Safari browser in Windows

Apple has finally released a version of Mac Safari that runs on Windows. The look and feel emulates the OS X version pretty good; however, I’ve given up on it [and back to using Firefox]. There’s a lot of bugs that need to be fixed! For example, on dual LCD Safari will not maximize on the secondary monitor; I also get weird errors when viewing the Black Hat website; it seems too sluggish just like iTunes [on Windows].

Here’s a screenshot:

Understandably, it’s still in beta and can be excused…but thanks to Google, beta has pretty much lost its meaning these days… 😉

Mac OS X verbose mode on boot

If you, like me, come from a strong Linux background and have recently migrated to Mac OS X, then I think you’ll really find this tip helpful.

As you may know, the OS X boot sequence details is hidden from the user by default; you basically only see the Apple logo and a load status bar. 

Well, when used to Linux’s very detailed boot sequence, you kinda look for the same thing in any operating system, especially with OS X since it’s practically a *nix variant, i.e., Darwin.

So googling for more info, I found 2 ways to handle this:

  1. On the fly (non-permanent) – To see it only when you want to, hold down CMD + v after you’ve hit the power button.  Hold it down just until you see the text on the screen.
  2. Permanent – To see it every time OS X boots, do the following:
    1. Open a terminal window.
    2. Type and execute sudo nvram boot-args=”-v”.
    3. Reboot your computer.

That’s it!  Option #2, BTW, can be rolled-back, so don’t worry.

‘Till my next post, take it easy.  =0)

OS X Leopard will not be released at WWDC in June

I’ve been running Tiger OS X on my MacBook Pro since I got it and because I’m an early-adopter type of person, I’m pretty excited to install and check out Leopard (new toy!).  Unfortunately, due to Apple‘s push of the iPhone, Leopard won’t be released at the WWDC this coming June.  Instead it will be some time in October.

WWDC stands for Worldwide Developers Conference and is a yearly conference hosted by Apple to showcase their creations.

According to news on the Apple Hot News website, the delay is due to the iPhone team borrowing Mac OS X’s software engineering and QA resources to get the iPhone released on time.  The reason, they say, is that the iPhone contains the most sophisticated software ever devised on a mobile phone.  We’ll see.

In any case, I applaud Apple for making the right decision to delay Leopard so they can deliver the quality that we, the consumers, expect.  Here’s their statement:

We think it will be well worth the wait.  Life often presents tradeoffs, and in this case we’re sure we’ve made the right ones.

So what can you learn from these guys?  Quality over quantity.  Good going Apple!  =0)

Essential OS X tools

Since my conversion to Mac OS X at home, I’ve been coming across and using some essential or must-have tools to get the most out of my Mac.

Here’s my list in no particular order:

  • Firefox – Best browser by far!
  • StuffIt Expander – Like WinRAR/WinZip in Windows.
  • coconutBattery – Gives you definitive information about your battery.
  • Cyberduck – Best FTP and SFTP client.
  • ClamXav – Free virus checker for OS X (not that you really need it).
  • Adium – The only instant messenger client you’ll ever need.
  • Burn – Application that will take care of all your burning needs.
  • Handbrake – Open-source DVD to MPEG-4 converter.
  • MacJanitor – The janitor who will clean up your Mac regularly.
  • Remote Desktop Connection – You’ll need this if you need to control Windows machines.
  • Service Scrubber – An excellect service manager.
  • Senuti – Will assist you in transferring your music from your iPod to your computer.
  • Chicken of the VNC – Best VNC client for OS X.

That’s it! Hopefully, you find this list helpful, but more importantly, it will enhance your OS X experience exponentially.

Put your Mac to sleep via e-mail

You’re at work, with no remote control access/capability to your Mac at home, brown-outs are occurring, and you forgot to plug it into a power strip due to some unknown reason last night.  What do you do?  Well, read on…

With some preparation, you can take advantage of Apple’s Mail‘s rules feature to run an AppleScript on a filtered message next time.  Here’s how:

  1. Type this script using the Script Editor:
  2. tell application “Finder”

    display dialog “This computer will go to sleep in 1 minute.”  buttons {“Sleep”, “Cancel”} default button 2 giving up after 60

    sleep

    end tell

  3. Save the file somewhere.  I suggest Documents/Scripts (create the folder if it doesn’t exist and start saving all your useful scripts in here).
  4. Open up Apple Mail and navigate to Preferences > Rules > Add Rules.
  5. Copy and setup the following rules based on the screenshot below:
  6. Fig. 1.1 – Apple Mail’s Add Rule window

    Apple Mail rules

  7. Apply the changes and minimize Apple Mail.
  8. That’s it!  All you have to do now is send yourself an e-mail with “Sleep My Mac” as the subject with the message of “Go to sleep” from anywhere.

One caveat: For this to work, Apple Mail will need to be running (minimized is fine). 

Hopefully, you find this tip helpful and empowering.  Now back to work!  =0)