Avoid Security Update 2012-001 for Snow Leopard
Posted on February 3rd, 2012
I’ve tweeted about this already, but thought I’d forward on this assessment from a fellow Apple Consultants Network member, Paul Cook:
Warning, you may want to wait before installing the latest (2012-001) Snow Leopard Security update if you depend on an older PPC application that needs Rosetta. A number of users are reporting that it breaks some of the Rosetta functionality, including printing.
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1489
The normal advice is to install Security Updates quickly as there are typically exploits either before they are released, or soon thereafter. But in the above case, you may be better off waiting.
MacFixIt has an article with some suggestions on what to do if you have been bitten by this problem. If you read to the end of the article, you will note a link to a patch provided by a third party to revert the changes. Rather than install an unknown patch from an unknown third party, if you can, another option would be to wait and see if Apple releases a patch to address this.
http://www.educate-it.org/content.php?130-Rosetta-Issue-after-Security-Update-2012-001
A reader on Macintouch has another suggestion. “Reinstall Rosetta with Pacifist, reset permissions and reboot.” Pacifist is available as a download from www.macupdate.com.
Read more at TidBits, OSXDaily, TUAW, MacWorld, and MacRumors.
The unemployed need computers, too.
Posted on November 18th, 2011
My good news is that I placed two computers in homes this past week. These systems are internet ready and the new owners are grateful.
I’m starting to get more requests for computers and they are coming from needy people and families hit hard by the recession. Unemployment makes it hard to afford necessities like food and shelter. It may seem like having a computer may be a luxury, but more and more the presence of a computer means not only improving morale by being able to keep in touch with friends and family; it also gives people the means to find work and help themselves. Many government services are encouraging applications online and most businesses do as well.
So if you’ve got a serviceable laptop sitting in storage, please consider donating it. All it needs is the ability to get online. Even if it is in need of some repair, please contact me about whether it can be fixed and put in the hands of someone who can make good use of it.
Lion compatibility
Posted on July 6th, 2011
In preparation for the new release of Mac OS X, it’s important to check whether the programs you use every day will run on the new operating system. Because Mac OS X 10.7 Lion will not include Rosetta (which allows PPC code to run in emulation of Intel Macs), all applications which are not either Intel Only or Universal Binary will not run on Lion. Find a list of compatible Applications for Lion at compatibility list from RoaringApps.com. To find out if your application is PowerPC, Universal, or Intel, check the Get Info window for that application. Check out the guide at guides.macrumors.com.
Compassion with Local Computers
Posted on October 7th, 2010
I am starting up a local project to reduce energy usage, teach people about computers, and get used computers to organizations and families in need.
Too many of the computers we purchase end up at the transfer station, bound for recycling, or left to age in the back of a closet or in a garage or cellar. How many can be easily repaired and put to use? Rather than letting it go to e-waste, why not let it have a new life with someone in need?
If you have recently replaced your old computer because it no longer works or just works slowly, perhaps you would consider letting someone in need have it.
My project, following the lead of organizations such as FreeGeek, is to take in late model desktop and laptop computers, refurbish them, and find new homes for them. The refurbishing process starts with pulling the hard drive and securely erasing all data. Next, the components are tested and parts are replaced as needed. Then software is loaded on the hard drive and the unit is tested before it is given a new home.
I need your help in locating computers for reuse, for helping refurbish them, and to find suitable homes for the used computers. Before taking your computer to the transfer station or storing it away somewhere at your home, consider donating it to this project. If you wish to learn more about repairing computers and are interested in volunteering, I welcome you to come to the next Down East Mac Users Group meeting on Wednesday, October 20 from 6-8 pm upstairs at the Maine Grind in Ellsworth. We’ll cover identifying suitable donated computers and the basics of hardware diagnosis. If you know of a non-profit organization or a family in need of computers, let us know and we’ll try to meet the need on a first-come, first-served basis.
Support WERU
Posted on July 7th, 2010
MacRevival is proud to support WERU community radio 89.9 FM in Blue Hill. In addition to being a business member, MacRevival underwrites the locally produced Comedy Hour on WERU. Tune in to the show on The last Monday of each month from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.
Remote Support now available
Posted on April 14th, 2010
I’m pleased to offer you Macintosh technical support over the internet with the MacRevival Remote Support application. Remote support allows me to view your computer screen and use my keyboard and mouse to troubleshoot any issues you may be experiencing.
Apple acknowledges Snow Leopard data loss issue
Posted on October 13th, 2009
In various reports including this CNet.com article, there is a bug in Snow Leopard which can cause loss of user data. In short, logging on to the guest account on a Mac running Snow Leopard may cause a user’s home directory to be replaced with an empty one, losing all data. Recommendation: don’t log into the guest account and disable it.
If you have Snow Leopard (i.e. Mac OS X 10.6), disable your guest account by following these instructions.
Now would also be a good time to make sure your backups are working properly.
Free Podcasting Presentation, June 10, 6:30PM, Ellsworth
Posted on June 3rd, 2009
I’ll be giving a free Podcasting presentation next week as part of the Downeast Learning Cooperative. Hope you can attend: Free Presentation on “Podcasting: Feed Your Eyes and Ears” at Ellsworth Public Library, June 10, 6:30-8 p.m. The Downeast Learning Cooperative, as part of its “Learning Together” series, presents a workshop on “Podcasting: Feed Your Eyes and Ears” at the Ellsworth Public Library on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 from 6:30-8 p.m. This workshop on both receiving and creating podcasts will introduce you to the world of subscription audio and video on the Internet. Whether you are a music lover, musician, business owner, news and information junkie, or fan of anything, you can find a podcast of interest or make one of your own. (more…)
