Mac Geek Gab #176: Travel Gear, Multiple Audio Outputs, Windows Remote Control, and Geeky Network Fu

In this section, Dave shares his recent experiences traveling, highlighting useful gadgets like the Belkin Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger, which provides multiple outlets and USB charging in hotel environments. He also discusses the Kensington Mini Battery Pack for iPhone, emphasizing its convenience for charging on the go, and emphasizes the importance of packing essentials like extra batteries, chargers, and Ethernet cables when traveling. The conversation also touches on the importance of having all travel components ready and being methodical with packing arrangements.

The discussion covers how to route audio to multiple output devices on a Mac simultaneously. Alan’s tip involves creating an aggregate audio device using Mac’s Audio MIDI Setup, which combines multiple physical outputs so sound can be sent to all at once. The hosts clarify that this requires hardware devices and that Sound Source (a free app from Rogue Amoeba) can streamline device selection. Listener Jeff shares his experience with audio routing challenges using tools like WireTap Studio and Audio Hijack Pro, illustrating the technical hurdles in audio management for podcast recording.

John introduces BBEdit 9, highlighting new features like modeless search windows, MobileMe sync, and in-place editing, aimed at coders and text editors. They also discuss how to improve and automate PDF annotation workflows, especially concerning updating notes in complex PDF manuals, with suggestions about exporting/importing notes and the potential for scripting with PDFPen.

The hosts explore options for controlling Windows machines remotely from a Mac. They mention free solutions like LogMeIn and paid options like Cisco WebEx and Windows Remote Desktop. The conversation covers setup complexities, firewall considerations, and manual port forwarding, with practical tips for optimizing remote access—particularly useful for helping non-technical family members or managing multiple systems.

John walks through his experience with a Time Capsule that was stuck in a non-responding backup state after improper disconnection. He shares how erasing the disk via Airport Utility and using fsck_hfs can help recover from backup corruption. The discussion emphasizes the importance of proper shutdown procedures for Time Machine drives and the ongoing issues with unreliable backups, noting that Apple may be aware of the problem and working on fixes.

Questions from listeners include configuring multiple network interfaces for automatic failover and using 'dummy net' techniques to partition bandwidth for different applications, like Skype or file sharing. The hosts explain how to set static IP addresses, prioritize network interfaces, and set up traffic shaping using advanced network tools and protocols like UPNP and NAT PMP, providing practical guidance for managing network resources effectively.

The discussion centers around optimizing BitTorrent performance by configuring router port forwarding. The hosts explain default port ranges, how to locate the correct ports in clients like Transmission, and setting up port mappings on Apple AirPort routers. Caution is advised regarding upload speeds and sharing behavior, and there is a humorous note on network monitoring and avoiding network policy violations.