Mac Geek Gab #169: ACMT, Lightning, and PGP Whole Disk Encryption

Key takeaways

Proper grounding, surge protection, and inline devices are essential to safeguard electronic equipment from lightning surges.
Using full disk encryption like PGP can significantly enhance data security, especially when traveling or dealing with sensitive information.
Choosing strong, complex passwords and securely storing them is critical to effective encryption and overall security.
Investing in professional support and training, such as Apple Certified courses, can improve one's ability to troubleshoot and support Macs.
Regular backup cloning and smart maintenance, like cloning Time Capsule settings, ensure data integrity and ease of recovery.

Summary

Tech Event Highlights and Gadgets of the Week

The hosts discuss their recent attendance at Pepcom's Holiday Spectacular in New York City, showcasing emerging tech products such as the LiveScribe Pulse smart pen, FLIR infrared cameras, Cat Genie self-cleaning cat litter system, and ScanCafe's photo preservation services. They also mention cool gadgets like the Kensington USB peripheral sharing device and industry initiatives for battery recycling, emphasizing tech trends and innovative devices that could become holiday gift ideas.

Lightning Protection and Power Management Tips

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing lightning strikes' impact on home and office electronics. John shares his experience with lightning damaging equipment, explaining the importance of proper grounding, surge protectors, and dedicated inline protection devices like APC's Protect Net series. They elaborate on how to safeguard Ethernet, coaxial, and phone lines, stressing that good grounding and proper surge protection can prevent costly damage.

Deep Dive into PGP Whole Disk Encryption and Security Practices

Pilot Pete shares his experience installing and using PGP's full disk encryption for Mac, highlighting its robust AES 256-bit encryption, ease of use, and seamless integration with the system. He discusses the importance of strong, unique passwords and security practices for protecting sensitive data, especially while traveling. The conversation covers performance impact, setup tips, and the advantages over Apple's FileVault, ultimately endorsing PGP's solutions for high-security needs.

Apple Support and Training Resources

The hosts explore the various Apple Certified Support courses available, noting their different levels—from basic support to enterprise deployment. They also mention the Apple Consultants Network as a resource for professional support providers. Pete talks about his recent visit to a local Mac service shop, praising their service and steps taken to clone and replace his Time Capsule without data loss, demonstrating best practices for hardware repairs and backup management.

Community and Personal Stories from Listeners and Friends

Throughout the episode, the hosts share personal anecdotes and listener questions about networking printers, Thunderbolt issues, and local tech shops. Pilot Pete, a pilot and tech enthusiast, is introduced as a regular contributor, offering insights into his experiences with disk encryption, and the hosts reflect on their local community connections and upcoming shows such as Macworld 2009.

Show notes

Take John F. Braun, Dave Hamilton, Pilot Pete and a week's worth of questions, pack them into one (virtual!) room, and what do you get? MGG 169 is the answer, and packed is the word! Your geeks talk through some printer software advice and Apple Consultant training. Plus, John found some cool new toys, Pilot Pete encrypted his entire hard drive, and Dave continues his lightning saga, all here on this week's episode of the Mac Geek Gab. Subscribe for free today!