Keep Network Invaders Out!

If you're on the Internet all of the time then you're going to need something like Little Snitch. Even though viruses on the Mac are few and breaking in can be difficult, it's better to have one more layer of protection.

Little Snith is a dynamic firewall where you can set the properties on the fly when you know about them. So if you're protected and say your brother wants to share files with you, Little Snitch will pop up a window asking for permission to allow the transfer.

On the other hand, if Joe Hacker tries to break into your machine through the DNS port or email port then Little Snitch will popup a window asking for permission for Joe Hacker. You can say no and leave it at that.

I've been using Little Snitch for years and I've caught people trying to login with it. I've even caught my kids trying to get to my shared files (grrr). I think everyone should get a copy for their own protection.

Be aware that although the Mac is has very few virus problems and products like Little Snitch help keep hackers and nosy people away, there are times when issues are just unavoidable. Make sure your router is setup to deny incoming traffic unless you absolutely need it for games or whatever. Nothing in the computer world is perfect.

This is just a review and not a paid advertisement.

Go Wireless

I don't know what I'd do without my wireless. Cables just plain stink and I'd rather not use them at all. Unfortunately we still need power, but your network and your input doesn't need to be wired!

If you don't have a wireless network yet, then you really need to get one. They're not that expensive and Apple makes it real easy to setup. Get an Get an AirPort Extreme Base Station for the best compatibility in Apple products.

The Apple Wireless Keyboard is a great way to work without wires. There was a time when I needed to work in the livingroom so I set my 20-inch iMac up next to the TV and worked from the couch. It was VERY nice. The sad part is my son would always steal and lose the remote so when it came to movie or music time I could never find it.

WindowShade

Most Mac people know about this piece of software already, but I thought the newbies might like to hear about it. The software is called WindowShade and that's exactly what it is, a tool that rolls up the window like a window shade.

I've been using it since I think the early 90s. I typically have a ton of windows open because the Mac can do that without crashing, unlike other operating systems, and I get real messy. So, for just $10.00 I can go buy a copy of WindowShade that will "roll up" the bottom part of the window up to the title bar just by double-clicking on the title bar.

Nifty. Clean. Neat.

You can get WindowShade at unsanity.com

Do You Moof?

You don't? Don't you know what moof is? A dog says woof and a cow says moo. A Dogcow says Moof!

I am neither a dog nor a cow. I have been a user of the Macintosh since 1989 and the Apple II series since 1982. Yeah, I know the enemy as well. It's that icky, dull, memory hogging, and insecure operating system that I have no qualms about saying how it is. I've worked on it, I've fixed it, I've programmed for it, and I've ditched it. There's no way in hell I'd ever trade my beautiful piece of machinery for one of those Windows things.

So why have I started this blog that so many others have already began? I am catching up on a job I could have had with a Mac magazine back in the early 1990s. It would have been the coolest job in the world but it was too far away from home and paid too little for the area and the distance. I should have kicked myself in the rear for not taking the job. Wait, I'll do it now.

Ah, that's a little better.

I guess I'll just take on the task here. I'll write about anything and everything Macintosh which includes little tech notes and playing with software.

If you ever meet me you can kick me in the ass for not taking the job back then. It would have saved me a lifetime of fighting with that other operating system.