Dec 15 2013
Because Java has been used as an attack vector in the past, Apple has made OS X reasonably aggressive in limiting Java on Macs. As a result, Mavericks does not come with Java preinstalled, and upgraded Macs will remove Java in Mavericks installation process.
If you need it back, check out how to do it.
Nov 15 2013
Apple Mail in OS X 10.9 Mavericks treats Gmail accounts differently than any previous version of Mail did. Although some of the changes are quite clever and useful, the implementation is not without flaws. Based on the experiences of hundreds of people who have commented online, Mail’s behaviour with Gmail accounts — especially at first — leaves a lot to be desired. Read the linked article from TidBITS to see what you can (and can’t) do about it.
Nov 2 2013
Sharing files between Macs and NAS drives and Windows PC’s has always been very easy, but Mavericks brought a slight change that has caused some problems for certain users in mixed PC and Mac environments.
Apple adjusted the default protocol for SMB (Samba, the Windows file sharing ability) from SMB1 to SMB2, and the SMB2 implementation apparently carries a bug which is incompatible with many NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices, and some versions of Windows.
If you don’t have any problems, all good, but if you do have problems connecting to Windows PC’s, NAS drives, and Linux machines, try this work around:
The reason this works, is because CIFS connects with SMB1 rather than SMB2, the old way.
Mavericks has also moved all network-based Mac-to-Mac file sharing to SMB2, away from AFP. Although AFP still functions for legacy support and for connecting between Mavericks and earlier versions of OS X.
Hopefully that this bug will be resolved with future updates of OS X 10.9
Jan 15 2013
http://youtu.be/xYsSiaBZmRk
Jan 11 2013
Do Not Disturb is a great feature of iOS that mutes notifications and alerts for all incoming calls, messages, and apps. It’s easy to turn on and off, and can even be scheduled to go on and off at set times, such as bed time.
I like to manually turn it on when I walk into meetings or am with a customer in conversation. Then when I leave, I check to see if there have been any calls or texts and I turn it back off. This is all done easily now in iOS 7 using the Control Center. By swiping up from either the Lock Screen or from anywhere else in iOS (except when a keyboard is displayed), the Control Center is summoned. Then it’s as simple as tapping on the moon icon.
However, the other day I was in a Physiotherapy session for my shoulder (another story), I flicked Do Not Disturb on and 5 minutes into the session, the phone started ringing. “That’s strange”, I thought, “I’m sure I put Do Not Disturb on”. I checked the settings and sure enough, it was on.
So what went wrong?
It happened to be my wife calling, about what we were doing for dinner! There’s a setting that when Do Not Disturb is on, any contact listed in your favourites is allowed to get through and be heard. Obviously a useful setting when there is an emergency, which this call was not.
So this is how to change that setting.
There is a setting to allow repeated calls to get through also, meaning that if my wife was to call a second time within 3 minutes, the phone would ring. That’s handy for emergencies, although my wife does tend to keep trying if I don’t answer :).
Another scenario I had recently. I woke up at about 4:30am and started reading the iPad, sending iMessages and emails. This time it was my wife next to me who did not want to be disturbed. I was happy knowing that I had Do Not Disturb on by an automatic schedule. But then I received a text and the alert sound was super loud!
What went wrong this time?
If you’re actively using an unlocked iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch while Do Not Disturb is on, the alerts, calls, and notifications will still make sounds, which may defeat the purpose of the setting for some users, and can make it appear as if the Do Not Disturb feature is not working at all. Of course this make sense in some scenarios as if you’re awake and using your phone, then you are most likely in a position to receive a call etc.
Here’s how to change that.
Even if the iOS device is actively in use, all phone calls, texts, and alerts will automatically be silenced.
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Mar 1 2014
Apple in Australia: Help and Technical Support
While the Apple Mac computer didn’t gain popularity in Australia until fairly recently, thousands of devices now reside in the homes and businesses of Australians. All of this success results in a greater need for Mac technical support, apple help and apple service in Australia. The amount of consumers looking for help with their Apple computers and devices is larger than ever before.
The Australian Apple
After entering into Australia years ago, Apple has experienced great success and, more specifically, in the country’s third most populous city of Brisbane. Brisbane now offer four retail locations including a flagship store in one of the most prestigious buildings in town. In February 2014, Apple made Australia the second country to gain access to its iTunes Radio service. Although the success of Apple and introduction of its new services is great for Australians, it also means that more consumers will need Apple technical support and help services.
Mac Smart Can Help
Mac Smart believes that computers and devices should work all the time without adding any stress to your lifestyle. Our professional staff provides Apple help and Apple technical support to the people of Brisbane on-site. The rest of Australia can use Mac Smart remotely for Apple service. Australia loves its Apple products and Mac Smart helps make those products even better. We have a personable staff that loves making your life easier through Apple technical support.
Your Apple devices should simply entertain you and increase your productivity, but sometimes a technical issue can just add stress to your life and waste your valuable time. We believe that getting simple information from your Apple device shouldn’t require multiple commands and tweaking. We will ensure that all of your devices work together in an efficient manner while letting you relax. Your information will be ready each and every time you expect it.
At our primary location in Brisbane, we provide onsite Mac Support for all apple computers, ipads, iPhones, Apple Watches and more; however, we can also provide remote support to anyone no matter where they are in the Australia or the world. Whether you are trying to fix an issue for your large corporation or simple want your computer at home to work more efficiently, Mac Smart is ready to help!
By Steve Ryan • Apple, Tips • 0