itunes 11 – The new look and feel.

itunes 11 has a new look and feel. This can make it annoying for all of us long term users.  Things are not so bad.  here is a link with some tips that can help you again use itunes. click here

Training.

here is an online it training course. You can do this training at your own pace and get qualified click here

Kindle Cloud Reader: Kindle on your pc.

    You may have a kindle reader or kindle on your tablet or smart ph but did you know about Kindle
Cloud Reader. I just found out about it and it rocks.

Kindle Cloud Reader lets you read ebooks instantly in your web browser – no Kindle device
required.

To start using the kindle cloud reader or any kindle device you need an amazon account.

1. go to the amazon website click here.
2. login to your account or create one if you dont have one.
3. then buy or find free books and get them.
4. then log-in to Kindle Cloud Reader  click here
5. you will be prompted to setup cloud reader for offline use if you like ane you can download the books you want to read from your account.

Enjoy reading your books on your pc in your web browser and have fun.

To all Mac, Windows and Linux users “This guy has a point”.

Was looking around Youtube for the latest on mac, windows & linux stuff and came across this guy. He made a valid point among his ramblings.

I agree totally with his views that it does not matter what computer, operating system or device you use. use what works for you. Don’t slam others that have a different view, or way of doing things. Yes have your own views but don’t force them on others, or think less of them for having a different way.

Now I Have always had the view that all operating systems have a place out there. I like all operating systems for different reasons.

1. Windows: This is the best widely used gaming platform. This is due to the game developers building on the  windows platform more. some have mac ports which are ok . Usually linux does not even get a look in. Windows are cheeper
2. Mac/Apple/osx: Generally Mac has always been at the top of the professional Music and Graphics side of the market Mac is simple easy and has less tweaking. It just works. they do cost more but they are made really well.
3. Linux: Linux is generally for people who like tinkers. Linux can be tweaked and rebuilt for the users equipment/hardware or the exact needs the user may have. There are many different operating systems built on the linux platform.

Price:  How much money do you have to spend,/want to save.

• PC computers: You may prefer to get your pc due to the cheeper price.  if you get a pc you are free to get one with windows preinstalled, one with no os(put your own on), or build your own from scratch.   either way with your pc you can choose to run windows, linux or dual boot and have 2 or more operating systems on the same computer.
• Mac Computer: Mac computers are expensive to get but updates and apps are generally cheeper, once you have one. Mac also make great computers that are built to last

At the moment I have a Macbook pro running osx 10.8 Mountain Lion and am happy using that.  I have an few linux os running in a virtual machine (vbox) and that suits me fine. I dont own a windows pc, and have an old XP copy that the license no longer works. so i dont have windows so to speek. I will not be buying the full Windows 8 just to have it. I would get the upgrade if i had a working windows os already. its cheep atm.  upgrade = $89 full = $189 (nzd).

Windows and apple release.

Here you go Apple and Microsoft both had their product release conferences within 2 days of each other . Both clame to have the most popular Operating System(os), products and stuff in the us. amazing, how can they both be claiming the same thing.

Apple actually build, create, and sell their own computers, smart phones, tablets etc with their os themselves. this gives apple the ability to integrate their os and devices together directly. This direct approach does give Apple soem advantages as their departments are closely working on the same focus.  To provide the best user experience, and top computers.

Windows on the other hand make just the operating systems and rely on other companies to make computers, smart phones, tablets etc for them. this means that as Windows is not directly building the computers the manufactures have to build their devices to take advantage of the os fully.  This indirect approach means that each computer manufacture competing against themselves  don’t have much room to push the boundary. they can only do what the os allows them.

Product Launches

Apple keynote Special Event, October 2012

Windows 8  Launch. October 25th 2012

An interesting article from New Zealand Herald click here

Mac: How to protect your investment

As mac computers are expensive and they do look nice. you may want to protect your investment as much as possible. Its worth paying a little bit extra to keep it in top condition.

KEYBOARD PROTECTERS

You can get keyboard protectors such as the moshi ones. click here. they provide a great protection from dust, oil from your fingers and liquid spills. A good way incase something may happen.

WARNING: I was going to get a keyboard protector  till I heard someone say DON”T GET ONE. the reason being that.

• keyboard skins raise internal temperatures by as much as 20 degrees C.
• With only one thin slit serving as both inlet and exhaust (it runs along the hinge) and no other holes in the case, ventilation is *vital*. heat does escape from under the keyboard.
• A keyboard protector will bake it into an early grave.
• A better way to keep the Keyboard clean. There isn’t one, unfortunately, short of operating with clean fingers, and perhaps running a little keyboard vacuum cleaner around the edges now and then.

With the expense of mac computers anything that will cause the computer to raise the internal temperature and ware out faster is not an option. I hope this bit of information will help you making a decision weather its worth using a protector or not.

Still if you feel its worth getting one by all means its your choice.

CASE PROTECTORS

these are a great investment

• Mac official store products: c;ick here
• Hard covers: click here
• Skins:  removable, easy to reposition skins GelaSkins click here
• Sleeves: click here
• Bags: Any laptop bag will do. I prefer backpack style as I dont drive, catch public transport and walk allot.

CONCLUSION

Whatever you decide best suits your needs when it comes to protection, it is ok to pay for something quality your macbook investment is worth it.

Finally a great computer experience.

Well on friday the 14th September I finally received my macbook Pro. It came within 2 days of ordering it from mac online store. wow.

So far i have activated the free upgrade to OSX 10.8.1  ”Mountain Lion”

To install apps first. 

• Go to Launchpad>System Preferences>Security & Privacy.
• unlock the app.  click on the padlock on the bottom left corner and supply your password.
• under allow applications downloaded from make sure you select anywhere

Now you are ready to install all apps my usual applications.

1. chrome browser
2. Thunderbird email
3. Adium instant messaging (suggested by pidgin messing site for mac),
4. Songbird media centre
5. Avast antivirus
6. Dropbox
7. VLC media player
8. Skype
9. Libre Office
10. Picasa photo manager 

I found a link detailing some of the better alternative apps for mac OSX. click here it mentions soem of the above apps I had already setup.

More tutorials on how to setup these apps and other things i find out will come.