Toggle Between Windows or Tabs on a Mac
To toggle between several open Web browser windows:
Command (which is the Apple key) + ` (the one just below the Esc button)
To toggle between several open tabs in a Web browser's window:
Control + Tab
mac posts
To toggle between several open Web browser windows:
Command (which is the Apple key) + ` (the one just below the Esc button)
To toggle between several open tabs in a Web browser's window:
Control + Tab
Keep Your Mac Humming
As stable as Macs tend to be, they still have their hiccups. There's one bit of housecleaning you should do before and after you install any system software, and whenever your Mac starts acting funky (programs stall, or crash, or lock up): "repair permissions." First, quit out of all applications, go to Applications/Utilities, and then start up Disk Utility. In the left panel, select your system hard drive, and then, on the bottom of the window, click "repair permissions." Depending on the speed of your Mac, and how long it's been since you last performed the operation, it could take 15 minutes or so. Power users may want to check out the free utility Onyx, which lets you repair permissions as well as perform a host of other fun maintenance jobs.
Bug in Mac OS X Snow Leopard Deleting Users' Accounts
In addition to news of rampant compatibility problems and a quiet admission that even Macs are vulnerable to malware, there is now word that the 10.6 version of OS X was shipped with a bug so severe it could wipe out all of your data. If you upgraded to the latest version, and have yet to log in using the guest account, we suggest you immediately disable said account.
It's Official: Mac Users Are, Indeed, Cooler
The results reveal that the percentage of computer-owning households with a Mac shot up to 12-percent, a 4-percent increase from 2008. Meanwhile, a remarkable 36-percent of Apple-owning households had an income of over $100,000. Only 21-percent of the entire sample made such bank. Apple users also own, on average, 48 consumer electronic devices, which is double the general average. Finally, the typical Apple user owns more electronics, and more types of electronics, than the norm. A full 63-percent, for instance, reported having an iPod, while only 36-percent of the overall population did so.
How to Use T-Pain's Auto-Tune in GarageBand
Just as a four-track enabled Beck to hit the big time, some home-recording savant might soon have a career of T-Pain proportions, thanks to Download Squad's instructions for using Auto-Tune in GarageBand. As typical of Garageband, the four steps are remarkably intuitive. As for hipping you to this undeniably awesome how-to, don't mention it. Just be sure to thank Switched when you're accepting your Grammy for 'Euro-Trash Dance Single of the Year.' [From: Download Squad]
'Star Trek' Creator's Vintage Mac Computer Up for Auction
According to TUAW, Apple's gift to Roddenberry, with its lovely (and yellowing) old-school beige exterior, is expected to yield $1,000 to $1,200. This might seem somewhat low given the extremism of Trekkies. But then again, the old model won't be very practical for squabbling on 'Star Wars vs. Star Trek' message boards or looking up any of that crazy 'Star Trek' porn. [From: TUAW]
Viewers Beginning to Prefer Web For Video, Finds Study
While people aren't exactly tossing their televisions into the trash, a new survey shows that more viewers are switching them off in favor of their PCs. According to the Los Angeles Times, the nonprofit Conference Board's survey of U.S. homes found that nearly 25-percent watch TV online, which is up from 20-percent just one year ago. This trend might come as a surprise, if we hadn't already noted that more people are watching Hulu, a free online video service, than are tuning in to Time Warner Cable. Not only is viewer attendance rising, but they're watching diverse programs, too. According to the Times, news shows are the most popular with 43-percent of online viewers tuning in to watch. Next, comedies, sitcoms, and dramas account for about 35-percent of viewers. About 20-percent watch reality shows, and 18-percent sporting events.
Apple Quietly Admits Macs Get Viruses
Apple confirmed last Friday, to PC Magazine, that the latest version of OS X (10.6, or Snow Leopard) features a built-in anti-malware tool. Although OS X has had a feature called 'file quarantine' since the 10.4 days, the latest update automatically detects certain Mac-specific threats and suggests that the user quarantine them.
To start, Apple will only detect two different types of malware, but some are already questioning how effective Apple could possibly be at defending OS X against online threats. Apple doesn't have a great track record at promptly addressing security holes, after all. In fact, some may see (we among them) the Cupertino-based company's new anti-malware move as an unwitting challenge to online miscreants that could result in an explosion of harmful, Mac-targeted software. [From: BetaNews and PC Magazine]
Man Spies on New Owner of Stolen Computer via Apple's MobileMe
Earlier, we reported the story of a robbery victim who used his stolen iPhone's GPS application to track down his purloined phone and, thus, the suspected thieves. In other crime-fighting Mac news, The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) reports that an anonymous contributor dubbed 'Jim' has gotten a tip on the location of his stolen laptop -- thanks to Apple's MobileMe, a program that enables users to sync several computers.
