http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/features/howto/ en The Mac Observer Copyright 2009 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:06:49 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_to_configure_a_static_dhcp_reservation_with_airport_extreme%2F&seed_title=How+to+Configure+a+Static+DHCP+Reservation+with+Airport+Extreme http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_configure_a_static_dhcp_reservation_with_airport_extreme/ All network devices, from computers, to smartphones, to printers, to televisions, need a unique IP address. These are usually handed out by a router as needed and change from time to time. Some devices, however, such as file or print servers, greatly benefit from having an IP address that never changes. The Mac Observer shows you how to easily set up static IP address, or “DHCP Reservations,” using your Mac and an Airport Extreme. Tips, How-To, Reports, Mac OS, Lion, Snow Leopard Wed, 23 May 2012 09:31:08 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_to_update_ios_firmware_on_multiple_devices_with_one_file%2F&seed_title=How+to+Update+iOS+Firmware+On+Multiple+Devices+With+One+File http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_update_ios_firmware_on_multiple_devices_with_one_file/ iOS device firmware updates are getting bigger. If you have multiple devices of the same type, downloading each update over and over costs you time and bandwidth. We show you how to use a single firmware file to update multiple devices of the same type, even on different computers. Tips, How-To, iObserver, iPhone, iOS, iPad Tue, 08 May 2012 16:05:04 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_to_remove_and_clean_up_find_my_iphone_devices%2F&seed_title=How+to+Remove+%26amp%3B+Clean+Up+%26%238220%3BFind+My+iPhone%26%238221%3B+Devices http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_remove_and_clean_up_find_my_iphone_devices/ Apple’s “Find My iPhone” is a great feature that helps users track stolen or misplaced iPhones, iPads, and, with iCloud, Macs. Unfortunately, as tracked devices come and go, the Find My iPhone Device List can become cluttered with old items. We show you how to clean it up and streamline the “Find My iPhone” process. Tips, How-To Thu, 03 May 2012 13:40:44 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_lets_mobileme_users_keep_mac.com_me.com_e-mail%2F&seed_title=Apple+Lets+MobileMe+Users+Keep+Mac.com+%26amp%3B+Me.com+E-mail http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_lets_mobileme_users_keep_mac.com_me.com_e-mail/ Apple told MobileMe customers on Tuesday that they could now keep their Mac.com and Me.com email accounts even after MobileMe shuts down in June of 2012. The company began sending out notices to MobileMe customers offering a path for keeping their email accounts working even if they don’t meet all the iCloud requirements. News, Tips, How-To, iObserver, iCloud Tue, 01 May 2012 20:47:44 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftips_for_iphone_fmac_older_icons_browser_privacy%2F&seed_title=Tips+for+iPhone%2C+Mac+Folder+Icons%2C+Browser+Privacy http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tips_for_iphone_fmac_older_icons_browser_privacy/ Nancy Carroll Gravley offers tips for deleting videos from the iPhone, changing folder and file icons on your Mac, and protecting your online privacy from the big bad browsers. Tips, How-To, Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:26:46 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_to_get_mailing_lists_for_email_in_ios%2F&seed_title=How+to+Get+Mailing+Lists+for+Email+in+iOS http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_get_mailing_lists_for_email_in_ios/ With iOS and iDevices becoming more capable every year, more people are switching to an iPad or iPhone as their primary means of communication and productivity. Unfortunately for users who rely on email, the Mail app on iOS does not currently support mailing lists, requiring users to manually enter the email addresses of the multiple individuals they wish to contact each time. Thankfully, MacCast’s Adam Christianson sent us a workaround. Don’t wait for Apple to add this feature; read on to find out how you can have it today! Tips, How-To, iObserver, iOS Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:39:17 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fread_qr_codes_with_your_iphone%2F&seed_title=Read+QR+Codes+With+Your+iPhone http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/read_qr_codes_with_your_iphone/ A QR code is a two-dimensional bar code designed to link paper or signs to the Internet. If you have a QR reader for your iPhone, you can aim the camera at the QR code and obtain information, link to a website, trigger a phone call and so on.  