Mac OS X

Tip: No wireless router? Use your Mac

These days, wireless routers are quite common, and most retail options out there have some wireless capability; however, there still may be times when you are without a router and need to set up a wireless network for multiple computers, iPhones and iPads, or other devices that support Wi-Fi connectivity.

To do this, all you need is a Mac with an AirPort card in it. Connect it to an available network with the Ethernet connection, and then set up a shared wireless connection with the following procedure:

Go to the "Network" system preferences.

Select the "AirPort" … Read more

Apple releases raw image profile update

Apple released an update to its raw image compatibility profiles, adding support for the raw format from a number of new camera models. The update lets you manage raw images shot by newer cameras in Aperture 3 and iPhoto '09. The update is available for Mac OS X 10.5 and 10.6.

The specific cameras that Apple added to the compatibility list are:

Canon PowerShot SX1 IS Olympus E-PL1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 Samsung NX10 Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 Sony Alpha NEX-3 Sony Alpha NEX-5

In addition to this update, which is available for download at on Apple Support Web page, … Read more

CNET TV Apple Byte: Apple shows some magic

CNET TV's Brian Tong discuss the latest in Apple news, notes, and rumors. This week, Brian takes a look at the newest products released by Apple including the new Magic Trackpad. You'll also learn how to downgrade your older iOS devices if you're having issues with iOS 4.… Read more

iCal displaying 'Access not permitted' error

One problem you may run into when using iCal is the program constantly popping up with an error stating "Access to account 'account name' is not permitted." This may happen after syncing from another system, or after migrating to a new account or computer, but upon dismissing the error it may pop up again immediately or whenever the calendars are refreshed.

This happens because iCal has become set up with extra CalDAV accounts, either for another calendar server or for one that is already existing. This may have happened because of a problem with the migration from another … Read more

Will Apple's 'Spinning Wheel of Doom' become chic?

Can a symbol of frustration be turned into a signal of style? Can a visual aid that suggests something might be seriously amiss turn into a chic magnet?

I ask this important question because one enterprising marketer believes that if you are geek chic-forward, you ought to be wearing Apple's Spinning Wheel of Doom.

Should you not be familiar with this wheel, it is sometimes referred to as "the beach ball of hell" or, by the extremely naive, the "swirling rainbow circle thingy." Apple itself refers to it as the "spinning wait cursor." … Read more

The OS X 10.7 buzz starts--something big in the next release?

The most recent announcements from Apple have been rather lacking in news and information about the next version of OS X. Currently OS X 10.6 is in the middle of its life cycle, and while there have been updates to the operating system, Apple's big announcements and information have revolved around new hardware and iOS updates. It seems, however, that the focus may soon start shifting toward OS 10.7.

The various rumor sites have uncovered a job listing at Apple that suggests something big will be coming to OS X. The listing states:

Are you looking to … Read more

MacFixIt Answers

MacFixIt Answers is a feature in which we answer questions e-mailed to us by our readers. This week, we have questions about multiple files being deleted when using Secure Empty Trash, application integration between OS X and virtual machines, using Spotlight to search system files, and using Web mail (Gmail specifically) as a default e-mail client.… Read more

Safari still crashing after update?

A number of people have complained about Safari often crashing on their systems. While Apple's latest Safari update (5.0.1) is supposed to address some stability issues with the program, a number of people are complaining of crashes. Here are some things you can try to hopefully clear these problems.

General maintenanceThere are some general maintenance routines you can run both on Safari and on the system to help clear problems. In Safari, try clearing cookies and caches, among other items in the "Reset Safari" option in the Safari menu. You can also run general … Read more

Safari 5.0.1 update fixes black Mail backgrounds, autofill, and more

Apple has released an update to Safari 5, which addresses a number of issues with the initial release, including the problem with black backgrounds appearing when generating mail attachments with scripts, and the potential security vulnerability with autofill that was recently uncovered. In addition, the program has a built-in link to Apple's new extensions gallery for people to download and install extensions.… Read more

Making the switch to Apple? Get the perfect setup

With the undeniable popularity and success of the iPhone 4 (despite the antenna debacle), iPad, and ever-increasing Mac sales, Apple is gaining customers faster than ever. If you're thinking about making the switch, this could be your perfect setup.

Component one: iPhone 4 Now in its fourth iteration, Apple's iPhone has forever changed the mobile phone landscape by thrusting touch-screen technology to the tips of every tech geek's tongue and every consumer's wish list. Despite its early and somewhat overblown issues, iPhone 4 has had record-setting sales. With the exception of the complaints from a vocal minority regarding its antenna, … Read more