The MUG Store has free freight to members, RAM rebates and aggressive
pricing on new and reconditioned Macs. They've also got one of the
largest selections of pre-owned Macs on the planet.
7/1/2005 through 11/31/05
User ID: Mug
Password: Store
http://www.applemugstore.com
This offer is available to members of U.S. user groups.
Saturday, October 29, 2005
The New iMic
Griffin Announces The New iMic™
NASHVILLE, TN – Wednesday, October 19, 2005. Griffin Technology Inc., creator of exciting innovations for Mac, PC and iPod, today announces the new iMic USB audio adapter, redesigned for today's hardware.
iMic was the original USB audio adapter that enabled Mac and PC users to add stereo input and output to their USB computers that, otherwise, lacked the necessary hardware support. iMic allows you to connect virtually any microphone or sound input device to your iBook, PowerBook, PowerMac or other Mac or PC systems with a USB port. iMic supports both mic and line level inputs via a selectable switch, as well as a variable level output for connecting speakers or headphones.
iMic's audio is superior to most computers' built-in audio because it uses USB for the audio signal. USB isolates the audio signal from the noisy electronics in your computer, giving you higher quality sound when you record, and higher quality sound output for external speakers. Use it in conjunction with your laptop for noticeably cleaner and louder output.
iMic shines as the essential tool for converting your old LPs and tapes into MP3s and CDs. Griffin's audio recording software Final Vinyl* (provided for free exclusively to iMic owners) makes recording old records and tapes super easy, with several advanced features such as waveform-based cue editing and built-in 10-band EQ. Final Vinyl can also equalize LPs without having to connect a turntable to a pre-amp. Just hook the turntable directly to the iMic (with the included 7" stereo mini jack to RCA adapter cable) and Final Vinyl will record your LPs perfectly.
iMic, now updated for modern hardware, provides the perfect solution for almost any audio need, including:
• Podcasting
• GarageBand
• iMovie
• Final Cut Pro
• Reason
iMic requires no software driver installation. Just plug iMic into an available USB port and start recording in your favorite compatible application. It's the simplest solution for the best possible results.
Pricing & Availability
The new Griffin iMic's suggested retail price is $39.99 USD, and is scheduled to begin shipping in mid November. Pre-orders are being accepted at www.griffintechnology.com.
Spotlight Tips
10.18.05 -- 10.24.05
Macworld - The Mac Product Experts
Don't Wait on Spotlight
By Rob Griffiths (macosxhints@macworld.com)
Mac OS X Hint of the Week
If you use Spotlight searches in the Finder, and you've got one or more large, data-laden hard drives (my system has two drives with 10 partitions), you're probably well aware of these searches' ability to turn your Finder into a first-class spinning rainbow demonstrator. This most often happens just as you start typing your search term.
For instance, say you're looking for a particular landscape photo, and you begin to type the word carnation. "Thanks" to Spotlight's live search feature, as soon as you begin typing, your Mac starts looking for matches. This isn't a problem if your search word is short. But with a longer word, such as carnation, Spotlight wastes time looking for matches for "car," all the while showing you the beautiful rainbow cursor while it goes hunting. Really, you don't care about cars; you just want your carnation photo.
While you can't totally avoid the extraneous results and the spinning ball, here's one way to greatly minimize them. Instead of typing your search term in the Finder's search box, first type it into any open application. For example, you could type in Safari's address bar or Google search box, a TextEdit document, a Sticky note, or a widget. Now select the word with the mouse, and then hit Command-C to copy it to the clipboard. Switch back to the Finder, click in the Spotlight search box (or just hit Command-F), and then hit Command-V to paste your search term. You don't even have to hit Return, since the Finder will still try to do a live search.
Now instead of seeing Spotlight struggle with matches on all the partial-words it can make from your search term, it will just find matches on the entire word. You may still see the spinning rainbow, but at least it won't prevent you from typing the rest of your term. Note that you can also use this trick with the Spotlight search box (Command-Space), but it's not as useful there -- Spotlight doesn't seem to start searching quite as quickly when using this input box, so it's possible to completely type most search terms before Spotlight "wakes up."
If you're looking for more OS X tips, I post three each week at the Mac OS X Hints weblog. There's also my monthly hints column in the pages of Macworld magazine -- you can read the most recent column here. And of course, you can always visit the Tiger topic page for more information on Spotlight as well as other OS X 10.4-specific features.
Macworld - The Mac Product Experts
Don't Wait on Spotlight
By Rob Griffiths (macosxhints@macworld.com)
Mac OS X Hint of the Week
If you use Spotlight searches in the Finder, and you've got one or more large, data-laden hard drives (my system has two drives with 10 partitions), you're probably well aware of these searches' ability to turn your Finder into a first-class spinning rainbow demonstrator. This most often happens just as you start typing your search term.
For instance, say you're looking for a particular landscape photo, and you begin to type the word carnation. "Thanks" to Spotlight's live search feature, as soon as you begin typing, your Mac starts looking for matches. This isn't a problem if your search word is short. But with a longer word, such as carnation, Spotlight wastes time looking for matches for "car," all the while showing you the beautiful rainbow cursor while it goes hunting. Really, you don't care about cars; you just want your carnation photo.
While you can't totally avoid the extraneous results and the spinning ball, here's one way to greatly minimize them. Instead of typing your search term in the Finder's search box, first type it into any open application. For example, you could type in Safari's address bar or Google search box, a TextEdit document, a Sticky note, or a widget. Now select the word with the mouse, and then hit Command-C to copy it to the clipboard. Switch back to the Finder, click in the Spotlight search box (or just hit Command-F), and then hit Command-V to paste your search term. You don't even have to hit Return, since the Finder will still try to do a live search.
Now instead of seeing Spotlight struggle with matches on all the partial-words it can make from your search term, it will just find matches on the entire word. You may still see the spinning rainbow, but at least it won't prevent you from typing the rest of your term. Note that you can also use this trick with the Spotlight search box (Command-Space), but it's not as useful there -- Spotlight doesn't seem to start searching quite as quickly when using this input box, so it's possible to completely type most search terms before Spotlight "wakes up."
If you're looking for more OS X tips, I post three each week at the Mac OS X Hints weblog. There's also my monthly hints column in the pages of Macworld magazine -- you can read the most recent column here. And of course, you can always visit the Tiger topic page for more information on Spotlight as well as other OS X 10.4-specific features.
Video iPod Review
Video iPod in the Wild
By Jim Dalrymple, jdalrymple@maccentral.com
I received my new video iPod just in time to take a few days vacation and head off with my wife to New York to see the Cream reunion concert at Madison Square Garden and Zakk Wylde at the Nokia Theatre. The timing couldn't have been better to take Apple's new iPod for a real-world test run. Instead of sitting in my living room, I would use the video on a plane, in an airport, and on the streets of Manhattan.
Before I get into how the iPod fared on my whirlwind New York concert tour, I have a confession to make. I didn't really think I would be impressed with the video capabilities of the iPod. I attended the launch event in California and the video iPod didn't really do a lot for me -- sure it was cool and the deals with the networks was great, but it still didn't grab me. Well, after this week, I can say that I was wrong.
I was amazed at the clarity of the video on the iPod. My wife, who is not easily impressed with gadgets, was so taken with the quality that she claimed the iPod as her own. (That is a story for another time--suffice it to say, it's a battle I'm not likely to win). When we arrived at the airport gate in Halifax, Nova Scotia, my wife sat happily watching Desperate Housewives as I continually nudged her asking for her thoughts. (That, by the way, did not go over too well--please save yourself the hassle and do not follow my example here).
I love to travel and do so quite a bit with my job. Being a frequent flyer, I have my PowerBook setup with some of my favorite DVDs and television shows to watch on the plane and in the hotel room. I didn't think the iPod could replace my setup mainly because of the size of the screen. I can say that the screen size mattered much less than I thought it would. That revelation brought me to the convenience aspect of my travels. Whipping out the iPod at the gate and watching a TV show is much easier than pulling out the PowerBook--especially if the gate is packed -- opening the applications and launching the shows. Not to mention looking for a plug if you're low on power.
(Speaking of power, you should be aware that video playback sucks up battery life like crazy. So don't expect your iPod to stay charged for as long as if you were just listening to music. We watched about two hours of TV shows and there was still a little battery left, but not a whole lot.)
I'm not one to watch re-runs of TV shows (except maybe Columbo), so having two Desperate Housewives kind of limited my playing time. My next task was to get some of my own content on the iPod. There are many applications and AppleScripts that have cropped up in the last week or so and I've tried as many as I could, looking for ease of use in getting TV shows to the iPod. I have settled on Podner, a new application from Splasm Software that takes QuickTime-compatible files, converts them to an iPod format and puts them in iTunes, ready to be transferred to the iPod. The thing that caught my eye with Podner was its simplicity. While I might delve into the inner depths of a topic for research when writing a story, I want some things--like transferring TV shows -- to be done for me. With Podner, you simply drag and drop the QuickTime file on the application and it gives you four encoding options to choose from. You pick your option, choose the genre and name the file--there's nothing more to it than that.
The quality of the resulting file has been great so far. The time to encode depends on the options you choose and, of course, the computer you use. From my experience, Podner will become a permanent fixture in my Applications folder.
With almost 5,000 songs, my 30GB iPod filled up quickly, leaving almost no room for video content and no room at all for photos. If you have a large music collection and plan to watch a lot of video, you might want consider the larger 60GB iPod--I wish I had.
For more coverage of the video iPod, you should check out Jon Seff's blog on his experience with the device. Jason Snell has answers to frequently asked questions about the video iPod. And be sure to get Christopher Breen's assessment in his review of the 30GB and 60GB iPods with video.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Thumbscrew
Here's a really cool new piece of freeware. Thumbscrew "allows you to drag and drop images to create rotated thumbnails with borders and drop shadows. Maximum angle of rotation, maximum thumbnail bounding box, and border size can all be set before creating thumbnails."
