http://www.lmug.org.uk/index.htmlQuestions and answers from the LMUG monthly forumenwebmaster@lmug.org.ukCopyright 2008 LMUG2009-03-15T22:59:29+00:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Mon, 12 May 2008 20:58:16 +0100webmaster@lmug.org.ukNone2009-03-15T22:59:29+00:00http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/qa.html#unique-entry-id-24http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/qa.html#unique-entry-id-24
Q. Does anyone know how to group PDF files together into a single document.
A. Free software called PDFLab
http://www.iconus.ch/fabien/products/pleng/pleng.html
or Preview - just drag them into the drawer.
There is a Macbreak Tech podcast on this topic.

Q. I let my iMac go to sleep. Each time I reawaken it, it is frozen. This is very regular. Even if I just leave it, it freezes. I tried disk utility, but it is greyed out.
A. Disk Utility > Repair Permissions, you may need to reboot using your system CD to do this. Alternatively, down load Apple Jack and use that to complete checks and permissions.
a nice summary

Q. I've had problems with System Preferences. When I go to Network, it says "You network settings have been changed by another application". Then I have to force-quit to shut it down.
A. Go into Library > Preferences and remove the preferences plist. Google on this issue, it is well know.
http://www.macfixitforums.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/459170/greyed_out_system_preferences

Q. Running 10.4.11 if you are running an Virtual PC emulator can you run a RAMdisk in it.
A. Unknown

Q. Just got an iMac. I have 10 years of business information on Quicken (accounting) on my PDA. How do I get it onto my Mac.
A. Markspace do driver software for PDA for the Mac called the MissingSync. It may allow you to shift the data over. Try using a PC Emulator such as VMWare and Parallels. There is also a program called Personal Accountz, which you can import Quicken files into.

- VMware Fusion, Run Windows on Mac via Virtualization - VMware
- The Missing Sync for Mobile Smartphones to Mac OS X and Windows Desktop for Mac
- Bookkeeping and Accounting Software made simple from Accountz]]>webmaster@lmug.org.ukNone2009-01-12T20:13:06+00:00http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/jan-2009#unique-entry-id-23http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/jan-2009#unique-entry-id-23Q. How many people are using Mobile Me? Can't get rid of Mobile Me account in mail.
A. 15/16 in the room. Sign out of System Prefs and remove your Mobile Me account from Mail.

Q. If I set up a new user account, and use the Address book, will the contact be kept separate?
A. Yes

Q. Got a MacBook Pro, less than a year old and the battery is going weak
A. Take it back

Q. Going back to Tiger from Leopard is not always possible if firmware upgrades for Leopard have been applied. Beware!

Q. Way of backing up Get Info comments?
A. Commenteer [http://www.limit-point.com/Utilities/Commenteer.html] - mostly works.

Q. Is PayPal safe, what about scammers?
A. Be wary of any email you get from a bank - usually a scam. PayPal is safe.

Q. How is the LMUG calendar done?
A. Ask Andy Lee. - done in Google calendar, once set up, Google will give you a link which you can use in iCal

Q. I have a MacBook. It occasionally froze. I upgraded it to 2GBs and suddenly the screen just blanks out, and it won't start. Of course, when I took it to Apple, it worked fine.
A. One member's problem was with the Memory (from ComputerWarehouse). Memory had to be replaced (under warranty). Check that the memory is compatible.

Q. I often go into the BBC web site, and when I want to play something it has a little circle (loading) and it doesn't load. I don't know what is going wrong.
A. iPlayer needs a fast internet connection, check you Wifi signal, upgrade to the latest version of Flash (google for Flash), or try a different web browser (e.g. Firefox).

Q. Has anyone got a Bluray Player?
A. No.

]]>webmaster@lmug.org.ukNone2006-07-17T20:03:47+01:00http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/jul-2006#unique-entry-id-22http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/jul-2006#unique-entry-id-22Q. Can’t log into LMUG members area
A. try, try again - tested and works correctly, on this machine at least!

Q. Keep getting can’t connect to Internet. I have BT Online, what’s wrong?
A. One member couldn’t connect to the internet with his 24-inch iMac. Sent to repair by Apple, but still got the message intermittently. So, now he pulls out the ethernet cable to re-set it (15 seconds). However, you should not pull out the cable. Instead, turn off and turn on the router. But depending on your router, it might not have an on/off switch - be careful.
If it works on one computer and not another, change the cable!