Here’s how to do it. Tips, How-To, iObserver, iPhone, iPad Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:16:28 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_to_use_side-by-side_editing_in_iphoto%2F&seed_title=How+to+Use+Side-by-Side+Editing+in+iPhoto http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_use_side-by-side_editing_in_iphoto/ A simple yet powerful feature that often goes unnoticed in iPhoto for OS X is side-by-side editing mode, enabling the user to view and edit two or more photos in real time while still being able to directly compare images side-by-side. We show you how it works so you can add this great feature to your iPhoto workflow. Tips, How-To Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:56:45 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_to_unlock_your_off-contract_att_iphone%2F&seed_title=How+to+Unlock+Your+Off-Contract+AT%26amp%3BT+iPhone http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_unlock_your_off-contract_att_iphone/ Following Friday’s unexpected news that AT&T will now unlock off-contract iPhones, Jim Tanous runs down the steps needed to successfully complete the procedure. Tips, How-To, iObserver, iPhone Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:16:23 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Finstall_the_command_line_c_compilers_in_os_x_lion%2F&seed_title=Install+the+Command+Line+C+Compilers+in+OS+X+Lion http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/install_the_command_line_c_compilers_in_os_x_lion/ Out of the box, OS X Lion doesn’t have the command line C compilers. Plus, Apple has once again changed the way you install those compilers in /usr/bin.  Here’s how to do it with the latest Xcode and Lion. Tips, How-To Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:45:08 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftime_warner_cable_talks_about_ipv6_launch%2F&seed_title=Time+Warner+Cable+Talks+About+IPv6+Launch http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/time_warner_cable_talks_about_ipv6_launch/ In a previous article, John Martellaro described the ins and outs of the IPv6 launch for Comcast’s ISP customers. In this follow-up article, he gives us a Q&A with Time Warner Cable to see what its approach is. Tips, How-To Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:00:47 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fset_up_a_new_ipad%2F&seed_title=Set+Up+and+Configure+Your+New+iPad http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/set_up_a_new_ipad/ There’s a new iPad, still in the box, sitting on the coffee table. What to do next?  John Martellaro lays out everything you need to know about setting up a new iPad from boot up through configuration to installing your first app. Tips, How-To Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:00:32 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmessages_why_your_chats_dont_show_across_cross-device%2F&seed_title=Messages%3A+Why+Your+Chats+Don%26%238217%3Bt+Show+Across+Devices http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/messages_why_your_chats_dont_show_across_cross-device/ With the release of the public beta of Messages for the Mac, it’s easier to follow your online chats when you’re switching between your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac. Not all of your conversations, however, will appear on all your devices depending on how those chats started, and sorting out what shows up where can be a bit of a headache. Lucky for you The Mac Observer worked through the mess for you. Tips, How-To, Reports, Mac OS, Mountain Lion Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:54:48 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fa_laymans_guide_to_the_ipv6_transition%2F&seed_title=A+Layman%26%238217%3Bs+Guide+to+the+IPv6+Transition http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/a_laymans_guide_to_the_ipv6_transition/ The global Internet is running out of addresses. For some time now, the industry has been working on a new protocol for the Internet, called IPv6, and it’s likely your ISP will be making the transition soon.  You may need new equipment.  Here’s what you need to know. Tips, How-To Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:58:05 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_to_view_flash_content_on_a_adobe-free_mac%2F&seed_title=How+To+View+Flash+Content+On+an+Adobe-Free+Mac http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_view_flash_content_on_a_adobe-free_mac/ Mac Geek Gab listener James wrote in with an awesome tip for users who wish to remove Adobe Flash from their Macs but still be able to occasionally access Flash content. We provide his step-by-step instructions. Tips, How-To Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:45:04 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_to_combine_multiple_pdfs_using_preview%2F&seed_title=How+to+Combine+Multiple+PDFs+Using+Preview http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_combine_multiple_pdfs_using_preview/ As discussed on Mac Geek Gab 370, the Preview application in Mac OS X is an extremely powerful tool. One of its less-obvious features is the ability to combine and re-order multiple PDFs into a single document, something that was once the purview of only expensive third-party software. We show you all you need to know about this simple but little-know feature. Tips, How-To, Reports, Mac OS, Lion, Snow Leopard Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:50:19 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwhat_to_do_when_force_quit_doesnt_work_and_other_tales_of_horror%2F&seed_title=When+Force+Quit+Doesn%26%238217%3Bt+Work+%26amp%3B+Other+Tales+of+Horror