For instance, the gaming applications involving motion sensor is currently the top form of entertainment among users. Besides, there are also medical oriented applications that provide medical usage to users. It involves the reminder of important check-ups, doctors' appointments and many more.
Apple iPhone applications are now the leader in the smart phone domain where developers do not only create them as they like. It is challenging as developers need to absorb the insights from sources, particularly the users as they are the main consumers of the product. This is especially true for developers who provide customization services as they need to design and crate applications that fulfill the requirement of clients, complying with their needs and usage style. The business applications that aid in the organization of corporate tasks are one famous type of applications among iPhone owners. Corporate people can use the iPhone to conduct business deals and simplify tasks such as making statistical analysis. Then, games are another popular iPhone apps used among users of all ages.
For instance, the gaming applications involving motion sensor is currently the top form of entertainment among users. Besides, there are also medical oriented applications that provide medical usage to users. It involves the reminder of important check-ups, doctors' appointments and many more.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Apple Tablet iPhone 4 in Jan 2012
Apple just announced an event on January 27th that will no doubt dazzle us with what the company is calling its "latest creation." At the event, Apple will likely unveil the company's long-rumored tablet device.
Apple sent out invitations to selected media outlets this morning, asking people to "join us for an invitation-only event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco on January 27 at 10:00a.m." Fox will be live all morning long from San Francisco, bringing you all the fruit (and gadgets) that the Apple tree bears.
Reports suggest that this device has been years in the making (just take a look at this enthusiast-generated gallery of Apple tablet concepts, originally posted to Gizmodo two years ago), and I'm as excited to see it as you are.
I spoke to a source at Apple this morning, before the invite hit my inbox, who said the event would likely focus on three projects: The tablet device, iPhone 4, and a new round of iLife 2010 software. While we won't see new iPhone hardware just yet, we will see the next-generation software.
Apple is known to pull a last-minute rabbit out of a hat, however ... and just as likely to stuff it back in again. Last September, the company surprised fans by suddenly removing the camera from latest generation iPod Touch just before the Fall iPod event. As a result, the big stories from the September keynote were Steve Jobs back on stage after liver surgery and a Nano with a camera -- not a powerful new Touch.
Today's Apple invitation is vague as usual, but people love to look for clues in the message. The invite features spray-painted blobs amid vibrant color swatches, which could point to a device that captures "creative" activities. A tablet, perhaps? You bet your bottom dollar. Of course, it could also be a new Apple spray paint can that holds MP3s and unicorn tears. My money remains on the tablet, however.
Apple sent out invitations to selected media outlets this morning, asking people to "join us for an invitation-only event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco on January 27 at 10:00a.m." Fox will be live all morning long from San Francisco, bringing you all the fruit (and gadgets) that the Apple tree bears.
Reports suggest that this device has been years in the making (just take a look at this enthusiast-generated gallery of Apple tablet concepts, originally posted to Gizmodo two years ago), and I'm as excited to see it as you are.
I spoke to a source at Apple this morning, before the invite hit my inbox, who said the event would likely focus on three projects: The tablet device, iPhone 4, and a new round of iLife 2010 software. While we won't see new iPhone hardware just yet, we will see the next-generation software.
Apple is known to pull a last-minute rabbit out of a hat, however ... and just as likely to stuff it back in again. Last September, the company surprised fans by suddenly removing the camera from latest generation iPod Touch just before the Fall iPod event. As a result, the big stories from the September keynote were Steve Jobs back on stage after liver surgery and a Nano with a camera -- not a powerful new Touch.
Today's Apple invitation is vague as usual, but people love to look for clues in the message. The invite features spray-painted blobs amid vibrant color swatches, which could point to a device that captures "creative" activities. A tablet, perhaps? You bet your bottom dollar. Of course, it could also be a new Apple spray paint can that holds MP3s and unicorn tears. My money remains on the tablet, however.
Apple Has Sold 1 Million iPads
Apple has officially confirmed it has sold 1 million iPads. The company sold its one millionth iPad on Friday, April 30, just 28 days after the device’s release. More than 12 million apps from the App Store and 1.5 million e-books have been downloaded from the new iBookstore.
“One million iPads in 28 days—that’s less than half of the 74 days it took to achieve this milestone with iPhone,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Demand continues to exceed supply and we’re working hard to get this magical product into the hands of even more customers.”
So, now that the iPad 3G is finally available, what everyone wants to know is: How well is this thing selling?
According to Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster, it’s selling very well — pretty much as well as the Wi-Fi only iPad, in fact. About 300,000 3G iPads were sold on launch weekend.
Munster surveyed 50 Apple stores to arrive at this number. He concluded that the iPad 3G is essentially sold out, as only one store in 50 didn’t sell all of the iPads it had in stock by Sunday. Munster estimates that the overall number of iPads sold is over 1 million, and expects overall sales in 2010 will reach 4.3 million.
If Apple indeed sold 1 million iPads, we will probably hear it from Apple very soon — the company likes to brag about big numbers. On the other hand, Munster was wrong before, so we should probably take his estimates with a grain of salt.
“One million iPads in 28 days—that’s less than half of the 74 days it took to achieve this milestone with iPhone,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Demand continues to exceed supply and we’re working hard to get this magical product into the hands of even more customers.”