Q. Problem burning DVDs. I can produce a perfect disc image, burn it at the slowest speed and always fails at verification. I then get a playable but unreliable disc. Using iDVD. Tried different discs (Verbatim, Maxwell, TDK).
A. Try different software. May be a mechanical problem -> Apple, but may be cheaper to just get an external DVD burner/re-writer. Test the drive by burning some files (e.g. word docs) to the drive. This will tell you if the hardware is faulty.

Q. Acquired a cheap G4 Cube with Tiger and OS9. I installed VPC 5, with Win 3.11. This crashed the computer. I ran disc utility and Norton. Norton trashed the disc (OS9/OSX incompatibility). Ran conflict catcher and it caused problems re-building the desktop - crashing. Conflict catcher would load the first extension, itself, then shut down, restart and load a different CC set! Then CC reports no conflicts at all! Is this a sign of the power of Bill Gates?
A. This sounds like an article for SoundByte!

Q. Under OS X is there a start up folder? Where is it?
A. System Preferences/Accounts/Login Items.

Q. Where do you find Xerxes frameworks for OS X?
A. Xerxes is an XML parser developed by Apache, so try the Apache web site.

Q. Has any one else tried Bootcamp?
A. Works fine for the list manager. Tried Vista etc. Used for work, seemed fine. NB, you’ll need to purchase a copy of Windows - license is for 1 machine only - you’d be foiled by activation. OEM version is cheapest. Requires XP or Vista.

Q. Was browsing the web (as you do) and found http://clusty.com/ This auto-categorieses your search results into contextual clusters displayed on the left

Q. Received a Universal Disc Format disc with pictures of my children, can’t open on the Mac.
A. This is a Windows Vista format - appears to be not compatible with Macs.]]>webmaster@lmug.org.ukNone2006-02-17T19:59:00+00:00http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/feb-2006#unique-entry-id-21http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/feb-2006#unique-entry-id-21Q. I have some junk on my desktop, I want to know if it is safe to trash them.
A. It depends on what it is. If you have installed it the software, you can trash it. Create a Download folder in your Documents folder and direct Safari to use it (Preferences >General >Save Downloaded Files to...)

Q. I can print documents that were created in Classic but not otherwise.
A. First, is it compatible with Mac OS X? Try GIMP Print - find on Google or Foomatic for alternative printer drivers. Check on printer web site, there may be a OS X specific driver.

Q. If I download a .pdf, I get an error type 2 if I try to print it.
A. Try opening the document in Preview

Q. Still on 10.2 (G3) and can’t use an iPod I just bought. I have a PowerPC with 512MB, can I put Tiger on.
A. Yes. Note it is not a free upgrade, but you may find a cheaper copy on eBay, or look on www.macsales.co.uk.

Q. Since I applied for my free MacExpo ticket, I get 2x3 times the amount of spam. Am I alone in this?
A. Yes. Recent spam is .gif images of adverts. Is definitely related to MacExpo: member used a unique email address to sign up for the Expo.

Q. I have an iMac (4-5 years old). I am getting a new one this week. Can I just load the old software e.g. AppleWorks on the new one.
A. Yes AppleWorks works (but Intel Macs cannot run Classic software).

Q. I have a G3 clamshell iBook Mac OS 9.1 - trying to connect to a credit card sized Lacie ‘orange card’ hard drive. The machine freezes up when I try to use it for back-up.
A. May be troublesome if the back-up is trying to backup system files. Try maybe, running the back-up software off a boot disc. Also make sure that your back-up software matches your operating system. Boot discs usually are tied to a specific Mac OS version.

Q I have a simple Excel file on my Mac. When I type in [don’] It launches a Word Macro.
A. Turn off auto-complete

Q. Does anyone use Audacity, I can’t play aiff in iTunes.
A. Burn them to CD first.]]>webmaster@lmug.org.ukNone2008-10-17T19:32:25+01:00http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/oct-2008#unique-entry-id-20http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/oct-2008#unique-entry-id-20Q. Mac shifts the IP address each time it is turned off.
A. Lock it to the Router. This is configured on the Router.

Q. Are iChat messages stored on the computer?
A. Try Chax to extend iChat to store logs.

Q. Cannot maintain the off state for the Spotlight menu keyboard shortcut after a restart. Also affect keyboard modifiers in Keyboard Pane in System Preferences
A. Try trashing the System Preferences preferences file (plist).

Q. If you are behind a proxy firewall, iTunes 8 will not get onto the Internet. Also Front Row has never worked through a proxy firewall either.
A. ??

