Archive for the ‘Apple Mac’ Category

Just updated to Mac OS X 10.4.4, only to discover it will break your MySQL socket configuration. Here’s the fix… Run the following code in Terminal.app:

(Thanks to Blake and John, for spotting the problem and providing the fix)

I have reached as much of the 1.2 roadmap goal as I can/am-going-to at the moment, so here’s the release. I have added support for iChat in this version.

In terms of support for Fire, MSN IM Client, Yahoo IM Client, and others, I have been unable to find AppleScript support for these applications. I have decided for now, that I will be relying wholly on AppleScript (I am at a lack of time to explore other options at the moment).

So until other IM applications add AppleScript support, or unless someone can offer tips, suggestions, advice on other ways to control these applications, Presence will only be able to integrate with iChat, AdiumX and Skype.

Downloads and more information about Presence 1.2 here.

I have met the simple roadmap goals (goal) for Presence 1.1 so I have released it.

Read more about the changes (change), and download Presence 1.1 here.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Here’s my dilemma:
I use multiple IM and Skype, and I need to keep my availability status accurate. I use Adium to keep all my IM accounts in order, and gives me global status control in a few clicks, but I also use Skype, so just to get up and leave my computer I have to perform a complicated navigation of applications, menus and clicking to keep my presence accurate.

I have a solution… enter Applescript…

I have embedded some simple AppleScripts in an Automator workflow and exported the result as applications. There are 2 applications, PresenceAway sets all Adium accounts and your Skype account status to “away”, and PresenceAvailable which sets all your accounts to “online” or “available”.

Using these applications means just a single-click to leave and a single-click to return, while keeping your Online Presence up-to-date.

Download Presence 1.0

I have released these little apps under the Mozilla Public License 1.1 (see the included README.txt). You can download the latest Presence release from here.

Presence 1.0 is really only an “alpha” type release, its under-featured, and buggy. But improvements will follow. If you like the concept, let me know.

Known Issues

There are a couple of known bugs that I will look into correcting for future releases:

• Will not work when Skype and Adium are not open (will launch both applications, then Skype may crash)

Let me know if you find any more problems.

Room for Improvement

As a first release, there is room for improvement. Any ideas or code to contribute, let me know

Road Map

• 1.1 - Fix problems that occur when one of the applications is not open
• 1.2 - Add support for iChat, Fire, and possibly other IM applications (MSN for Mac mabye).
• 2.0 - Redevelop as a single application with hot keys
• 3.0 - Add support for different states other than just “available” and “away”

The speed with which these features are implemented will depend on how much time I find I have, and how much feedback I recieve about the concept and which features people would like to see.

A few people have posted on blogs about how to open up a Mac Mini and install parts, but here’s my take on it. Working inside the Mac Mini is a lot trickier than making changes to a PC tower, but if you only need to change the RAM chip or clean the dust out, then don’t be dissuaded, the notes in this post might help.

Opening the Mini

Most blogs talk about using a putty knife or two to pry open the mini case, I found that a single small metal ruler did the trick, and a thin butter knife might do the trick also.

1. Unplug everything from the Mini
2. Flip the Mini upside down
3. Insert your prying tool in between the white plastic and aluminium case on any side (this is the tricky part).
4. Once in, carefully lever the plastic up and out of the metal case (you will feel/hear a click as the plastic tabs release)
5. Now work your way around the Mini inserting the tool and levering until you have released all 3 sides (the back does not require prying)

Replacing the RAM

Mac Minis will only support up to 1 GB of RAM, and it only has a single DIMM slot, so if you are going to buy a Mini, you may as well just get the 1GB chip from the start (I didn’t, so I learnt that the hard way… or the fun way… depending on your view of compuer hardware maintenance ).

The RAM is fairly straight forward to replace, just open the levers on either side of the DIMM as far as permitted by the surrounding components and firmly pull the DIMM out.

Inserting the DIMM requires firm downwards pressure (not too hard). Make sure that the levers are back in the fully upright position with the tip of the lever locked inside the divet of the RAM chip.

Closing the Mini

Closing the Mini can be as tricky as opening it. The tricky part are the metal fins along the back top. You can use your prying tool to push the fins in as you close up the case.

1. Line the case up with the Mini
2. Press down on front and sides till plastic tabs click back into place
3. Use you prying tool to push the metals fins in at the back while you close that final gap

That’s it!! Too easy right?
Have fun, and good luck!