Author Archive

It seems it’s better late than never to post the minutes from the last meeting. We had a surprisingly good turnout for the evening of our Presidential election. Kachemacs member Ryan Ridge of Bigwoofs Technology taught us all how to do preventive maintenance on our Macs. Hopefully all our machines are running smoother after Ryan’s presentation. We also had Kachemacs t-shirts for sale so that members can get the word out about Mac and the Kachemacs!
Next month we will be learning about social networking from teen member Mob Sirijaratwong. Mob will show us how to keep in touch and share media with our friends and families using the internet on our Macs and iPhones. We hope to see you all there on December 2nd!

The Kachemacs Alaska T-shirts are finished! If you are interested, they are $12 for a short sleeve and $14 for a long sleeve. Bring your money to the next meeting if you want one. They were screened locally by The Sweat Shop, and they did a great job.

OmniFocus

by Diane Petersen, Kachemacs

Distributor: The Omni Group
Distributor URL: www.omnigroup.com
Distributor Phone: 1-800-315-OMNI
Price: $79.95

Pros: Intuitive organizational based on acclaimed GTD system, integration with Mail and iCal, available (for additional charge) for iPhone for mobile access.
Cons: Only alpha releases compatible with iPhone mobile app (purchased separately for $19.99), some strange behaviors in certain fields, challenging learning curve.

I have a brand new iPhone 3G. I had to justify this purchase to myself. I told myself that the iPhone would help me get more organized as well as be an electronic leash. It would make me a efficient role model for everyone. It would help me get 200% of the things done as I have previously. But I needed help formulating all this efficiency. I wanted a solution that I could use on the go with my phone and on my computer.

OmniFocus is that solution. This review covers the desktop version, although I should mention that they have an iPhone version (sold separately) that interfaces with Omnifocus desktop.

OmniFocus is structured to reflect David Allen’s GTD (getting things done) program. I haven’t become part of his following or read his book, but the Omnifocus interface is easy for me to understand. The organization is intuitive. Capture, Organize, Do. These are the crucial steps.

OmniFocus makes it very easy to quickly capture thoughts into an Inbox. They can be entered directly into the interface, typed into a
pop-up that can be brought up from anywhere with a hotkey, brought in from other applications through the Services menu, entered into the iPhone interface, or e-mailed in through Mail. To organize, a number of tools are available. The basic premise of the organizational system used is the ability to structure tasks by project, and then again by context. The context would be the environment in which a group of tasks are done (like “on my Mac at home” or “in Anchorage”) Either menu can be used to view the workflow, one to organize projects and one to streamline completion. To do, one can schedule action items through iCal, or Omnifocus itself. The Inspector allows for priority, timeframe, and sequence to be set. Once finished with my tasks and the boxes are checked off the list, with one gratifying click of the broom I can clear them all away. Now if only it would make my Mac go get the groceries I listed so I can stay home and relax…

I tend to get overwhelmed easily. With the Perspectives feature in OmniFocus, I can record any number of views with filters I define so I can look at my tasks at a glance without fooling around with filtering on the spot. I can view personal and professional perspectives separately. I can see what’s due when, or I can see what I can do while I’m at home. With the number of filtering options one can select and utilize in OmniFocus, this snapshot ability is a timesaver.

I always worry when I put so much faith into electronics to handle my personal activities that something BAD might happen. OmniFocus has built in backup/syncing capability. It happens in the background, much like Time Machine, and there are a number of built in mechanisms for backup and sync, such as local disk, WebDAV, Bonjour, and dot mac/Me.

The biggest issue I have is the learning curve. This is not for the wishy washy or the unmotivated! It took watching the video tutorial, reading the documentation, and visiting the forums a bit before I could just jump in and depend on the system to work for me. The time spent learning is a fair trade for the features and time saved in the end. For the new user, a pitfall is “getting stuck.” A couple of opportunities arise in the Inspector or when setting Context that one can get stuck in a screen or leave a selection with something unexpected selected. Another minor issue is that in order to use the companion iPhone app ($19.99, iTunes store) one must run an alpha version of the desktop software. These “Sneaky Peeks” are updated daily or twice daily, and every once in a while something gets broken. However, it is easy to roll back to a former version as a workaround and things get fixed rather quickly. I would like to see the iPhone application supported by a stable version of the desktop application.

