WALL WRITINGS — JUNE 1996
Ah! Summer’s here at last! As I get set for ten weeks of vacation, mindlessly doing what I want to with a much less structured schedule (in other words — freedom!), I’m writing with much the same attitude. Since I am devoid of a set topic this month, I’ll discuss what’s gone on in the life of my computer in the last few weeks, most notably the addition of one really nifty extension, one really cool peripheral, and a brand new System folder.
SPRING CLEANING Continue reading »
A month or two ago, I finally bought RAM Doubler from Connectix. Folks, in case you haven’t heard yet, this piece of software is all that, plus the proverbial bag of chips. It’s a wonderful piece of programming. It has caused a little slowdown and choppiness when I try to run some CD-ROMs, however. It’s no big deal, though — I can easily restart with the tilde key held down and disable RAM Doubler for the duration of my CD-ROM usage.
The Fugitive Game
– Online With Kevin Mitnick
Author: Jonathan Littman
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Price: $23.95
There is something about Hackers that makes me stand up and take notice when there is a news report of one either on TV or in the newspaper. For me, Hackers seem to be a harmless bunch of people with way too much time on their hands, with nothing better to do then try and break into other computer systems just to say “I did it”. This, of course, is not always the case, as some Hackers either steal information from that computer, or damage the contents therein. And the most famous (infamous?) of them all is Kevin Mitnick.
Kevin Mitnick had been rumored to be the ultimate threat to the Internet just a few years ago, and was a wanted fugitive on the run. While Mitnick may have been a real danger with his knowledge of computers and cellular phone systems, was it really fair to paint him as one of America’s most dangerous criminals? Jonathan Littman’s book, “The Fugitive Game” explores just that, while also delving into the world of hackers and who/what they are.
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by John Clark
Dear Mr Amelio and Apple Engineers,
Make me a MiniMac, a MacPalmtop, a Hero or a PowerPalm and sell billions of them to the rest of the world.
I need a new portable computer, not a fancy high-powered one but a small-sized one, a big Mac “Zaurus”, as it were, only greatly improved for true functionality and ease of use, Mac Use.
Have you noticed that Apple has added an $80 optional keyboard to the Newton? Doesn’t this tell you something? Doesn’t this suggest that the Newton needs a built-in keyboard? And a lot more.
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Welcome to The Starting Line. This is a new column dedicated to the experiences of the new Macintosh user (myself) and just about anything else I can conjure up that has to do with computers. My name is Dustin Roberts and on February 28, 1996, I became a new Mac user. My decision to purchase a Mac was a frustrating one, with many factors built into my decision. The main factor for my purchase, however, was the ease of use of the Mac operating system. Point and click, drag and drop, it doesn’t get any easier then this! Of course, I had some prior knowledge of computers on the PC side, as that was the computer I had to use daily at work. The majority of my work, however, was done in just one application, typing up work orders for telephone installation crews. If something got messed up, or if I returned to my PC after someone else was using it only to find the dreaded “C:” prompt, I would have to get my supervisor to help me.
Another main factor in my decision to purchase a Mac was that my wife has no experience whatsoever on computers, and I wanted an operating system that would be easy for her to use as well. As a matter of fact, while I was looking at PC’s, she was playing Solitaire on a Mac! If I didn’t have to go physically pull her away from the solitaire game, I probably wouldn’t even have looked at the Mac!
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The Internet: What’s so great about it?
There is so much talk about the Internet now, we can’t help but get involved. It seems that you have to be on the ‘net to get any information. In a few days, I will be receiving my direct Internet connection. Unlimited access was their key phrase. This means I will have great amounts of information at my fingertips.
That last statement was a little over done. I will admit this is a very big jump from a sheltered company like America Online, but will I get everything I’m expecting? I doubt it. I’m sure many people will argue with me, but from what I’ve seen, if you don’t know exact locations, you’re out of luck.