http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/what_to_do_when_force_quit_doesnt_work_and_other_tales_of_horror/ Our Macs usually run fine and don’t give us headaches, but every now and then they cause us no end of frustration. Nancy Carroll Gravley examines some common horrors that can affect new users and provides solutions. Actually, three: frozen apps, lost passwords, and missing toolbars in Safari. Tips, How-To, Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:10:28 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fchange_the_name_of_your_bluetooth_device%2F&seed_title=Change+The+Name+of+Your+Bluetooth+Device http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/change_the_name_of_your_bluetooth_device/ You’ve pulled your new Apple Magic Mouse, Trackpad or some other cool Bluetooth device out of the box and set it up with the OS X menu bar option. It has a default name, but now you want to change it. Here’s how. Tips, How-To Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:50:55 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fcheck_your_comcast_data_usage%2F&seed_title=Check+Your+Comcast+Data+Usage http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/check_your_comcast_data_usage/ With the popularity of Internet TV streaming, more and more ISPs are thinking about data caps and surcharges. In the case of Comcast, there is already a 250 GB cap per month.  Here’s how to check your own current data usage. Tips, How-To Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:49:55 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwelcome_to_os_x_migrating_itunes_from_pc_to_mac%2F&seed_title=Welcome+to+OS+X%3A+Migrating+iTunes+from+PC+to+Mac http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/welcome_to_os_x_migrating_itunes_from_pc_to_mac/ So, you’ve just received your first Mac? Congratulations! You’ve been slowly building up to this moment for years: first using iTunes to manage your music, then an iPod or iPhone purchase, maybe even a MobileMe membership. Well, now you’ve made the transition and all is splendid. But how will you get your data from your PC to your Mac? This week, we’ll show you how. Tips, How-To, iObserver, iTunes Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:00:54 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fextract_photos_from_an_itunes_backup%2F&seed_title=Extract+iOS+Device+Photos+from+an+iTunes+Backup http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/extract_photos_from_an_itunes_backup/ There may come a time when you lose the photos on your iOS device, they haven’t been synced and your only recourse is to extract the photos from a backup file created by iTunes.  Here are two quick and simple tools that can do that on a Mac. Tips, How-To Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:54:22 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwelcome_to_os_x_creating_changing_your_user_account_password%2F&seed_title=Welcome+to+OS+X%3A+Creating%2FChanging+Your+User+Account+Password http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/welcome_to_os_x_creating_changing_your_user_account_password/ “Welcome to OS X” is a new series of articles aimed at new Mac users as well as veterans look to brush up on the basics. Today, we’ll look at creating and changing a user account password; a crucial step towards securing your Mac and your data. Tips, How-To, Reports, Mac OS Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:02:08 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_ultimate_guide_to_creating_a_mac_triage_drive%2F&seed_title=TMO%26%238217%3Bs+Ultimate+Guide+to+Creating+a+Mac+Triage+Drive http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_ultimate_guide_to_creating_a_mac_triage_drive/ As more Macs lose their optical drives, it’s becoming more important to have a hard drive-based set of tools and software images. We show you how to build your very own triage drive, complete with a bootable copy of OS X, a disk diagnostic tool, and software installers. Never be caught wishing you had an optical drive again! Tips, How-To Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:56:07 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_to_set_up_a_custom_media_server_with_plex%2F&seed_title=How+to+Set+Up+a+Custom+Media+Server+with+Plex http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_set_up_a_custom_media_server_with_plex/ Plex is a free Mac media server and client that offers significantly more functionality and customization than Apple TV and other Mac-compatible solutions. These benefits come at the cost of slightly more complicated setup but we show you how to get up and running so you can enjoy this powerful and flexible media server. Tips, How-To, iObserver, Apple TV Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:08:50 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_to_use_secure_empty_trash_quickly_with_a_custom_keyboard_shortcut%2F&seed_title=How+to+Use+Secure+Empty+Trash+Quickly+with+a+Custom+Keyboard+Shortcut http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_use_secure_empty_trash_quickly_with_a_custom_keyboard_shortcut/ The Secure Empty Trash feature of OS X’s Finder is a powerful tool for ensuring your deleted files are truly destroyed. Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t provide it with a handy keyboard shortcut. We show you how to set one up for yourself.  Tips, How-To, Reports, Mac OS, Snow Leopard, Leopard Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:28:36 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthink_your_iphone_is_a_device_from_the_future_make_it_so%2F&seed_title=Think+Your+iPhone+is+a+Device+From+the+Future%3F+Make+it+So%26%238230%3B http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/think_your_iphone_is_a_device_from_the_future_make_it_so/ With the release of iOS5, ringtones now have their own place in the iTunes store. Star Wars tones are getting plenty of iTunes love with R2-D2 chirps and Chewbacca roars available for purchase. Well to balance the yin of The Dark Side, we present some yang from the Star Trek universe for balance. Tips, How-To, iObserver, iPhone, iOS, iTunes Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:30:24 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fios_5_adding_global_text_shortcuts%2F&seed_title=iOS+5%3A+Adding+Global+Text+Shortcuts http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/ios_5_adding_global_text_shortcuts/ Shortcuts is a great new feature in iOS that allows users to enter longer words and phrases by tapping a shortcut. David Winograd shows you how to turn it on and how to set up your own shortcuts on your iPhone or iPad. Tips, How-To, TMO Quick Tip, iObserver, iPhone, iOS, iPad Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:02:53 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow-to_use_siri_or_dictation_to_speak_your_tweets%2F&seed_title=How-To+Use+Siri+%28or+Dictation%29+to+Speak+Your+Tweets http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how-to_use_siri_or_dictation_to_speak_your_tweets/ One of the very few complaints we saw over the weekend regarding Siri was the inability to use Apple’s voice control technology to tweet. It turns out, however, that there is a way to use Siri to tweet. Even if you don’t want to set it up, however, iPhone 4S owners can always use the Dictation feature on iPhone 4S to speak your tweets, and Bryan Chaffin shows you how. Tips, How-To, Reports, iObserver, iPhone Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:15:37 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_to_erase_your_iphone_before_sale_or_trade%2F&seed_title=How+to+Erase+Your+iPhone+Before+Sale+or+Trade http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_erase_your_iphone_before_sale_or_trade/ Planning to sell or trade in your old iPhone once the new 4S arrives tomorrow? We show you how to erase the old phone first so that your personal information remains protected. Tips, How-To, iObserver, iPhone Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:01 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftmo_ios_5_upgrade_guide%2F&seed_title=TMO+iOS+5+Upgrade+Guide http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tmo_ios_5_upgrade_guide/ With the release of iOS 5 just hours away, there’s plenty to think about before upgrading to the newest version of Apple’s mobile device operating system. We’ve put together this guide to help you decide when to upgrade, and what you need to do to be prepared when the time comes. Tips, How-To, iObserver, iPhone, iOS, iPad, iPod Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:45:33 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fuse_both_10.6_and_10.7_on_the_same_mac%2F&seed_title=Use+Both+10.6+and+10.7+on+the+Same+Mac http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/use_both_10.6_and_10.7_on_the_same_mac/ Have Lion installed on your Mac but miss Snow Leopard?  Old applications not running on Lion?  We show you several methods for bringing Snow Leopard back to your Mac, including some that grant you the Zen of running both! Tips, How-To Sun, 09 Oct 2011 08:00:24 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fanswers%2Fhow_to_restore_ios_application_data_from_an_ios_backup%2F&seed_title=How+To+Restore+iOS+Application+Data+from+an+iOS+Backup http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/answers/how_to_restore_ios_application_data_from_an_ios_backup/ Douglas lost important iOS app data during an upgrade.  We show him how to recover and restore that data using simple third-party applications. Tips, How-To, MGG Answers Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:33 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fusing_boot_modifier_keys_with_bluetooth_keyboards%2F&seed_title=Using+Boot+Modifier+Keys+with+Bluetooth+Keyboards http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/using_boot_modifier_keys_with_bluetooth_keyboards/ Listener Bob sends in a helpful tip on getting a Mac’s boot modifier keys to work with Bluetooth keyboards. Tips, How-To, TMO Quick Tip Thu, 06 Oct 2011 07:59:34 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fanswers%2Fhow_to_change_tab_behavior_in_os_x%2F&seed_title=How+to+Change+Tab+Behavior+in+OS+X http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/answers/how_to_change_tab_behavior_in_os_x/ Randy got a new Mac with Lion but now using the Tab key doesn’t have the same effect as it did on his old Mac.  