“Get a Personal Trainer for Your Computer!”^©

On August 28, 2009 Apple introduced it’s latest version of the Mac OS (V. 10.6), dubbed Snow Leopard.  There’s very little in the way of flashy features, but there are major changes under the hood, most of which will appeal to corporate users.  Foremost among them is built in support for Microsoft Exchange Mail (extremely important to corporate users and, strangely enough, an extra for Windows but included on the Mac), a new technology called Grand Central Dispatch (making it easier to take advantage of computers running (Intel) multiple processors), an advance in the O/S called OpenCL that enables programs to take better advantage of the more powerful graphic adapters on current computers, and a complete transition from 32-bit to 64-bit computing.  Mainly, the benefit is that it is smaller (7Gb, about 50% less) and faster and more polished than the previous version. There are, however, some noticeable enhancements:  Mac laptops now adjust their own clocks when you cross time zones; the wireless hot-spot menu now shows the signal strength for each; there’s a slider to make the desktop icons bigger or smaller; when you click on a folder icon on the dock, you can now see what’s in the folder and scroll through it, all without opening it; web plug-ins no longer shut down the entire browser, just leave a placeholder where the plug-in should be; and movies open up in full window mode with easy to use controls and a “Send to YouTube” option.  For the increase in speed along, it’s worth the $29 to $49 if your qualify for the upgrade, even if you don’t need the new features right now.

Leopard updates have caused some problems. the MacFixIt Web site (some parts require subscription) reports several problems, including incredibly slow load times when opening Office 2008 documents.  In addition, the site reports video issues, along with general sluggishness after the recent Leopard graphics update.  Remember, if you want to roll back to a previous OS X version (there are several ways to do so) and you’re running the Leopard platform, be sure to enable the Time Machine backup software so you can do this.  (Of course, note that MacFixIt says that the 10.5.2 update sometimes derails the Time Machine!)

FileMaker, a division of Apple, has introduced a simple, easy to use database for about $50.  Named Bento, it is intended for use with Leopard, the program refers to a database as a “library” and subsets of data as “collections”.  Apple makes the program easy to use by emulating the format for Apple’s popular iTunes.  Intended for individuals and small to medium sized businesses, it includes pre-created libraries for address book, events and tasks.  Bento is automatically connected to Apple’s built in calendar and contact programs and can be synched with Entourage and some other programs and using available third party software.   All in all, Bento can make a relatively daunting task quite easy.  Need something more?  Use Filemaker, pro or advanced versions.

The downside of success: Apple’s Macs have finally caught the eye of the evildoers, from ruthless file deleters to a host of macro viruses, who view this as a new, lucrative target market.  This growing concern has led Trend Micro to team up with Intego, a leading publisher of Internet security and privacy software for Macintosh, to provide comprehensive security solutions.  Click HERE for more information...

1/15/08:  Microsoft Office is so closely associated with Windows that few people realize that the first version, in 1989, was made for the Apple.  The newest upgrade, Office:mac 2008, is for the first time not a clone or watered version of the Windows Office suite.  It doesn’t sport the ribbon bar, instead offering the Elements Gallery, runs Exchange mail much more easily, and with the use of ligatures (special characters that combine two or more characters) provides a much more professional printed page.  You will need either Tiger or Leopard to upgrade.  Cost is $150 - $400. (Business Week, Tech & You, 1/7/08)

10/25/07:  Apple released its latest version of OS X, OS 10.5, dubbed Leopard (starting at $129 for single user upgrade).  There are many substantial improvements, and Windows and MAC users can still debate who came out with each of them first.  Prominent additions:  Quick Look (full size preview of contents of files), Stacks (columns of icons representing the contents of a dock icon), a redesigned Finder (again more graphically showing contents) with Cover Flow (a flip-type display borrowed from iTunes) and Time Machine (simplified file backup).  Unfortunately, Apple still doesn’t have System Restore, like PCs do.  Apple has tried to position 10.5 as a viable option for small and midsize enterprises, sporting a beefed-up mail server, group calendar and scheduler, integration with Active Directory and web hosting.  And, of course media creation, Apple’s forte.  Don’t try to install on older Macs, like the G3, ‘cause it won’t.

We’re all familiar with the Mac vs. PC ads on TV.  That Mac guy sure is full of himself.  So, it seems, are many who use Apple computers.  A survey by Internet ad outfit Mindset Media of 7,500 computer users showed that Mac-heads are generally more self-assured and less modest than PC-heads, reports the January 28 ‘09 Advertising Age.  They’re also more apt to be creative, perfectionist, and liberal in social mores and politics.

Check out the Latest Mac Additions, many free software downloads, as well as recent Mac news at softpedia.

Don’t forget that CNET has lots of excellent Mac downloads.

See the Rant page of this site for a discussion of Apple’s Boot Camp software, Parallels Desktop for Macintosh 4.0 (also there is a Parallels Desktop Switch to Mac Edition, with training DVD) and VMWare Fusion 2.0 which offer alternatives for running Windows programs and desktops on (Intel) Macintosh machines.  [These programs will also work well with Windows 7 I am told.]  Both are quite impressive, and useful for offices or homes with networks which have both PC and Mac machines on them.  A no-cost but more difficult alternative would be Sun’s Virtual Box for OS IX Hosts.

Yes, it’s true.  According to a Forrester Research 2008 survey pf 4500 consumers in its consumer experience index, Apple came in at number 23 overall with an 80% rating (good), while Dell was at 58% (very poor) and Gateway, HP and Compaq came in at 66%, 64% and 63% respectively.