It works on Mac OS 10.3 or later.
http://mac.softpedia.com/get/Graphics/Thumbscrew.shtml
It works on Mac OS 10.3 or later.
http://mac.softpedia.com/get/Graphics/Thumbscrew.shtml
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Adobe InDesign Training Offer
Eric Sarr is conducting three nights of training on Adobe InDesign Training at BOCES on Monday nights for 3 nights Nov. 7, 14, and 21 from 5 to 7. This would be a total of 6 hours of training. The class in on InDesign CS (not CS2) in a computer lab setting so that every one will be seated in front of a computer. This class will cost each participant $75.00. He has a few seats still open if any one would be interested. Just e-mail him at esaar@smlny.com.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Restoring the iPhoto library
As I described at the last MacStac meeting of October 20, my friend June had the iPhoto icon but when she tried to launch the application, the blank iPhoto field came up but the process ball just kept spinning trying to load the photos. Several suggestions were made at the meeting and one was to trash the com.apple.iPhoto.plist from the Library/Preferences file then relaunch iPhoto. This I did but it did not solve the problem. I don't know if it played a part in the final solution.
I then received the following suggestion from Tom Blake at BU. To go into the Pictures file and rename the iPhoto Library. Our email correspondence follows.
On 10/21/05 7:34 PM, Joan Mueller wrote:
I have iPhoto on June's computer. I followed your instructions and renamed the library. Then iPhoto opened and asked if I wanted a new library. I said yes so I now have two libraries. Since the problem must have resided in the original, now renamed library, how do I get her collection of photos into the new library?
On Oct 21, 2005, at 8:28 PM, Tom Blake wrote:
Great!
Which version of iPhoto is she using?
On 10/22/05 4:24 PM, Joan Mueller wrote:
She has emailed me that she is using iPhoto 4.03--sounds like she followed my instructions correctly. I went to the web page and have printed it out. This is what I plan to do:
1. First get rid of the word "suspected" that I put into the name of the iPhoto library,
2. Eliminate the new iPhoto library.
3. Copy the old library and put it on the desk top as a backup.
4. Then proceed by opening iPhoto while holding down the shift and option keys until I am prompted to rebuild the library.
5. Then click yes. And select "Rebuild the iPhoto Library database.
And it should work?
On 10/23/05 6:18 PM, Tom Blake wrote
Well, we need to change the order somewhat (reverse the order of steps 1 & 2.) Aside from that, it looks good!
BTW: to make your backup, hold down the Option key, while dragging the library onto the desktop. (This will copy it, rather than moving it. You should notice that the "fly" gains a little "plus sign" while you do this.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This was the process that worked. Hope it helps anyone else having the problem.
Joan
Adobe Special Interest Groups (SIG)
In the past the Binghamton Ad Club (now called the Communications Association of the Southern Tier - CAST) has sponsored a number of terrific meetings to showoff significant software products. Eric Saar is starting up the Graphic SIG again and the first Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting will be on Adobe Photoshop CS2 - all MacSTAC members are cordially invited.
Adobe Photoshop CS2 - November 8, 2005
6:30 p.m.
Security Mutual Life
100 Court Street
Binghamton, NY
You will need to sign in at the front door. There should be signs directing you to the meeting location.
Adobe has done it again, they have made an upgrade to their world renowned photo editing software. Come see all the new features and see what CS2 has to offer.
RSVP if you are planning on attending to eric@eyedeas-design.com
The second SIG will be on Adobe Illustrator CS2 - see below:
Adobe Illustrator CS2 - December 6, 2005
6:30 p.m.
Security Mutual Life
100 Court Street
Binghamton, NY
Along with Photoshop Adobe has upgraded the entire suite of creative products. Illustrator is one of the those programs that is hard to live without, see what make this latest upgrade worth purchasing.
RSVP if you are planning on attending to eric@eyedeas-design.com
Adobe Photoshop CS2 - November 8, 2005
6:30 p.m.
Security Mutual Life
100 Court Street
Binghamton, NY
You will need to sign in at the front door. There should be signs directing you to the meeting location.
Adobe has done it again, they have made an upgrade to their world renowned photo editing software. Come see all the new features and see what CS2 has to offer.
RSVP if you are planning on attending to eric@eyedeas-design.com
The second SIG will be on Adobe Illustrator CS2 - see below:
Adobe Illustrator CS2 - December 6, 2005
6:30 p.m.
Security Mutual Life
100 Court Street
Binghamton, NY
Along with Photoshop Adobe has upgraded the entire suite of creative products. Illustrator is one of the those programs that is hard to live without, see what make this latest upgrade worth purchasing.
RSVP if you are planning on attending to eric@eyedeas-design.com
Monday, October 24, 2005
Ideas for the November Meeting of MacSTAC
As we related during last week's meeting, we are beginning to put
together for November a meeting involving digital photography. You
may remember that art a digital photography night last year, we
discussed buying a digital camera, webs sites to check out camera
reviews, different types of cameras and functions, and some basic
printing techniques.<BR>
Rich and I just returned from PhotoExpo in NYC and there are lots of
news stuff coming out which we will summarize. However, we'd like to
hear from you as to your needs, desires, and ideas about what we can
also discuss or show that would be of benefit to you in the obviously
broad topic.
Please e-mail me with your comments by next Sunday so we can be sure
to incorporate your ideas into our presentations. Also, if you would
like to volunteer to be part of the meeting, please let me know what
you would like to show or talk about.
Ben Margolius
Saturday, September 24, 2005
OmniPage Offer
The following was received today from John Cizauskas, a long time MacSTAC member. If anyone in interested, please contact John directly. Note the expiration date.
As a former ScanSoft user, I can buy the latest version of OmniPage 15. But they do not make it for the Mac any more.
So if any one who still uses a PC wants to buy it, it sells for $499, the upgrade is $199, I can get it for $99 and this is a one shot deal. The offer ends 9/30/05.
jcizauskas@aol.com
PS: The Mac User Connection has an excellent listing of vendor special offers for user group members. You will find them on our web page - www.macstac.org - under the Blog tab.
Ben
As a former ScanSoft user, I can buy the latest version of OmniPage 15. But they do not make it for the Mac any more.
So if any one who still uses a PC wants to buy it, it sells for $499, the upgrade is $199, I can get it for $99 and this is a one shot deal. The offer ends 9/30/05.
jcizauskas@aol.com
PS: The Mac User Connection has an excellent listing of vendor special offers for user group members. You will find them on our web page - www.macstac.org - under the Blog tab.
Ben
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Vendor Offers For MUGs
Vendor Offers For MUGs
(if you are interested in some item, send an email back to macstacny@aol.com and we'll send you the code.
FastMac: Processor Upgrade Discounts
FastMac Performance Upgrades will blast your computer to a new dimension. FastMac utilizes genuine Motorola
processors and exclusive advances in board and heat-sink technology to deliver one of the fastest real world
computing experiences available for your computer: Easy to install, easy to afford and hard to live without.
This exclusive user group special offers 15 to 20% off MSRP for AGP Processor, ZIF Processor, 24x Combo Drive, 8x
Dual Layer SuperDrive and 16x Dual Layer SuperDrive Upgrades.
Order online: http://www.fastmac.com SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
In the US order toll-free by phone: 1-866-416-3278 (Darlene Conners)
This worldwide offer is valid until September 30, 2005.
MacPhoneHome: 33% Discount for MUG Members
The new Tiger-compatible version 3.0 of MacPhoneHome tracks and locates lost or stolen Macs anywhere in the
world. It sends a stealth email message containing its exact location to a pre-determined address of the user's choice
and to the MacPhoneHome command center every time the computer makes an Internet connection. The Center
provides full tracking and recovery service.
Normally $29.95 (US) per download/license, now only $19.95 (US), a 33% savings. Register to receive emailed link &
enter the special promo code. Read review: http://www.surf-bits.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=361
Purchase http://www.brigadoonsoftware.com/purchase.html SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This worldwide offer is valid until September 30, 2005.
Recosoft: 17% Discount on PDF2Office Personal
Recosoft Corporation, the developers of the industry standard PDF2Office family of products, is celebrating the
release of PDF2Office Personal v2.0. PDF2Office Personal is a new plug-in for Microsoft Word X/2004 to directly
open and convert PDF documents to the Word format. PDF2Office Personal enables you to recover the data stored
in PDF documents -making them available for use by anyone.
This limited time special offer for MUG members is $10 (US) off the regular price of $59 (US), a 17% savings.
Order today at http://www.recosoft.com SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This worldwide offer is valid until September 30, 2005.
arranged in chronological order by expiration date -- see pages 6 and 7 for the Newest Offers
09/22/05 * User group Ambassadors may also contact the Apple User Group Regional Liaison for their area for detailed codes page 1
Intriguing Development: 15% Discount on iRemember Scrapbooking
Digital scrapbooking on the Mac is finally here. iRemember allows you to create unique scrapbooks for life's precious
moments. You can design, create, edit and print scrapbooks for any occasion, then share your albums with friends
and family. All the tools you need to create stunning scrapbooks are included to create borders, backgrounds,
frames, patterns; add text, photos, clip art and shapes; and crop your photos.
iRemember's regular price is $49.95 (US), but it is reduced via this exclusive user group offer to only $42.45 (US), a
15% discount.
See what the buzz is about at http://www.macscrapbook.com. SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This US only expires September 30, 2005.
Magnet Media: 15% Discounts on Training DVDs
Magnet Media produces the award-winning Digital Media Training Series (DMTS) covering the most popular
Macintosh software for creative people. These training DVDs are the most effective way to master practical and
professional skills in film, video, print and web design.
Each self-paced DVD is taught by an expert instructor and designed to get you working quickly and confidently on
your own or alongside the instructor. Special media files include insider tips, tricks and techniques. Use the code to
save 15% on your online order.
To purchase, go to http://www.digitalmediatraining.com. SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This worldwide offer is valid until October 31, 2005.