OmniFocus is a little black book on steroids. Coupled with the iPhone application and the Mail and iCal interface, a feature packed system is available to catch any loose ends you may come across, without a lot of loose screws in the process. Even third party web based GTD systems like Sandy (virtual secretary) or Jott (transcriptionist) can be used with Omnifocus with a bit of creative scripting. In fact, I use Jott to call in my action items from work when I think of them and they go through my Mail to end up as an action item in my OmniFocus Inbox. If any questions or issues come up, there is a forum with a significant user base and a Twitter account with active support in case of trouble. The documentation provided by Omni is excellent also.

I have taken on a lot this fall in my personal life. I have been relying on OmniFocus heavily to direct me in my efforts to stay focused. Granted, I’m not always on top of it but I have human error to blame for that. If you’ve got the time to mess around with it and get the interface down, I’ve found that this software is the most versatile and configurable available for getting things done.

Concept: 5
Ease of installation: 5
Utility: 5
Ease of use: 3 (this takes into account the learning curve)
Documentation: 5
Features: 5
Stability: 4 (I’m dealing with alpha releases)
Price: 4 (a bit spendy, but a lot of software for the price.)

I’m really happy with OmniFocus and the way I have it configured to suit me. It was a long process to get to this point, but it’s quickly making up for all the time spent learning the software. If you are serious about getting things done, this is the software that help you do it.

Learning with iTunes

Claire J Rottenberg
CJRTOOLS ebooks

Although iTunes is an excellent application for organizing music and video files, it is really much more than that. iTunes, in combination with the iTunes store, can be a great tool for learning. Using podcasts, iTunes U and audiobooks, you can broaden your knowledge on a vast array of topics, including politics, business and the arts. In this article, I describe some of the options available for using iTunes to extend your learning.

Podcasts

There are thousands of podcasts available on all sorts of topics, such as world events, computer technology and modern literature. Many of the podcasts are available for free directly through the iTunes store. For example, if you are interested in following the US 2008 elections, go to the iTunes store for the US and, using the store’s power search feature, search for elections. You will find dozens of podcasts, including those from most of the major television networks. Once you find a podcast you like, you can subscribe to it and have episodes automatically downloaded to iTunes. No matter where you live, you can access and subscribe to podcasts from any iTunes store. Just select the store you want from the bottom of the iTunes store window and search for podcasts.

You can also find podcasts on many special interest websites or from podcast directories, such as Podcast Alley. To add these podcasts to iTunes, look for a special “Subscribe to iTunes” link. If no iTunes link is available, copy the podcast’s link and add it manually to iTunes.

Once podcasts are downloaded to iTunes, you can listen to audio podcasts or view video podcasts directly in iTunes. You can even view video podcasts in full-screen or on a video capable iPod. Audio podcasts can be listened to on any iPod, including an iPod Shuffle.

iTunes U

Another great way to enhance your knowledge at no cost is to use the iTunes store’s iTunes U feature. Many top universities, including Stanford, Vanderbilt, Yale, and UCLA-Berkeley, have added free content to iTunes U. You can download complete courses or lectures on a variety of topics, such as music, art, business, and technology. For example, I listened to a complete course on “Politics and Music.”

To access iTunes U content, go to the iTunes store and click the iTunes U button on the left side of the window. A list of universities will appear and you can browse through the available offerings from any of the universities.

Audiobooks

A third way to learn using iTunes is with audiobooks. Most audiobooks are not free from the iTunes store, but if you have an iTunes account, you can purchase audiobooks, such as popular novels or biographies. There are, however, other sources for acquiring audiobooks, including some free sources. For example, the Gutenberg Project has many classic novels, now in the public domain, available as audiobooks. You can download these audiobooks and then manually add them to iTunes.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are several ways you can use iTunes to advance your knowledge. Take a trip to the iTunes store today and find some podcasts, iTunes U courses or lectures or audiobooks and sit back and learn.

Copyright 2008 Claire J Rottenberg
All rights reserved

Claire J Rottenberg is the author of ebooks on Mac OS X 10.5, iPhoto ‘08, iTunes, and Mac OS X 10.4. More information on her books is available on the CJRTOOLS ebooks website (www.cjrtools.com/ebooks). Members of Apple user groups can receive a 25% discount on all purchases from CJRTOOLS ebooks through the Apple User Group Vendor Discount Program. This special discount offer is valid through November, 2008 and more information on the offer can be found on the Apple User Group Offers web page (homepage.mac.com/ugab/offers.html).

Despite fierce competition with the political debate on Tuesday the 7th of October, there was a full meeting room at the library for the Kachemacs guest event. Andrew Welch, president of Ambrosia Software came all the way from New York State to show and tell some of the products available from his company. It was such an opportunity to meet a Mac developer in person at one of our meetings way up here in Homer.

