Mac Printer Problem

The other day I received a phone call (at Aplus Computer Aid) from a man whose printer had suddenly stopped working. All the lights were on. The cable was plugged in. He hadn't moved the printer or computer, changed any settings, or installed/uninstalled any software.
So he was puzzled.

So I had him try the usual Printer Troubleshooting Steps
* Was the printer getting power (plugged in)? Yes.
* Turn the printer off, and then turn it again. Resolved? No.
* Is the USB cable plugged in securely? Yes.
* Delete old print jobs. Resolved? No.
* Is the printer showing in System Profiler? No.
* Restart the computer. Resolved? No.

Hmmm...
The fact that the printer wasn't showing up at all in the Profiler meant that it was almost certainly not a software (driver) issue.. And all the lights on meant it (probably) wasn't a power issue. So I kept coming back to the USB cable, and he kept telling me it was plugged in just fine, and that he hadn't touched it.
So I told him to "humor me" and plug it in to a different USB port.

This resolved his problem.
It turns out that had had made a change recently. He had replaced his keyboard with a new wireless mouse and keyboard set.
Keyboard? What's that got to do with a printer???

His printer's USB cable had been firmly and securely plugged in -- to the old keyboard. The one that he had unplugged to make room for the new wireless one. Apple likes to put convenient USB ports on their keyboards, and..
Normally, I run into this "it IS plugged in" with powerstrips. Is the powerstrip plugged in?

Today's free link: Apple's Support page for troubleshooting printer issues provides the step-by-step methods for resolving most printing errors. Those with driver issues (software) should look here.

Today's free download: In sticking with my Mac theme today.. http://www.opensourcemac.org/ is a website dedicated to listing the best in free (Open Source) programs for your Mac. All kinds of categories, so whether you're looking for an anonymizer or image editor, you'll find something here.

Copyright 2007-9 © Tech Paul. All rights reserved. post to jaanix

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Scareware Targets Macs -- MacSweeper

MacSweeper marks the first time a rouge "cleaning tool" has been developed and targeted to Mac users, indicating the platform is gaining enough users that it is catching the attention of malicious code writers, according to security firm F-Secure.

Windows users should already be aware of bogus tools such as FinallyFast, and the rogue antivirus products, which use pop-ups and/or fake 'scans' to produce a list of "problems" that sound really scary or important (thus the moniker "scareware) -- if you purchase the product to 'solve' the issues, your problems have just begun.
This is simply a version targeting Mac users.

Here is a video from F-Secure explaining the details and methods used.

Yes, all you Apple fans.. it's time to stop thinking you're immune from hackers, cybercriminals, and malware.

Copyright 2007-9 © Tech Paul. All rights reserved. post to jaanix

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iPhone Etiquette

Folks, just a quick "sharing moment" today-- I saw this interesting(brief ) 'slideshow', and thought you might enjoy it. It's humorous, and spot on.

"Some of the iPhone's users are, well, a bit uncool. Their unbridled iPhone enthusiasm can quickly cross the line into obnoxiousness. That's why InfoWorld has come up with the Ten Commandments of iPhone etiquette. Read on and be wise. (<--- click)

You'll Thank Me One Day*

Baby's first steps. Graduations. Birthday parties. Wedding ceremonies. Today's topic came from a recent conversation with a friend of mine-- "That's what life is; an accumulation of memories"--  and it got me onto to thinking about Deep Things.. and yes, I took a little stroll down my own Memory Lane...

But this is, after all, a tech site, and I am a World Renown Tech Journalist, and so I will not get all nostalgic on you, nor 'share' some of my favorite recollections. No, I won't. But I will point out to you that more and more frequently, we are coming to rely on our computers to help us 'remember'.

What do I mean by that? Well, now that we have digital photography, the odds are pretty good that the pictures you take -- of baby's first steps, graduation, B-Day parties, etc. --are not in a shoebox, or photo album, but are on your hard drive. Your "home movies" too.
Perhaps your computer is the only place you have those pictures/memories.