The MUG Store: Discounts and User Group Offers
The MUG Store has free freight to members, RAM rebates and aggressive pricing on new and reconditioned Macs,
and one of the largest selection of pre-owned Macs on the planet.
Go to this User Group site, http://www.applemugstore.com. SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This offer is available to members of U.S. user groups and valid until October 31, 2005.
arranged in chronological order by expiration date -- see pages 6 and 7 for the Newest Offers
09/22/05 * User group Ambassadors may also contact the Apple User Group Regional Liaison for their area for detailed codes page 2
Future Sonics: $89 (US) Ears Earphones
Celebrating our 20th anniversary as the original innovators of professional personal monitors, Future Sonics thanks
the Apple community for embracing our technologies.
"They sound amazing...frequency response is particularly good with a really warm bass sound..."
- Graham Barlow/MacFormat Magazine
"Ugliest looking and best sounding earphones available. I hear things that I never knew were in the
music before - these things are amazing!" - Shawn King/"Your Mac Life"
Order your Future Sonics Ears online for $89 (US); that's over 40% off MSRP and 10% off web pricing.
If outside USA, e-mail dmac@futuresonics.com for details.
Hear what you're missing: http://www.futuresonics.com/apple/ SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This worldwide offer is valid until September 30, 2005.
Absolutist Games: Special Pricing
The Absolutist game developing company is proud to support user group members with special discounts.
Bubble Shooter combines the best from Tetris, Arcanoid and Pool, and adds cool new features.
Download and try it for free: http://absolutist.com/mac/bubble_shooter/bshooter_mac.sit
JetDucks is a hunting simulation game for the fans of cartoon graphics and classic arcade-shooters.
Download and try it free: http://absolutist.com/mac/jet_ducks/duckshooter_mac.sit
Apple user group members can buy Bubble Shooter and Jet Ducks each for just $11.87 (US), 30% off the regular
price of $16.95 (US). A 14-day demo lets you try before you buy.
This worldwide offer is valid until September 30, 2005. SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
arranged in chronological order by expiration date -- see pages 6 and 7 for the Newest Offers
09/22/05 * User group Ambassadors may also contact the Apple User Group Regional Liaison for their area for detailed codes page 3
Tekkeon: Free FM Transmitter with myPower for iPod
The myPower for iPod and myPower FM snap together to provide five accessories in a single portable cradle,
including a rechargeable battery for up to 32 hours extended play, mobile dock with FireWire and USB ports, line out,
portable 5V charger and FM transmitter.
As an Apple user group member, you can get a free myPower FM -- a $34.95 (US) value -- with the purchase of
myPower for iPod at $89.95 (US), equal to a 28% discount.
Just order both items together, complete the account information and enter the promotional code.
Purchase: http://www.tekkeon.com SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This U.S. and Canada offer is valid until December 1, 2005.
Total Training: 25% off Training Videos
Have you ever wanted to have your own personal Adobe expert? All of our video training products are hosted by
experienced industry leaders and include project work files so you can work at your own pace. To learn more about
our products visit http:www.totaltraining.com.
As an Apple user group member, you can save 25% off training videos for Adobe software programs. This offer is
exclusive from all other Total Training offers (excludes bundles and discounted products).
Order by phone: 1-800-546-9620 (toll-free in the U.S.) +1 760-944-3900 (outside the U.S.).
This worldwide offer is valid until November 30, 2005. SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
arranged in chronological order by expiration date -- see pages 6 and 7 for the Newest Offers
09/22/05 * User group Ambassadors may also contact the Apple User Group Regional Liaison for their area for detailed codes page 4
liquidlibrary: 20% discount on one year membership
liquidlibrary is a refreshingly different web-based resource with unlimited access to nearly 90,000 high-resolution
royalty-free photographs, illustrations and more. You can use liquidlibrary's incredible images, inspirational magazine
and stimulating ideas to keep your projects creatively fresh
In this exclusive user group offer, for the regular 12 month price of $699 (US) you'll get 15 months -- a 20% discount
(three free months).
Get five free images: http://www.liquidlibrary.com/freeimages.asp?source=mug0805
Three ways to order: SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
Web: http://www.liquidlibrary.com/MUGspecial Phone: 800-255-8800 Email: sales@liquidlibrary.com
This U.S. only offer is valid until December 1, 2005.
Circus Ponies: 40% Rebate on NoteBook
NoteBook 2.0 performs powerful outlining and organizing for your ideas. Circus Ponies believes that life in the digital
hub is a banquet - when it's not like drinking from a fire hose. NoteBook helps you keep track, take notes, clip
content, share information, edit web content and more as your own personal assistant (see
http://www.circusponies.com for details).
Buy a boxed, retail edition of Circus Ponies Notebook for $49.95 (US), and download the exclusive user group
$20.00 (US) rebate form for a 40% discount.
Get 40% off: SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This North America only offer is valid until November 30, 2005.
arranged in chronological order by expiration date -- see pages 6 and 7 for the Newest Offers
09/22/05 * User group Ambassadors may also contact the Apple User Group Regional Liaison for their area for detailed codes page 5
SpyMac: 40% discount on Club Services
On September 1, SpyMac will launch the revolutionary Spymac Club. Users can effectively and effortlessly share
files, bookmarks, multimedia, calendars and content; write one of the web's easiest-to-use blogs and much more.
Spymac.com already provides services to nearly a million members. SpyMac Club adds the features that user group
members need to grow, share and communicate.
Regularly $25 (US) per year, SpyMac Club is reduced to $15 (US) with this special offer, a 40% discount for Apple
user group members.
What the buzz is about.: http://www.spymac.com/club/mugs SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This worldwide offer is valid until November 30, 2005.
Sams Publishing: 35% off Sams Publishing Books
Apple user group members get 35 percent off all books at Sams Publishing. From the company's comprehensive
Tiger Book (Tiger Unleashed) to its unique Adobe Photoshop Book (The Art of Photoshop) to its popular developer
titles (PHP and MySQL Web Development and Programming in Objective-C), Sams provides solutions for almost any
Mac problem you may encounter, and the tools to learn most any skill.
To get this 35% discount, apply the code at checkout. Better yet, shipping is free within the U.S.
Read a good book today: http://www.samspublishing.com SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This worldwide offer is valid until December 31, 2005.
NEWEST OFFER
Kinemac: Kinemac Animation Systems at a 25% Discount
Kinemac is a 3D real-time animation and presentation application for Mac OS X. Kinemac lets you create
professional 3D animations with the simplicity of a 2D presentation tool. Just drag-and-drop your images, text,
movies, songs, svg and obj files onto the Kinemac stage. You can also create objects such as cubes, cylinders,
spheres, 3D text, 2D scrolling text and more.
User group members pay only $185 (US) - 25% off the regular price of $249 (US).
Check it out: http://www.kinemac.com/store SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This worldwide offer is valid until December 31, 2005.
arranged in chronological order by expiration date -- see pages 6 and 7 for the Newest Offers
09/22/05 * User group Ambassadors may also contact the Apple User Group Regional Liaison for their area for detailed codes page 6
NEWEST OFFER
MacStyles: Individualize Your Mobile Mac
Express your individuality and give your Mac a voice with MacStyles custom-made vinyl decals for PowerBooks and
iBooks. Each MacStyles image is tailored to fit your personality, with over 4,000 possible design combinations. What
does your Mac say about you?
MacStyles are regularly priced at $19.95 (US) or $24.90 (US), with custom monogramming. User group members
receive 20% off MacStyles orders with the coupon code below (shipping costs will be increased for overseas orders).
Customize PowerBook or iBook: http://www.MacStyles.com SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This worldwide offer is valid until December 31, 2005.
NEWEST OFFER
MYM: 25% Off MYM OS X Fundamentals CD & Consultation
Max Your Macs (MYM) is offering their newest OS X learning essentials CD, along with an included 30-minute
consultation session with author Terry Jarrell, an Apple-Certified Help Desk Specialist, Apple Product Professional
and Apple Consultants Network member. Consultation will be via phone, email or iChat (or in person, if local to MYM),
with no topic limit.
Regularly $49.95 (US), MYM is offering an exclusive user group price of $37.46 (US) + $3.95 (US) shipping. Click on
the Essential Learning Series CD link to find out about MYM.
Order at: http://www.maxyourmacs.com SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This worldwide offer is valid until December 31, 2005.
NEWEST OFFER
PocketMac: 40% Off All PocketMac Products
PocketMac makes a variety of productivity tools for PDA and Mac connectivity, including tools to sync your Mac with
your BlackBerry, PC/Pocket PC Phone, Windows Mobile Smartphone or PSP handheld. In addition, with PocketMac
GoBetween you can sync Entourage to your iSync Phone/ PDA, or use other products for additional business
functions.
Save 40% off all PocketMac products with the coupon code below.
Add power to your pocket: http://www.pocketmac.net SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This worldwide offer is valid until December 31, 2005.
arranged in chronological order by expiration date -- see pages 6 and 7 for the Newest Offers
09/22/05 * User group Ambassadors may also contact the Apple User Group Regional Liaison for their area for detailed codes page 7
MacAddict: Subscribe or Renew
U.S. user group members can get MacAddict for only $20.95 (US), which is 78% off the basic rate, and $3.05 (US)
off of the lowest published rate. Worldwide members receive a discount too, although the price is slightly higher.
The award-winning MacAddict magazine launched in 1996 as the ultimate hands-on guide to anything and
everything Macintosh. Its mission is to provide the most comprehensive range of Apple product and how-to
information possible. Each issue is packed with in-depth articles, fact-filled features, expert reviews, and up-to-theminute
news and analysis.
This worldwide offer is valid until June 30, 2006. SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
Join the Peachpit Club
You can save 25% on all Peachpit books by becoming a Peachpit Club Member. Membership is free and easy. All
you have to do is answer a few questions in Peachpit's online survey, which you can access from any book page.
After you fill out the survey, you'll save 25 percent on top of the user group savings you receive by entering the
coupon code at checkout. (You cannot use this discount in conjunction with any other coupon codes.)
