MacFixIt Answers

Written by Topher Kessler

MacFixIt Answers is a feature from MacFixIt where our editors answer questions e-mailed to us by our readers. Beyond the many inquiries we have had regarding the recent OS X system update, this week we have a question on the origin of an "ajaxserver" system process as well as some resources for using Back To My Mac with multiple routers.

Question:

MacFixIt reader "Henry Helvie" asks:

"Usually when I open the activity monitor I see the process 'ajaxserver' listed as not responding. What does this mean?"

Answer:

Ajax is the use of JavaScript to interact with and manage XML files to enhance Web applications and content. It lets your Web browser automatically receive updates from XML files without reloading the entire Web page. While Ajax is primarily used with Web browsers, various applications also make use of it and may implement special processes for managing the technology.

Mac OS X does not come with an "ajaxserver" process, but in this thread on the MacFixIt discussion boards users found that a VPN program called "Hot Spot Shield" will launch this process. For some reason the server will not respond unless you activate the VPN, so it should not harm anything when listed as "Not Responding" in Activity Monitor. This behavior isn't the standard behavior for processes, so perhaps an update from the developer will clear the problem.

Question:

MacFixIt reader "Nicky Y. Schleider" asks:

"I am unable to get back to my mac working. On one computer, a mini, i have a belkin router. I get a message that i have to have UDnP or NAT working. I have both enabled.

On the other computer, a powermac G5, i get a message that i have 2 devices working on NAT the router is a netgear. I know that my xohm modem automatically sets up nat. I read something about setting up bridge but don't know how to do that.

I am running 10.5.7 on both computers."

Answer:

There are a variety of reasons why Back to My Mac will not work, and troubleshooting it can be quite burdensome depending on the specific problems. Setting up routers to properly manage Back to My Mac can be tricky, because each manufacturer will have different approaches to the same settings. Apple has a list of third-party routers that support Back to My Mac, which can be found here. In addition, Apple has a troubleshooting document that outlines steps to take to ensure Back to My Mac is working as it should.

Overall, the best approach to troubleshooting is to start with as simple of a connection as possible. Try to bypass your routers if you can, and connect your Macs directly to the Internet using your DSL or Cable modem. This will help troubleshoot whether it's the routers, and you can toggle the Macs' firewalls on or off to determine this. You can then add your router devices back and get each working independently, using UPnP, firewall, and ports forwarding settings accordingly (as outlined in this knowledgebase document).

Since troubleshooting router connections can get very detailed, you might try posting your problem in the CNET discussion forums where we can better help you try a variety of settings.

Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.

Topher has been an avid Mac user for the past 10-15 years, and has been a contributing author to MacFixIt for just over a year now. One of his diehard passions has been troubleshooting Mac problems and making the best use of Macs and Apple hardware both for family and friends, as well as in the workplace. He and the newly formed MacFixIt team are hoping to bring enhanced and more personable content to our readers, and keep the MacFixIt community going here at CNET. If you have questions or comments for Topher or the other MacFixIt editors, feel free to contact us at http://www.macfixit.com/contact

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