So, now that the iPad 3G is finally available, what everyone wants to know is: How well is this thing selling?
According to Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster, it’s selling very well — pretty much as well as the Wi-Fi only iPad, in fact. About 300,000 3G iPads were sold on launch weekend.
Munster surveyed 50 Apple stores to arrive at this number. He concluded that the iPad 3G is essentially sold out, as only one store in 50 didn’t sell all of the iPads it had in stock by Sunday. Munster estimates that the overall number of iPads sold is over 1 million, and expects overall sales in 2010 will reach 4.3 million.
If Apple indeed sold 1 million iPads, we will probably hear it from Apple very soon — the company likes to brag about big numbers. On the other hand, Munster was wrong before, so we should probably take his estimates with a grain of salt.
How to format external hard disk for Mac
You can format your external hard disk for Mac and Window. To format hard disk that usable for Mac and Windows, you need to select “MS DOS File System” for formating your hard disk.
To format your hard disk for Mac and Windows on Mac follow the steps below:-
Go to Finder -> Application -> Utilities
Double click for Disk Utility
Select the external Hard Disk you wish to format at the left column
Click on the Erase tab
At the “Volume Format” select “MS-DOS File System”
If you confirm to format your hard disk for mac and windows, Click on “Erase” button.
Pop up window will ask to verify the erase procedure. Click the erase button again in the window to start the erase process.
* All the data in the external hard disk will be permanently removed after this steps.
Once the erase process finish, your external hard disk may be able to use in Mac and Windows.
To format your hard disk for Mac and Windows on Mac follow the steps below:-
Go to Finder -> Application -> Utilities
Double click for Disk Utility
Select the external Hard Disk you wish to format at the left column
Click on the Erase tab
At the “Volume Format” select “MS-DOS File System”
If you confirm to format your hard disk for mac and windows, Click on “Erase” button.
Pop up window will ask to verify the erase procedure. Click the erase button again in the window to start the erase process.
* All the data in the external hard disk will be permanently removed after this steps.
Once the erase process finish, your external hard disk may be able to use in Mac and Windows.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Repair Mac Damaged Disk
Mac operating system ( OS X ) uses permissions, which group and user can modify or access stored files. It enables this powerful operating system to work like a multi-user operating system, for maintaining clear detachment between the files owned by various users. This detachment offers security and confidentiality. System stability and reliability is also ensured by this method, as only the administrator can delete or modify your system files. However, in some cases, the permissions get damaged and you can not access the data stored in your account. This behavior leads to critical data loss situations and requires Mac recovery to be fixed.
The hard drive permissions may become faulty from time to time. It happens usually after software installation. The file and directories, whose permissions are damaged, become inaccessible and you may lose your valuable data in such cases. Because the damaged permissions may affect the reliability and security of your system, you are recommended to repair Drive permissions after installing a new software.
The Disk Utility, an inbuilt hard drive repair and consistency checking tool of Mac OS X operating system, offers you a way of repairing the hard drive permissions. The repair process runs in background and you can perform other operations while repairing disk permissions. Repair process can also be done using command-line interface.
How to repair disk permissions?
You must have login details of administrator-level account to perform this task. Go through the underwritten steps to repair damaged permissions and perform data recovery Mac to gain access of inaccessible files/directories:
Launch/start Disk Utility application.
Select disk, which needs to repair permissions, from list of hard drives in Disk Utility.
Click to select the 'First Aid' tab.
Click the 'Repair Disk Permissions' button.
The above method works in most of the cases and helps you to perform Mac disk recovery. However, if it does not work, you need to format the hard drive and reinstall Mac OS X. It can fix all your hard drive related problems, but also removes data from the drive and cause severe data loss.
The Mac recovery software come for your help in such cases. They thoroughly scan whole hard drive and extract all lost data from it. The applications have interactive graphical user interface and offer easy recovery in all data loss scenarios..
The hard drive permissions may become faulty from time to time. It happens usually after software installation. The file and directories, whose permissions are damaged, become inaccessible and you may lose your valuable data in such cases. Because the damaged permissions may affect the reliability and security of your system, you are recommended to repair Drive permissions after installing a new software.
The Disk Utility, an inbuilt hard drive repair and consistency checking tool of Mac OS X operating system, offers you a way of repairing the hard drive permissions. The repair process runs in background and you can perform other operations while repairing disk permissions. Repair process can also be done using command-line interface.
How to repair disk permissions?
You must have login details of administrator-level account to perform this task. Go through the underwritten steps to repair damaged permissions and perform data recovery Mac to gain access of inaccessible files/directories:
Launch/start Disk Utility application.
Select disk, which needs to repair permissions, from list of hard drives in Disk Utility.
Click to select the 'First Aid' tab.
Click the 'Repair Disk Permissions' button.
The above method works in most of the cases and helps you to perform Mac disk recovery. However, if it does not work, you need to format the hard drive and reinstall Mac OS X. It can fix all your hard drive related problems, but also removes data from the drive and cause severe data loss.
The Mac recovery software come for your help in such cases. They thoroughly scan whole hard drive and extract all lost data from it. The applications have interactive graphical user interface and offer easy recovery in all data loss scenarios..