Q. Occasionally my icons on the desktop freezes. Finder is fine, have trashed Finder preferences and updated OS and not cured. Running network drives, but they don't freeze.
A. Check Activity Monitor to identify what is hanging.

Q. The names of my documents get abbreviated to a few letters, occasionally. It clears quickly usually, but it a nuisance.
A. May be a driver problem.

Q. When I try to sync using MobileMe, when I travel, the times get mixed up. It works fine in Mail, as does contacts, but calendar gets mixed up.
A. Sounds like a preferences issue.

Q. There was an article in SoundByte saying how easy it is to extend an Airport network. But can't now get Airport Extreme to work with a Airport Express.

Q. Got a hard drive directory error, can't be fixed with Disk Warrior etc.
A. ProSoft Disk Rescue?

Q. Anyone looking at video on their computer?
]]>webmaster@lmug.org.ukNone2008-12-17T19:28:48+00:00http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/dec-2008#unique-entry-id-19http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/dec-2008#unique-entry-id-19Q. Can you download the latest Safari and will it work in Tiger
A. Yes, it works with Tiger. http://www.apple.com/safari/download/

Q. How to put slide show still pictures onto DVD.
A. You can do it in Toast. iDVD will also do it.

Q. ._DSstore files. Finder comments. Sometimes my comments are deleted by installations. Can I back these up and restore them?
A. The installer might be writing to the .DSstore file. In any regard, unfortunately, the comments will disappear. DSstores are generally problematic.

Q. Sometimes when I try to open a file, it asks me to choose the application, but it also says Go to. What does this mean?
A. A feature of ...earlier...versions of Mac OS X. It is a field where you can type a file path (unix file location).

Q. When I try to call someone on Skype, it crashes. What I can I do?
A. Maybe an OS problem? Skype is very sensitive to the OS version. A new version of Skype may not work well with an older version of the Mac OS.]]>webmaster@lmug.org.ukNone2008-12-17T19:28:21+00:00http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/dec-2008#unique-entry-id-18http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/dec-2008#unique-entry-id-18Q. I've heard of problems of Internet Security. What's a good program for internet security on the Mac. Any other tips?
A. Turn on your Firewall. Keep Mac OS X up-to-date.

Q. I got a new computer (iMac) and iPhoto prints (HP Photosmart) come out dark. Any ideas on how to fix this?
A. Try printing from Preview to see if there is a difference. In most programs, the screen for viewing is too bright, to correct this you need to 'colour-correct' the screen (try Calibration in System Preferences -> Monitors). Check your printer drivers.

Q. I have a moribund Epsom Laser printer. It worked ok till a week ago. I think I need to buy a new one. I need an all-in-one. I spent some time in the Apple Store, and I'm bewildered. Help! (Don't want another Epsom).
A. HP is very good. Will likely have to get an inkjet system. Inkjet direct will give you a free printer if you buy £60 of ink (based in Jersey).

Q. I'm finding a few niggling things in Neo Office. Are there any helpful resources? How do I change the language.
A. If it's hard to change the language, it is probably emulating MS Office!]]>webmaster@lmug.org.ukNone2008-08-11T19:32:25+01:00http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/aug-2008#unique-entry-id-16http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/aug-2008#unique-entry-id-16Q. I switched from a Windows Machine in March, and the applications used to be .exe files. Now they are .DMG. What do I do, do I just drag it into the Applications Folder?
A. It depends. DMG is just a disk image. When applications are a single file, you can just drag and drop to either install or deinstall. Or it will be an installer that you double-click to install.

Q. I got a new Mac Pro. I plugged my printer into my Airport, but I cannot find it on my laptop.
A. You need to check your Airport Administration software to check that sharing is enabled.

Q. I have a file in Users/Library called Mirrors, it is getting big.
A. This is related to iDisk syncing. It will mirror the size of your iDisk.

Q. What happens with Time Machine gets full?
A. It deletes the oldest files first, except for the very first backup.

Q. I have a Canon i560. If I try to print in colour it goes haywire, intermittently.
A. Try trashing the preferences list - assuming it is related to the printer software. If it is the same on a different machine (it is attached to), then it is a hardware issue. Do a test print to check the hardware.]]>webmaster@lmug.org.ukNone2008-07-14T19:57:37+01:00http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/jul-2008#unique-entry-id-15http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/jul-2008#unique-entry-id-15Q. When I shut down my G4 Mirror front, it starts up in the middle of the night.
A. Had a problem a few days ago about sleep. Apple said push the power button for 7 seconds with the battery removed. It should reset the power management unit (PMU). May be due to Elgato software checking for TV schedules at night.