Normal Price: Varies UG Price: 25%
Join the Club: http://www.peachpit.com SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This offer is ongoing.
MacWorld Magazine
Macworld offers MUG members a special subscription offer.
Macworld magazine is the ultimate Mac resource! We pack each issue with industry news, future trends, practical
how-tos, in-depth features, tips and tricks, and more; we provide the tools Mac professionals and enthusiasts need.
Best of all, you can depend on our unbiased, thorough product reviews and buying advice. Stay informed about
what1s new, exciting, and important. Become a Macworld reader.
Normal Price: $27.97 UG Price: $15.00 for 12 issues
http://www.macworld.com SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This offer is ongoing.
arranged in chronological order by expiration date -- see pages 6 and 7 for the Newest Offers
09/22/05 * User group Ambassadors may also contact the Apple User Group Regional Liaison for their area for detailed codes page 8
Take Control ebooks
Adam and Tonya Engst of TidBITS are continuing their fourteen years of supporting user groups with a special 10%
discount for all orders in their new Take Control electronic book series. Take Control ebooks provide highly
practical, tightly focused, inexpensive help from leading Macintosh authors. Titles are delivered in PDF layout with
active links, and are optimized for viewing and printing.
Current titles include:
• Take Control of Upgrading to Panther, by Joe Kissell
• Take Control of Customizing Panther, by Matt Neuburg
• Take Control of Users & Accounts in Panther, by Kirk McElhearn
• Take Control of Sharing Files in Panther, by Glenn Fleishman
This ongoing offer is available to user group members worldwide. Normal Price: Varies UG Price: 10% Discount
Take Control Ebook Catalog: http://www.tidbits.com/takecontrol/
This offer is ongoing. SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
Spamfire
You don't have to put up with unwanted junk email. Spamfire from Matterform Media removes unwanted commercial
and pornographic email from your in-box. It works with any POP3 email account and any email program (support for
IMAP, Hotmail and AOL is still in development). Spamfire uses intelligent, fuzzy-logic filtering to identify spam and
protect messages you want to keep. Automatic internet updates ensure you always have the most advanced spam
protection available. Spamfire works in OS 9 and OS X and is a Mac-only product.
Mac User Group members can purchase Spamfire for just $23, more than 20% off the regular price.
Box & CD, regular price: $39 (MUG price $31) Download, regular price: $29 (MUG price $23)
Download is good internationally. Box & CD is available only in the US.
Normal Price: $39 (Box & CD) / $29 (Download) UG Price: $31 (Box & CD) / $23 (Download)
To get your special price, or to download a free 15-day demo, visit the
MUG page on the Matterform Web site: http://www.matterform.com
This offer is ongoing. SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
arranged in chronological order by expiration date -- see pages 6 and 7 for the Newest Offers
09/22/05 * User group Ambassadors may also contact the Apple User Group Regional Liaison for their area for detailed codes page 9
Subscription Offer for MUG Members Only
With over 11 years experience, macHOME is dedicated to providing smart, practical and easy-to-read Mac advice
and information. macHOME offers insightful reviews, creative how-tos and straightforward buying guides.
MacHOME is pleased to offer Mac User Group members a 50% discount off of our regular subscription prices. For
only $14.99 new subscribers can receive 12 issues of macHOME--that's only $1.25 an issue! Don't waste another
minute--take advantage of this special offer today!
Normal Price: $29.95 UG Price: $14.99 (New subscriptions only) Order URL:
Call 1-800-800-6542 or subscribe online at: https://www.machome.com/subscribe/
* Offer good on new subscriptions only SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This offer is ongoing.
Macintosh Batteries from The Appleworks User Group
Every Macintosh contains a small battery that your system uses to run its internal clock and to "remember" your
printer and other system settings. You'll know when this battery runs down - your clock won’t work correctly, your files
will be dated incorrectly, and your Mac will repeatedly "forget" which printer to use and default to its built-in settings.
Apple user group members can now buy replacement backup batteries for their desktop Macintosh systems directly
from the AppleWorks Users Group for only $7. (Batteries for Performa 630-series computers cost $10.95.) Each
battery includes installation instructions and the promise of "satisfaction guaranteed or your money back." AWUG's
lithium batteries have a 10-year shelf life - if your computer is more than two years old, you should consider ordering
a spare battery for the day your original battery fails.
These batteries are for desktop Macintosh systems only. AWUG does not supply backup batteries for PowerBook or
iBook computers because those batteries are not user replaceable.
To qualify for this special discount price you must identify the name of your user group, the model of your desktop
Macintosh and provide your shipping address and credit card information when you order. Please add $2 U.S. s/h
per order. (International orders by credit card only; international shipping additional.)
AppleWorks Users Group, Box 701010, Plymouth, MI 48170; (888) 781-AWUG; Fax: (734) 454-1965; email:
orders@awug.org; http://www.awug.org.
Normal Price: $10.95 UG Price: $7 Order URL: Available by:
US and Canada: 888 781 2984 Outside of the US and Canada: +1 734 454 1969
This offer is ongoing. SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
arranged in chronological order by expiration date -- see pages 6 and 7 for the Newest Offers
09/22/05 * User group Ambassadors may also contact the Apple User Group Regional Liaison for their area for detailed codes page 10
(if you are interested in some item, send an email back to macstacny@aol.com and we'll send you the code.
FastMac: Processor Upgrade Discounts
FastMac Performance Upgrades will blast your computer to a new dimension. FastMac utilizes genuine Motorola
processors and exclusive advances in board and heat-sink technology to deliver one of the fastest real world
computing experiences available for your computer: Easy to install, easy to afford and hard to live without.
This exclusive user group special offers 15 to 20% off MSRP for AGP Processor, ZIF Processor, 24x Combo Drive, 8x
Dual Layer SuperDrive and 16x Dual Layer SuperDrive Upgrades.
Order online: http://www.fastmac.com SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
In the US order toll-free by phone: 1-866-416-3278 (Darlene Conners)
This worldwide offer is valid until September 30, 2005.
MacPhoneHome: 33% Discount for MUG Members
The new Tiger-compatible version 3.0 of MacPhoneHome tracks and locates lost or stolen Macs anywhere in the
world. It sends a stealth email message containing its exact location to a pre-determined address of the user's choice
and to the MacPhoneHome command center every time the computer makes an Internet connection. The Center
provides full tracking and recovery service.
Normally $29.95 (US) per download/license, now only $19.95 (US), a 33% savings. Register to receive emailed link &
enter the special promo code. Read review: http://www.surf-bits.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=361
Purchase http://www.brigadoonsoftware.com/purchase.html SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This worldwide offer is valid until September 30, 2005.
Recosoft: 17% Discount on PDF2Office Personal
Recosoft Corporation, the developers of the industry standard PDF2Office family of products, is celebrating the
release of PDF2Office Personal v2.0. PDF2Office Personal is a new plug-in for Microsoft Word X/2004 to directly
open and convert PDF documents to the Word format. PDF2Office Personal enables you to recover the data stored
in PDF documents -making them available for use by anyone.
This limited time special offer for MUG members is $10 (US) off the regular price of $59 (US), a 17% savings.
Order today at http://www.recosoft.com SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This worldwide offer is valid until September 30, 2005.
arranged in chronological order by expiration date -- see pages 6 and 7 for the Newest Offers
09/22/05 * User group Ambassadors may also contact the Apple User Group Regional Liaison for their area for detailed codes page 1
Intriguing Development: 15% Discount on iRemember Scrapbooking
Digital scrapbooking on the Mac is finally here. iRemember allows you to create unique scrapbooks for life's precious
moments. You can design, create, edit and print scrapbooks for any occasion, then share your albums with friends
and family. All the tools you need to create stunning scrapbooks are included to create borders, backgrounds,
frames, patterns; add text, photos, clip art and shapes; and crop your photos.
iRemember's regular price is $49.95 (US), but it is reduced via this exclusive user group offer to only $42.45 (US), a
15% discount.
See what the buzz is about at http://www.macscrapbook.com. SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This US only expires September 30, 2005.
Magnet Media: 15% Discounts on Training DVDs
Magnet Media produces the award-winning Digital Media Training Series (DMTS) covering the most popular
Macintosh software for creative people. These training DVDs are the most effective way to master practical and
professional skills in film, video, print and web design.
Each self-paced DVD is taught by an expert instructor and designed to get you working quickly and confidently on
your own or alongside the instructor. Special media files include insider tips, tricks and techniques. Use the code to
save 15% on your online order.
To purchase, go to http://www.digitalmediatraining.com. SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This worldwide offer is valid until October 31, 2005.
The MUG Store: Discounts and User Group Offers
The MUG Store has free freight to members, RAM rebates and aggressive pricing on new and reconditioned Macs,
and one of the largest selection of pre-owned Macs on the planet.
Go to this User Group site, http://www.applemugstore.com. SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This offer is available to members of U.S. user groups and valid until October 31, 2005.
arranged in chronological order by expiration date -- see pages 6 and 7 for the Newest Offers
09/22/05 * User group Ambassadors may also contact the Apple User Group Regional Liaison for their area for detailed codes page 2
Future Sonics: $89 (US) Ears Earphones
Celebrating our 20th anniversary as the original innovators of professional personal monitors, Future Sonics thanks
the Apple community for embracing our technologies.
"They sound amazing...frequency response is particularly good with a really warm bass sound..."
- Graham Barlow/MacFormat Magazine
"Ugliest looking and best sounding earphones available. I hear things that I never knew were in the
music before - these things are amazing!" - Shawn King/"Your Mac Life"
Order your Future Sonics Ears online for $89 (US); that's over 40% off MSRP and 10% off web pricing.
If outside USA, e-mail dmac@futuresonics.com for details.
Hear what you're missing: http://www.futuresonics.com/apple/ SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This worldwide offer is valid until September 30, 2005.