Mac Memory Upgrade?
A common feature of all computers is that the upgrades of memory will almost always result in a faster machine. Originally, Apple MacBooks came with 2GB of memory. Basic versions of all the MacBook, including versions of the MacBook Pro, came from a local Apple reseller with 2GB as standard, with many models featuring 4GB.
With dual memory slots, the MacBook can be upgraded by an Apple Authorized repair center to double the maximum memory available to 8GB.
Benefits of taking your MacBook in for an Authorized Apple repair service for a memory upgrade include:
The knowledge that your new parts are installed properly by qualified Authorized MacBook repair technician whose work is guaranteed.
Faster data streaming - extra memory helps to maintain a constant flow of data and to avoid screen freezes that may occur when watching a video or during other CPU intensive work.
Faster boot-up - The system has more "space" to pre-load the operating system at boot time.
Reduced disk wear - When the memory system is deficient, the system must use hard disk as a means of gaining additional memory space. Activities move data back and forth can cause large performance penalty because the system will be bound by the read / write disk operation.
Enhance all-round performance - For various reasons, the Macs respond well to additional memory and can function significantly faster as a result. Most Apple resellers or Apple Authorized Repair Service Providers will carry the necessary memory modules for an upgrade in-stock.
There are good reasons why your MacBook memory upgrade should be handled by Apple Authorized Reseller or Apple Authorized repair service providers; different versions of the MacBook require different memory modules. Inserting the wrong module could damage the main board or produce unexpected errors.
Choosing a reputable Apple reseller or Apple Authorized Repair Service Center allows you to feel confident that not only are they using quality memory, but the work performed is approved by Apple to meet the specifications required by the operating system and hardware. Apple resellers and Apple Repair Service Centers only use Apple approved replacement parts for MacBook repairs and upgrades.
So before visiting your Apple reseller for an expensive MacBook repair, try upgrading the memory first at your local Apple Authorized Repair Service Center to see if it cures the problem. Apple Authorized Repair Centers are certified to handle all types of MacBook repairs. They have qualified personnel available to help you assess your Apple repair service needs fast and for less money than the Apple Store.
With dual memory slots, the MacBook can be upgraded by an Apple Authorized repair center to double the maximum memory available to 8GB.
Benefits of taking your MacBook in for an Authorized Apple repair service for a memory upgrade include:
The knowledge that your new parts are installed properly by qualified Authorized MacBook repair technician whose work is guaranteed.
Faster data streaming - extra memory helps to maintain a constant flow of data and to avoid screen freezes that may occur when watching a video or during other CPU intensive work.
Faster boot-up - The system has more "space" to pre-load the operating system at boot time.
Reduced disk wear - When the memory system is deficient, the system must use hard disk as a means of gaining additional memory space. Activities move data back and forth can cause large performance penalty because the system will be bound by the read / write disk operation.
Enhance all-round performance - For various reasons, the Macs respond well to additional memory and can function significantly faster as a result. Most Apple resellers or Apple Authorized Repair Service Providers will carry the necessary memory modules for an upgrade in-stock.
There are good reasons why your MacBook memory upgrade should be handled by Apple Authorized Reseller or Apple Authorized repair service providers; different versions of the MacBook require different memory modules. Inserting the wrong module could damage the main board or produce unexpected errors.
Choosing a reputable Apple reseller or Apple Authorized Repair Service Center allows you to feel confident that not only are they using quality memory, but the work performed is approved by Apple to meet the specifications required by the operating system and hardware. Apple resellers and Apple Repair Service Centers only use Apple approved replacement parts for MacBook repairs and upgrades.
So before visiting your Apple reseller for an expensive MacBook repair, try upgrading the memory first at your local Apple Authorized Repair Service Center to see if it cures the problem. Apple Authorized Repair Centers are certified to handle all types of MacBook repairs. They have qualified personnel available to help you assess your Apple repair service needs fast and for less money than the Apple Store.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Blue Screen Problems of a Mac & Recover Missing Files
Nowadays many of the people are using a Mac operating system as this operating system comes with the latest features and have the capability to perform the tasks quickly. These days many of the Mac users complaining about a big issue that while starting the Mac operating system, the screen turns blue and they fails to perform the task. When the system turns blue the data become inaccessible and sometimes the system gets automatically shut down and causes data loss. This is quite an irritable situation and the people are eager to find a solution that can fix this error and makes the file accessible.
This is not a system problem; in fact this problem occurs due to the availability of the corrupted and damaged files, corrupted start up items, incompatible applications and many more adverse actions. Now, a question comes in every one's mind that "how to overcome this problem?"
Appearance of blue screen in Mac OS makes the saved files inaccessible as well as damages it completely. In some cases there is also a good possibility of losing the files. So it is strictly suggested to remove this problem as soon as possible. You can get rid of this problem and performs a Mac undelete by following some manual steps which are as follows:-
Turn on the computer in safe mode and when the logo of Apple appears then kindly click on the restart button present on the menu bar.
If the startup fails to work after the occurrence of the login window, then remove all the unused and incompatible login items present on the system
Reinstall the Mac operating system and make use of Disk utility that can repair the startup disks and disk permissions.