Q. Eudora crashes 10.5. It is caused by the sound files.
A. Remove the Eudora sounds, and replace them with Apple sounds. Alternatively try Penelope .

Q. I recently put a password on my login. It seems to have spread like a plague, something about a keychain.
A. Keychain collects all your password, and lets you unlock all of them using your single login password. E.g. Safari, Airport networks, etc. Reset the password by going to Keychain Access, then preferences, then General Tab, then press the RESET MY KEYCHAIN button.

Q. I want to write some AppleScripts. Is there a good book to recommend?
A. AppleScript for Dummies, AppleScript in a Nutshell, AppleScript the definitive guide, Authors: Rosembaum; Worx; Pogue.

Q. Using Tiger on a Mac Book Pro I use Get Info to comment my files, but periodically, all the comments disappear from the Applications folder. All I know is that they are stored in the .ds store files. Permissions are OK.
A. Hunch that it might be related to system maintenance utilities (Onyx, Cocktail). There is a command in Onyx to clean .ds files, check that this is NOT set. May be related to installation routines for new applications.

Q. Sending as PDF to people with Windows, I inadvertently dragged 3 PDFs into the body of the email. Windows users couldn't read them.
A. Probably due to their email client? Should(!) show up as attachments at the other end.

Q. I had the computer for 18 months with 10.4.1. I've had many software updates, but never for 10.4.1.
A. Download the Combo Update (check you get the right processor version PPC or Intel) from Apple, back-up your Mac, repair permissions and install the combo upgrade.

Q. What is the best application for writing text and dragging pictures into the body of the file?
A Pages

Q. I upgraded and want my old Safari back. I miss webstractor, which is a web page grabber - doesn't work with Safari 3 or Leopard.
A. Drag and drop and old version of the software.]]>webmaster@lmug.org.ukNone2008-06-09T19:05:04+01:00http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/jun-2008#unique-entry-id-14http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/jun-2008#unique-entry-id-14Q. Does anyone know how to create a weblink in Entourage email
A. Missing in action! [http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.mac.office.entourage/browse_thread/thread/1a2622a8020c9564/c0f54dbf4045f51a]

Q. I'd like to know how to print from a Vista PC to a printer attached to a Mac? Printer appears in Vista.
A. First step is to share the printer (Sharing in System Preferences), then install the printer as normal on Vista (Add New Printer). You may need to fiddle with the settings in Vista for network printing, for example configuring the IP address. It is preferable to have a static unique IP address for the printer.

Q. I'm interested in comparing iMovie and Final Cut. Any experience?

Q. I am trying to burn a CD in 10.4. It won't work.
A. May be copy protected. Try using Toast. Do a test burn of a single file to check that the drive is working correctly.

Q. I have an Epson Stylus R200 which has stopped working.
A. There are ink pads in the base of the machine. When they get full of ink, the printer stops working. It is £30 for the pad with £30/hour engineering work for 3 hours. Cheaper to get a re-furb for £49. Cause of the clogging up is the use of non-Epson cartridges which have a special valve. Apparently the printer can be hacked to ignore the pads, there is software for this, but it is Windows only.

Q I run 10.2.8, so I got a new printer, but it doesn't work, so I thought I'd get 10.5, but my machine is too slow, but Apple won't sell 10.4.
A. You might be able to install 10.5 on a different machine, and then onto the slower machine.

Q. I'm on 10.3.9, what do I need to do to upgrade to 10.5.
A. Make sure you remove all third-party software - best to do a clean install. Beware of Eudora.

Q. Apple is doing a world tour demo of Final Cut Studio 2. It was fantastic, a 2 hour show and really good.]]>webmaster@lmug.org.ukLMUG - Home2008-05-12T20:53:56+01:00http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/may-2008#unique-entry-id-13http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/may-2008#unique-entry-id-13Q. Why do imported loops sound different in GarageBand? If listened in the loop browser it sounds right...the instrument changes.
A. No GarageBand users in the audience.

Q. I recently took some photos, but the dial on my Sony Camera slipped so I took video, which was lower quality. Can I get the quality back?
A. The resolution is lower for video, the quality is lost. Try interpolation in Photoshop, but it can't create extra detail. There is no secret magic.

