Mac Geek Gab #151: Startup Sounds, FileTypes, EQ, and Bits vs. Bytes

The podcast begins with a discussion on the host's weekend ordeal of reformatting his work Windows XP machine after encountering installer corruption and update issues. This leads into a comparison between Windows and Mac OS X regarding system recovery and backup solutions. The hosts emphasize how Mac's inclusive driver ecosystem and Time Capsule offer more seamless backup and system restore experiences, contrasting with Windows' often more complicated process.

Listeners inquire about customizing startup sounds on Mac OS X, leading to a tip about a preference pane that enables startup and shutdown sounds. The hosts also delve into how operating systems identify file types without extensions, explaining the Unix 'file' command that uses a database of file signatures ('magic') to determine file types—an in-depth look at how Macs and Unix handle file identification.

A detailed tutorial covers the distinction between bits and bytes, including units like kilobits, kilobytes, and their base-2 versus base-10 definitions. The hosts explain how to convert between units (using Google calculator) and discuss real-world implications for network speeds and storage capacities. They critique the industry's inconsistent definitions of gigabytes in storage devices, highlighting how marketing often inflates perceived capacity. Practical tips are given for interpreting internet speed test results and understanding data transfer rates.

Questions from listeners focus on backing up external drives with Time Machine, specifically how attached USB or FireWire drives can be included in backups. The hosts clarify that Time Machine primarily backs up internal drives and that external drives are excluded unless explicitly added to the backup list. They mention that Time Machine creates disk images or backup folders for each computer, and discuss practical workarounds for backing up external data, like copying data into the backup drive or ensuring drives are formatted in compatible file systems. Ongoing challenges about backing up external NTFS drives are also explored, noting limitations in Mac OS X.

Listeners are encouraged to call in with questions via a dedicated number or email, and to share tips like URL shortening services TinyURL and Snurl. The hosts also promote their iTunes podcast ratings goal and invite constructive feedback. They conclude with a humorous reference to the 'stimulus check' and a call to 'not get caught,' wrapping up the episode.