Absolutist Games: Special Pricing
The Absolutist game developing company is proud to support user group members with special discounts.
Bubble Shooter combines the best from Tetris, Arcanoid and Pool, and adds cool new features.
Download and try it for free: http://absolutist.com/mac/bubble_shooter/bshooter_mac.sit
JetDucks is a hunting simulation game for the fans of cartoon graphics and classic arcade-shooters.
Download and try it free: http://absolutist.com/mac/jet_ducks/duckshooter_mac.sit
Apple user group members can buy Bubble Shooter and Jet Ducks each for just $11.87 (US), 30% off the regular
price of $16.95 (US). A 14-day demo lets you try before you buy.
This worldwide offer is valid until September 30, 2005. SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
arranged in chronological order by expiration date -- see pages 6 and 7 for the Newest Offers
09/22/05 * User group Ambassadors may also contact the Apple User Group Regional Liaison for their area for detailed codes page 3
Tekkeon: Free FM Transmitter with myPower for iPod
The myPower for iPod and myPower FM snap together to provide five accessories in a single portable cradle,
including a rechargeable battery for up to 32 hours extended play, mobile dock with FireWire and USB ports, line out,
portable 5V charger and FM transmitter.
As an Apple user group member, you can get a free myPower FM -- a $34.95 (US) value -- with the purchase of
myPower for iPod at $89.95 (US), equal to a 28% discount.
Just order both items together, complete the account information and enter the promotional code.
Purchase: http://www.tekkeon.com SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This U.S. and Canada offer is valid until December 1, 2005.
Total Training: 25% off Training Videos
Have you ever wanted to have your own personal Adobe expert? All of our video training products are hosted by
experienced industry leaders and include project work files so you can work at your own pace. To learn more about
our products visit http:www.totaltraining.com.
As an Apple user group member, you can save 25% off training videos for Adobe software programs. This offer is
exclusive from all other Total Training offers (excludes bundles and discounted products).
Order by phone: 1-800-546-9620 (toll-free in the U.S.) +1 760-944-3900 (outside the U.S.).
This worldwide offer is valid until November 30, 2005. SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
arranged in chronological order by expiration date -- see pages 6 and 7 for the Newest Offers
09/22/05 * User group Ambassadors may also contact the Apple User Group Regional Liaison for their area for detailed codes page 4
liquidlibrary: 20% discount on one year membership
liquidlibrary is a refreshingly different web-based resource with unlimited access to nearly 90,000 high-resolution
royalty-free photographs, illustrations and more. You can use liquidlibrary's incredible images, inspirational magazine
and stimulating ideas to keep your projects creatively fresh
In this exclusive user group offer, for the regular 12 month price of $699 (US) you'll get 15 months -- a 20% discount
(three free months).
Get five free images: http://www.liquidlibrary.com/freeimages.asp?source=mug0805
Three ways to order: SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
Web: http://www.liquidlibrary.com/MUGspecial Phone: 800-255-8800 Email: sales@liquidlibrary.com
This U.S. only offer is valid until December 1, 2005.
Circus Ponies: 40% Rebate on NoteBook
NoteBook 2.0 performs powerful outlining and organizing for your ideas. Circus Ponies believes that life in the digital
hub is a banquet - when it's not like drinking from a fire hose. NoteBook helps you keep track, take notes, clip
content, share information, edit web content and more as your own personal assistant (see
http://www.circusponies.com for details).
Buy a boxed, retail edition of Circus Ponies Notebook for $49.95 (US), and download the exclusive user group
$20.00 (US) rebate form for a 40% discount.
Get 40% off: SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This North America only offer is valid until November 30, 2005.
arranged in chronological order by expiration date -- see pages 6 and 7 for the Newest Offers
09/22/05 * User group Ambassadors may also contact the Apple User Group Regional Liaison for their area for detailed codes page 5
SpyMac: 40% discount on Club Services
On September 1, SpyMac will launch the revolutionary Spymac Club. Users can effectively and effortlessly share
files, bookmarks, multimedia, calendars and content; write one of the web's easiest-to-use blogs and much more.
Spymac.com already provides services to nearly a million members. SpyMac Club adds the features that user group
members need to grow, share and communicate.
Regularly $25 (US) per year, SpyMac Club is reduced to $15 (US) with this special offer, a 40% discount for Apple
user group members.
What the buzz is about.: http://www.spymac.com/club/mugs SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This worldwide offer is valid until November 30, 2005.
Sams Publishing: 35% off Sams Publishing Books
Apple user group members get 35 percent off all books at Sams Publishing. From the company's comprehensive
Tiger Book (Tiger Unleashed) to its unique Adobe Photoshop Book (The Art of Photoshop) to its popular developer
titles (PHP and MySQL Web Development and Programming in Objective-C), Sams provides solutions for almost any
Mac problem you may encounter, and the tools to learn most any skill.
To get this 35% discount, apply the code at checkout. Better yet, shipping is free within the U.S.
Read a good book today: http://www.samspublishing.com SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This worldwide offer is valid until December 31, 2005.
NEWEST OFFER
Kinemac: Kinemac Animation Systems at a 25% Discount
Kinemac is a 3D real-time animation and presentation application for Mac OS X. Kinemac lets you create
professional 3D animations with the simplicity of a 2D presentation tool. Just drag-and-drop your images, text,
movies, songs, svg and obj files onto the Kinemac stage. You can also create objects such as cubes, cylinders,
spheres, 3D text, 2D scrolling text and more.
User group members pay only $185 (US) - 25% off the regular price of $249 (US).
Check it out: http://www.kinemac.com/store SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This worldwide offer is valid until December 31, 2005.
arranged in chronological order by expiration date -- see pages 6 and 7 for the Newest Offers
09/22/05 * User group Ambassadors may also contact the Apple User Group Regional Liaison for their area for detailed codes page 6
NEWEST OFFER
MacStyles: Individualize Your Mobile Mac
Express your individuality and give your Mac a voice with MacStyles custom-made vinyl decals for PowerBooks and
iBooks. Each MacStyles image is tailored to fit your personality, with over 4,000 possible design combinations. What
does your Mac say about you?
MacStyles are regularly priced at $19.95 (US) or $24.90 (US), with custom monogramming. User group members
receive 20% off MacStyles orders with the coupon code below (shipping costs will be increased for overseas orders).
Customize PowerBook or iBook: http://www.MacStyles.com SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This worldwide offer is valid until December 31, 2005.
NEWEST OFFER
MYM: 25% Off MYM OS X Fundamentals CD & Consultation
Max Your Macs (MYM) is offering their newest OS X learning essentials CD, along with an included 30-minute
consultation session with author Terry Jarrell, an Apple-Certified Help Desk Specialist, Apple Product Professional
and Apple Consultants Network member. Consultation will be via phone, email or iChat (or in person, if local to MYM),
with no topic limit.
Regularly $49.95 (US), MYM is offering an exclusive user group price of $37.46 (US) + $3.95 (US) shipping. Click on
the Essential Learning Series CD link to find out about MYM.
Order at: http://www.maxyourmacs.com SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This worldwide offer is valid until December 31, 2005.
NEWEST OFFER
PocketMac: 40% Off All PocketMac Products
PocketMac makes a variety of productivity tools for PDA and Mac connectivity, including tools to sync your Mac with
your BlackBerry, PC/Pocket PC Phone, Windows Mobile Smartphone or PSP handheld. In addition, with PocketMac
GoBetween you can sync Entourage to your iSync Phone/ PDA, or use other products for additional business
functions.
Save 40% off all PocketMac products with the coupon code below.
Add power to your pocket: http://www.pocketmac.net SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This worldwide offer is valid until December 31, 2005.
arranged in chronological order by expiration date -- see pages 6 and 7 for the Newest Offers
09/22/05 * User group Ambassadors may also contact the Apple User Group Regional Liaison for their area for detailed codes page 7
MacAddict: Subscribe or Renew
U.S. user group members can get MacAddict for only $20.95 (US), which is 78% off the basic rate, and $3.05 (US)
off of the lowest published rate. Worldwide members receive a discount too, although the price is slightly higher.
The award-winning MacAddict magazine launched in 1996 as the ultimate hands-on guide to anything and
everything Macintosh. Its mission is to provide the most comprehensive range of Apple product and how-to
information possible. Each issue is packed with in-depth articles, fact-filled features, expert reviews, and up-to-theminute
news and analysis.
This worldwide offer is valid until June 30, 2006. SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
Join the Peachpit Club
You can save 25% on all Peachpit books by becoming a Peachpit Club Member. Membership is free and easy. All
you have to do is answer a few questions in Peachpit's online survey, which you can access from any book page.
After you fill out the survey, you'll save 25 percent on top of the user group savings you receive by entering the
coupon code at checkout. (You cannot use this discount in conjunction with any other coupon codes.)
Normal Price: Varies UG Price: 25%
Join the Club: http://www.peachpit.com SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This offer is ongoing.
MacWorld Magazine
Macworld offers MUG members a special subscription offer.
Macworld magazine is the ultimate Mac resource! We pack each issue with industry news, future trends, practical
how-tos, in-depth features, tips and tricks, and more; we provide the tools Mac professionals and enthusiasts need.
Best of all, you can depend on our unbiased, thorough product reviews and buying advice. Stay informed about
what1s new, exciting, and important. Become a Macworld reader.
Normal Price: $27.97 UG Price: $15.00 for 12 issues
http://www.macworld.com SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This offer is ongoing.
arranged in chronological order by expiration date -- see pages 6 and 7 for the Newest Offers
09/22/05 * User group Ambassadors may also contact the Apple User Group Regional Liaison for their area for detailed codes page 8
Take Control ebooks
Adam and Tonya Engst of TidBITS are continuing their fourteen years of supporting user groups with a special 10%
discount for all orders in their new Take Control electronic book series. Take Control ebooks provide highly
practical, tightly focused, inexpensive help from leading Macintosh authors. Titles are delivered in PDF layout with
active links, and are optimized for viewing and printing.
