Feb 13 2012

How to: Expose the /Library/ Folder in Lion

In all versions of Mac OS X, there’s a Folder named Library.  This folder contains necessary files for your Mac to run correctly.  For most users, he or she doesn’t need to ever go into this area.  But for others, the Folder can contain files or other Folders that allows developers and troubleshooters to have access to certain necessary files.

Up until 10.7, this Folder was unhidden from view.  Now (for what ever reason) Apple has decided to hide this Folder.  There are two ways that one can get to it:

1. Finder:

- Select Finder from the Dock.
- Click on “GO” and then select “Go To Folder”.
- A window will pop-up.
- Type: ~/Library/
- Another Finder window will open showing its contents.

2. Terminal:

- Go to APPLICATIONS > UTILITIES > TERMINAL.
- Type in: chflags nohidden ~/Library/

To hide the folder again, type:

chflags hidden ~/Library/

That’s it.

Feb 12 2012

How to: Install Ubuntu on the Mac (FOR FREE)

By: Dan Uff

A few weeks ago, I wrote this article on how to install Windows 8 using a 3rd party application called VirtualBox.

But what if you did not want to install Windows – but another operating system that was 100% free.

Ubuntu is a free Linux operating system that is a very good alternative to other operating systems such as Red Hat and others.  The Graphical User’s Interface is easy to learn, and like on the Mac, it too has a built in App store.  It comes with the FireFox web browser.  Again, I am going to recommend Oracle’s Virtualbox as a way to run Ubuntu on top of Mac OS X.

The following was tested on a Lion installation, but I do know it’ll work with Leopard and Snow Leopard.

Without further ado:

1.  Download VirtualBox here.
2.  Install VirtualBox as normal.
3.  Download Ubuntu here.
4.  When finished downloading, move the .iso file to the desktop.
5.  Launch Virtualbox and select NEW to create a new Virtual Drive.
6.  Follow the screens.  I suggest using the default settings for now.
7.  Name the installation “Ubuntu” when prompted.
8.  When asked where the installation file is, choose the file that’s on the desktop.
9.  Click the OK Button.
10.  When you’re back at the main menu, click the START button.
11.  The installation process should begin.
12.  Follow the installation screens from Ubuntu.

When the installation process is done, it will tell you it needs to reboot Ubuntu.  Select “OK”.  The Virtual machine will reboot, not your Mac.

That’s it.  :-)

Feb 11 2012

Another Siri wanna-be hits the Android market

Well, another Siri wanna be has hit the Android Marketplace.

This is the description for the app:

Siri (Beta) on Android. Intelligent personal assistant that helps you get things done just by asking.

SOON:
Multiple Language Input
Voice Input.
Control email, sms, calendar, etc.

Next versions for FREE.

To see the app, click here.

Feb 11 2012

What’s the difference between a locked and an unlocked iPhone?

By: Dan Uff

Ever since the iPhone 4S hit the streets (and friends of mine began getting one) I’ve been wanting to get one.  But my contract wasn’t due for a while.  While I considered paying full price for one, my financial resources weren’t good enough to justify it.

A few months later, Apple began offering unlocked iPhone 4Ss.  So, I asked myself, “what’s the difference between a locked and an unlocked phone?”  After speaking with some knowledgeable people, here’s what I have come up with:

An unlocked iPhone means:
If you’re willing to pay the full price for the cell phone, that one can use the phone on any carrier as long as one has a current cell plan.  So, for example, you have a cell phone and a plan with AT&T, and do not want to sign up for another two year contract, one can purchase an unlocked phone, take his/her sim card out of the old phone and put it in to the new one, that the new phone should activate normally.  An unlocked phone should not inter fear with your current year plan.

A locked phone means:
You have to buy the phone from the carrier, and you have to sign the carrier’s yearly or multi-year contract.

In order to buy an unlocked phone, you’ll have to purchase it from a non-cell phone company (such as Apple.com, Amazon.com, eBay.com, Sam’s Club, WalMart, etc.)

 

Feb 10 2012

Apple offering “basic” MacBook Air for Education Institutions

Apple has begun selling a new model 11-inch or 13-inch MacBook Air to educational Institutions who buy in bulk for as little as $999.00.

The model, which will be sold to education intuitions only, will fill the void lift by the MacBook (which is being discontinued soon).

For more information, call 1-800-MY-APPLE.

Feb 10 2012

Speaktoit Assistant makes app for iOS

A company called Speaktoit LLC, which makes an app that is an alternative to Siri for Android has now made a version for iOS.

The app offers more features then Siri, such as customizable Avatars and also offers more flexibility then Siri.

The app costs $1.99, and is available now.

For more information, click this iTunes Link.

Feb 10 2012

It’s official – The white MacBook is dead

(Ars Technica/CNN.COM) – The white plastic MacBook is officially dead for good after Apple notified resellers that it will no longer be available to educational institutions.

The 13-inch machine was essentially killed off for most of the public last July, but the budget laptop continued to be available to schools for the last six months. Now, however, the machine has officially been EOL’d (End of Lifed), bringing the old iBook legacy to an end once and for all.

As noted by MacRumors, Apple informed resellers of the product EOL on Wednesday, saying they had ended the educational distribution channel for the machine. It’s unlikely that Apple has been actively manufacturing white MacBooks up to this point, either — it’s not public how long the company did manufacture it (if at all) past last July, but its cancellation this week was likely due to the end of whatever remaining supply was available.

When Apple made the white MacBook unavailable to the public last year, it was on the same day the company introduced its 11-inch MacBook Air for $999 — the same price the as the MacBook. Apple doesn’t typically like to sell Macs for much cheaper than that for extended periods of time, so it was only a matter of time before the white MacBook bid the world farewell.

Feb 10 2012

NOAA getting rid of Blackberrys for iOS devices

According to the  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (or NOAA) CIO, Joseph F. Klimavicz, the organization is dumping all of its Blackberry devices in favor for iOS devices – and will also become the “official” device of the organization.

NOAA’s employees will be getting iPhones and iPads with iOS5.

The memo (dated February 5th) did not give a timeframe when they would be implementing the switch.

Feb 10 2012

Apple intros two new iPhone 4S TV Ads

Feb 9 2012

Rumor: Apple to hold iPad 3 event first week in March

A reliable source as told us that Apple is planning to have a special media event in March to announce the iPad 3.  Availability will either be immediate or at the end of the month, and be around the same price as the current model, while the iPad 2 will be discounted by $100.00 to $200.00 or so.

This same source also told us that the device is going to have a faster processor (dual or single core A6), Retina Display, and a higher-res camera on both sides for still photos and HD video.

It has been almost a year that Steve Jobs announced the iPad 2.