Q. I'm using 10.2.8 on a 5-year old iMac, I want a new printer, but they all require 10.3 or later. Is it safe to upgrade to Leopard yet?
A. Yes, but you should Google for CUPS and look for a driver for your printer. Leopard requires a G4 867.

Q. I found recently, if I sleep my computer, it often turns off computer. Is this a warning on something going wrong?
A. Try different USB peripherals.

Q. I just built a website through iWeb. How do I make Google find my website.
A. Get a Google account and look for webmaster tools. Remember to submit your site to Google, it won't show up immediately.

Q. I got iListen, and it was buggy. Is iDictate any better?
A. iDictate is reportedly much better.

Q. I collect free software on DVD. Let me know if you want some. Second question - are there any QuickSilver users, it didn't look very impressive?
A. QuickSilver is more than the interface you see, and it's the hidden bits that people are excited over.

Q. Is Dorian's book still available?
A. He should be contact-able by email.

Q. I got a message saying 'your MSN database is damaged'. What does this Entourage error mean?
A. Try rebuilding the Entourage database]]>webmaster@lmug.org.ukLMUG - Home2007-11-15T21:00:00+00:00http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/nov-2007#unique-entry-id-12http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/nov-2007#unique-entry-id-12Q. I bought an iPhone in New York. Someone told me I can't use it in the UK. I'm being told that I can't use it with Vodaphone (the French can, why can't I?).
A. You'll have to hack it to run it on a network other than O2. Look for JailBreak. If you can going the web with the iPhone go to Jailbreakme.com. There is a program there which will unlock the phone for you.

Q. I just bought Leopard, do you need to do the back up yourself?
A. Yes - always, always backup before installing and operating system.

Q. I have a G5 and G4, I can put them next to each other, I get a WIFI signal with the G4 and the G5 is intermittent. Why? It is connected to a wireless router.
A. There may be some interference affecting one of the machines. Either external (microwaves, fridges), or maybe from the materials the Mac is made from. Log into the router and try changing the Channel number to 1, 6, 13 (avoid 11).

Q. We've heard about the first Trojan. Is this the end of innocence for the Mac, is there more to come.
A. It can only get worse. Even as a Mac User, you still need to be aware of exploits, trojans and dodgy websites. Avoid following links to websites, try to make sure you can see the full URL. Alternatively use the openDNS.com anti-phishing service.

Q. How do you operate email or the web browser.
A. All configured automatically when you plug it in.

Q. I've been dragging photos onto the Photoshop Elements 2 icon to edit photos. Recently it says: an error has occurred when trying to download a files from Adobe online...bad request etc. I've been told the re-install it, which I've done 4 times, but I get the same message. The message freezes the program, requiring a force quit to exit. Help.
A. Have you tried Repairing Disc Permissions. (Applications: Utilities: Disk Utility. Select your Hard Disk and then Repair Permissions).

Q. Does the iPhone support secure IMAP, and LDAP.
A. ?

Q. Any replacement for Eudora for Leopard?
A. Try Thunderbird.

]]>webmaster@lmug.org.ukLMUG - Home2007-10-09T23:49:00+01:00http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/oct-2007#unique-entry-id-10http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/oct-2007#unique-entry-id-10Q. When I try to download and email attachment. I get a window 'select a destination for'. New folder; add to favourites, from Desktop and a 'Go to'. GMail.
A. It is just asking where you want to save to. Just pick 'desktop' - so long as you are aware of what you are downloading!

Q. On my MacBook Pro there is a DVI port. That carries no audio does it? I was going to invest in a Widescreen TV with HDMI.
A. No. You need to use the audio-out cable as well.

Q. I'm selling an old MacBook. How do I wipe my old bank details off it.
A. Boot from the OSX install disc (or a different boot drive); go to Disc Utility; select your disk, then Erase, then Security Options. Or remove it and smash up the drive. Alternatively there is 'kill disk' software on the Internet. Or, drag it to the trash and select Secure Empty Trash from the Finder Menu.

Q. I have been saving as PDF from the print dialogue. But recently PC users say they can't open them? Appears with a W icon in windows sometimes.
A. Take all spaces out of the filename. Try removing transparencies from the source file.

Q. I have Wifi internet at home, with lots of neighbours with Wifi. Can other access my Internet connection?
A. WEP security was cracked a long time ago. Takes only 2-20mins. So, instead use WPA with a non-dictionary password.