And if the problem persists by following all the above mentioned steps then it is apparent that the problem becomes critical and for this you will have to use Mac undelete software. This is robust and influential tool that is very much proficient to remove "blue screen" problems of Mac operating system. And also have the capability to repairs and undeletes all the corrupted and lost files. This utility tool comes up with the elegant graphical user interface and supports almost all the versions of Mac operating system like Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, 10.3.9 Panther, 10.4 Tiger, and 10.6 Snow Leopard etc.
This is not a system problem; in fact this problem occurs due to the availability of the corrupted and damaged files, corrupted start up items, incompatible applications and many more adverse actions. Now, a question comes in every one's mind that "how to overcome this problem?"
Appearance of blue screen in Mac OS makes the saved files inaccessible as well as damages it completely. In some cases there is also a good possibility of losing the files. So it is strictly suggested to remove this problem as soon as possible. You can get rid of this problem and performs a Mac undelete by following some manual steps which are as follows:-
Turn on the computer in safe mode and when the logo of Apple appears then kindly click on the restart button present on the menu bar.
If the startup fails to work after the occurrence of the login window, then remove all the unused and incompatible login items present on the system
Reinstall the Mac operating system and make use of Disk utility that can repair the startup disks and disk permissions.
And if the problem persists by following all the above mentioned steps then it is apparent that the problem becomes critical and for this you will have to use Mac undelete software. This is robust and influential tool that is very much proficient to remove "blue screen" problems of Mac operating system. And also have the capability to repairs and undeletes all the corrupted and lost files. This utility tool comes up with the elegant graphical user interface and supports almost all the versions of Mac operating system like Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, 10.3.9 Panther, 10.4 Tiger, and 10.6 Snow Leopard etc.
MacBook Screen Brightness Repair
If you recently had an Apple MacBook or MacBook Pro screen replacement, and you find that you cannot adjust your screen brightness from your keyboard, read on. This is a common problem that usually has an easy solution.
MacBook and MacBook Pro LCD screen repair is a very common service performed by Apple certified repair centers. During the MacBook screen replacement process, the laptop repair company or technician selects the type of screen they plan to install into your MacBook or MacBook Pro. This is because Apple uses screens from companies such as LG, Samsung, Chi Mei and Philips. In other words, Apple does not manufacture the screens for their MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops.
Therefore, during the MacBook screen replacement process, some newer model screens may be installed on an older MacBook system, and the screen will turn on and look perfect. It displays images and is functioning as expected.
However, even though the screen looks great, you still will want to be sure to check to be sure your MacBook or MacBook Pro keyboard controls are working correctly. So, press the brightness keys up or down. If nothing happens after trying this, then you have a situation.
If you find yourself in a situation, check which version of the Mac operating system you have installed on your MacBook or MacBook Pro, and:
If you are running Mac OS 10.5 or higher, contact the repair center that performed your LCD screen repair, since there may be a hardware compatibility issue with your replacement screen.
If you are running Mac OS 10.4 or lower, often you can quickly solve the keyboard brightness control issue by upgrading your operating system to Mac OS 10.5 or higher. Once you perform the upgrade, check your keyboard brightness controls to be sure they are now working properly.
MacBook and MacBook Pro LCD screen repair is a very common service performed by Apple certified repair centers. During the MacBook screen replacement process, the laptop repair company or technician selects the type of screen they plan to install into your MacBook or MacBook Pro. This is because Apple uses screens from companies such as LG, Samsung, Chi Mei and Philips. In other words, Apple does not manufacture the screens for their MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops.
Therefore, during the MacBook screen replacement process, some newer model screens may be installed on an older MacBook system, and the screen will turn on and look perfect. It displays images and is functioning as expected.
However, even though the screen looks great, you still will want to be sure to check to be sure your MacBook or MacBook Pro keyboard controls are working correctly. So, press the brightness keys up or down. If nothing happens after trying this, then you have a situation.
If you find yourself in a situation, check which version of the Mac operating system you have installed on your MacBook or MacBook Pro, and:
If you are running Mac OS 10.5 or higher, contact the repair center that performed your LCD screen repair, since there may be a hardware compatibility issue with your replacement screen.
If you are running Mac OS 10.4 or lower, often you can quickly solve the keyboard brightness control issue by upgrading your operating system to Mac OS 10.5 or higher. Once you perform the upgrade, check your keyboard brightness controls to be sure they are now working properly.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Backup Your Mac to Hidden Location
This last weekend I almost lost all the pictures. We have four kids, and have tons of pictures. I had set up the user accounts on our Mac on an external mirrored drive, connected by Firewire. This was mostly good, but this weekend all the applications just refused to connect because of some kind of weird permissions issue. I went through all sorts of stuff to get it working, but at the end of the day I just created a new account and copied all the files over to internal drive on the Mac, then changed ownership of all the files, and thought I was good to go.
That was until my wife went to make a Christmas book for her grandmother. Some of the pictures were missing, and all were blurry. The full sized photos were gone. I ended up having to restore everything from Time Machine, which is good for those kinds of things, so everything turned out ok. But I have always been worried about what would happen if the Mac and the connected drives were stolen. I could use an online backup service... but I don't like to do that. There had to be a better way.