Current titles include:
• Take Control of Upgrading to Panther, by Joe Kissell
• Take Control of Customizing Panther, by Matt Neuburg
• Take Control of Users & Accounts in Panther, by Kirk McElhearn
• Take Control of Sharing Files in Panther, by Glenn Fleishman
This ongoing offer is available to user group members worldwide. Normal Price: Varies UG Price: 10% Discount
Take Control Ebook Catalog: http://www.tidbits.com/takecontrol/
This offer is ongoing. SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
Spamfire
You don't have to put up with unwanted junk email. Spamfire from Matterform Media removes unwanted commercial
and pornographic email from your in-box. It works with any POP3 email account and any email program (support for
IMAP, Hotmail and AOL is still in development). Spamfire uses intelligent, fuzzy-logic filtering to identify spam and
protect messages you want to keep. Automatic internet updates ensure you always have the most advanced spam
protection available. Spamfire works in OS 9 and OS X and is a Mac-only product.
Mac User Group members can purchase Spamfire for just $23, more than 20% off the regular price.
Box & CD, regular price: $39 (MUG price $31) Download, regular price: $29 (MUG price $23)
Download is good internationally. Box & CD is available only in the US.
Normal Price: $39 (Box & CD) / $29 (Download) UG Price: $31 (Box & CD) / $23 (Download)
To get your special price, or to download a free 15-day demo, visit the
MUG page on the Matterform Web site: http://www.matterform.com
This offer is ongoing. SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
arranged in chronological order by expiration date -- see pages 6 and 7 for the Newest Offers
09/22/05 * User group Ambassadors may also contact the Apple User Group Regional Liaison for their area for detailed codes page 9
Subscription Offer for MUG Members Only
With over 11 years experience, macHOME is dedicated to providing smart, practical and easy-to-read Mac advice
and information. macHOME offers insightful reviews, creative how-tos and straightforward buying guides.
MacHOME is pleased to offer Mac User Group members a 50% discount off of our regular subscription prices. For
only $14.99 new subscribers can receive 12 issues of macHOME--that's only $1.25 an issue! Don't waste another
minute--take advantage of this special offer today!
Normal Price: $29.95 UG Price: $14.99 (New subscriptions only) Order URL:
Call 1-800-800-6542 or subscribe online at: https://www.machome.com/subscribe/
* Offer good on new subscriptions only SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
This offer is ongoing.
Macintosh Batteries from The Appleworks User Group
Every Macintosh contains a small battery that your system uses to run its internal clock and to "remember" your
printer and other system settings. You'll know when this battery runs down - your clock won’t work correctly, your files
will be dated incorrectly, and your Mac will repeatedly "forget" which printer to use and default to its built-in settings.
Apple user group members can now buy replacement backup batteries for their desktop Macintosh systems directly
from the AppleWorks Users Group for only $7. (Batteries for Performa 630-series computers cost $10.95.) Each
battery includes installation instructions and the promise of "satisfaction guaranteed or your money back." AWUG's
lithium batteries have a 10-year shelf life - if your computer is more than two years old, you should consider ordering
a spare battery for the day your original battery fails.
These batteries are for desktop Macintosh systems only. AWUG does not supply backup batteries for PowerBook or
iBook computers because those batteries are not user replaceable.
To qualify for this special discount price you must identify the name of your user group, the model of your desktop
Macintosh and provide your shipping address and credit card information when you order. Please add $2 U.S. s/h
per order. (International orders by credit card only; international shipping additional.)
AppleWorks Users Group, Box 701010, Plymouth, MI 48170; (888) 781-AWUG; Fax: (734) 454-1965; email:
orders@awug.org; http://www.awug.org.
Normal Price: $10.95 UG Price: $7 Order URL: Available by:
US and Canada: 888 781 2984 Outside of the US and Canada: +1 734 454 1969
This offer is ongoing. SEE APPLE USER GROUP BULLETIN FOR CODES*
arranged in chronological order by expiration date -- see pages 6 and 7 for the Newest Offers
09/22/05 * User group Ambassadors may also contact the Apple User Group Regional Liaison for their area for detailed codes page 10
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Disaster Planning
Disaster Planning – Are you Ready?
Basic disaster planning methodology includes detailed plans on how your organization will deal with possible disaster scenarios. These scenarios include anything that could bring down your network, from fires to floods to terrorism. The basic disaster planning work session answers the following four questions in as much detail as possible:
· What systems must be functional within what time frame?
· What are you most important systems?
· Who are your most important users?
· Recognize that some system will not be brought back online immediately
· How will these systems be brought back on-line?
· Will the equipment be rented or purchased?
· Where are the backup tapes stored?
· Who will complete the work?
· Where will these systems be housed?
· What are the required insurance claim procedures?
· Where will the employees work?
· Who handles which aspects of the rebuild?
Once these questions are answered and documented, current procedures should be examined and modified to ensure that they comply with the plan. Finally, the most important aspect of this process is to repeat the planning meeting on a regular basis, say once a year on the company anniversary. The plan, and accompanying procedures, should be reviewed to ensure readiness
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
iPhoto Tip
I am a photographer and I use iPhoto for most of my importing/downloading of files and organizing them to burn to CD or DVD. I also use iPhoto to print thumbnail contact sheets for my clients that go with the CD of images. The problem is that iPhoto will not allow me to print the contact sheets with the images numbers... it will print only the thumbnails themselves. So basically the contact sheets are useless to the clients when printed from iPhoto. Is there a setting on iPhoto I'm missing?
Sort of. You're printing contact sheets correctly, but, as you suggest, iPhoto doesn't allow you to print titles or filenames on these images. Here's a way around it. In iPhoto select the image you'd like to appear on the contact sheet and choose Share > Export. In the resulting Export Photos window, click the Web Page tab. Within that tab enter the number of columns and rows of pictures you'd like to appear on a page and in the Thumbnail portion of the window, enable the Show Title option. Click Export to save the pictures to a web page. When you open that web page in your browser you'll discover that it carries not only the images you selected, but also each image's title. Now simply print each page and you've got the contact sheet you're after.
Sort of. You're printing contact sheets correctly, but, as you suggest, iPhoto doesn't allow you to print titles or filenames on these images. Here's a way around it. In iPhoto select the image you'd like to appear on the contact sheet and choose Share > Export. In the resulting Export Photos window, click the Web Page tab. Within that tab enter the number of columns and rows of pictures you'd like to appear on a page and in the Thumbnail portion of the window, enable the Show Title option. Click Export to save the pictures to a web page. When you open that web page in your browser you'll discover that it carries not only the images you selected, but also each image's title. Now simply print each page and you've got the contact sheet you're after.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Dear America
From Jan Silver, widow of Walt Silver of the WW II 508 PIR - many of you probably know Jan - a lovely woman, lives in Baton Rouge and fortunately is safe and sound.
Dear Friends, I have no idea who the author of the letter below is, but it certainly is well written. Thought you might enjoy reading it. I am sure there are thousands just like the writer who could have written it. All who have come to Baton Rouge and other places around the United States are not like those who made the news - the looters, the trashy ones, the killers and rapists, etc., but who are honest and thankful citizens of our great state of Louisiana. Jan
Dear America,
I suppose we should introduce ourselves: We're South Louisiana.
We have arrived on your doorstep on short notice and we apologize for that, but we never were much for waiting around for invitations. We're not much on formalities like that.
And we might be staying around your town for a while, enrolling in your schools and looking for jobs, so we wanted to tell you a few things about us. We know you didn't ask for this and neither did we, so we're just going to have to make the best of it.
First of all, we thank you. For your money, your water, your food, your prayers, your boats and buses and the men and women of your National Guards, fire departments, hospitals and everyone else who has come to our rescue.
We're a fiercely proud and independent people, and we don't cotton much to outside interference, but we're not ashamed to accept help when we need it. And right now, we need it.
Just don't get carried away. For instance, once we get around to fishing again, don't try to tell us what kids of lures work best in your waters.
We're not going to listen. We're stubborn that way.
You probably already know that we talk funny and listen to strange music and eat things you'd probably hire an exterminator to get out of your yard.
We dance even if there's no radio. We drink at funerals. We talk too much and laugh too loud and live too large and, frankly, we're suspicious of others who don't.
But we'll try not to judge you while we're in your town.
Everybody loves their home, we know that. But we love South Louisiana with a ferocity that borders on the pathological. Sometimes we bury our dead in LSU sweatshirts.
Often we don't make sense. You may wonder why, for instance - if we could only carry one small bag of belongings with us on our journey to your state - why in God's name did we bring a pair of shrimp boots?
We can't really explain that. It is what it is.
You've probably heard that many of us stayed behind. As bad as it is, many of us cannot fathom a life outside of our border, out in that place we call Elsewhere.
The only way you could understand that is if you have been there, and so many of you have. So you realize that when you strip away all the craziness and bars and parades and music and architecture and all that hooey, really, the best thing about where we come from is us.
We are what made this place a national treasure. We're good people. And don't be afraid to ask us how to pronounce our names. It happens all the time.
When you meet us now and you look into our eyes, you will see the saddest story ever told. Our hearts are broken into a thousand pieces.
But don't pity us. We're gonna make it. We're resilient. After all, we've been rooting for the Saints for 35 years. That's got to count for something..
OK, maybe something else you should know is that we make jokes at inappropriate times.
But what the hell.
And one more thing. In our part of the country, we're used to having visitors. It's our way of life.
So when all this is over and we move back home, we will repay to you the hospitality and generosity of spirit you offer to us in the season of our despair.
That is our promise. That is our faith.
Dear Friends, I have no idea who the author of the letter below is, but it certainly is well written. Thought you might enjoy reading it. I am sure there are thousands just like the writer who could have written it. All who have come to Baton Rouge and other places around the United States are not like those who made the news - the looters, the trashy ones, the killers and rapists, etc., but who are honest and thankful citizens of our great state of Louisiana. Jan
Dear America,
I suppose we should introduce ourselves: We're South Louisiana.