Since police are currently investigating, the report is intentionally vague, but what is apparent is the Apple program's role in the potential capture of these suspected ne'er-do-wells. After Jim's home was invaded, and his two Macs and one PC stolen, he glumly forked over the cash for a new MacBook Pro. Smartly, Jim had backed up his former computers' files to a Time Machine drive, so he went about restoring the files. In doing so, he opened up MobileMe to discover one of his former computers listed as being synced to the new MacBook. Enabling the screen-sharing function, Jim was able to bring up the other computer's screen and watched as somebody searched for winning lottery numbers. Although MobileMe allows the option of taking control of a synced computer, Jim, again smartly, resisted. Instead, once its screen fell motionless, he snuck in, acquired an IP address, and took a screenshot. This morning, according to the report, Jim spied the phantom user applying for a job online. Just as easy as pie, Jim was able to snag a Social Security Number, address, and phone number straight off the form. (Ouch.)
Although the investigation is still very much underway, we think it's safe to say that Jim's computer will be restored to him, and that the glowing Apple logo will continue to scare away potential thieves. [From: TUAW]
Microsoft Finally "Blessing" Macs With Outlook E-Mail
Redmond is even making concessions to the Cupertino crowd by building the Mac version of Outlook from the ground up for better integration with OS X, and providing access to your stores of e-mail through Spotlight search.
Apple's Latest Update: Mac OS X v10.5.8 -- What's in It for You?
If you're a Mac user, you have a little updating to do. To tide us over until Snow Leopard, the next major version of the Macintosh operating system, Apple earlier this week released an update with the exciting name "v10.5.8." Here's what it holds in store for you:- A new version of Safari, version 4.0.2, fixes some security holes and also allows better searching of browser history.
- Bluetooth compatibility is said to be improved, meaning external devices should connect more quickly and stay connected more reliably.
- If you've noticed extremely slow boot times, they may be fixed with this update.
- Some issues connecting to AirPort wireless networks have been fixed.
- Support for RAW file formats has been extended, meaning greater compatibility with high-end digital cameras.
- A suite of miscellaneous security fixes.
Should you update? We'd say so. Apple updates tend to be fairly reliable, and while this one doesn't include anything ground-breaking, it does have a number of minor improvements that should make for a more seamless computing experience. And it's free, of course, so that helps, too. Just the same, it wouldn't hurt to back up anything important before you click on the 'Software Update' option in the Apple menu. [From: Apple Support]
New Botnet Threatens Mac Computers
For years now, Mac users have flaunted their seeming immunity to computer viruses, malware, and other noxious applications that plague the hearts, minds, and hard drives of PC users. However, there have been exceptions to the Mac's invincible reputation, like the one app from last summer that stole photos and all sorts of other information. According to security software firm Symantec, there's another one on the loose, turning Apple computers into zombies.The app is (somewhat humorously) called iBotnet, and it runs quietly in the background after its taken control of your Mac computer. It then allows the crooks who distributed the software to use the infected machines for their nefarious means, doing whatever they like. That's the essence of the botnet. Only a few thousand Macs are infected, but, given the general lack of virus protection on most Apple computers, that's a number that could quickly balloon.
What can you do? Well, if you're on a Mac, it's time to start watching what you click and download, just as your PC brethren have been doing for years. And perhaps it's time to be a little less self-sure, too. [From: CNN]
How to Turn Off Startup Programs on Your Mac (OS X)
You might not even realize it, but when you first log onto your PC, dozens of programs and services are starting that you most likely don't need. Some rear their ugly heads in the system tray (that little collection of icons next to the clock in Windows), but others run quietly in the background with you none the wiser.
Now, don't get scared, these instructions will take you to corners of your operating system (OS) you may not have seen before, but follow our instructions below and you should notice slightly quicker performance and, potentially, much faster boot times.
- You can control what applications start with OS X by going to System Preferences, Accounts, and opening LoginItems.
- Here, turn off any application that you absolutely don't need the moment you turn on your computer, like iChat and Skype.
- Remove any widgets from Dashboard that you don't use, or remove them all and disable Dashboard entirely.
- To disable Dashboard open the Terminal by going to Applications, then Utilities.
- Enter the following, 'defaults write com.apple.dashboard mcx-disabled -boolean YES' hit enter.
- Then type, 'killall Dock' and hit enter to restart Dock without Dashboard enabled.
- Dashboard can also be disabled with a free application called TinkerTool.
- You can turn off unused networking services by opening Sharing, under System Preferences.
- Make sure any services you don't need are unchecked: Windows Sharing, FTP Access, Apple Remote Desktop. As a bonus, this will also make your Mac safer.
Posing as Apple, Phishers Attack MobileMe Users
But, just in case, "Don't do it!" [From: Macworld via Cnet]
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iMac-Supply on the Decrease -- New Models Coming or Bad Economy?
Last week, the folks at Apple informed retailers that the company's iMacs will soon be in short supply, according to a report last Friday on Apple Insider. Judging in part from that projected drop in supply, Apple Insider's commentators have inferred that the world will soon see the next iMac line. But could it also just mean -- in this shopping-averse economy -- that demand for iMacs is down, too.
At present, little is known about the new iMacs' specifics, but hints -- and conjecture -- abound. While Apple enthusiasts have already discovered that the new machines will run on the same NVIDIA chipset used in contemporary laptops (and the speculated-about 15-inch Air), some guess that the manufacturer will embrace Intel's new quad-core low-power processors.
As for now, there's little to do but wait and wave farewell to that departing generation of iMacs. It's really just as well; we don't have the money right now, anyway. [From: Apple Insider]
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