Tip of the day: Loyal Friends and True to this series know that once a month I remind my readers to make a backup copy of their important files (Ahem), and to store those copies someplace else. That's because hard drives fail. (Not all that often, I grant you that, but they do die.. and not just from old age.) They can also get corrupted by malware, or erased by a virus or hacker, or...

If -- for some bizarre and mysterious reason -- your computer (or, just the hard drive) croaked and started pushing up daisies, would you lose the only pictures you have of Junior's birth? Of your hard-earned graduation? Of your Grandmother?

Well, don't let your heart get broken because you just "never got around" to making backup copies. Make copies today! Burn some CD's/DVD's and one other form of storage-- another (external, maybe) hard drive, or perhaps online.

To help you, I refer you to two prior articles--
1) Windows has a built-in Backup Utility, found in Programs> Accessories> System Tools and my advice for using it is here, http://techpaul.wordpress.com/2007/07/02/automate-your-backup-and-get-some-peace-of-mind/
Apple has a built-in Disk Imaging ability that is just great, but often overlooked: http://techpaul.wordpress.com/2008/04/03/how-to-use-apples-disk-imaging-tool/.

2) Instead of buying an external drive, you might prefer to take advantage of an online storage service.. of which there are many. My article on selecting one is here, http://techpaul.wordpress.com/2008/04/26/online-storage-for-data-backup/

Folks.. there are many, many reasons to make backup copies, and one reason not to (can you guess what it is?). Almost everyday in my real job I get calls from desperate people in a panic.. they're panicked because they only have the one copy of their important stuff: don't be one of them!

Today's free link: Perhaps you would like a backup tool other than Windows' own.. SyncBack is worth taking a look at. From C/Net Editor review, "This straightforward backup utility makes it a snap to safeguard and synchronize your files, and its freeware price just sweetens the deal. Surprisingly flexible for a free program, SyncBack can save your files anywhere: on external hard drives, in ZIP archives, on network drives, on CDs (using UDF), or transfer them via FTP. Recovering from a drive loss is also cinch, with a convenient restore tool that replicates folder trees along with the files in them."

Copyright 2007-8 © Tech Paul. All rights reserved. post to jaanix

The WWDC and MobileMe

For the sake of ratings, I simply must write something about the hot topic on the Web right now-- a topic so hot (how hot is it?) that the amount of "buzz" has caused the social networking/blogging site Twitter to crash under the burden.
That topic is Apple's WWDC (aka "Stevenotes"*).

The Worldwide Developer Conference has become (one of) the venues where Apple offers sneak peek (preview) at new products and technologies... A glimpse at what the immediate future holds.
(Personally, I find such teases annoying, but the iFanatics feel different, I guess.)

For instance, this year, we were told about OS 10.6 (aka "Snow Leopard").. which won't offer any new features and we might see it in a year. WooHoo!!! Yay!!! I mean.. yawn.
And we're told about a new version (2.0) of the iPhone's OS, which will affect every person on the planet. Not.

Can you tell? Even though this event is being held right up the road, and I am a World Renown Tech Journalist, I made no effort to attend, and am too experienced to get wow!-ed by the hype. I also confess, I am not a iPerson/iFanatic.

Yet, there are some interesting and relevant items to note: Namely, Apple's investment in bringing to us the "wonders" of cloud computing with MobileMe and the 20GB iDisk (and they're hoping.. the 3G iPhone). This video explains--

This $99/year service will work "cross platform" (Windows/Mac/Linux) and across devices.

Here we really are looking at "Web 2.0", and the future of computing. People, before too long, will be storing their whole lives and all their personal information on the Internet. So that we can share it.
Has anyone considered the security implications?

I'm an old dinosaur, and I'm a curmudgeon to boot.. I think there already is too much personal information available about us on the Web, and I'm not about to go putting my address book and calendar (and.. my accounting program?) there.
But those of the Look At Me Generation will probably be clamoring for it.

* A reference to the fact that the keynote address is usually given by Apple founder Steve Jobs.

