Mac Utilities on Leopard

Whenever there is major Mac OS upgrade, i.e Mac OS 10.5, Leopard, one must be very careful using third party disk utilities. There are many behind-the-scenes changes to the way the OS works and the third party companies must update their software to keep up.

• Apple's version of TechTool Deluxe has been updated and is available for download here
• Disk Warrior is now shipping version 4.2 which works on Leopard and they promise to have an updater available for download soon.
• Drive Genius 2 was just released today and, according to the press release, is fully Leopard compatible. It is a paid upgrade.

Even Apple's own Disk Utility can cause problems when used with incompatible systems. Due to changes in the way permissions work in Leopard, repairing permissions from Tiger on a Leopard Startup Disk will cause problems and probably render the disk unbootable.

Always make sure any utility can alter the hard drive is compatible with your system.

MacHeist Two

I said I wasn't going to do it. I already owned most of the software offered in this year's MacHeist, but, they got me again. It's a really good deal - most of the titles alone are more than you pay for all of them. There's a couple games, some very useful utilites, and a couple creative apps that are compelling. Even if you don't use all the software, it's a good deal. Plus you can always gift a portion of your purchase to someone else. AND, part of the proceeds go to charity!

Run! Don't walk! The sale is over in about a day and a half! Buy, buy, buy!

Buy NewsFire, get Inquisitor Free

That's right! The generous David Watanabe is offering several cool deals. More info here. If you use a Mac, you owe it to yourself to check out all of David's software.

Backing up is hard to do (not really!)

Losing all the data on your computer is one of those things that happens to other people. Your computer would never betray you like that. It's loyal, it loves you, it would never freeze up, explode or just delete files. Right, and I'm the richest man in the world.

Data loss happens, even on a Mac - usually at the worst possible moment (thanks Murphy!) You can protect yourself from the inevitable by creating and following a strict backup routine. Making external copies of your files by burning CDs or DVDs or using an external hard drive works well, but only if you make yourself do it.

Luckily, there are a slew of programs that can make backing up easy and painless. These applications allow you create a backup routine - define the files and/or folders you want to backup and the frequency with which they are saved, i.e., once a week, once a day, etc. Some of them are commercial applications, some are shareware/freeware.

Apple Backup (requires a .Mac account) - As a part of the benefits of a .Mac account, Apple has provided a useful and fairly powerful backup application. Backup can save to a variety of places, included CDs, DVDs, an external hard drive, or your iDisk. It has several predefined data sources, but you can include specific files or folders as well. Backup also supports scheduled backups to automate your backups.

Dantz Retrospect - Retrospect is a commercial product, and a little more expensive than the others, but that also means that they will offer better support than some of the other smaller application developers. There are several levels of Retorspect, supporting everything from a home/small office to large corporate servers. Retrospect also supports multiple destinations and scheduled backups.

You Synchronize - As the name suggests, this application focuses on synching up two data sources, one of which, presumably, is a backup. It uses a more advanced comparison technique, rather than simply using a file's modification date, which allows for a more accurate and reliable backup.

Carbon Copy Cloner - CCC is a little more hardcore than the other applications listed here, in that it was designed to create a fully bootable backup of your system. CCC is most useful in copying everything over to a new hard drive. It will make an exact duplicate of your current hard drive, including all file permissions. This application is not for the meek, don't get me wrong, it's probably the best at what it does and it can function in a workable backup routine, but it is a little more daunting to learn.

Deja Vu - Exists as a preference pane, accessible in your system preferences rather than a standalone application. It supports everything the applications support - scheduled backups, multiple files and folders, and it can even clone your entire system, similar to what CCC (mentioned below) does.

iBackup - Similar to the other applications, differing mainly in the trendy use of the "i" at the beginning of it's name. Also, it's free. It will backup files/folders, application preferences, etc, and supports scheduled backups. If you're on a budget, or are simply cheap, it's worth a look.

LaCie SilverKeeper - Also free, this oddly named application supports all the expected backup standards - schedules, multiple destinations, etc. Also worth a look, considering the price.

Another thing to consider when backing up - archives. If you use an external hard drive to back up to, what happens when the disk gets full? Some applications simply synchronize the files and folders which you are backing up, in other words, they create no new files. Others create a new backup file every time they run. These files can be very large depending on what you are backing up, and they will fill a hard drive quickly. A good backup application will allow you to set a specific number of archive to keep and then getting rid of older versions, thus saving you disk space.

