http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/features/tips/ en The Mac Observer Copyright 2009 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:06:49 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmac_os_x_getting_the_most_out_of_the_fonts_window%2F&seed_title=Mac+OS+X%3A+Getting+the+Most+Out+of+the+Fonts+Window http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/mac_os_x_getting_the_most_out_of_the_fonts_window/ Mac OS X’s Fonts Window, which is accessible from many programs by hitting Command-T, makes handling and choosing your fonts easier. (Note that we didn’t suggest that anything about fonts is ever actually easy.) In this article, Melissa Holt will show you some secrets of that little window and how to use them to your best advantage. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, Reports, Mac OS, Lion, Snow Leopard Fri, 25 May 2012 08:25:01 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fanswers%2Fhow_to_fix_corrupted_imap_attachments_in_apple_mail%2F&seed_title=How+to+Fix+Corrupted+IMAP+Attachments+in+Apple+Mail http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/answers/how_to_fix_corrupted_imap_attachments_in_apple_mail/ Mac Geek Gab listener Keith frequently finds his IMAP email attachments corrupted. We show him how to solve his problem using Apple Mail. Tips, MGG Answers Wed, 23 May 2012 16:21:27 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&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%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmac_os_x_handy_terminal_dock_tweaks%2F&seed_title=Mac+OS+X%3A+Handy+Terminal+Dock+Tweaks http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/mac_os_x_handy_terminal_dock_tweaks/ Using Terminal commands, you can change the default behavior of your Dock in all sorts of ways. In this tip, Melissa Holt will cover how to “pin” your Dock to a corner of your screen, how to keep any icons from being removed or added, and how to gray out the icons of hidden applications. It’s practically a tip-o-rama in here. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, Reports, Mac OS, Lion, Snow Leopard Wed, 23 May 2012 07:50:54 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fanswers%2Fhow_to_troubleshoot_connection_issues_on_public_wi-fi_networks%2F&seed_title=How+to+Troubleshoot+Connection+Issues+on+Public+Wi-Fi+Networks http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/answers/how_to_troubleshoot_connection_issues_on_public_wi-fi_networks/ All that Mac Geek Gab listener Larry wanted was to connect to an airport’s free Wi-Fi while he was waiting for his flight. Unfortunately, his MacBook Pro and the Wi-Fi network didn’t play nice. We show him some tips on how to troubleshoot connection issues on public Wi-Fi networks. Tips, MGG Answers, Reports, Mac OS, Lion, Snow Leopard, Leopard Tue, 22 May 2012 10:35:19 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmac_os_x_open_contacts_events_in_separate_windows%2F&seed_title=Mac+OS+X%3A+Open+Contacts+%26amp%3B+Events+in+Separate+Windows http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/mac_os_x_open_contacts_events_in_separate_windows/ iCal and Address Book have a feature that’ll allow you to view events or contacts in separate windows, making it a snap to compare phone numbers or event details quickly. It’s easy to use and requires little or no setup. It does, however, require that you read this tip, so you’re not getting off THAT easy, bub. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, Reports, Mac OS, Lion, Snow Leopard Fri, 18 May 2012 08:25:12 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fiphone_4s_my_favorite_siri_commands%2F&seed_title=iPhone+4S%3A+My+Favorite+Siri+Commands http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/iphone_4s_my_favorite_siri_commands/ If you have an iPhone 4S and you don’t use Siri much, Melissa Holt is disappointed in you. So disappointed, in fact, that she’s decided to write an entire tip on her favorite uses for Apple’s friendly personal assistant. She hopes by doing so that she can convince you to start talking to your electronics in public—after all, the more people start doing that, the less insane she looks when she does. We’d call that a win-win. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, iObserver, iPhone, Siri Wed, 16 May 2012 08:35:23 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fitunes_adding_media_files_automatically%2F&seed_title=iTunes%3A+Adding+Media+Files+Automatically http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/itunes_adding_media_files_automatically/ iTunes has a special folder that you can use to automatically add content to your library without having to do much, really, except drop files into it. You can even tell your browser to use that folder as its default downloads location for painless importing and organization right from the Web. Nifty, huh? In this tip, you’ll learn the ins and outs of how to use this feature to make your media experience a seamless one. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, iObserver, iTunes Fri, 11 May 2012 08:25:46 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fquick_tip_rename_idevices_in_itunes_without_restoring%2F&seed_title=iTunes%3A+Rename+iDevices+in+iTunes+Without+Restoring http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/quick_tip_rename_idevices_in_itunes_without_restoring/ Turns out you’ve got a new iDevice but you already own a previous iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with the same name. While iTunes lets multiple iDevices have the same name, it can get confusing keeping track of which device is which. We show you a quick and dirty iTunes trick for renaming your device without having to restore it and start over. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, iObserver, iPhone, iOS, iTunes, iPad, iPod Wed, 09 May 2012 09:39:05 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_mail_the_mark_addresses_feature%2F&seed_title=Apple+Mail%3A+Manage+Recipients+with+the+%26%238220%3BMark+Addresses%26%238221%3B+Feature http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_mail_the_mark_addresses_feature/ Apple Mail has an interesting preference that can help prevent you from accidentally sending a private e-mail to the wrong person. It’s especially useful in offices where you might need to exchange company info between co-workers without risking that data getting out through carelessness. Melissa Holt can’t help you with deliberate acts of corporate espionage, but she might be able to keep you from copying your Uncle Martin in by accident. After all, the less he knows, the better. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, Reports, Mac OS, Lion, Snow Leopard Wed, 09 May 2012 08:35:01 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&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%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fiphone_4s_shutting_siri_up%2F&seed_title=iPhone+4S%3A+Shutting+Siri+Up http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/iphone_4s_shutting_siri_up/ Using Siri, the “intelligent personal assistant” for the iPhone 4S, is an efficient and easy way to access your contacts, get maps and weather data, and set reminders. But she can also be pretty loud, even when your phone is in silent mode. In this tip, we’ll cover how to use her settings to shut her up. No offense intended, Siri. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, iObserver, iPhone, Siri Fri, 04 May 2012 08:35:39 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&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%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fitunes_enabling_show_in_itunes_library%2F&seed_title=iTunes%3A+Enabling+%26%238220%3BShow+in+iTunes+Library%26%238221%3B http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/itunes_enabling_show_in_itunes_library/ In this tip, Melissa Holt is going to write about a Terminal trick that’ll give you the ability to jump right to a song’s artist or album in your iTunes library. Heck, even if you don’t want to use the Terminal command to switch things up, it’s still pretty cool to know about the default behavior. So come on in and be astounded! Be amazed! Be only slightly more informed! Tips, TMO Quick Tip, iObserver, iTunes Wed, 02 May 2012 08:32:53 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&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%2Ftips&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%2Ftips&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%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fiphoto_editing_images_with_an_external_program%2F&seed_title=iPhoto%3A+Editing+Images+with+an+External+Program http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/iphoto_editing_images_with_an_external_program/ Using iPhoto’s preferences, you can set up another program (like Photoshop) to edit your images, without having to pull anything out of iPhoto or import it back in when you’re done. After all, why not let iPhoto handle the file-management part of your picture library, since that’s what it’s there for? In this tip, Melissa Holt’s going to cover how to open iPhoto images with an external editor (and what’s going on behind the scenes as you do so). Tips, TMO Quick Tip Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:35:44 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwwdc_2012_tickets_what_you_need_to_know%2F&seed_title=WWDC+2012+Tickets%3A+What+You+Need+to+Know http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/wwdc_2012_tickets_what_you_need_to_know/ Apple finally announced its 2012 Worldwide Developers Conference on Wednesday, and with that announcement came a few changes to how the company is handling tickets for the event. The Mac Observer checked out this year’s ticket restrictions so you’ll know what to expect before clicking the Buy button. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, Reports, Conferences, WWDC Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:36:09 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fitunes_using_home_sharing_to_sync_content%2F&seed_title=iTunes%3A+Using+Home+Sharing+to+Sync+Content http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/itunes_using_home_sharing_to_sync_content/ It’s a confusing media-buying world out there. You purchase a song, and you want your wife to have it, too—but how? Enter Home Sharing, an easy way to transfer content to other machines in your household. Luckily for us, Home Sharing includes some options that make it pretty easy to keep your iTunes Store purchases in sync, meaning less time spent futzing around with your files and more time enjoying them. Here are some simple tips for keeping things together. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, iObserver, iTunes Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:00:15 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fessential_ipad_apps_for_the_educator%2F&seed_title=8+Essential+iPad+Apps+for+the+Educator http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/essential_ipad_apps_for_the_educator/ If you’re an educator of any kind, from grade school through the university level, you’ll find the iPad is a great portable device for everything from presenting to writing to reading to managing student relationships. Here’s a list of iPad apps and accessories every educator should have. Tips, iObserver, iPad Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:40:15 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fanswers%2Fhow_to_access_multiple_mac_user_accounts_simultaneously_from_ipad%2F&seed_title=How+to+Access+Multiple+Mac+User+Accounts+Simultaneously+from+iPad http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/answers/how_to_access_multiple_mac_user_accounts_simultaneously_from_ipad/ Mac Geek Gab listener James wants to use multiple iPads on his network to log in remotely to a single Mac, all at the same time. Impossible? No! We show James how to configure this relatively simple an incredibly useful set up. Tips, MGG Answers, Reports, Mac OS, Lion, iObserver, iPad Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:11:40 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fdisabling_java_in_older_versions_of_os_x%2F&seed_title=Disabling+Java+in+Older+Versions+of+OS+X http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/disabling_java_in_older_versions_of_os_x/ Apple’s recent Java updates address the security issues that led to the Flashback trojan outbreak and now LuckyCat, too. If you aren’t running OS X 10.6 or higher, however, there aren’t any security updates available. Disabling Java will stop hackers from taking advantage of those unpatched flaws, and it only takes a couple steps. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, Reports, Mac OS, Lion, Snow Leopard, Leopard Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:10:19 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmac_os_x_print_or_save_a_list_of_file_names%2F&seed_title=Mac+OS+X%3A+Print+or+Save+a+List+of+File+Names http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/mac_os_x_print_or_save_a_list_of_file_names/ Sometimes you need to print out a list of files in a particular folder. And sometimes you discover that it’s not at all obvious how you go about that. In this tip, Melissa Holt is going to give us some suggestions for how to do so easily and quickly, no third-party programs (or Terminal commands) required. Tips, TMO Quick Tip Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:41:51 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&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%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmac_os_x_view_an_entire_folders_contents%2F&seed_title=Mac+OS+X%3A+View+an+Entire+Folder%26%238217%3Bs+Contents http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/mac_os_x_view_an_entire_folders_contents/ Got lots of images outside of your iPhoto Library? Want to be able to see the entire contents of any folder at once? Have we got the tip for you. Using Quick Look’s Index Sheet function, you can see everything you have and find just what you’re looking for, without even having to open a program. It’s as easy as falling off a log. A really tiny, misshapen log, even. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, Reports, Mac OS, Lion, Snow Leopard Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:26:19 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&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%2Ftips&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%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmac_os_x_timed_startup_shutdown_and_sleep%2F&seed_title=Mac+OS+X%3A+Automating+Startup%2C+Shutdown+%26amp%3B+Sleep+Times http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/mac_os_x_timed_startup_shutdown_and_sleep/ Using System Preferences, you can easily set up automatic sleep, startup, and shutdown times and configure them to only happen on certain days of the week. In this tip, Melissa Holt’s gonna tell us how to do it, and we’ll all start waking up to an already-powered-on computer. Hearing the startup chime first thing in the morning might even be better than smelling fresh coffee. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, Reports, Mac OS, Lion, Snow Leopard, Leopard Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:30:39 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fflashback_trojan_making_sure_youre_safe%2F&seed_title=Flashback+Trojan%3A+Making+Sure+Your+Mac+is+Safe http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/flashback_trojan_making_sure_youre_safe/ The Flashback Trojan poses a potential threat to Mac users with older version of Java installed, and according to the Russia-based antivirus company Dr. Web, over 600,000 Macs have been been infected. Avoiding the Trojan is fairly easy to do, and checking to see if you’ve fallen victim only takes a couple steps. News, Tips, TMO Quick Tip Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:50:54 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&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%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fios_share_your_location_with_maps%2F&seed_title=iOS%3A+Share+Your+Location+with+Maps http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/ios_share_your_location_with_maps/ You can use the iOS Maps app to send your buddies the address of your current location (or any other place) very quickly. This is useful especially if you’re not using Find My Friends or if you’re sharing with someone who’s on a different device than you are. How can you use this magical feature, you ask? Melissa Holt’s going to show you how. It’s her tiny contribution to keeping people together. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, iObserver, iPhone, iOS, iPad Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:30:03 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fanswers%2Fexplaining_the_lack_of_widgets_in_ipads_notification_center%2F&seed_title=Explaining+the+Lack+of+Widgets+in+iPad%26%238217%3Bs+Notification+Center http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/answers/explaining_the_lack_of_widgets_in_ipads_notification_center/ Mac Geek Gab listener Joe upgraded his iPad to iOS 5 but finds that he’s missing some things in Notification Center. We explain why iPad users like Joe don’t have weather and stock widgets in their Notification Center and offer some thoughts on how adventerous users might obtain them. Tips, MGG Answers, iObserver, iPhone, iOS, iPad, iPod Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:51:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fos_x_lion_arranging_icons_by_date_like_a_pro%2F&seed_title=OS+X+Lion%3A+Arranging+Icons+by+Date+Like+a+Pro http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/os_x_lion_arranging_icons_by_date_like_a_pro/ Jeff Butts is a file hoarder, keeping just about every file he’s ever downloaded. When he wants to find a particular file, he usually arranges files by date to find the most recent copy. In Snow Leopard, he was used to the “Arrange by Date” contextual menu, but OS X Lion has changed how that looks. In this Quick Tip, Jeff shows how to coax OS X Lion to give the same user experience of arranging files by date as in Snow Leopard. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, Reports, Mac OS, Lion Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:50:51 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmac_pranks_for_april_fools_day%2F&seed_title=Mac+Pranks+for+April+Fools%26%238217%3B+Day%21 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/mac_pranks_for_april_fools_day/ For April Fools’ Day, Melissa Holt has put together a collection of her favorite tricks you can play on other Mac users. Pranks are silly! They’re rather juvenile! They could get you punched! Sounds fun, right? We can’t promise you’ll learn anything useful by reading this article, but we bet you’ll find a new way to irritate the people you live with. And isn’t that the best knowledge of all? Tips, TMO Quick Tip Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:25:30 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmessages_inserting_carriage_returns%2F&seed_title=Messages%3A+Inserting+Carriage+Returns http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/messages_inserting_carriage_returns/ In the Messages Beta on your Mac, if you hit Return, it sends the message you’re composing to the recipient. But what if you need to actually insert a carriage return instead? Sometimes we all need new lines, man. Here are the instructions for how you get ‘em. Tips, TMO Quick Tip Wed, 28 Mar 2012 08:25:46 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmail_hiding_synced_notes_in_your_inbox%2F&seed_title=Mail%3A+Hiding+Synced+Notes+in+Your+Inbox http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/mail_hiding_synced_notes_in_your_inbox/ Frustrated with how the notes you create on your iPhone show up in your Inbox in Apple Mail? Well, be frustrated no more. There’s a way to turn those off, and if you take a lot of notes, doing so will really clean things up. Here’s how you do it. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, Reports, Mac OS, Lion, Snow Leopard Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:20:39 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&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%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fbacking_up_calendars_and_contacts_from_icloud%2F&seed_title=Backing+Up+Calendars+%26amp%3B+Contacts+from+iCloud http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/backing_up_calendars_and_contacts_from_icloud/ Melissa Holt is insane about backups. Experience has taught her not to make any major changes—to her data or to anyone else’s—without having redundant information somewhere else. In that vein, she’s going to discuss how to back up iCloud calendars and contacts from icloud.com, which can be very handy if you’ve lost your machine or if you’ve previously synced to an iOS device but not a Mac. Be diligent about making backups, and Murphy’s Law will have no effect on you. Tips, TMO Quick Tip Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:40:31 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fos_x_lion_track_shipments_in_mail%2F&seed_title=OS+X+Lion%3A+Track+Shipments+in+Mail http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/os_x_lion_track_shipments_in_mail/ In OS X Lion, Apple has added several “data detectors” that work alongside Mail to make your Mail more interactive. In this TMO Quick Tip, Jeff Butts shows how to track your packages right from Mail. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, Reports, Mac OS, Lion Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:43:17 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_to_access_all_verizon_ipad_data_plans%2F&seed_title=How+to+Access+All+Verizon+iPad+Data+Plans http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_access_all_verizon_ipad_data_plans/ New owners of 2012 Verizon iPads, take note: you may have more data options available to you than meet the eye. Although initially presented with two choices of monthly data allotment, Verizon actually offers four, but they’re a bit hidden. We’ll show you how to access them. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, iObserver, iPad Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:40:01 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&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%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fitunes_weeding_out_duplicates%2F&seed_title=iTunes%3A+Weeding+Out+Duplicates http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/itunes_weeding_out_duplicates/ We all have duplicate songs in our iTunes libraries. Some of us have thousands of duplicates, leading to much hair-pulling and teeth-gnashing. Here at TMO, we hate it when you have to either pull hair or gnash teeth, so to that end, here’s how you can easily resolve those duplicates so that your music is as clean as a whistle. It’s easy and reasonably pain-free—we promise. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, iObserver, iTunes Fri, 16 Mar 2012 08:00:17 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fios_5_creating_photo_albums_on_your_device%2F&seed_title=iOS+5%3A+Creating+Photo+Albums+on+Your+iPhone http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/ios_5_creating_photo_albums_on_your_device/ In iOS 5, Apple has graced us with the long-asked-for ability to create albums on our mobile devices. While this is a cool and useful feature, it has at least one pretty big downside. Melissa Holt’s gonna give us the scoop on the good, the bad, and the…third thing. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, iObserver, iPhone, iOS, iPad Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:38:03 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fios_5.1_deleting_images_from_photo_stream%2F&seed_title=iOS+5.1%3A+Deleting+Images+from+Photo+Stream+%5BUpdated%5D http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/ios_5.1_deleting_images_from_photo_stream/ One welcome new feature in iOS 5.1 is the ability to delete individual pictures from Photo Stream on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. With the release of iPhoto for iOS, you’d think you could manage what’s in Photo Stream from there, but it turns out that’s not the case. Read on to learn how mobile Photo Stream image deleting really works. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, iObserver, iPhone, iCloud, iOS, iPad Mon, 12 Mar 2012 09:40:11 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fios_5.1_over_the_air_software_updates%2F&seed_title=iOS+5.1%3A+Over+the+Air+Software+Updates http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/ios_5.1_over_the_air_software_updates/ When Apple released iOS 5.1, it seems everyone with an i-device rushed to the Internet to get the update, and in the process brought Apple’s servers to their knees. Even two days later, some users are reporting trouble getting the update through iTunes, but are having much better luck with iOS 5’s over-the-air update feature. Not sure what that is? Read on to find out. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, iObserver, iPhone, iOS, iPad Fri, 09 Mar 2012 09:16:25 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_mail_finding_sorting_removing_previous_recipients%2F&seed_title=Apple+Mail%3A+Finding%2C+Sorting%2C+%26amp%3B+Removing+Previous+Recipients http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_mail_finding_sorting_removing_previous_recipients/ When Mail tries to autofill e-mail recipient addresses, a potential problem is that it doesn’t know when one you’ve used in the past is incorrect or no longer useful. Just because you contacted Eddie Bauer’s customer service seven years ago doesn’t mean you want that address as a choice when you’re trying to e-mail your friend Eddie. We can sort through and remove those old or invalid addresses pretty easily and quickly, though, so what Mail has created, let us now put asunder. Or something. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, Reports, Mac OS, Lion, Snow Leopard Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:35:04 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fios_5.1_using_the_new_lock_screen_camera%2F&seed_title=iOS+5.1%3A+Using+the+New+Lock+Screen+Camera http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/ios_5.1_using_the_new_lock_screen_camera/ When Apple introduced iOS 5, one of the many new features the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch software update included was the ability to snap photos from the lock screen, no need for pass codes. With the release of iOS 5.1, the way you access the camera changed — but only slightly. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, iObserver, iPhone, iOS, iPad Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:34:30 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fios_5_enabling_the_emoji_keyboard%2F&seed_title=iOS+5%3A+Enabling+the+Emoji+Keyboard http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/ios_5_enabling_the_emoji_keyboard/ Some of us love them. Some of us wish we could enact laws to restrict them. Emoticons are both adorable and insufferable, but either way, they’re pretty much an inescapable part of our lives these days. In iOS 5, we have the ability to turn on the Emoji keyboard without having to install any app or do much else, really, beyond just toggling a preference. Here’s Melissa Holt’s how-to on the subject. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, iObserver, iPhone, iOS, iPad Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:30:46 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Ftips&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fkeyboard_shortcuts_that_save_time_replying_to_mail_messages%2F&seed_title=Mail%3A+Quick+Keyboard+Shortcuts+for+Replying+to+Messages http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/keyboard_shortcuts_that_save_time_replying_to_mail_messages/ Do you often switch between Reply and Reply All in Apple Mail? Mac Geek Gab listener Scout sends in a great tip for Apple Mail that will save time when replying to emails. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, Reports, Mac OS, Lion, Snow Leopard Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:21:07 -0500