Q. Trying to statistical analysis in Numbers. Can anyone help?
A. Better using NeoOffice or Excel - discuss offline!

Q. If you've got a Gmail account, can you run it through Apple Mail?
A. smpt.gmail.com, pop.gmail.com - make sure you enable it in Gmail settings.]]>webmaster@lmug.org.ukLMUG - Home2007-10-09T23:20:00+01:00http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/oct-2007#unique-entry-id-9http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/oct-2007#unique-entry-id-9Q. They take a wifi into a wifi zone, but they can’t get in. Apparently other Mac users can get in. What’s the secret?
A. Having the key or password to access the network is not the only thing you need. You also need to adjust your network settings. You must change your settings to ensure you have DHCP enabled. DHCP gives you your IP address etc.
Another thing is, you sometimes need to put 0X (zero X) at the beginning of the key/password.
Another thing to try is to add a $ infront of the key/password.
Also, in Safari, pop-up are disabled by default. Turn this off.

Q. I used Bel-arc on your PC. It was a system profiler that showed with all my license keys in one place.
A. Try looking on Versiontracker and MacUpdate for auditing tools. e.g. Rapido Serial from App4mac.com?

Q. Looking for someone to talk about Oink tracker P2P. Problems with ports. Being thrown off torrents due to ratios.
A. May be your ISP blocking your ports.

Q I went to Homebase and bought a serial-USB connect. I got a cheap comms receiver. I but it doesn’t work.
A. These adaptors give you a virtualised serial port. They require Mac OS drivers. Try Keyspan drivers.

Q. Problems getting to certain sites. E.g. Apple-Start page, sometimes it doesn’t come up. Any ideas?
A. Have you tried using a different web browser? If it occurs in other browsers then the issue will be ISP related or network equipment related. Try Firefox or Camino, Shira, Opera, iCab!
You need to isolate what it wrong. One way to look at it is that there is a chain of things happening between your broswer and the Internet. Try accessing the site from a different computer as well to help narrow down the problem. Also, see if you have JavaScript turned off, that might be a problem.

Q. I have VirginNet on my PowerPC. They say they don’t support Macs in Intel.
A. This probably just refers to technical support. But if it’s a USB modem (e.g. Speedtouch), get them to give you your connection details, password and BUY AN ETHERNET ADSL MODEM!!! e.g. Netgear, for about £60.
Apparently AOL won’t support Intel iMacs either. ]]>webmaster@lmug.org.ukLMUG - Home2007-08-19T19:50:00+01:00http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/aug-2007#unique-entry-id-8http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/aug-2007#unique-entry-id-8Q. My wife’s laptop’s iPhoto won’t let her edit photo or send to email. Should she try to repair it and risk losing her photos
A. Copy your Photos folder and re-import them

Q. Internet drops on TalkTalk when the phone rings. What to do? Has a Netgear modem router.
A. Try moving the router, or changing the wifi channel in the router software. Or try a different router. Or, install micro-filters on the other phone sockets in the house, to help reduce possible interference. Possibly look at NTU and VCI setting

Q. For a child (3/4 years), are there any safe web browsers?
A. Check out the Walt Disney web site. Or create a list of bad domains, or containing words etc, in the Netgear router.

Q. I run a little wireless network off a laptop. Sometimes the desktop can’t see the laptop for file sharing. I don’t know where to start!
A. A common problem is interference. Most routers are configured to channel 11, so there may be interference from other routers in your street. Try switching to channel 1. Make sure all computers are using the same version of the Mac OS X. Check signal stength with iStumbler.net.

Q. I need a really light notebook, what should I do, I don’t want a PC?
A. Rumours of a really light MacBook coming. Or 13-inch MacBook. But most of the little PCs are rubbish. But there is a nice little Fujitsu with an 8-inch screen. Or wait for the iPhone.

Q. What is the impact of removing Classic?
A. Only needed for files that need to be opened in old programs. Office files a forward compatible, but MS Works wont work. Transfer you files into modern readable version (or text!) before upgrading. If you get a problem during an upgrade, then download the combo upgrader from Apple.]]>webmaster@lmug.org.ukLMUG - Home2007-04-16T23:41:00+01:00http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/apr-2007#unique-entry-id-5http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/apr-2007#unique-entry-id-5Q. Just bought a Mac and can't get it connected to the Internet through our Virgin net USB cable modem. It works with the PC through.
A. Purchase a router that uses Ethernet. USB routers work poorly with Mac OS X. We recommend Netgear. They cost around £40-50 pounds, but if this is a Virgin Cable box, you might need a different box, again Ethernet is the key. Tell Virgin that you have a Mac, and hopefully they may offer an appropriate ethernet box.