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For those of you that have run out of hard drive space (or will soon do so), consider purchasing an Iomega Zip Drive. Lightweight, compact and easy to install, the Zip Drive is the “average user’s” answer to “what to do about storage space.”
Installation of the Zip Drive is simple and straightforward, with all necessary cables and software provided. Connect the end of the SCSI cable marked “ZIP” to your Zip Drive and the other end to the SCSI connection on your Mac. Connect the external power supply (supplied) to the Zip Drive, and just make sure that the green power light comes on. Start up your Mac with the extensions off, insert the 100 MB “tools” disk into your Zip Drive, insert the “install” floppy for the Macintosh into your floppy drive and double click on the Zip install icon. Follow the simple instructions and presto, your Zip Drive is ready for you to use.
The Zip Drive comes with one (1) 100 MB disk which contains all the necessary software tools that you’ll need to use your Zip Drive. One of the programs is GUEST, which is a portable driver that allows you to easily move the Zip Drive from your computer to another one. With the GUEST program, you don’t need to permanently install the driver or the ZIP TOOLS software. ZIP TOOLS software is set up so that when you install the Zip software on your Mac, the ZIP TOOLS becomes a Macintosh disk. If you were to do the install on a PC, it would become a DOS/WINDOWS tools disk. You can then use the disk to install the ZIP TOOLS software on the same type of system. The tools software also has a read/write protect feature that permits you, using software, to write protect a disk, write protect a disk and assign a password to remove the write protect, and read protect your disk so that it can’t be read/written to, unless the user has your specific password.
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TechTool v1.1.1
Freeware
Well, the folks from MicroMat have finally released a update for all the 7.5.3 users out there, and after playing with the latest version, I can say that it works great!
If you have not used TechTool before now, my question to you is, what are you waiting for?!? TechTool is the one program EVERY Macintosh user should have handy. What does it do? Well, with one click of a button, TechTool will rebuild your desktop (Which should be done often), Zap your Pram, and Analyze your system for any problems. Truly a handy program.
The people at MicroMat seem very dedicated to Macintosh users, and have created an award winning program that deserves all the praise it gets. And praise is what I will give it! A great program, and now updated for system 7.5.3! Find it on AOL, or visit the micromat web site at http://www.micromat.com
Clockometer v1.7.2
Freeware
Do you know how fast your Mac is? This freeware programs from Newer Technology will tell you by simply launching the program. It will display the MHz speed for you. Easy, simply, and a no-brainer! A neat program to run once or twice. The price is right, so if you want to know your Mac’s speed, download Clockometer 1.7.2 today and find out!
Contact Newer Technology at NewerRAM@aol.com
3D Windows 1.0
Shareware: $5.00
Bloom Software’s 3D Windows 1.0 by Robert Rose is a system extension that is supposed to give you, as the name implies, 3D looking windows. Now, I am a sucker for frivolous fluff like this, so I was eager to download and try it.
The first thing I noticed is that 3D Windows adds a gray background to open windows. This does not work or look well with some programs, such as DOCMaker (which we use to create My Mac). What happens is that any picture retains the white border, while the rest of the window is gray. Not very attractive.
As with any system extension, you do take the chance of a conflict. And after having 3D Windows loaded for only a few short hours, I had three system conflicts. (Running system 7.5.3) I have yet to determine which extension was responsible, but the problem did go away when I trashed 3D Windows 1.0. So I tend to think the problem is there.
Overall, I would not recommend downloading this extension. The 3D effect is very mild, nothing to write home about. If you do wish to try it for yourself, you can reach Robert Rose at rose@fsl.orst.edu
DiskLabel v1.8
Shareware: $2.00
DiskLabel v1.8 from Abduction Software (12 year old Matthew Reagan!) is a 3.5″ disk label maker that is a good effort on Matthews part. Now, I don’t want to appear as if I am beating up on a kid, but for those who need a good Disk Label maker, I would not recommend this shareware. First, DiskLabel v1.8 only prints one label per sheet of paper. That means the rest of that sheet is wasted. You also must tape the paper label to the disk, which I would not recommend. (If the tape comes off in the disk drive, you are in big trouble.) Next, DiskLabel does not support Avery formats, the standard in self stick labels.