Copyright 2007-8 Tech Paul. All rights reserved. post to jaanix

Troubleshooting iPods and iTunes

It may be kind of hard to believe, but it seems that a lot of people have iPods. And it seems to be true that a lot of people (even Windows people) use iTunes software to download and/or manage digital music. And, it also seems to be true that both these products are fairly simple and easy to use.

Tip of the day: Make sure you're using the latest version of the product to resolve your iTroubles.

iTunes is pretty good at letting you know when there is a "newer version available", and it (typically) prompts you to update. You should accept these prompts when you see them. If you haven't.. and/or are having trouble making purchases at the iTunes Store, or connecting your iPod to your computer.. you can (and should) manually check for a newer version of the software.
To do so, open iTunes, and under the iTunes menu, click "Check for updates".

iPods need to have their software updated as well, and you can solve most issues by following these steps:
Connect your iPod and then open iTunes and click on your player in the Source list (on the left), and click on the Summary tab, then click on the "Check for Updates" button. Then follow the instructions.

If you are fully updated with the latest software, and still are having troubles getting or playing music the next troubleshooting step is to reset your iPod.
1) Unplug your player from your computer.
2) For Click-Wheel iPods, slide the Hold switch to "Hold" and then to "Off".
3) Press and hold both the Menu and Select buttons down for about 10 seconds, or until you see the Apple logo on the screen. (If you don't see the logo after 15 seconds, stop, and repeat the steps above.)

This should do the trick. But if all this fails, and your player still won't play, you can restore your iPod's software. This should be done as a last resort, as it will "wipe" your stored songs/podcasts/etc. from your iPod's memory, and you will have to copy your content back.
Connect your iPod and then open iTunes and click on your player in the Source list (on the left), and click on the Summary tab, then click on the "Restore" button. Then you may see up to four restore "options"-- try using the "Use Newest Version" option first. If that doesn't do the trick.. repeat the process and select the "Restore" version, and then update it when it is reinstalled.

These steps will resolve the majority of problems, and get your music playing again.

Today's free link: I have recommended the top-rated encryption program TrueCrypt before, but I don't believe I made it clear that versions are available for Mac users as well. To get it, click here, and scroll down a bit to see "Mac OS X" and use the drop-down arrow to select your version.. then click the "Download" button.

Copyright 2007-8 © Tech Paul. All rights reserved.

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Apple releases 41 patches for Leopard, Flash

Keeping your software patched and up-to-date is a vital part of safe(r) computing these days. I cannot recommend enthusiastically enough that you enable "automatic" updating wherever and whenever it is offered.
A "patch" (aka "update") closes 'holes' (aka "vulnerabilities") that hackers are "exploiting" to take control of, or plant malware on, (your) machines.

There is an active exploit out there for the Flash player (Those animations on Webpages) that affects anyone who has not disabled Flash-- whether you're running Windows, Mac, or Linux.
If you like having Flash animations, you should visit this page on the Adobe Website which will analyze your version of Flash Player to see if you need to update.

Mac users should visit Apple Update and get these important updates.

Today's free link: A repeat today, because you really should know about this free tool: the Secunia Software Inspector will scan your machine's installed programs and determine if they're out-of-date, or there's patches missing-- and it will help you resolve the problems it finds.

Copyright 2007-8 © Tech Paul. All rights reserved. post to jaanix

Mailbag: reader questions answered, Apple Edition

Today I am going to answer a few questions submitted by readers, in the Q's and their A's format.

Q: Will the programs I have on my old Mac run on a new "Leopard" system?
A: There are enough differences in the new OS X 10.5 that some programs may need to be replaced with the latest versions that are "Leopard-compatible" (Norton AV often needs this, for example) to run at their best. The keyword is "may": most programs will work just fine once you visit Apple Update.
Please note-- if you intend to migrate your programs and data from an old machine to the new Leopard machine, make sure you have updated all the software (programs) on the old machine before initiating the migration. Leopard will/can refuse to accept programs that aren't current.

