Mac Geek Gab #132: I Command You To Sleep! · Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting summary

Key takeaways

Always back up your data before applying system updates or troubleshooting issues.
Use Activity Monitor and Console logs to diagnose sleep issues by checking for abnormal processes or hardware behavior.
External peripherals, network devices, or third-party software can interfere with Mac sleep functions. Isolate these elements to identify conflicts.
When traveling, consider using public transportation options like BART or fixed-price taxi services to save money and avoid stress.
Monitoring system activity and device connections can help pinpoint causes of sleep or system wake problems.
Promotional tools like Yo Jimbo help organize and search large amounts of data efficiently, especially useful for managing multiple information sources.
Audible provides a vast library of audiobooks accessible on various devices, an excellent resource for learning or entertainment on the go.

Summary

Welcome and Listener Achievements

The hosts open the show with personal updates, including John's recent family Disney cruise, and mention their recognition as one of the best podcasts of 2007 on iTunes, thanking listeners for their subscriptions and feedback.

Mac OS X Update Warnings and Troubleshooting Sleep Issues

The hosts discuss a recent security update for Leopard and share their experiences with system hiccups during installation, emphasizing the importance of backups and caution during updates. They also delve into troubleshooting sleep problems on Macs, discussing methods like manual sleep, system scheduling, activity monitoring, and analyzing logs for sleep/wake events.

Specific Sleep Problems and Hardware Considerations

Listeners' questions about Macs not sleeping properly are addressed, with focus on possible software conflicts, peripherals, and hardware issues such as faulty network cards or drives. They suggest avoiding leave apps running unnecessarily, checking for background processes, and using tools like Activity Monitor and Console logs to diagnose sleep disruptions.

Troubleshooting and Diagnostic Tools

Recommendations include using utilities like Activity Monitor to check for disk and network activity, Peripheral Vision to monitor device connections/disconnections, and examining system logs for sleep/wake events to identify culprits affecting your Mac's sleep behavior.

Travel Tips and Transportation Advice for Macworld

Listeners share advice on navigating to the Macworld Expo, including using BART from Oakland or San Francisco airports, and tips on airport transportation costs. They mention booking through discount sites and remind travelers about fixed prices by town cars and limousines.

Product Sponsorships and Promotions

John discusses Barebone Software's Yo Jimbo for organizing information efficiently, highlighting its features and improvements. Dave promotes Audible for audiobooks, noting their extensive collection and free trial offer.

Community Feedback and User Solutions

Listeners send in solutions for syncing calendars via Google and share their methods for managing To-Dos across devices. The hosts appreciate these insights and encourage continued sharing of tips and tools.

Upcoming Events and Closing Comments

The hosts talk about upcoming plans for Macworld, their preparations for the Cirque de Mac 5.0 party, and encourage listener participation in contests. They also discuss potential new Mac hardware launches and wish everyone happy holidays.

Show notes

Dave and John help you put your Mac to sleep ... in their most entertaining fashion, of course! Additional topics covered include resolving iPhoto importing problems, understanding your router's place in the network, and sharing some of your travel tips.