I found that you could use the UNIX application rsync to create a little script that would back up every file to a remote rsync server. I did not have one of those, but I did have a USB drive connected to my home wireless router, so I figured I could set is up to copy the files to that. No go. rsync does not work very well connecting to a samba server on the other end. I had to set up a real rsync server.
There was an old PC in the basement that I had set up a copy of Ubuntu Linux on last year. Setting up Ubuntu is ridiculously easy, especially on a PC that is a few years old. Just go to ubuntu.com, download the latest copy, put it on a USB stick, and boot to it. It sets up everything automatically.
As I researched this, I found out I could very easily set up an rsync server on the Linux box and copy over files from the Mac, but it was too easy. It was too easy because rsync is not secure. All the files were sent over my wireless unencrypted. I don't like doing things unencrypted, not protected by passwords. When security is so easy to add in to a system, it is worth taking a few extra minutes to do things right.
What I discovered was that you could set up rsync to operate over secure shell (ssh), which is encrypted. Furthermore, there is a feature built into ssh that allows trusted computers to login without having to use a username or password by using public/private key encryption. So this is what I set up. There is a simple two line script I put on the Mac that I set to run once a week, and it copies over just the changed files from the Mac to the Linux box hidden in the basement. I have moved over to a 802.11n system, so the wireless runs nice and fast, good for transferring all those gymnastics pictures and videos.
So, the process is as follows:
Give your linux box a static IP address so you can ssh to it. If you are fancy, give it a name on your internal DNS server. I am not that fancy.
Set up the mac to be able to ssh to the linux box with signatures by generating a keypair, doing a secure copy to the non-root user account on the linux box (call it backupuser or something like that), and putting it in the trusted keys file. See this website on ssh keygen mac to see how it is done.
Make a directory on the Linux box to store the backup files. I store mine on the external USB drive, so I created a directory called /media/Volume/USBdrive/mac_backup and gave the ownership of the directory to backupuser on the linux box.
After you do this, you want to make sure that the USB drive mounts when the linux box is rebooted. Mine didn't, so I had to make an entry in the /etc/fstab file to make sure it mounted on boot.
Create a rsyncd.conf file in the /home/backupuser directory. This is the tricky part - do not configure the main box's rsync server or its rsync.conf file. This is going to be a mini-rsync server that is kicked off when the mac does a ssh to the backupuser account on the linux box. Here is what the rsyncd.conf file should look like:
[mac_backup]
path = /media/Volume/mac_backup
read only = false
use chroot = false
Then create the script in a text file on the Mac and name it something like rsync_backup_script.txt. It should contain something like this (the \ is for where I had to fit it onto this page, don't actually type the \ and do put everything on the same line. Also substitute @ for (at character)):
#!/bin/bash
rsync -azv --delete --exclude '.DS_Store' --rsh="ssh -l backupuser"\
/Users/ backupuser(at character)192.168.5.5::mac_backup
The rsync command copies any new or changed files from the Mac to the Linux box. It also deletes any files on the backup that have been deleted on the Mac.
Make the script executable. There is some way to do this with the GUI, but I just open the terminal on the mac, navigate to the directory with the file, and type:
sudo chmod u+x rsync_backup_script.txt
Now test everything! You could just go for it and execute the script by entering on the command line:
./rsync_backup_script.txt
If that does not work you then need to step through the parts of the process - make sure you can ssh without using a password, check the file permissions on the Linux box, check the rsyncd.conf file, and even enter the command on the Mac terminal line by itself to make sure everything works.
It will take hours for the first backup if your system is anything like mine. The script is set up to compress any files it can, and in future backups it will only transfer the changes.
This is not limited to backing up Mac's. You can do the same thing with Windows boxes by installing Cygwin on the Windows machine and going through a similar process. Just create another directory on the backup drive, create a second profile in the rsyncd.conf file that uses a different profile name and points to the new drive location, and you are off and running.
If you do have to use your backup, you can use the opposite command to copy the files back to the Mac. Hopefully you won't have to do that, though! Something like this should work:
rsync -azv --rsh="ssh -l backupuser" backupuser(at character)192.168.5.5::mac_backup /Users/
That is the complete exercise. I have gone through the files on the Linux box and made sure they are there, so I am happy. The box has no screen or keyboard connected to it, and it looks like a chunky old PC that no one wants. The noisy 1TB mirrored hard drives in the external array are a little noisy, which is another good reason to keep it hidden away.
Of course I still make a USB copy every once in a while and take it to work, but that is the backup to the backup to the backup. Hopefully I will have good copies of my files available for many years to come.
That was until my wife went to make a Christmas book for her grandmother. Some of the pictures were missing, and all were blurry. The full sized photos were gone. I ended up having to restore everything from Time Machine, which is good for those kinds of things, so everything turned out ok. But I have always been worried about what would happen if the Mac and the connected drives were stolen. I could use an online backup service... but I don't like to do that. There had to be a better way.
I found that you could use the UNIX application rsync to create a little script that would back up every file to a remote rsync server. I did not have one of those, but I did have a USB drive connected to my home wireless router, so I figured I could set is up to copy the files to that. No go. rsync does not work very well connecting to a samba server on the other end. I had to set up a real rsync server.