We have arrived on your doorstep on short notice and we apologize for that, but we never were much for waiting around for invitations. We're not much on formalities like that.
And we might be staying around your town for a while, enrolling in your schools and looking for jobs, so we wanted to tell you a few things about us. We know you didn't ask for this and neither did we, so we're just going to have to make the best of it.
First of all, we thank you. For your money, your water, your food, your prayers, your boats and buses and the men and women of your National Guards, fire departments, hospitals and everyone else who has come to our rescue.
We're a fiercely proud and independent people, and we don't cotton much to outside interference, but we're not ashamed to accept help when we need it. And right now, we need it.
Just don't get carried away. For instance, once we get around to fishing again, don't try to tell us what kids of lures work best in your waters.
We're not going to listen. We're stubborn that way.
You probably already know that we talk funny and listen to strange music and eat things you'd probably hire an exterminator to get out of your yard.
We dance even if there's no radio. We drink at funerals. We talk too much and laugh too loud and live too large and, frankly, we're suspicious of others who don't.
But we'll try not to judge you while we're in your town.
Everybody loves their home, we know that. But we love South Louisiana with a ferocity that borders on the pathological. Sometimes we bury our dead in LSU sweatshirts.
Often we don't make sense. You may wonder why, for instance - if we could only carry one small bag of belongings with us on our journey to your state - why in God's name did we bring a pair of shrimp boots?
We can't really explain that. It is what it is.
You've probably heard that many of us stayed behind. As bad as it is, many of us cannot fathom a life outside of our border, out in that place we call Elsewhere.
The only way you could understand that is if you have been there, and so many of you have. So you realize that when you strip away all the craziness and bars and parades and music and architecture and all that hooey, really, the best thing about where we come from is us.
We are what made this place a national treasure. We're good people. And don't be afraid to ask us how to pronounce our names. It happens all the time.
When you meet us now and you look into our eyes, you will see the saddest story ever told. Our hearts are broken into a thousand pieces.
But don't pity us. We're gonna make it. We're resilient. After all, we've been rooting for the Saints for 35 years. That's got to count for something..
OK, maybe something else you should know is that we make jokes at inappropriate times.
But what the hell.
And one more thing. In our part of the country, we're used to having visitors. It's our way of life.
So when all this is over and we move back home, we will repay to you the hospitality and generosity of spirit you offer to us in the season of our despair.
That is our promise. That is our faith.
Monday, September 12, 2005
MacWORLD Magazine total Tiger Edition with DVD
TOTAL TIGER Special Issue with BONUS DVD on Sale Now!
Macworld's Total Tiger provides Mac users with essential
hints, tips and tricks for a smooth transition to Tiger,
including a 24-page ultimate guide to its 200 new features.
Bonus DVD includes: 400+ OS X Tiger software programs,
200+ Dash Board widgets, 1.5 GB of hot games, video tips,
expert interviews, and the latest shareware and demos.
https://m1.buysub.com/webapp/
Macworld's Total Tiger provides Mac users with essential
hints, tips and tricks for a smooth transition to Tiger,
including a 24-page ultimate guide to its 200 new features.
Bonus DVD includes: 400+ OS X Tiger software programs,
200+ Dash Board widgets, 1.5 GB of hot games, video tips,
expert interviews, and the latest shareware and demos.
https://m1.buysub.com/webapp/
New Apple Products
Apple took the wraps off the long-awaited iTunes phone from Motorola, the ROKR, during a special event Wednesday, September 7th, in San Francisco. Apple also updated iTunes to version 5.0 and introduced its replacement for the iPod mini: the iPod nano.
Motorola ROKR: The first iTunes-compatible cell phone will automatically pause when you get a call, Apple CEO Steve Jobs explained to the assembled media. Songs are transferred through a USB cable. The ROKR can only hold about 100 songs, according to Jobs. "The way we think of this phone is, it's really an iPod shuffle on your phone," he said. Both devices can shuffle, both can autofill, neither has a click wheel -- but the phone has a display.
Cingular Wireless will be the exclusive provider of the phone in North America. "A great phone with an iTunes client is half the story," said Jobs. "What we're adding to that is the number one wireless carrier in North America."
iTunes 5: The latest update to the popular music jukebox software for both Mac and Windows sports "a little bit of a refined look," according to Jobs. Users can now organize playlists into folders, and new search capabilities have been added. Windows users can now automatically synchronize contact and calendar information using iTunes 5 and Microsoft's Outlook and Outlook Express software.
A "Smart Shuffle" feature has been added that lets users control how likely they are to hear multiple songs from the same artist or the same album using a preference slider. "We've got a lot of people saying our shuffle is not random," mused Jobs. Parental controls have also been added to help parents restrict purchases of music that contains explicit lyrics through the iTunes Music Store.
The software is available for download immediately.
iPod nano: Jobs describe the iPod mini as what all of Apple's competitors are aiming for. In response, the company is "going to do something pretty bold," Jobs said -- replace it "with something new."
Enter the iPod nano, "an entirely new ground-up design, that also has 1000 songs in your pocket," according to Jobs. The white device features a color display and can support photos. It uses a grey click wheel to navigate, and is 80 percent smaller in volume than the original iPod -- thinner than a number two pencil, said Jobs. The iPod nano weighs 1.5 ounces or 42 grams.
Compared to the iPod mini, the iPod nano is half the thickness and 62 percent smaller by volume. It uses a 30-pin dock connector, so the iPod nano plugs in to existing iPod accessories, and can also connect using USB 2.0. It features a 14-hour rechargeable battery. It achieves its small size by eschewing a hard disk drive in favor of flash memory.
The iPod nano ships today in 2GB and 4GB configurations for US$199 and $249 respectively. Apple is also offering customized iPod nano accessories including a $29 dock, $39 lanyard with built-in headphones, color-coordinated armbands for $29 each, and "nanotubes" -- green, purple, blue and pink slipcases, sold in boxes of five, for $29 each.
MacSTAC Member Meeting - Thursday, September 15th
It's time again for our monthly MacSTAC Meeting. This month, we will have Roy Frost's fourth in a series of presentations on Adobe Photoshop Elements 3. Folks, they don't get any better than this. If you have a digital camera, or are planning to purchase one, this is a DO NOT MISS.
We will also be having our annual elections for the MacSTAC Board for 2006-2007. If you're interested in serving on the board, please let me know at the start of the meeting, or send me an e-mail.
If Wayne is in town, he'll talk about apple's recent exciting announcements of the iPod Nano and the iPod Cell Phone.
Please try to make this meeting, and bring your spouse or friend.
Ben Margolius
We will also be having our annual elections for the MacSTAC Board for 2006-2007. If you're interested in serving on the board, please let me know at the start of the meeting, or send me an e-mail.
If Wayne is in town, he'll talk about apple's recent exciting announcements of the iPod Nano and the iPod Cell Phone.
Please try to make this meeting, and bring your spouse or friend.
Ben Margolius
Bandwidth Meter
Regardless of how you connect to the internet, you ISP statistics on your bandwidth speed may be inaccurate. Try thesae two independent bandwidth meters and compare.
http://www.TestMy.net/
http://reviews.cnet.com/7004-7254_7-0.html
http://www.TestMy.net/
http://reviews.cnet.com/7004-7254_7-0.html
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Protect Your Mac from Hackers and Viruses
Protect Your Mac from Hackers and Viruses
Macintosh Data Recovery and Data Loss Prevention
Libby Jansen
Macs are Vulnerable, too…
Due to the potential vulnerabilities of Mac OS X, Macintosh computer systems are more susceptible to security breaches and threats than ever before. Many Mac users falsely believe that they are immune to virus and hacker attacks. It's true that Macs are generally affected less by intrusions than PCs, but that's only because Macintosh makes up such a small percentage of the market. In reality, with the growing number of viruses in existence and the increasing number of hackers on the Internet, there isn't a computer in the world that is exempt from these kinds of malicious acts.
Viruses
Though most of the 55,000 known viruses today are specifically written to affect Wintel systems, Macintosh users are not invulnerable to this ever growing security risk. Despite the relative rarity of Mac-infecting viruses, users still need to be cautious about taking necessary precautions to protect their systems.
Some viruses are programmed specifically to damage the data on the computer by corrupting programs, deleting files, or even erasing the entire hard disk. However, many of the currently known Macintosh viruses are not designed to do any damage. They simply replicate themselves and may display messages. However, because of bugs within the virus, the system may behave erratically or crash unexpectedly.
There are several factors that introduce additional security threats to Macintosh computers. First of all, if a PC emulator is used on your Mac to run Windows, the system is running the risk of infection by any virus or worm that targets Outlook for Windows or any other Windows software. Also, high speed internet connections (such as DSL and cable) increase the danger of virus and hacker intrusions. In addition, macro viruses have brought virus activity to the realm of specific applications rather than specific platforms. If you share a network with users of other operating systems, you may unknowingly spread Windows based viruses, putting your servers and/or co-workers at risk.
Protect yourself from potential virus-related disaster by following these easy steps:
1. Avoid downloading software from unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy sites.
2. Never open e-mail attachments from unknown senders.
3. Immediately delete junk mail, chain letters and other e-mail messages with questionable subject lines.
4. Update your antivirus software regularly.
5. Back-up your files on a regular basis.
6. When in doubt, be safe and do not open, download, or execute any files or email attachments that are unfamiliar.
7. Whenever possible, declare your computer software and data on your home owners or business property insurance policy.
Hackers
By maliciously surfing the Internet for vulnerabilities and open ports, hackers can bypass passwords and literally break into your computer, regardless of what platform you're running. These cyber intruders are especially dangerous to computer users because they can intentionally copy or steal confidential information such as: social security numbers, financial information and other personal data. They can also destroy application files, plant viruses or even take over your computer to launch attacks on other users.