We show him how to restore the Tab key’s functionality. Tips, How-To, MGG Answers Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:00:55 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fskype_chat_power_tips%2F&seed_title=Skype+Chat+Power+Tips http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/skype_chat_power_tips/ Skype Chat is a universal and powerful chat client.  We show you some “under the hood” tips to get the most from your chatting experience! Tips, How-To Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:08:46 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_to_resolve_user-level_permissions_issues_mac_os_x%2F&seed_title=How+to+Repair+User-Level+Permissions+in+Mac+OS+X http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_resolve_user-level_permissions_issues_mac_os_x/ Permissions and Access Control Lists (ACLs) regulate user and system access in OS X.  Repairing Permissions from Disk Utility is easy, but how can you reset your ACLs, which control permissions for all user-level objects?  We show you a quick tip on where Apple hides this handy function in Snow Leopard and Lion. Tips, How-To Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:08:31 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fstep_by_step_mac_pro_processor_upgrade%2F&seed_title=Step+by+Step%3A+Mac+Pro+Processor+Upgrade http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/step_by_step_mac_pro_processor_upgrade/ With his 2009 Mac Pro getting a bit long in the tooth, MGG Jim decided to attempt major elective surgery to bring the old gal back to fighting shape.  We share his experience and demonstrate how to get a large boost in speed for a relatively small deduction from your wallet. Tips, How-To Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:50:01 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fosx_lion_pmset_shows_app_imposed_sleep%2F&seed_title=Mac+Insomnia%3F+Use+pmset+To+Discover+The+Reason http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/osx_lion_pmset_shows_app_imposed_sleep/ The small but powerful pmset command lets you change nearly every aspect of your Mac’s power-management settings as well as troubleshoot existing power-management and sleep issues.  We show you how! Tips, How-To Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:15:20 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fos_x_lion_tweak_airdrop_to_work_on_ethernet%2F&seed_title=OS+X+Lion%3A+Tweak+AirDrop+to+Work+on+Ethernet http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/os_x_lion_tweak_airdrop_to_work_on_ethernet/ Apple’s OS X Lion introduced a nice new feature called AirDrop. It allows users to drag and drop files between modern Macs with no configuration, using Wi-Fi Direct. However, it will also work on Ethernet if you tweak a system preference. That’s helpful for users of older Macs without the newest Wi-Fi hardware. Tips, How-To, Reports, Mac OS, Lion Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:15:32 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fsnow_leopard_didnt_die_-_how_about_some_tips%2F&seed_title=Snow+Leopard+Didn%26%238217%3Bt+Die+-+How+About+Some+Tips%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/snow_leopard_didnt_die_-_how_about_some_tips/ Some people are still happily using Snow Leopard thank you very much, and they are tired of being ignored. In this installment of Computing with Bifocals, Nancy Carroll Gravley offers up a few good tips to spice up their lives.  Tips, How-To, Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals, Reports, Mac OS, Lion, Snow Leopard Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:10:23 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fios_file_sharing_unleashed%2F&seed_title=iOS+File+Sharing+Unleashed%21 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/ios_file_sharing_unleashed/ When Apple introduced iOS 5 and iCloud at the WWDC last June, it promised to “cut the cord” that bound iOS devices to the Mac. With that in mind, Ted Landau asks: “Is there a way to cut the cord for file transfers among iOS devices of all iOS files — including iOS app package and system files?” The answer is a resounding yes! The one caveat is that you will have to jailbreak your iOS devices. Tips, How-To, Columns and Opinions, Ted Landau's User Friendly View, iObserver, App Store, iPhone, iCloud, iOS, iPad Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:46:24 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwrite_c_c_on_mac_with_eclipse_no_xcode%2F&seed_title=Write+C%2FC%2B%2B+on+Mac+with+Eclipse%2C+no+Xcode http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/write_c_c_on_mac_with_eclipse_no_xcode/ Apple’s Xcode development system is superb for developing applications, but sometimes you just want to write C or C++ code for research or school. Composing with vi is no longer acceptable, so users in this frame of mind are now using Eclipse, a modern IDE, that’s also free.  