Staring at a desktop...all day

Often we'll spend more time looking at a computer screen than anything else during the day - in some ways a sad fact, but in other ways it's because we have lots of work to get on with and we enjoy what we do.

Having a nice calming desktop picture is always a nice addition to motivate; not too busy, not to bright - my preferred styles are plain and simple, so I thought I would share a lovely little site that often dresses my screen wallpaper:








http://simpledesktops.com/

There are thousands of wallpaper sites out there, but I really enjoy the simplicity of this site along with the great artwork. Resolutions offered 2560x1600.

Track that Mac

I was going over 'what if' scenarios the other day, and one of them happened to be 'what if my laptop got stolen'.

Mostly, there is nothing you can do other than ensure you have good passwords and great backups. However, you can install some software that 'might' help you locate your machine should it fall into the wrong hands.

There are lots of services out there that offer machine tracking and the ability to locate it once stolen. I came across Adeona which is free and open-source. I like that.

It comes in two flavours for mac; One with camera enabled, and one without. I opted for the first.

Installation was a breeze and it outputs an encrypted file that you store somewhere safe (not on your machine!). It will then periodically sign in and take a picture (the green light does briefly fire up, but it is very brief).  This data gets stored on secure servers and is encrypted to keep you safe.

I attempted the retrieve by running their software and supplied it my special 'OST' file. It went away and recovered the data including a mug shot of me, the IPs (Local and WAN) along with network information (it picked up the names of my routers etc.). 

Now this isn't necessarily going to help if your laptop is stolen. Many people may re-install the OS, or the tech savy may check for software like this before launching onto the internet. However, for free, surely it's worth it - just for the 'what if it actually works!' scenario.

MobileMe

Looks like the transfer is taking place from .Mac to MobileMe....

OS X - Snow Leopard

OK, so Apple have announced the next version of OS X - will be called Snow Leopard.

I can't say I really like the name, but the assumption I make is that it will be an 'enhanced' version of OS X Leopard, rather than a new version of OS X per se.

Sure, Apple will probably add some new features and what not, because that's what they do. A more streamlined version of Leopard, taking up less space - that's Snow Leopard.

Wonder if they will make the box white? That'd be nice.

Macs in business

I've been reading an article on CNN entitled "Why Macs aren't still right for business".

Hmm - interesting I thought - but as I read it I realised the article did not have anything except an 'eye-grabbing title'.

When you get on a Mac - you need to understand it works differently, it's not trying to be a PC, it's mannerisms are different. The article takes the standpoint that it should act and behave like a PC. No - I don't want a Mac to compromise the way it works, it's a Mac and the catchphrase "Think Different" is very apt.

The real reason the Mac is not ready for Business yet is that businesses are so entangled with code that will only run on the MS platform that it's simply not viable to run them. However, as more software turns itself to 'web-enabled', i.e. platform independent, then the Mac truly does become a business class machine.....BUT users will have to learn how to use one properly, rather than trying to make it act like a PC (in which case, just get a PC!!). Yes you can run Parallels (I do) or Fusion (I do) but it's not the proper solution,

I grew up using DOS all the way to Windows (Vista - arghhh), but when I switched soon learnt to let the Mac be a Mac and for myself learn how to use it, rather than think "it should act this way". My reward - I was a HECK of a lot more relaxed using a computer at work. No longer getting stressed over rubbish performance, BSOD, Spyware, Adware, Viruses and generally poorly designed software.

My hope, the web will evolve far quicker, which will allow Macs to take their place on the work-desk.....