There was an old PC in the basement that I had set up a copy of Ubuntu Linux on last year. Setting up Ubuntu is ridiculously easy, especially on a PC that is a few years old. Just go to ubuntu.com, download the latest copy, put it on a USB stick, and boot to it. It sets up everything automatically.
As I researched this, I found out I could very easily set up an rsync server on the Linux box and copy over files from the Mac, but it was too easy. It was too easy because rsync is not secure. All the files were sent over my wireless unencrypted. I don't like doing things unencrypted, not protected by passwords. When security is so easy to add in to a system, it is worth taking a few extra minutes to do things right.
What I discovered was that you could set up rsync to operate over secure shell (ssh), which is encrypted. Furthermore, there is a feature built into ssh that allows trusted computers to login without having to use a username or password by using public/private key encryption. So this is what I set up. There is a simple two line script I put on the Mac that I set to run once a week, and it copies over just the changed files from the Mac to the Linux box hidden in the basement. I have moved over to a 802.11n system, so the wireless runs nice and fast, good for transferring all those gymnastics pictures and videos.
So, the process is as follows:
Give your linux box a static IP address so you can ssh to it. If you are fancy, give it a name on your internal DNS server. I am not that fancy.
Set up the mac to be able to ssh to the linux box with signatures by generating a keypair, doing a secure copy to the non-root user account on the linux box (call it backupuser or something like that), and putting it in the trusted keys file. See this website on ssh keygen mac to see how it is done.
Make a directory on the Linux box to store the backup files. I store mine on the external USB drive, so I created a directory called /media/Volume/USBdrive/mac_backup and gave the ownership of the directory to backupuser on the linux box.
After you do this, you want to make sure that the USB drive mounts when the linux box is rebooted. Mine didn't, so I had to make an entry in the /etc/fstab file to make sure it mounted on boot.
Create a rsyncd.conf file in the /home/backupuser directory. This is the tricky part - do not configure the main box's rsync server or its rsync.conf file. This is going to be a mini-rsync server that is kicked off when the mac does a ssh to the backupuser account on the linux box. Here is what the rsyncd.conf file should look like:
[mac_backup]
path = /media/Volume/mac_backup
read only = false
use chroot = false
Then create the script in a text file on the Mac and name it something like rsync_backup_script.txt. It should contain something like this (the \ is for where I had to fit it onto this page, don't actually type the \ and do put everything on the same line. Also substitute @ for (at character)):
#!/bin/bash
rsync -azv --delete --exclude '.DS_Store' --rsh="ssh -l backupuser"\
/Users/ backupuser(at character)192.168.5.5::mac_backup
The rsync command copies any new or changed files from the Mac to the Linux box. It also deletes any files on the backup that have been deleted on the Mac.
Make the script executable. There is some way to do this with the GUI, but I just open the terminal on the mac, navigate to the directory with the file, and type:
sudo chmod u+x rsync_backup_script.txt
Now test everything! You could just go for it and execute the script by entering on the command line:
./rsync_backup_script.txt
If that does not work you then need to step through the parts of the process - make sure you can ssh without using a password, check the file permissions on the Linux box, check the rsyncd.conf file, and even enter the command on the Mac terminal line by itself to make sure everything works.
It will take hours for the first backup if your system is anything like mine. The script is set up to compress any files it can, and in future backups it will only transfer the changes.
This is not limited to backing up Mac's. You can do the same thing with Windows boxes by installing Cygwin on the Windows machine and going through a similar process. Just create another directory on the backup drive, create a second profile in the rsyncd.conf file that uses a different profile name and points to the new drive location, and you are off and running.
If you do have to use your backup, you can use the opposite command to copy the files back to the Mac. Hopefully you won't have to do that, though! Something like this should work:
rsync -azv --rsh="ssh -l backupuser" backupuser(at character)192.168.5.5::mac_backup /Users/
That is the complete exercise. I have gone through the files on the Linux box and made sure they are there, so I am happy. The box has no screen or keyboard connected to it, and it looks like a chunky old PC that no one wants. The noisy 1TB mirrored hard drives in the external array are a little noisy, which is another good reason to keep it hidden away.
Of course I still make a USB copy every once in a while and take it to work, but that is the backup to the backup to the backup. Hopefully I will have good copies of my files available for many years to come.
Get a Free Apple iPhone 4
Tons of people don't take advantage of the opportunity to get a free Apple iPhone 4 just for testing it and filling out a small survey. Whether they are skeptical of this kind of promotion or they just don't know it exists, they are missing out on all the free toys that are being given away daily by big companies all over the world. Bummer, right?
It's a big bummer. However, the solution is to simply find the websites on the internet that are running these promotions -- such as the free Apple iPhone 4 giveaway promotion that is going on right now at this very moment. All you have to do is test out the phone and fill up a survey and then you keep it! Could it get any easier?
Something you have to understand, is that companies get paid BIG money to collect information from consumers like you and conduct market research -- Therefore, they can afford to give away a free Apple iPhone 4 like it's a piece of candy! These toys are simply the tools they use to bribe us into giving them our time and the information they need. It works out being a winning situation for everyone involved because the company will get the data they need and the consumer gets a free Apple iPhone 4 or some other great new toy... Not bad, huh?