My descriptions are far from complete, and I'm sure I left out some perfectly good backup applications, but this list should get you started. Take a look at each application's features, price, and usability - you have to be able to set up the application for it to work properly. And, if all else fails, call yor local Mac Consultant.

Buying The Right Mac

I have always been of the opinion that you get what you pay for, especially when it comes to technology. If you buy a $200 computer, you will have problems. There's a reason it's so cheap - it uses cheap parts. Although Macs can seem more expensive than Windows based machines, this only holds true when comparing them to poorly designed budget computers - in other words, when comparing Apples to Oranges (or lemons, as the case may be). When you look at similarly equipped Windows based machines, Macs are competitively priced and often cheaper.

So which Mac is right for you? Apple has a full line of computers developed with all levels of users in mind.

G4 Desktops

eMac (starts at $799) - if Apple made a budget machine, this would be it. Originally developed for, and only available to the education sector, Apple later released the eMac to the public as the most affordable Mac you can buy. But in this case, affordable does not mean cheap, this is a quality machine and it's all-in-one design means you won't have to buy a separate monitor. This is the only, and probably the last, Mac with a CRT monitor, which is part of what makes it so affordable. This is a good machine for a beginner, a home user who is only going to be surfing the internet, emailing, and playing a few lower end games.

Mac mini (starts at $499) - The Mac mini was designed with current computer owners in mind, particularly switchers -people who already own a mouse, keyboard and monitor. This helps to keep the price down making this Mac even more affordable then the eMac, as long as you don't buy a monitor. Again, a very nice computer for the beginner, or light home user. This computer has no user serviceable parts, so make sure you order wisely - you can't even upgrade the RAM yourself, according to Apple.

G5 Desktops

iMac G5 (starts at $1299)- One of the most well designed computers ever, the iMac G5 is a powerful all-in-one machine with Bluetooth and Airport Extreme already installed, unlike the G4 desktops in which they are available as options at an additional price. The iMac G5 has more than enough power for the beginning home user, with enough to spare for even a higher end user who wants to make home movies, music or play some higher end games.

Power Mac G5 (starts at $1499) - The most powerful computer Apple has ever made comes in four configurations ranging from "Wow" to "Holy *$#% that's fast". This machine is best suited to users who do a lot of designing, developing, and creating with their computer. It was also built to last, being the most upgradable machine Apple produces at the moment. If you are serious about what you do with your Mac, whether it's gaming, creating, or just getting your work done before anyone else even thinks of starting, this is the machine for you.

G4 Portables

iBook G4 (starts at $999) - if affordable portability is what you need, the iBook G4 is your machine. This is the notebook computer for the beginning to middle of the road user. Honestly, the new iBooks are more powerful than my current first generation 12 inch Powerbook, I would have to give these serious consideration when it comes time for me to buy a new computer. The iBooks come in two sizes - a 12 inch and a 14 inch screen. The smaller iBook is a little more portable, but the 14 inch is a little more powerful.

PowerBook G4 (starts at $1499) - All that power and portable too? The PowerBooks are the portable equivalent to the PowerMacs, top of the line notebook computers for users who need to get things done.

There are several things to consider when deciding on a new Mac: budget, primary function, importance of being able to take your work with you when you're on the move, and budget.

First take a look at how much you are willing and/or are able to spend. Be realistic - you may have a killer computer, but you'll get tired of PB&Js and ramen for dinner every night for the next three months. Decide on a budget first, then you won't be as tempted to look at something that you can't afford.

Next, look at what you want to be able to do with your computer. If you only need to access email and the internet and play the occasional game, you simply don't need the power available in a G5. On the other hand, if you plan on producing a lot of home movies, or are a professional designer, a G5 is almost a necessity, for you, time equals money and the G5 can render movies and images in a lot less money, er... time.

If you travel frequently, or you visit clients, it makes sense to look at a portable computer. If you are going to just set it on your desk and leave it there, get a desktop.

Most of these suggestions might seem like common sense, but once you get to the store, all that cool technology can overwhelm you. Just make sure you put a little thought into what you want before you go to the store, and you will have a much easier time getting the machine that best fits your needs, and desires.