Andrew provided us with many copies of the demo DVD with all the company’s software on it to use for free for 30 days. I have plenty of extras if anyone missed out. When any of the Kachemacs choose to purchase Ambrosia Software products for the Mac from the website, use coupon code AKMUG20. The code will be valid for one month from our meeting date, or just long enough to get addicted to the demo software.

We also discussed the need for another drop-in session at the library. On Saturday, October 25, the library opens at 10AM. We will occupy one of the group study rooms along the perimeter of the main library. Anyone who drops in will be able to discuss Mac in a less formal setting than the Tuesday meetings. This is a perfect opportunity for Mac beginners to get some hands on help. I personally will be there until 3PM, but other members can stay until the library throws them out at 6PM.

Product: InvisibleSHIELD for iPhone 3G
Company: Zagg
Contact: (800) 700-9244
Price: $24.95
Pros: Allows au naturale effect for the device, non-skid surface helps keep a hold on the phone when “shoulder shuffling.” Tough!
Cons: Application of product can be a bit maddening.

This past July I went all out and got myself a brand spanking new white iPhone. A purchase like this is something I wanted to protect. That first scratch is always the worst, so I wanted to get some kind of a case on my phone right away.

Zagg’s InvisibleSHIELD was released almost as soon as the iPhone 3G was. It is not like most other cases that can be removed. It is a polyurethane film that adheres right to the phone. The film is advertised as a product that was developed for the military to protect heliocopter blades. It lends a slightly more tacky nonslip texture to the phone. It’s permanent in that it stays on the phone as long as you want it there, but can be removed surprisingly easily if you don’t.

The InvisibleSHIELD comes in a box containing all the pieces, kind of like a puzzle, all attached to a paper backing. Also included is shield spray to aid in application and a cute little squeegee. Application can be a bit tricky, as it is done wet with the spray and all those pieces like to go slip-sliding around. Then there is the matter of air bubbles. It’s a perfectionist’s nemesis, but once it’s on there is no more maintenance. For the more apprehensive, there are plenty of support videos available on YouTube and Zagg’s website.

The InvisibleSHIELD can be the only case you need, but I like having a belt clip. I have an incredibly stylish leather sheath style case that I use with the InvisibleSHIELD. The texture of the InvisibleSHIELD helps keep my phone in the case, and it also protects my phone against the types of scratches you normally get with the friction of a sheath case.

The most remarkable characteristic of the InvisibleSHIELD system is the warranty. When you buy an InvisibleSHIELD, it is more like buying into an insurance policy. The InvisibleSHIELD is guaranteed for life. If it peels off or gets damaged, it’s replaced for free. I had the opportunity to use this service on another item covered by the InvisibleSHIELD. It needed to go back to Apple for warranty work. I was able to easily remove the InvisibleSHIELD with a bit of determination and requested a new InvisibleSHIELD for free. The new InvisibleSHIELD and my replacement item arrived on the same day about a week later and I had no hassles setting up the replacement device.

So far, my InvisibleSHIELD has stuck tight. I always get a kick out of people’s reactions when I drag my keys over the face of my iPhone. Thanks to my InvisibleSHIELD, I don’t have to worry about damaging my phone with unsightly scratches.

I give the InvisibleSHIELD a 5 for fulfilling its purpose as advertised while allowing me to show off my lovely phone without a bulky case.

Note: Zagg makes the InvisibleSHIELD for about every electronic imaginable, including cameras and GPS. It’s not just for Mac lovers.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Time Machine

by Claire J Rottenberg
CJRTOOLS ebooks

Like many other Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) users, I use Time Machine for backing up data. As good as Time Machine is, however, it is not perfect and probably should not be the only backup option you use. In this article, I describe some of the strengths and weaknesses of Time Machine and offer suggestions for other backup options that can be used to supplement Time Machine.

Strengths of Time Machine

Time Machine’s greatest strength is probably its automatic functioning. Once you’ve set up Time Machine, you can forget about it because Time Machine will automatically back up your files every hour. It works quietly in the background so you don’t need to stop working on your computer while Time Machine is backing up your files.

Another advantage of Time Machine is that backups are cumulative and incremental. Once an initial backup is completed, Time Machine will back up only new or changed files so subsequent backups are quicker and take up less storage space than the original backup. In addition, Time Machine will keep making incremental backups until you run out of disk space on the backup drive. In other words, your backup drive can contain several months worth of files before some files need to be deleted. This can be a particularly useful feature for certain backup tasks, such as saving archived files of business or financial data.