In the end, DiskLabel v 1.8 is a good attempt at a worthwhile cause; a simple way to create disk labels. If you are going to create any 3.5″ disk labels, I would recommend Mark Pirri’s DiskTracker 1.0.2. (see Reviews, My Mac #12) If you would like to try DiskLabel v1.8, you can contact Abduction Software at UFOfreak5@aol.com
Netscape Defrost v0.9b2
Donationware
Scott Sykes has created a useful extension that corrects a problem for many Mac users (Me included) they have with Netscape: it freezes. I had Netscape just lock-up for no apparent reason more times than I care to remember. Well, before I installed Netscape Defrost, that is!
Netscape Defrost v0.9b2 “fixes a very specific type of freeze caused when Netscape (or another program) reads the Machine Location from external parameter RAM.” And it seems to do just that! I can report no problems with it since installing it a few weeks ago, and plan to leave it in my extensions folder. If you are having problems with Netscape, you may just want to download and give Netscape Defrost a try! You can visit the Netscape Defrost home page at http://cygnus.rsabbs.com/~ssykes/nsdefrost.html
Abracadabra 1.5
Shareware: $7.00
This is a neat little program that only does one thing. It makes your system folder disappear. Sounds lame, I know, but it is handy if someone other then you will be working on your Mac, and you do not want them to have access to your system folder.
By double clicking on Abracadabra, the system folder disappears. Double click it again, and it’s back! Nightfall Software did a good job with this program. And it really works! So if you need a program that will hide your system folder (and anything you put in there) then Abracadabra 1.5 is for you.
Contact them at dmaclach@sol.uvic.ca
If you have ever printed a color document on an old color printer, you know that the results can be frustrating. Apple has solved the portable printer problems with its second portable addition to the StyleWriter family. The Color StyleWriter 2200 has all the great features of any good inkjet printer, but better results, and is lighter then a Powerbook Duo. Apple has created a successful color printer that is sure to please many customers.
Sleek and Stylish Continue reading »
The attractive black case of the 2200 is only 2.2 inches high and 11.8 inches wide. The total weight of the 2200 is only 3 pounds, which is less than the lightest Powerbook Duo. When folded up, the 2200 can easily fit into any briefcase, and when unfolded, the top of the case lifts up to become a paper feed tray. This brings us to the first flaw I found in the 2200. There is no tray to hold the paper when it comes out, so if you are not careful, the paper could go flying anywhere. You can also use a nickel-metal hydride battery with its own attachment that screws into the back of the 2200. I myself didn’t have the chance to use this, but I can tell you that it costs around $130.
Apple Internet Connection Kit
Estimated price: $49.99
Company: Apple Computer
By Adam Karneboge-Icon Master
The Internet. A vast place of information and archives, newsgroups and e-mail. A lot of people are leaving the security of their online service for the unlimited access time of the Internet. One thing people don’t know when they try to make this jump is the diffculty of locating a good ISP, (Internet Service Provider), finding good applications to use with their account, and then configuring their system for it. Apple has made it easy for Macintosh users to get on the Internet and enjoy it.
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VRML-The Winner by a Node?
The web has grown exponentially in the last few years. But the buzz is always onward and upward. The killer app of yesteryear is definitely NSCA Mosaic, the browser that became Netscape. But what is the next killer application to take the web world by storm? Many people believe it might be Virtual Reality. Virtual Reality is an application based on an open standard called VRML.
First off, VRML is another computer language that does pretty much what it says. Just as HTML means “Hypertext Markup Language” and contains the instructions to create hyperlinked text or images that cross reference documents, VRML or “Virtual Reality Modeling Language” contains the instructions or “tags” to construct your very own 3-D world or “realm”.
