Tips on Computer Technology

By Bill Michling

Welcome back. Last week we talked about setting up MacOS X for web serving. This week I will Touch on some recently released updates and applications for MacOS X.

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For those of you who have not made the plunge to MacOS X yet, NOW is the time. I know there are those of you who say, “I never get the version .0, as in 9.0 or 10.0” etc. Well surprise, MacOS X is now at 10.01 and the update is free.

MacOS X has an update application included so you can get the update via the internet for free. Believe you me the update is something you will want. A lot of little things have been fixed and or improved. This update also optimizes the entire system after the update is complete.

What does optimization do? It makes the system much more efficient and “binds” apps for faster running. This is a just a basic explanation of optimization.

After your MacOS X is updated and you have restarted, run the software update again. Why you may ask? One of the apps that is updated is the software updater itself. Guess what?, if you run the updater again you will see a new update, it is the update for Epson printers.

So run your updater often, Apple is always providing new updates.

Some of you have expressed concern about security of the new MacOS X.

As we are all aware the Mac has mostly been the most secure system against hackers and viruses when running MacOS 9 and below. Now we are at MacOS X, what can we expect of it?

MacOS X has a lot of built in security. At the file level, each file can be invisible, read only, red write, or encrypted. At the folder level, all of these attributes except encrypt are available as well.

So how do we keep undesired persons put of our system, especially now that a lot of us are connected to the internet via broadband, cable or DSL, or even T1 or better. This means we are always connected, always on, always exposed to the outside.

Guess what, MacOS X has a built in firewall! What is a firewall you ask?

In simple terms it allows you to go out to the internet and download, surf the web, and send email. It does not allow others to come from the internet and access your computer though. The built in fire wall is very powerful, but you will need to understand how to use the terminal program that is included with MacOS X.

If you don’t want to learn how to setup the internal firewall using terminal, there is another way. There is a program called “Brickhouse” that you can download using MacOS X. This little app allows you to setup the firewall by just clicking on a few check boxes, save the results and you are protected from outside intrusion.

Downloadble applications from Apple

Apple has also released iTunes, Apple Works 6.1, and iMovie for MacOS X.

If you are using MacOS X I recommend you go to: (http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/apple/ ) So there you have it, enjoy MacOS X, it truly is the future.

Have a wonderful week.

See you here and on the web next week.

Bill Michling is a computer professional and welcomes any comments or questions you may have. Just send email to: bill@mespn.com or michling@usa.net.

You may also go to Marianas Electronics and ask help from the friendly staff there, or call them at: 234-5424, Just ask for Annie, Jun or Joseph.

For world access this Wednesday column is also on the Saipan Tribune website at: ( http://www.saipantribune.com ) or at the mespn.com site at: ( http://mespn.com/forms/tech_Articles/ ), now connected to the internet via broadband high speed T1+. Soon to be upgraded to a 3mb connection!