Time Machine’s restore feature for individual files and folders is one of its greatest strengths. Time Machine lets you search for files by location and date or by using Spotlight. Once you’ve found the file you want, you only need to click a button to restore it.

A final positive aspect of Time Machine is that you can back up files from multiple drives or partitions to the same backup drive. This is an especially useful feature if you partition your drive or if you have several drives attached to your computer.

Weaknesses of Time Machine

Although Time Machine has some excellent features, it doesn’t let you create a bootable clone of your hard drive. If your drive dies or the system becomes corrupted, the process to restore your system with Time Machine can be long and complicated, especially compared to the ease of restoring with a cloning application, such as SuperDuper! If you’re backing up your entire drive with Time Machine, to restore the system, you have to boot into the Mac OS X Install disk and wait while your entire system is restored. If your hard drive has died, you are without a working system until you replace the drive. In contrast, with a cloned drive, you can boot into the backup drive and start working with it immediately.

Another downside of Time Machine is that the initial setup for Time Machine can be confusing and time-consuming. Instead of selecting files to include in a backup, which would clearly be the most logical way to set up backup files, with Time Machine you have to select the files to exclude from a backup.

Another weakness of Time Machine is that, over time, your backup files can consume huge amounts of storage space so you will probably need a large drive for your Time Machine backups. With the difficult financial problems many people are facing today, the cost of purchasing a large extra hard drive just for Time Machine can put a strain on an already limited budget.

A final weakness of Time Machine is that you can’t back up files to CDs or DVDs. Since it’s always a good idea to have off-site backups of critical data, it would be good if this feature were built into Time Machine.

Programs to Supplement Time Machine

There are several excellent free or low-cost backup programs you can download, as well as some Apple programs you might already own, to add backup features missing in Time Machine.

The first type of backup application you should have in addition to Time Machine is a cloning program. This type of program will let you create an exact copy of your main drive and, in an emergency, you can immediately boot into the clone and start working with it. Two excellent cloning programs are Carbon Copy Cloner (www.bombich.com/software/ccc.html) and SuperDuper! (www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper). CCC is donationware and you can view some tutorials for using it on my Leopard Tips website (homepage.mac.com/cjrtools/mac-leopard-tips/leopard-tutorials/leopard-video-tutorials.html). SuperDuper! is free for basic cloning, but for more advanced features, such as incremental cloning, you need to pay a small shareware fee ($27.95).

If you are a MobileMe subscriber, Apple has provided you with Backup, an application that lets you back up files to your iDisk, a hard drive or CDs or DVDs. With Backup, you can create custom, scheduled backups so, as with Time Machine, the backups can occur while you’re working on other tasks.

If you use iTunes and iPhoto, those applications have built-in backup features that let you easily save your valuable music and photo collections to CDs or DVDs. A free alternative to iPhoto, Kodak EasyShare (www.kodak.com), comes with a built-in backup update feature that lets you know when you should back up your photo library to a CD or DVD.

Conclusion

Time Machine is an excellent, unique backup option, but it is missing features that can be easily supplemented with free Apple and third-party alternatives. So, even if you use Time Machine, you should consider adding a cloning program and applications for saving valuable data to CDs or DVDs.

Claire J Rottenberg is the author of Easy Guides to Mac OS X software (Safari, Mail, System Preferences, TextEdit) and Course Books on Mac OS X 10.5, iPhoto ‘08, iTunes, and Mac OS X 10.4. More information on her books is available on the CJRTOOLS ebooks website (www.cjrtools.com/ebooks). Members of Apple user groups can receive a 25% discount on all purchases from CJRTOOLS ebooks by using the Apple User Group program code, mug2008. This special discount offer is valid through November, 2008 and more information on the offer can be found on the Apple User Group Offers web page (homepage.mac.com/ugab/offers.html).

Any thoughts?

Skitch, by Plasq

I made a web tutorial of this cool service. It’s a bit long, so feel free to “fast forward.”

[viddler id=f47cb3d0&w=437&h=370]

We will be having a guest speaker at our October meeting. Andrew Welch, president of Ambrosia software, will be highlighting his company’s products on October 7 at the Homer library from 6-8PM. Ambrosia has been making quality Mac software for years. WireTap, which made the honorable mention on my top Mac apps last year, is one of their flagship products.

Please plan on attending this event. It will be great to attend a demo from one of the pros! I am so grateful that Mr. Welch made Homer a stop on his itinerary.