Unfortunately, hackers pose dangerous threats to any computer that has online access. Macs are no exception. As a matter of fact, the newest Mac operating system appears to be quite attractive to hackers who enjoy a good challenge. Because Mac OS X is UNIX-based, some hackers may understand it more than they would older versions of Mac OS. Thus, it is extremely important to take security precautions to protect your Mac from potential hacking.
In order to properly protect your Mac from malicious attack, you should follow these guidelines:
1. Install personal firewall software that will detect and prevent intruders from entering your program.
2. Always keep up to date with patches and security fixes from computer vendors to protect against software holes.
3. Be careful to select good passwords. Choose a different password for each site, keep them secret and change them often.
4. Users with sensitive data should encrypt all of their files.
5. Back up data often.
Hard Drive Crashes
Whether using a PC or a Mac, for business or pleasure, valuable data should be protected from impending harm caused by viruses, hackers, power surges, human error, natural disasters and more. The most important step in keeping data safe from being deleted, stolen, lost or damaged is to back-up regularly. By doing so, if something should happen to threaten the integrity of the electronic information, users will still have a recent copy of all important files, emails, databases, spreadsheets and more.
Follow these simple steps if and when a data-disaster happens:
1. Turn the computer off. If a hard drive is making any sort of unusual sounds (including the dreaded clicking) it is imperative that the computer is shut down immediately to avoid further damage to the data. Rebooting or continuing to let a failing drive run can literally make it self-destruct.
2. Never attempt to fix the problem yourself. By opening or operating on a hard drive without the proper knowledge, tools or environment, one could potentially cause more problems for the drive and the data, resulting in less of a chance for an affordable, successful recovery.
3. Be wary of do-it-yourself data recovery software. In most cases, users have only one chance to recover data. Though purchasing at-home recovery programs can seem like a less expensive alternative, it can be a dangerous one.
4. Research* and call a professional. *Note: Researching the company prior to sending in the failed drive is imperative to getting a successful result. Just because a company claims to have the capability to handle your data doesn't mean that they really do.
Macintosh Data Recovery and Data Loss Prevention
Libby Jansen
Macs are Vulnerable, too…
Due to the potential vulnerabilities of Mac OS X, Macintosh computer systems are more susceptible to security breaches and threats than ever before. Many Mac users falsely believe that they are immune to virus and hacker attacks. It's true that Macs are generally affected less by intrusions than PCs, but that's only because Macintosh makes up such a small percentage of the market. In reality, with the growing number of viruses in existence and the increasing number of hackers on the Internet, there isn't a computer in the world that is exempt from these kinds of malicious acts.
Viruses
Though most of the 55,000 known viruses today are specifically written to affect Wintel systems, Macintosh users are not invulnerable to this ever growing security risk. Despite the relative rarity of Mac-infecting viruses, users still need to be cautious about taking necessary precautions to protect their systems.
Some viruses are programmed specifically to damage the data on the computer by corrupting programs, deleting files, or even erasing the entire hard disk. However, many of the currently known Macintosh viruses are not designed to do any damage. They simply replicate themselves and may display messages. However, because of bugs within the virus, the system may behave erratically or crash unexpectedly.
There are several factors that introduce additional security threats to Macintosh computers. First of all, if a PC emulator is used on your Mac to run Windows, the system is running the risk of infection by any virus or worm that targets Outlook for Windows or any other Windows software. Also, high speed internet connections (such as DSL and cable) increase the danger of virus and hacker intrusions. In addition, macro viruses have brought virus activity to the realm of specific applications rather than specific platforms. If you share a network with users of other operating systems, you may unknowingly spread Windows based viruses, putting your servers and/or co-workers at risk.
Protect yourself from potential virus-related disaster by following these easy steps:
1. Avoid downloading software from unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy sites.
2. Never open e-mail attachments from unknown senders.
3. Immediately delete junk mail, chain letters and other e-mail messages with questionable subject lines.
4. Update your antivirus software regularly.
5. Back-up your files on a regular basis.
6. When in doubt, be safe and do not open, download, or execute any files or email attachments that are unfamiliar.
7. Whenever possible, declare your computer software and data on your home owners or business property insurance policy.
Hackers
By maliciously surfing the Internet for vulnerabilities and open ports, hackers can bypass passwords and literally break into your computer, regardless of what platform you're running. These cyber intruders are especially dangerous to computer users because they can intentionally copy or steal confidential information such as: social security numbers, financial information and other personal data. They can also destroy application files, plant viruses or even take over your computer to launch attacks on other users.
Unfortunately, hackers pose dangerous threats to any computer that has online access. Macs are no exception. As a matter of fact, the newest Mac operating system appears to be quite attractive to hackers who enjoy a good challenge. Because Mac OS X is UNIX-based, some hackers may understand it more than they would older versions of Mac OS. Thus, it is extremely important to take security precautions to protect your Mac from potential hacking.
In order to properly protect your Mac from malicious attack, you should follow these guidelines:
1. Install personal firewall software that will detect and prevent intruders from entering your program.
2. Always keep up to date with patches and security fixes from computer vendors to protect against software holes.
3. Be careful to select good passwords. Choose a different password for each site, keep them secret and change them often.
4. Users with sensitive data should encrypt all of their files.
5. Back up data often.
Hard Drive Crashes
Whether using a PC or a Mac, for business or pleasure, valuable data should be protected from impending harm caused by viruses, hackers, power surges, human error, natural disasters and more. The most important step in keeping data safe from being deleted, stolen, lost or damaged is to back-up regularly. By doing so, if something should happen to threaten the integrity of the electronic information, users will still have a recent copy of all important files, emails, databases, spreadsheets and more.
Follow these simple steps if and when a data-disaster happens:
1. Turn the computer off. If a hard drive is making any sort of unusual sounds (including the dreaded clicking) it is imperative that the computer is shut down immediately to avoid further damage to the data. Rebooting or continuing to let a failing drive run can literally make it self-destruct.
2. Never attempt to fix the problem yourself. By opening or operating on a hard drive without the proper knowledge, tools or environment, one could potentially cause more problems for the drive and the data, resulting in less of a chance for an affordable, successful recovery.
3. Be wary of do-it-yourself data recovery software. In most cases, users have only one chance to recover data. Though purchasing at-home recovery programs can seem like a less expensive alternative, it can be a dangerous one.
4. Research* and call a professional. *Note: Researching the company prior to sending in the failed drive is imperative to getting a successful result. Just because a company claims to have the capability to handle your data doesn't mean that they really do.
The expert on Mac Virus
Mary Rayme said:
>I am worried that my iMac G4 with 10.3 OS might get some kind of bug.
>It seems my little built in firewall is not enough. So what software
>should I purchase to keep my machine (which I love) safe and free of
>icky internet transmitted diseases?
There are *no* viruses for OS X specifically. There are Word and Excel
macro viruses, but you can keep them from running by enabling "macro
virus protection" in preferences in those programs.
There are two or three Trojans/worms for OS X, but they are incredibly
rare, and they aren't self-propogating, so you are unlikely to encounter
them, and only if you engage in downloading from peer to peer networks.
There is no spyware for the Mac that can be diseminated via a Web site or
e-mail, so it is highly unlikley that you might become infected with
spyware.
There are classic viruses (for OS 8/9) that can infect Classic running
under OS X, but they have become very rare because they were designed to
propagate via floppy, and Macs haven't use floppies in ages.
Given that, your chances of encountering any malware at all, if you are
running OS X, is miniscule. Most Mac users feel that using anti-viral
software is a waste of money. I have used anti-virus software
religiously for at least the last couple of decades, and I don't remember
when the last time was that it flagged anything other than a Windows
virus that has shown up as an e-mail attachment. (Windows viruses are
completely harmless to Macs.)
So, you probably don't need to worry about such things and you probably
don't need anti-virus software. However, if you want it anyway, I tested
all of the programs available at the time about a year ago, and Intego's
Virus Barrier was by far the best. It is the only one that is completely
non-intrusive, it extracts no performance penalty, it is easy to
configure, and it isn't buggy like NAV and Virex have been known to be.
http://www.intego.com/virusbarrier/
Randy B. Singer
Co-Author of: The Macintosh Bible (4th, 5th and 6th editions)
Routine OS X Maintenance and Generic Troubleshooting
http://www.macattorney.com/ts.html
>I am worried that my iMac G4 with 10.3 OS might get some kind of bug.
>It seems my little built in firewall is not enough. So what software
>should I purchase to keep my machine (which I love) safe and free of
>icky internet transmitted diseases?
There are *no* viruses for OS X specifically. There are Word and Excel
macro viruses, but you can keep them from running by enabling "macro
virus protection" in preferences in those programs.
There are two or three Trojans/worms for OS X, but they are incredibly
rare, and they aren't self-propogating, so you are unlikely to encounter
them, and only if you engage in downloading from peer to peer networks.
There is no spyware for the Mac that can be diseminated via a Web site or
e-mail, so it is highly unlikley that you might become infected with
spyware.
There are classic viruses (for OS 8/9) that can infect Classic running
under OS X, but they have become very rare because they were designed to
propagate via floppy, and Macs haven't use floppies in ages.
Given that, your chances of encountering any malware at all, if you are
running OS X, is miniscule. Most Mac users feel that using anti-viral
software is a waste of money. I have used anti-virus software
religiously for at least the last couple of decades, and I don't remember
when the last time was that it flagged anything other than a Windows
virus that has shown up as an e-mail attachment. (Windows viruses are
completely harmless to Macs.)
So, you probably don't need to worry about such things and you probably
don't need anti-virus software. However, if you want it anyway, I tested
all of the programs available at the time about a year ago, and Intego's
Virus Barrier was by far the best. It is the only one that is completely
non-intrusive, it extracts no performance penalty, it is easy to
configure, and it isn't buggy like NAV and Virex have been known to be.
http://www.intego.com/virusbarrier/
Randy B. Singer
Co-Author of: The Macintosh Bible (4th, 5th and 6th editions)
Routine OS X Maintenance and Generic Troubleshooting
http://www.macattorney.com/ts.html
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