Some people think everything on the internet is a scam or a trick... However, these types of promotions have been going on for years, even before the internet! If you are too fearful to try, then you will unfortunately not be amongst those who receive a free Apple iPhone 4 just for testing it out... All you have to do is find a site that offers this promotion and put in your zip code to find out if there are any units left in your area... Then you can get your iPhone 4 for free!
It's a big bummer. However, the solution is to simply find the websites on the internet that are running these promotions -- such as the free Apple iPhone 4 giveaway promotion that is going on right now at this very moment. All you have to do is test out the phone and fill up a survey and then you keep it! Could it get any easier?
Something you have to understand, is that companies get paid BIG money to collect information from consumers like you and conduct market research -- Therefore, they can afford to give away a free Apple iPhone 4 like it's a piece of candy! These toys are simply the tools they use to bribe us into giving them our time and the information they need. It works out being a winning situation for everyone involved because the company will get the data they need and the consumer gets a free Apple iPhone 4 or some other great new toy... Not bad, huh?
Some people think everything on the internet is a scam or a trick... However, these types of promotions have been going on for years, even before the internet! If you are too fearful to try, then you will unfortunately not be amongst those who receive a free Apple iPhone 4 just for testing it out... All you have to do is find a site that offers this promotion and put in your zip code to find out if there are any units left in your area... Then you can get your iPhone 4 for free!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Apple iPhone Mobile Phones– iPhone 4S, 4, 3GS
Buy Apple iPhones online from MobileCiti and save
If you’re looking for the biggest and best range of Apple iPhones online, MobileCiti delivers premium quality Apple iPhone mobile phones for affordable prices right across Australia. The iPhone is the most popular mobile phone of this generation, and with millions sold around the globe, MobileCiti is the best place to buy your own Apple iPhone mobile phone online.
MobileCiti provides the best prices online for all Apple iPhone mobile phones from the 3GS to the latest 4S models – everything you need for your Apple iPhone needs can be found here!
Shop online for the best Apple iPhone deals in Australia
Delivering the best Apple iPhone deals in Australia, MobileCiti makes shopping for your new phone easy and convenient. When you shop online with MobileCiti you have the best Apple iPhones available at your fingertips, all at the most affordable prices in Australia and all available for nation-wide delivery.
MobileCiti is proud to provide the best range of Apple iPhone mobile phones online, making shopping for your new phone as hassle free as possible. Apple iPhones are the most sought after mobile device on the market, and when you buy online through MobileCiti you are privy to the best deals in Australia.
The only place for your Apple iPhone mobile phones in Australia
When it comes to shopping for your new mobile phone, let MobileCiti provide the best deals on all Apple iPhones. Don’t just leave it to anyone to provide you with your new mobile phone, MobileCiti provides the best telecommunications packages across Australia, which includes Apple iPhones in their online shopping deals.
To be sure you’re getting exactly what you need, read our comprehensive Apple iPhone reviews online and let MobileCiti ship you the best iPhone deals in Australia.
If you’re looking for the biggest and best range of Apple iPhones online, MobileCiti delivers premium quality Apple iPhone mobile phones for affordable prices right across Australia. The iPhone is the most popular mobile phone of this generation, and with millions sold around the globe, MobileCiti is the best place to buy your own Apple iPhone mobile phone online.
MobileCiti provides the best prices online for all Apple iPhone mobile phones from the 3GS to the latest 4S models – everything you need for your Apple iPhone needs can be found here!
Shop online for the best Apple iPhone deals in Australia
Delivering the best Apple iPhone deals in Australia, MobileCiti makes shopping for your new phone easy and convenient. When you shop online with MobileCiti you have the best Apple iPhones available at your fingertips, all at the most affordable prices in Australia and all available for nation-wide delivery.
MobileCiti is proud to provide the best range of Apple iPhone mobile phones online, making shopping for your new phone as hassle free as possible. Apple iPhones are the most sought after mobile device on the market, and when you buy online through MobileCiti you are privy to the best deals in Australia.
The only place for your Apple iPhone mobile phones in Australia
When it comes to shopping for your new mobile phone, let MobileCiti provide the best deals on all Apple iPhones. Don’t just leave it to anyone to provide you with your new mobile phone, MobileCiti provides the best telecommunications packages across Australia, which includes Apple iPhones in their online shopping deals.
To be sure you’re getting exactly what you need, read our comprehensive Apple iPhone reviews online and let MobileCiti ship you the best iPhone deals in Australia.
Mac Diagnostics Test - A Simple Solution to a Big Problem
It is not an uncommon issue for people to face a hardware failure on their computer system. However unusual it may sound, Mac hardware can fail at any time. This failure can create big problems, and can make important data stored on a hard drive inaccessible to the user. Usually the hard drive failure results in the loss of data. A valid backup will help the person out of this awful situation by providing access to their most important data. If you ever face this situation, the problem can be solved with the best Mac diagnostics software to recover the hard drive or files that were lost.
A Mac OS X hard drive failure can be easily diagnosed and prevented by performing the Mac OS X diagnostics test on a hard drive that's showing aberrant behavior, such as if the Mac hardware stops responding while booting the system. The Mac OS X diagnostics test contains a set of hardware diagnostics that can test the Mac hardware and hard drive of the computer. The Mac system diagnostics test provides an excellent way to rule out a hardware issue when troubleshooting the Mac computer.