Q: I am thinking about buying a new iMac and I was told Apple runs on Intel circuits now. Does this mean I would be vulnerable to viruses, worms and spyware like Windows? What security programs would I need?
A: While it is true that Apple runs on the same type of "circuits" as Windows PC's now, it is not your hardware that is vulnerable to malware and hackers, but the lines of software "code" (programming) that make up your applications/programs.
Now to the second part of your question... The lines of code that make up the Mac operating system (the most recent being OSX 10.5 "Leopard") are not currently being targeted by the bad guys.. simply because there's too few machines running it (and the ones that are do not contain credit card number databases). However, some of the programs you would have on your Mac are being targeted for exploits-- QuickTime (a media format/player) and the Safari browser, notably. (Neither of which you need, btw.)
And now the last part: as things stand, today, if you are running a fully updated Leopard machine, and the firewall is on, you really don't need a "protection program". That statement may not be true this afternoon, or next week, or next month (for future readers, this was written 05/19/08) and so you may, for peace of mind, want to install the Norton Internet Security 2008 package*.

Today's free link: I'm keeping with a Macintosh theme today, and so today's app is for Apple users. I don't want it said that I never think of you guys! Watch TV on your iMac with Miro, a C/Net Editor's Choice. Description: "Democracy Player is a free and open source internet TV/video podcast application, with a beautiful, easy to use interface. You can subscribe to any Internet TV channel, including video podcasts, video RSS feeds, bittorrent feeds, and video blogs. A built-in Channel Guide lists hundreds of channels of all types, all free to subscribe to. Browse videos, download, and watch fullscreen-- all in the same application."

* Folks, please don't write to tell me "Norton is evil". Read the reviews for NIS 2008. It may open your eyes.

Copyright 2007-8 © Tech Paul. All rights reserved. post to jaanix

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Leopard wins title of "best"

You might be aware of the long-running debate known as Mac vs. PC (personified by Justin Long + John Hodgman on the humorous "I'm a Mac" commercials). And you may be aware that there's a debate whether XP isn't a better OS than Vista. And, you may be aware that there's a free OS, known as Linux, which has a few proponents who claim theirs is the best.

Which one's the best? There's an awful lot of opinions out there (and if you agree with mine, you're really smart!), but has anyone every done a true, impartial test to determine which one really is the safest/fastest/most features/cost-effective/easy-to-use operating system today? Well yes, someone has-- and the latest comes from PC Magazine's March issue.
[Yes, PCMag has long been accused of being a Microsoft puppet and/or shill. Look at the name, though: it's "PC", not "Mac Magazine" (and, yes, there's one of those, too). But how do you write about personal computers and NOT write about Microsoft? Hmm?]

The article compares Mac OS 10.5.1 (the latest "Leopard"), Windows XP SP2, Vista, and Ubuntu 7.10 , and it compares them in these areas:
*Price
*Installation (ease)
*GUI (the graphical 'look')
*Bundled Software
*3rd Party Software
*Drivers/Hardware
*Networking
*Security

As you might expect, each OS won some categories, and lost in others; for example, Ubuntu is free, so it will clearly win the Price category, and since it doesn't have a huge budget for graphic artists (and Linux folk aren't afraid of the command line) it loses the GUI category. To see the results chart, click here.

The scores in each category were totaled to produce a winner, and the "Microsoft shill", PC Magazine, proclaims Leopard the winner. (And, perhaps more interestingly, XP and Vista tied.)

My two cents: There are a few flaws in this comparison 'test' that shouldn't be overlooked.
*Vista was tested before Service Pack 1
*The first three categories are largely non-factors: Price and Installation are largely irrelevant to most people. Most people buy a new computer, not an OS Install CD/DVD. And a GUI is a GUI-- how pretty it looks has nothing to do with your computer's operation.

I believe the most important factors are Security and 3rd Party Software.. followed by Drivers/Hardware.
In Security: Leopard wins.. not because its armor plating is more bulletproof, but because less than 3% of the worlds computers are running it and so hackers ignore it.
In Drivers/Hardware: XP SP2 wins.. but time will move Vista ahead as more drivers get written and pass MS's WHQL.
In the all-important 3rd-Party Software category: XP SP2 wins.. but again, time will move Vista into the lead.

So clearly PC Magazine is wrong. XP SP2 is the better OS.. for now.

