Mac Tips & More

Disabling The Guest Account in Mac OS X

2006-06-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

Something that has always bugged me about Mac OS X is that when you connect to a remote computer you have the option of being a registered user or a guest. Anyone that is on your network can connect to your computer via guest access, though this only gives the user access to the drop box, they will stil be able to place files on your computer without your knowledge. Lucky for us, there is a way to disable the guest access but instead of clicking a box in system preferences you will have to edit a .plist file.

Step 1

First find com.apple.AppleFileServer.plist under

/Library/Prefrences

Hold down option and drag the file to your desktop. Then hold down option and dag the file to any folder of your choosing, this will be your backup so don't forget. The Documents folder would make a fine place.

Step 2

You will need to then download Property List Editor or you can install Developer Tools which comes with a .plist editor. Once you have installed either program double click on com.apple.AppleFileServer.plist. The Property List Editor will open the file.

Step 3

Now turn down the arrow Root in the Property List column.
When you find

guestAccess change the value from yes to no

Step 4

Save (cmd-S) your work on the file and Quit (cmd-Q)

Step 5

Hold down Option and drag com.apple.AppleFileServer.plist from the Desktop back into /Library/Preferences.

Once you have replaced the file you can trash the copies of com.apple.AppleFileServer.plist that are on your desktop and in your documents folder. Now just ~~restart you computer or~~ turn off and on Apple File Sharing under system prefrences:sharing and your done!

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updated since orginal post

So you just bought a mac and use to run Windows

2006-06-23T00:56:00.000-07:00

My friend just bought a Macbook and before a Mac he used Windows, he had no idea that a Windows program (.exe) won't work on a mac, he asked me to help him get the essentials and he liked it so much once I was done It seemed like a good thing to share.

1.

Adium is a open source alternative to iChat, think of Trillian for a mac except free. There is no chat protocol Adium cannot connect to. It is very customizable, you choose how your chat box looks, how your contact list looks, the sounds it makes when you receive a message, and much more.

2.

VideoLAN is the only video player you will ever need. Unlike quicktime it can play any file you throw at it. The best part is that it isn't CPU intensive and most of the video playing is done through your graphics card, means less slowdown on your apps while watching you BitTorrented TV show.

3.

Synergy makes controlling your iTunes always accessible. It adds controls for itunes in your menubar and allows you to make global hotkeys for itunes. It will display the track information when you change songs via a pop up on the screen. This app will run you $6 (depends on exchange rate) and there are some free alternatives but in my opinion synergy does it best.

4.

Teleport allows you to use one single mouse and keyboard to control 2 or more macs. Its just like having a second display but instead it goes to another computer. the benefit is if your like me you bring your laptop to work and with teleport it can sit right next to your work computer and all you need is one keyboard and mouse to move between both.

5.

iPodRip is essential if your bring your iPod to a new mac that does not have you music on it yet. Its probably the best of its kind, all you have to do is open the program and click on recover ipod. It will then do everything for you and when it is finished all your songs will be in itunes just like they were on your previous computer.

6.

Menumeters allows you to add CPU, Memory, Network, and disk monitoring tools to your toolbar. If you like to know how much RAM or what your internet throughput speed is there is nothing better.

7.

Connect360 is a must have for anyone with an Xbox 360 and a mac, this program will imitate a Media Center Edition PC so your Xbox 360 can stream the music and photos from your mac, no video stream yet but updates come often to the program. Like always you can't play protected ACC files on the 360.

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Xbox 360 Skins

2006-06-22T23:38:00.000-07:00

I had been interested in finding a cool faceplate for my Xbox 360 but the ones they sold through the official Xbox website where pretty lame by my standards. After a little research I found this site Decalgirl. At Decalgirl you can choose a Xbox 360 replacement case, an Xbox 360 skin, or an xbox 360 faceplate skin. The faceplate skins are the cheapest (7.99) Unlike buying a totally new faceplate you are just buy a decal that will cover your white faceplate:

All artwork is printed on premium adhesive-backed cast vinyl. The skin is then covered with a clear protectant layer for the ultimate in durability. Remember - all of our full-color skins use a patented repositionable and removable adhesive backing for fast, easy and accurate installation and goo-free removal!

All in all there are about 70 skins, one for anyones liking. You can if you choose to buy a faceplate (which are still cheaper then one bought at the store, only $12-$15). Or if you out of warranty and want to open your Xbox 360 you can choose to buy a totally new case for $60.

Decalgirl is not just in the xbox 360 skinning business, there is skins for almost any piece of technology your heart could desiree. Happy Skinning!

The Xbox 360 - Microsoft made this? No Way!

2006-06-22T17:55:00.000-07:00

So after almost a year of the 360 being out I finally went to EB games and purchased one of these fine units. I have played it on my friends TV before but it was just a small SDTV. When I got my 360 I hooked it up to a 5.1 surround sound system and an HDTV, I was simply blown away.

I got Call of Duty 2 when I bought the system. Some of my first impressions were damn these graphics look off the chain. The gameplay was amazing I loved my wireless controller and how beautiful everything worked. After a couple of days I finally took the fight online, i was on slightly disappointed with Xbox live capabilities in comparison to Halo 2 like:

Being able to go online with a friend on your Xbox (guest feature)

Clans

Having more control in general

That being said, if you have Xbox live hooked up which I believe is a must because how much it ads to the system you need to have call of duty 2.

What I do

2006-06-22T17:39:00.000-07:00

I am a currently a sophmore at Cornish College of the Arts, studying Performance Production, with a focus on light deign. For people who don't know performance production is the behind the scenes of theatre, concerts, and events. During the summer I work at the family company Otto Frei. The company sells Jewelry Tools and Findings and has been around for 76 years. At Otto Frei I manage their sister site Jewelrytoolstips.com. Before I got there it was one of the worst sites I have seen but after about 3 weeks I had learned some basic website skills and created the new Jewelry Tools Tips site. Though the site is still under construction it does have alot of information on it. It is directed to people in the industry, it has everything from Tech Tips for Findings and Tools to MSDS sheets for the products that are sold through Otto Frei. I don't know what I am going to post in this blog yet but over the next couple of months it will take shape. Welcome to My Simple Blog!