A Mac hardware test troubleshoots and helps solve many types of problems on your Mac. Plus it's bootable, so you can boot systems that won't boot off the damage or corrupted drive to run diagnostics on the troubled system, then decide the next course of action. Using the best Mac hard drive utility, you can create an emergency startup partition on the active system volume, called an eDrive, without ever having to boot from a physical DVD. You can also perform a SMART test on your internal ATA or SATA drives to detect changes in reliability, and repair corrupt or damaged HFS+ volumes, including those in newer solid-state devices, called SSD's.
Mac diagnostics software also provides flexibility to diagnose and fix other problems, and recover files and data during a hard drive recovery so users can get back to work quickly. Using volume cloning, exact duplicate backups of drives or volumes can be archived and later restored. The archives are called clones, and can be the complete volumes to restore from, or can be added to incrementally when files are changed or revised later. Mac diagnostics software also enables device management within a local area network (LAN), by monitoring the configuration or security of your LAN, and will display Bonjour supported devices and active services, plus help track devices no longer available to the monitored network.
Now you can easily run Mac diagnostics with a single click using the best Mac diagnostic software available, TechTool Pro for Mac, in so checking critical CPU, memory, video hardware, and more, to identify any aberrant behavior to mitigate problems and prevent costly repairs in the future.
A Mac OS X hard drive failure can be easily diagnosed and prevented by performing the Mac OS X diagnostics test on a hard drive that's showing aberrant behavior, such as if the Mac hardware stops responding while booting the system. The Mac OS X diagnostics test contains a set of hardware diagnostics that can test the Mac hardware and hard drive of the computer. The Mac system diagnostics test provides an excellent way to rule out a hardware issue when troubleshooting the Mac computer.
A Mac hardware test troubleshoots and helps solve many types of problems on your Mac. Plus it's bootable, so you can boot systems that won't boot off the damage or corrupted drive to run diagnostics on the troubled system, then decide the next course of action. Using the best Mac hard drive utility, you can create an emergency startup partition on the active system volume, called an eDrive, without ever having to boot from a physical DVD. You can also perform a SMART test on your internal ATA or SATA drives to detect changes in reliability, and repair corrupt or damaged HFS+ volumes, including those in newer solid-state devices, called SSD's.
Mac diagnostics software also provides flexibility to diagnose and fix other problems, and recover files and data during a hard drive recovery so users can get back to work quickly. Using volume cloning, exact duplicate backups of drives or volumes can be archived and later restored. The archives are called clones, and can be the complete volumes to restore from, or can be added to incrementally when files are changed or revised later. Mac diagnostics software also enables device management within a local area network (LAN), by monitoring the configuration or security of your LAN, and will display Bonjour supported devices and active services, plus help track devices no longer available to the monitored network.
Now you can easily run Mac diagnostics with a single click using the best Mac diagnostic software available, TechTool Pro for Mac, in so checking critical CPU, memory, video hardware, and more, to identify any aberrant behavior to mitigate problems and prevent costly repairs in the future.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Free Apple Laptop
Would you like to get yourself a brand new Apple Laptop without spending two thousand dollars? Did you know that you can get one for free? It is much easier than you would think.
The reason why this is such a great deal is because Macs are all very high quality products. Apple has some of the coolest laptops in the world. Macs are the best for anything to do with music, video, and graphic arts. Apple's operating system has less bugs in it and is less likely to get a virus than Microsoft Windows. Macs are a symbol of status and coolness now.
Why would someone give you a free Apple Laptop? You might ask yourself. The reason they are able to do this because they are paid by their sponsors to get you to check out their sponsors products and services. This is a great way for companies to let the public know about deals on their products and services.
You can get your free laptop by joining a company's website and giving your valid information such as email address, shipping address, and phone number. They will also require you to check out their sponsor's products and fill out some surveys. That is basically all you have to do and then you will get yourself a brand new Apple laptop.
There are a few websites out there that are scams. If a company tells you to send them money to get their giveaway than it is most likely a bad deal, but do not worry I found a legit promotion. These promotions do not last forever so I would recommend catching this offer as soon as possible. Before you know it you will have your free Apple laptop placed on your door step.
The reason why this is such a great deal is because Macs are all very high quality products. Apple has some of the coolest laptops in the world. Macs are the best for anything to do with music, video, and graphic arts. Apple's operating system has less bugs in it and is less likely to get a virus than Microsoft Windows. Macs are a symbol of status and coolness now.
Why would someone give you a free Apple Laptop? You might ask yourself. The reason they are able to do this because they are paid by their sponsors to get you to check out their sponsors products and services. This is a great way for companies to let the public know about deals on their products and services.
You can get your free laptop by joining a company's website and giving your valid information such as email address, shipping address, and phone number. They will also require you to check out their sponsor's products and fill out some surveys. That is basically all you have to do and then you will get yourself a brand new Apple laptop.
There are a few websites out there that are scams. If a company tells you to send them money to get their giveaway than it is most likely a bad deal, but do not worry I found a legit promotion. These promotions do not last forever so I would recommend catching this offer as soon as possible. Before you know it you will have your free Apple laptop placed on your door step.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)