Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting
Mac Geek Gab #175: Cool Stuff Found, Public Wi-Fi Security, Time Machine Fix, and Expo Ticket Contes
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Use HTTPS and VPNs when connecting to public Wi-Fi to secure your sensitive data.
- Regularly run system maintenance scripts on your Mac using utilities like Macaroni to keep your system optimized.
- Troubleshooting Time Machine and disk issues can involve low-level commands like FSCK; understanding these tools can prevent data loss.
- Participate in Macworld Expo activities and contests to enhance your Mac experience and connect with the community.
- Keep your software updated, and be aware of utility tools that can streamline system management and customization.
Summary
Main Topics and Personal Updates
The hosts, Dave and John, welcome back from a break, sharing personal travel stories, including John's trip to New York for AdTech, meetings, and the Russian programmers he works with remotely. They discuss the challenges of traveling, including the cost of hotels and the time lost from travel fatigue. Upcoming trips to Austin are also mentioned, with a teaser about a new portable battery accessory for the iPhone and a new utility called Macaroni that manages Unix scripts on macOS.
Cool Software and Utilities for Mac Users
They highlight some tools that enhance Mac user experience. Macaroni is a utility that manages system maintenance scripts, allowing users to run daily, weekly, and monthly Unix scripts manually or on schedule to keep their Mac tidy. Marco Polo is another app that automates setting preferences based on your location, such as network or device connected, although it doesn't support setting time zones. They also discuss Wireshark for network analysis and how to troubleshoot processes using Activity Monitor's 'Open Files and Ports' feature.
Security and Privacy on Public Wi-Fi Networks
A listener question prompts a discussion on securing data when using public Wi-Fi that requires payment or login. The hosts advise ensuring connections are HTTPS encrypted and recommend using VPNs for enhanced security. They caution about the risks of open or ad hoc networks and emphasize the importance of encryption to prevent eavesdropping, especially when entering sensitive information like credit card details.
Time Machine and Disk Repair Tips
Aaron shares his experience with File System Corruption affecting Time Machine backups on his MacBook. The hosts discuss using low-level commands like FSCK to repair disks and prevent data loss. They also mention potential issues with sparse bundle corruptions, how to identify them, and best practices for fixing them using command-line tools and disk utility.
Macworld Expo 2009 and Contest Announcements
The hosts discuss their plans for Macworld Expo in San Francisco, including their live podcasts, participation in sessions, and the exclusive Cirque de Maxx party, sponsored by multiple companies. They announce a contest where listeners can win free Conference passes for Macworld Expo 2009 by submitting creative 'Haiku'-style entries. The deadline is November 24, with winners announced on November 26. They encourage listeners to submit as many entries as they like for a chance to attend the event.
Sponsors
- Smile on My Mac · This week and this month, we're talking about disc label. Now, disc label is a piece of software that allows you to create labels, cases, jewel case inserts, DVD case inserts, all on your own. It pulls in track information from iTunes, supports various label formats, and makes professional-looking labels easy. There's a screencast available from Don McAllister, and a free trial at smileonmymac.com. The full version is $39.95.
- Circus Ponies · Their product, Notebook 3.0, is an electronic notebook that allows you to combine notes, PDFs, sketches, diagrams, and text into one organized workspace. It supports handwriting recognition, PDF annotation, and multiple formats. Upgrading from version 2.0 is free if purchased in 2008, otherwise it's $19.95 or $39.95 for a full license. A free trial is available at circusponies.com.
Show notes
A week off brings your geeks back raring to go, and they chat through some cool stuff YOU found, a possible fix for Time Machine errors, security connecting to public WiFi networks, and more. On top of all that, they announce a contest at The Mac Observer where you can win a free Conference pass for Macworld Expo 2009!
Follow this show on AudioBrevity and new episodes get summarized for you. Create a free account