Here’s how to get gcc without installing Apple’s Xcode and then install Eclipse for C/C++ programming. Tips, How-To Thu, 01 Sep 2011 09:00:38 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fos_x_lion_auto_save_and_versions%2F&seed_title=OS+X+Lion%3A+Using+Auto+Save+and+Versions http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/os_x_lion_auto_save_and_versions/ Apple’s completely changed the way that saving a document works in Lion. In Snow Leopard, you hit Command-S, and you were done for the day. If the program crashed or if you didn’t save before you quit, you were mostly out of luck. Ah, the good ol’ days! It’s not nearly so simple now—“Save a Version”? “Browse All Versions”? Melissa Holt has been digging through Lion’s new Versioning features and has figured out what you need to know, and where the headaches are, too. Tips, How-To, Reports, Mac OS, Lion Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:35:38 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fconvert_between_file_types_without_an_app_part_ii%2F&seed_title=Convert+Between+File+Types+Without+an+App%2C+Part+II http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/convert_between_file_types_without_an_app_part_ii/ Sometimes, we find ourselves having to convert from one file type to another, and the app we have at hand, by Murphy’s Law, doesn’t have the particular conversion we want. Then, searching for a free, reliable app and learning how to do the conversion is a tedious process. In Part I, we discussed text files. Here’s how convert some common graphics file types without all that fuss. Tips, How-To Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:00:28 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fconvert_between_file_types_without_an_app_part_i%2F&seed_title=Convert+Between+File+Types+Without+an+App%2C+Part+I http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/convert_between_file_types_without_an_app_part_i/ Sometimes, we find ourselves having to convert from one file type to another, and the app we have at hand, by Murphy’s Law, doesn’t have the particular conversion we want. Then, searching for a free, reliable app and learning how to do the conversion is a tedious process. Here’s how to do it without all that fuss. Tips, How-To Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:02:41 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fcreate_manage_ibooks_new_release_alerts%2F&seed_title=Create+%26amp%3B+Manage+iBook%26%238217%3Bs+New+Release+Alerts http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/create_manage_ibooks_new_release_alerts/ Future book releases in iBooks can be earmarked with an alert. You’ll get an e-mail when the book is available. It’s simple to do. Tips, How-To, iObserver, iPhone, iPad, iPod Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:30:15 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fplay_hide_n_seek_with_lion_preference_panes%2F&seed_title=Play+Hide+%26%238216%3Bn+Seek+with+Lion+Preference+Panes http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/play_hide_n_seek_with_lion_preference_panes/ Ever since OS X 10.0 Chetah, System Preferences has displayed a fixed set of baseline Preference Panes plus user additions. The baseline set has changed a bit throughout the years, but nothing fundamental has changed with the User Interface. Lion adds a new trick — the ability to hide selected Preference Panes. Tips, How-To, Reports, Mac OS, Lion Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:05:53 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fos_x_lion_change_the_dashboard_background_graphic%2F&seed_title=OS+X+Lion%3A+Change+the+Dashboard+Background+Graphic http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/os_x_lion_change_the_dashboard_background_graphic/ The default pattern for Lion’s Dashboard graphic is a rather bland Lego pattern. There’s no system setting to change it, but you can do it yourself. All you need is Administrator privileges. Tips, How-To, Reports, Mac OS, Lion Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:30:07 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fos_x_lion_change_mission_control_desktop_graphic%2F&seed_title=OS+X+Lion%3A+Change+Mission+Control+Desktop+Graphic http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/os_x_lion_change_mission_control_desktop_graphic/ Mission Control in OS X Lion combines Spaces, Exposé, and Dashboard from Snow Leopard. It takes some getting used to, especially with respect to creating and changing the background graphic, Wallpaper if you will, of each Desktop (Space). Here’s how. Tips, How-To, Reports, Mac OS, Lion Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:30:32 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhowto&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fos_x_lion_change_login_screens_dirty_linen%2F&seed_title=OS+X+Lion%3A+Change+Login+Screen%26%238217%3Bs+Dirty+Linen http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/os_x_lion_change_login_screens_dirty_linen/ The login screen in Snow Leopard has a beautiful picture of an aurora. It’s colorful and awesomely technical. Lion changes that to a bland display called linen. If you want to change your linen, here’s how. Tips, How-To, Reports, Mac OS, Lion Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:45:16 -0400