How can I say that? Games, baby. Games. There aren't any for Macs.
And of course.. other programs. Walk into a store that sells software some time and look at the size of the Mac section and then the size of the PC titles. That tells you all you need to know.

OS's and you: But which one is best for YOU? I agree totally with the author of the article in PC Mag (Eric Griffith): it depends on what you use your computer for.
If all you do is surf the Web, and you're on a budget, Ubuntu is probably your best choice. If you're a cutting-edge gamer, you probably will have to struggle with Vista for Direct X 10 titles. If you're a network admin.. Red Hat is probably your OS (are you ready for Server 2008?).

But the fact remains, the OS you use will be the one that came with your computer. And as I mentioned in "Mac Myths", which brand you decide to buy will probably be decided by which 'camp' you joined.. way back in the early days.

Copyright 2007-8 © Tech Paul. All rights reserved. post to jaanix

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Mac myths

Some folks are Mac loyalists (I refer to them as "iPeople"). And some folks only use Windows. For a very long while, in the "early days" particularly, you pretty much had to choose sides -- you ran one OR the other. And once you chose, and bought your machine, (and learned how to use it) you stayed with it.. probably right up to today.

Up until fairly recently (Historically speaking), Apple went to some effort to remain apart (aloof?)-- they chose to use hardware standards, software formats, and such, so that you had to purchase "Mac" hardware, software, and peripherals, and floppies. You could not take your files from an Apple computer and work on them on a Windows computer.

All that has changed. (But the loyalties remain!) Macs no longer run unique CPU's (nor use SCSI), and the software is not written to exclude certain formats. A while back, they switched from "AppleTalk" to TCP/IP as their networking protocol. Yes, Apple is still "different" than Windows, but it far friendlier than it used to be.

It is partly because of these changes that quite a few people have (shudder) switched allegiances from Windows, and purchased a Mac. (If you are a Windows user, and are considering a Mac as your next computer, you may want to read this article of mine.)
Many people are taking advantage of either Parallels or Boot Camp and running both OSes on their Apple machines, essentially allowing them to enjoy the advantages of both camps.

Tip of the day: Forget those old ideas you may have had about Mac vs. PC's, as they're largely myths. Such as:

* Macs can't share files with Windows. Not true. As I mentioned (above), Macs (as of OS X 10.2) use TCP/IP for networking and support Windows' SMB. Adding a Mac to your Windows network (and visa versa) is basically as easy as plugging it in. You can exchange files over your network (in either direction) just as you do between your Windows machine.
And, you can access (use) networked printers, too-- whether they're attached to a Mac or a Windows machines.

Specially formatted floppies are gone too. Thumb drives, USB hard-drives, CD's and DVD's are the modern tools, and they are "universal"... you don't buy a "Mac thumb drive", you buy a thumb drive.

* You can't right-click on Macs. While it is true that Mac mouses have only one button (and you hold down the Ctrl key while clicking to open Context menus), you are not limited to using Mac hardware and/or peripherals any longer-- simply plug any USB mouse you prefer into your Mac machine.
As a "Windows guy", the biggest mental adjustment I have to make when sitting at a Mac is my compulsive need to right-click, and so I plug in a Kensington PocketMouse that I carry in my toolkit, and shazaam! I have the three-button capability I'm so used to.

Yes, it is true that some programs will only run on Windows, and some will only run on Macs. So far, the "workaround" for this is either virtualization (such as Parallels) or dual-booting. That is because Mac is founded on OpenBSD and Windows on MS-DOS. That said, "making the switch" from Windows to Mac has never been easier and, you don't have to completely switch loyalties-- you can run both; even on the same machine!

Today's free link: For those of you who like to download Flash games, or YouTube videos, Orbit (a download manager) will simplify your tasks. From site: "It is a free all-in-one downloader which can download streaming media, social music or video from anywhere include youtube, myspace, imeem, pandora, etc. It is famous for its super light, great speed and rapidshare supported." Today's link also includes reviews on C/Net.

Copyright 2007-8 © Tech Paul. All rights reserved. post to jaanix

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