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Mac Tricks and Tips, Wallpapers and Applications for Mac Users
Tweaks for the Dock
Tweaking the interface of my Mac has long become part of activity. It's a lot of fun in the process of it. However, you should always remember to backup your files before starting the tweak, in case you accidentally make your Mac explode because of it (I'm exaggerating here).
Left all the worries behind and have fun with the tweaks!
50+ Mac Applications with Great Interface
Having used Mac for quite some time, I discover that I deeply fall in love with smooth and sleek interface offered by most of Mac built-in applications.
And the good news is, there are many third-party applications out there developed with more or less the same design standard as those built-in Mac apps. More than fifty sample screenshots of beautiful Mac applications are ready to amaze you after the jump.
Poll. Your Favorite Mac Desktop
This article is intended to give exposure to other contestants that have submitted their works. The screenshots of their submissions are listed below. And you can cast vote on any that you like (you can choose more than one) at the end of this article.
Let's vote for your favorite Mac Desktop and support the one that you like!
Hint. You can use keystrokes Cmd-[↓] to quickly scroll down to end of page.
Daily Trick 11. Decipher Serial Number
No, we're not talking any hacking process here. We will talk about our Mac serial number. Every Mac comes with serial number, do you know about this?
If you want to know your Mac serial number, you can click on the Apple logo on the menubar and then open About This Mac. On the floating pane, click the version number of your Mac two times, it will change into Mac serial number.
Then how can we decipher this serial number?
- Go to chipmunk.nl
- Enter your Mac serial number
- See interesting facts about your Mac, including production date and factory of production Ah! My Mac is produced in 4H (China), on May 2006 and it's number 1889.
This conversation often takes place after reading this trick.
"Where is your Mac coming from?"
"China. So, what can I do with this?"
"I dunno. Don't ask me."
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Daily Tricks
Tags:
Mac,
mac
Evolution of Apple Products 1
Most of Apple products are designed to be minimalist and appealing to eyes; that's what we can see now: glossy screen with glimmering aluminum case. However, how about Apple products 30 years ago?
In this article, you can see how much Apple products have evolved for these past 30 years. You can also see that Apple products at the old time are much more expensive than these days. And maybe you will notice that some of the non-Apple laptops still resemble Apple products 10 years ago (Woah!).
Note. This article is not suitable to be read from RSS reader. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Evolution of Apple Products 2
After seeing those antiques from the article Evolution of Apple Products 1, I believe we already have a nice nostalgic moment.
Now is the time to show the glimmer of Apple products in the past 10 years…
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VirtualBox, The Free Virtual Machine
I was using VMware Fusion a while before I discovered VirtualBox. My intention is purely to test my web application on IE6+. That’s the reason why I would rather go for VirtualBox as a free, more lightweight and faster Virtual Machine developed and continuously enhanced by Sun Microsystems.
VirtualBox has a lot of similarities to VMware Fusion or Parallel in term of functions. However, from what I observe, VirtualBox is much faster and consumes less memory than VMware Fusion as well as Parallel. You can download and give it a try at http://www.virtualbox.org.
If your intention is like me, to use a Virtual Machine software to test your application on IE6+, VirtualBox perfectly suits you. Although VM Ware Fusion and Parallel are racing for the number of functionalities, VirtualBox on the other hands, try to optimize the speed and add in reasonable functions to suit with the basic purposes of using a virtual machine.
Yet another great thing about this open source application is that it can run on other operating system as well (e.g. Linux, Windows and Solaris).
Here is the starting point of VirtualBox.
40+ Eye-Catching Mac Screensavers
Running screensaver can help you relax your mind and suppose to reduce damage to your display screen. But most importantly, nowadays screensavers are used to mesmerize everyone around them.
Knowing the importance of having unique, stunning screensaver, we are here to present you this article which consists of many screensavers that would catch your attention. No need to have long introduction here, let's see what are those screensavers.
Note. Click on the title to go to screensaver download page.
Stunning Mac Setups 3: The Minimalist Effect
It's an undeniable fact that minimalist mac setups can draw our productivity to its fullest. Some of my favorites mac setups are those with clean, big desk supported by comfortable lighting condition.
If you want to decorate your cubicle or even turn it to be your productivity workplace, these setups will give you some inspirations to start with.
Full Maximize Window. Now on Mac OS X
Most new Mac switchers fired complaints on the strange behavior of green 'maximize' button that fails to maximize window to full screen. If you're one of them, it's time to rest assured and check out this nifty little freeware: Right Zoom.