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Have you been thinking perhaps it is time to buy a new Macintosh? Wondering if now is a good time to buy, or should you hold off for a little longer, hoping that prices will fall even further? Let’s see if we can’t answer some of those questions for you.
New or Used. Continue reading »
My Mac gets many letters each month asking if it would be wise to buy a used machine rather than a new one. Well, the answer is a simple one. Is the used Macintosh a PowerPC or not? If it is, and the machine works well, then by all means go for it! If, however, it is not a PowerPC, then the answer is no. Why buy a computer that will be unable to run the next MacOS? (System 8, code named Copland). Unless your computer has the PowerPC chip, then System 8 will not work on your computer. Not even installing a PowerPC add-on card will help, so says Apple. So, if you are a Macintosh fanatic, and must have the latest, greatest OS out there, then the PowerPC is the only purchase you need to look at.
Pete’s top ten reasons to use e-mail
10) It’s just not cool not to.
9) You never have to scream, “Where the hell’s the letter opener!”
You never have to stand in line to buy postage stamps.
7) Saves wear and tear on your paper shredder.
6) You never have to taste envelope and stamp glue.
5) You don’t have to put your pants on to check the mailbox.
4) Mail gets delivered on Sundays and holidays.
3) You’ll never accidently stab yourself with the letter opener.
2) Faxes are sooooo slow!
1) You never hear about an E-mail worker going crazy and killing 12 people.
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The time had come, and I was not sure how to feel? I mean, this was my little buddy! I felt like I was betraying him!
Wait, let me back up a bit…
I bought a new Macintosh. And while I am ecstatic about it, I am also saddened. You see, this is the second computer I have now owned. I guess you could acquaint it with your first car? (I would have said girlfriend, but I think anyone who holds a machine in that kind of regard needs some professional help). I cannot speak for everyone, but for me, my first car was a life changing event. No longer was I held sway to where my father and mother were willing to take me. I could go anywhere I wanted! Of course, I pretty much went the same places where I rode my bike, but the point was I COULD go! And my first Mac was very much like that, too. (Of course, it was not a chick magnet like the car, though!) The first night I sat down with the Mac, I dialed in to America Online. (With a blazing fast 2400 baud modem no less, at a time when a 14.4 was unheard of). And like that first car, my life was changed.
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TOTALLY USELESS INFORMATION
Can we all agree that the phrase, “Faster than a speeding bullet,” aptly describes how things in the computer industry have been progressing over the past, say 40 years? Well, maybe not all of us; I suppose there are those who feel things should be moving along a bit faster then what they are. But for the most part, us “Joe-six-pack” types can’t help but be amazed at how far computer technology has advanced.
Point in fact:
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PC or Mac?
Tim,
I have just read your article in the latest My Mac edition. I always enjoy the information and insights you provide. My school district is currently trying to decide whether to stick with Macs or switch to PCs. I have found a great deal of info on why Macs are so great, but I cannot find info supporting PCs over Macs. Would you know of any place online (or elsewhere) I can find such data? Thanks
Ken Grasso
Deane-Porter School
Anyone?
Deluxe and Oscar the Grouch
Love the new My Mac Deluxe! The download was well worth it too. Thanks for responding so quickly… I only mailed the check last week. (If only all Mac pub’s reacted so quickly)
I was hoping you may know the whereabouts of a very well-known, yet hard to find extension named Oscar the Grouch (or something like that…) It existed years ago, and from what I hear was very fun to have. A friend of mine recently told me about it, and to “repay” her help w/some Mac questions I thought I’d try to find a copy on line. I see references in different places, but I can’t find the actual extension.
Hope this isn’t too much of a bother.
Thanks very much, Continue reading »
John Sadler (faithful reader of My Mac DELUXE!)
Comments. Be heard!
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