Mac Geek Gab #162: Cool Stuff Found, Hidden Accounts, MobileMe, iDisk and More

Key takeaways

Support software developers by purchasing and registering applications instead of sharing cracked or pirated copies.
Dropbox provides an effective way to share selected folders with others and access files via web interface, ideal for collaborative projects.
Using password managers like One Password enhances security by generating and storing complex, unique passwords, and syncing them across devices.
Hidden administrator or root accounts can be created via terminal commands, but they pose security risks and should be checked for and removed if untrusted.
External hardware like keyloggers or RF eavesdropping devices can compromise passwords, emphasizing physical security and hardware inspection.
Resetting MobileMe sync data on one trusted Mac and setting it as the primary source helps resolve syncing conflicts across multiple devices.

Summary

Cool Stuff Found and Listener Tips

The episode kicks off with listener Pat from Minnesota introducing Earth Desk, an application that displays live, continuously updating satellite images of the globe on your desktop, making it a visually engaging addition. The show discusses the ethics of using shareware or cracked software, emphasizing the importance of purchasing software to support developers. Pat also mentions Dropbox, a cloud-based file synchronization service that allows sharing folders selectively with others, and highlights its ease of use and web interface with change logs. Additionally, the hosts recommend 'One Password,' a password management tool that generates and fills secure passwords, syncing via MobileMe, which they highly endorse for security and convenience.

Managing Hidden Accounts and System Security

An in-depth discussion focuses on the possibility of a teenager creating a hidden administrator account in macOS, using terminal commands to do so. The hosts explain how such an account can be hidden from normal user interfaces but still exist at a system level. They discuss methods to detect and remove hidden accounts, including checking advanced system preferences and using terminal commands. The conversation also centers on how a user could enable the root user to gain unlimited access, bypassing regular password protections, and the implications of hardware keyloggers and RF-based eavesdropping devices that could capture keystrokes or audio to reveal passwords. The hosts emphasize the importance of physical security and monitoring for unauthorized hardware devices.

MobileMe and iDisk Synchronization Challenges

Listener Rick describes issues syncing iCal events across multiple Macs using MobileMe. The hosts advise on how to reset sync data and choose a primary Mac to resolve synchronization conflicts. They recommend setting one Mac as the authoritative source and manually syncing the other device to achieve consistent data across devices. The discussion emphasizes handling conflicts carefully to prevent data loss. Additionally, Pedro from Mexico asks about setting up iDisk for document sync between his MacBook Pro and iMac, receiving step-by-step guidance to enable local sync folders and manually transfer files via iDisk. The episode highlights the importance of understanding MobileMe’s synchronization mechanics and cautious management of backup and sync settings.

Show notes

The show today starts with John and Dave talking through Cool Stuff Found: that's Stuff from them AND from you, and there's some great tidbits in here. Then the conversation turns to revisiting hidden login issues from last week, as well as some MobileMe and iDisk sync explanations. Chock full of great info, you'll enjoy this episode!