Q. I am new to the Mac. I keep receiving duplicate emails.
A. One of the usual reasons you get multiple mails is that you

Q. Have moved from PC to Mac, I used to use Corel Draw what can read these on the Mac?
A. Photoshop can read the paint files, Illustrator will probably read it. Or try Concept Draw.

Q. How do you modify the Mac OS X default cover page.
A. May be something obscure in the Operating System...

Q. A fews ago I had to back up the Mac. I started using the Mac Mini and a few days ago the Mac told me I was using 95% of me hard drive. I looked and found 'previous system'. I started deleting selectively, can I trash the whole lot?
A. Yes!

Q. I have Final Cut Express HD on the PowerBook and want to use it on my Intel. I looked at the upgrade it was about £70. Will the upgrade run the whole version as upgraded on both machines.
A. I would have thought so, the Intel version works on PowerPC. It completely replaces the old version.

Q. I use Parallels on a MacBook with my inherited PC stuff. But when I get a Word atachment it want to open Word v.X
A. Drag the Microsoft Office Test Drive folder to the trash and empty the trash.]]>webmaster@lmug.org.ukLMUG - Home2006-03-09T07:43:00+00:00http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/mar-2006#unique-entry-id-4http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/mar-2006#unique-entry-id-4Q. I use Entourage from time to time, I find I lose emails. How I re-use the database?
A. Make a back up of the database first, then, hold down alt (option) and launch the application. This launches the Database Utility. Consider backing up you Microsoft User Data folder first.

Q. Neo Office works OK as a replacement for MS Office. iWork, Text Edit, Open Office, ThinkFree Office can all write to Word/Excel etc format.

Q. Can PC users see Neo Office documents.
A. Yes if saved in a Microsoft format.

Q. I used to use BT for my ISP. BT has 3 prices but they didn’t support the Mac on their cheapest option, so I moved to Virgin. But now, although BT forwards everything to the Virgin account I get 2 emails of everything all the time. The only clue is that sometimes I get a single email, but that is from ‘mailer-daemon’ - with my name, but not from me...
A. Have you got both email addresses configured in your email program? Perhaps you are receiving twice because you are getting the same mail in both accounts! Also if you have two identical mails, you can check the header information to find out the origin of the email.

Q. Gmail question - can’t get it to download mails to Mail.
A. You have to log-in to Gmail and configure it to forward mail to a pop server. Google mail may have a SMTP server that is free to use world-wide.

Q. I got 207 emails in 1 go, and I usually get 15 a week. Some how the setting for the ‘remove copy from server’ had been turned off.
A. Turn it on!

Q. Have a daily cron task, the output is emailed to my account. But I can’t see them, but they do exist in the Terminal somewhere (var/etc/something).
A. May be filtered out. Try ‘Little Snitch’ to check outbound connections.

Q. I always turn my computer off at night, is that OK.
A. There are some maintenance routines that run at night, you are probably OK not to be running these. If you did want them to run, you can force them to run with a program like Onyx, MacJanitor, and Cocktail or there is are tools to change the time these tools are run. There are some benefits to leaving you Mac idle at times, it can run some tasks like defragging at this time. Some programs like EyeTV will wake up your Mac during the night to record programs.

Q. Safari is crashy on Intel Macs. Am I alone?
A. No, tends to crash when it is used too much. Try alternative browsers e.g. Firefox.

Q. Toast 8 has just come out. Problems with FireWire, seen on MacFixit? Any problems people are getting?
A. No... maybe wait for the next patch (8.1)

Q. Steve Jobs is having problems with share dealings.
A. We wish him the best. Eric Schmit (the one no-one recognised at the Xmas quiz) might take over!]]>webmaster@lmug.org.ukLMUG - Home2007-02-12T16:52:00+00:00http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/feb-2007#unique-entry-id-2http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/feb-2007#unique-entry-id-2Q. Has anyone bought Office 2008? Why?
A. Compatibility. But, the interface is worse and Entourage is no longer able to send to drafts. Printing issues at the moment as well, and a security flaw as well! Microsoft may respond quickly to these issues (weeks).

Q. Which Broadband Provider? I have BT and Sky at home.
A. Sky does a good deal if you have the TV package, but you will not get the quoted speed (it’s not the fastest).

Q. A good all-in-one printer?
A. Canon Pixma. Note that laser all-in-one devices are coming down in price. Also, note that the Epson inks tend to be cheaper. But make sure you use Epson inks - other replacement inks, reported, unreliable.

Q. A good website to get to grips with Mac keyboard shortcuts
A. The March edition of MacFormat has a load of them.

http://morris-photographics.com/photoshop/shortcuts/downloads/PSCS3_Keyboard_Shortcuts_Mac.pdf

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=75459

Q. Sometime Time Machine it says the disk is read-only
A. Another Microsoft issue. Exit Word/Excel.

Q. Does anyone find that emptying the recycling bin in Leopard in secure mode can make it freeze?
A. Force quit the Finder.

Q. How to migrate bookmarks from one web browser or one Mac to another.
A. All your preferences are inside the Library Folder (inside your user folder [the little house]. If the user accounts one both machines are identical, IDENTICAL, you can copy them across.

Q. How can you recover lost emails from Time Machine?
A. Entourage is not backed up by Time Machine.

Q. 2 similar fonts (same name), would like to get rid of the System Fonts.
A. This is very dangerous. Preferable to delete the other font, not the System Font or change the name of the font in your user folder (username/Library/Fonts).

]]>webmaster@lmug.org.ukLMUG - Home2008-04-14T22:08:49+01:00http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/apr-2008#unique-entry-id-0http://www.lmug.org.uk/forum/qa/files/apr-2008#unique-entry-id-0Q. On the LMUG website it says join the British Computer Society. It says you need another member of the BCS to support your application. Where can I find one?
A. One LMUG member in the room was a member, however, for associate membership, a referral is not required.

Q. Since loading Leopard, I've been having Sleep problem. I've been told to reset the SMU? Is that easy?
A. It...should...be... Double-check the instructions before doing anything. Also ensure you are grounded before touching the inside. Any screws you need to remove, keep then on sticky tape, and put them back in the reverse order you took them out.

Q. Since upgrading to 10.5.2, the titles in my document folders are abbreviated to single letters. This comes and goes.

Q. My G5 Mighty Mouse is erratic in 10.5.2.
A. Try putting it on a different surface. For example glossy surfaces can confuse the sensor, as are glass tables. Run Disk First Aid. Check how they look in Time Machine. Run the caretaker applications like Onyx; Cocktail; MacJanitor.

Q. Still runnin 10.4, has anyone had a problem with Mirror Agent failing to quit.
A. Errors on 10.5 at least. Just force quite and carry on.

Q. Is it possible to retrieve iTunes files from Time Machine?
A. Best way to restore is to launch the application and then launch Time Machine. Time Machine comes with 10.5, it's a back-up tool that automatically back-up up your whole computer at hourly intervals to an external (firewire/USB) hard drive - there are also report of it working across networks and also across Airport base stations.

• Note - although it backs-up everything, it is not boot-able, but, if you re-install Mac OS, you will be able to restore from a Time Machine. It will take 10 hours or so, the first time, to back-up the whole computer. Subsequent back-ups will be incremental.
• Don't forget, the best back-up is multiplied backup, hard drive, CD, DVD, on-site, off-site.
• Online alternatives also exist such as http://www.mozy.com, and .Mac.
• NB, you are able to exclude certain files from Time Machine e.g. ignore the system.
• Also, if you buy an external hard drive, make sure it is bigger than your existing hard drive (at least, double or more the size is best)

Q. On the desktop, does it matter if you leave lots of icons on the desktop, in terms of performance?
A. If the screen is full of icons, it takes longer to boot. Other than that it shouldn't make a big difference.

Q. I tried to empty the trash can and it said the objects were locked.
A. Hold down Option when emptying the trash.

• Tip - you can use cmd-Z to remove something you just added to the trash.
• Tip - you can manage your desktop files in the Finder. Open the Finder, click Desktop in the Finder side bar, and then pick the View mode. Customise the view by selecting cmd-J.
• Tip - use QuickLook (click the file, then press space bar) to review Trash items before emptying it.

Q. Why move to Leopard?
A. Time Machine is good. Spaces is really useful if you have a small screen, or if you work with lots of windows at the same time. If you have lots of dis-organised files, Spotlight searching is improved.

Q. How do you burn a CD in iTunes

1. A. Rip the songs to iTunes; add them to a playlist; burn the playlist.
2. the trash.
3. Buy and use Toast.

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