"This free tool fixes an inconvenient behavior of green Zoom button in Mac OS X. It will always expand windows on a full screen instead of strange resizing", explained its developer, Blazing Tools Software.
The installation of this application is pretty straightforward: only unzipping and double-clicking are needed. However, as this application is running on background, you need to stop it by executing Terminal command: killall RightZoom
Categories:
Tips and Tricks
Tags:
Mac
Mac Apps that Stand Out from the Crowd
There are too many Mac applications readily available which, either directly or indirectly, confuse most Mac users, making them hard to find the best application. On the other side, most application developers also feel really itch-scratching to think of fresh and unique application.
To my surprise, some developers have amazed me with their applications that came out different than others, such as application to set different Docks on different Spaces, to set different wallpaper on different Spaces, to bring you to cleaning room, and many other creative yet useful functionality.
There are many of them, but here I will mention some that I am currently using.
Mac Image Viewers
Most Mac users will like to use Preview as their image viewer. Most users will also use iPhoto. But few of us, feeling not satisfied with these built-in applications, seeks for better image viewers.
As a matter of fact, there are many Mac image viewers built by developers, such as Xee, CocoViewX and Sequential, just to name a few. After having fun with some of them, I've come up with this list of Mac image viewers to share with you.
Let's see what are these Mac image viewers.
100+ Free Applications for Mac OS X
Most of the time, Windows users are reluctant to switch to a Mac. One amongst many reasons is that they found it hard to search for free softwares/applications for the Mac. Some of them have already switched to a Mac, but they're still running Windows OS on a Mac.
It's such an irony that actually there are mountains of free Mac applications available for us. After days of working on this, I've come out with list of free and useful Mac applications.
I've categorized and arranged the order of applications so that it will be extremely easy for you to find applications you need for your Mac.
Continue reading and you will see fabulous list of 100+ Free Mac OS X Applications!
Mac Application Launchers
Most Mac users feel that Application launcher is the most essential Application for them to install. Application launcher can save our valuable Dock spaces and assist us in boosting our productivity.
There are several application launchers available on the net. They have their own uniqueness, advantages and disadvantages. I am sure you will stick to one Application launcher, just like other power Mac users.
But for the very first time, you need to choose amongst many Application launchers, which one you love the most.
New MacBook Pro on German Site?
Seriously, everytime new Apple product are going to launch, there will be a lot of photoshopped, leaked mockups spread around the world, especially the world of net; The new MacBook Pro leaked on German site, the story is covered in engadget.
It's a really surprising, shocking and even exciting news. And then following the flow of breaking news, I come upon this bigger and even clearer version MacBook Pro mockup.
[Via: MacRumors]
The Universally Acceptable Mac
Apple has designed Mac really well that it can be universally used under any circumstances, you don't believe in me? This picture is the proof!
Well, is that mere human inside or outside the restroom?
Speech of the Mac
Not only your Mac sings songs but also now your Mac can deliver you the speech with simple keystrokes.
Sounds interesting! Let's try it.
- Open System Preferences…
- Click on Speech and choose Text to Speech section
- Select your favorite System Voice and adjust to convenient Speaking Rate
- Tick the checkbox Speak selected text when the key is pressed
- Set your key combination by utilizing Set Key… button
Alex: Hi, I'm a new voice for Leopard.
Kathy: Isn't it nice to have a computer that will talk to you?
Anyway, don't forget to turn on your speaker or else you won't hear anything.
Leopard Look-alike Ubuntu
Folks at MakeTechEasier posted a nifty trick to turn their Ubuntu into a Leopard look-alike operating system.
It's kind of surprising for me. So now, both Windows users and Ubuntu users have the high demand to turn theirs into Leopard. Why don't they just buy a new Mac?
Via [MakeTechEasier]
Faking Folders Icon
Actually, the outcome of this trick won't give you any great significance to your skill in using Mac. What I intended here is to share several useful tricks and wrap them up in a fun way. I hope in such a way, you can memorize them better.
For a teaser, let's see the outcome for this fun tip:
The Outcome
As I've said previously, the outcome is less important than what you will get during the process. As Steve Jobs said, "The Journey is the Reward".
Let's get started.
1. Detect Location
Dock is separated into two portions, which the first one can contains applications and the other one can only contains folders. Here, you will be guided to mirror applications and folders. To get things quickly done, it will be best to change the folder's display rather than another way round.
As you cannot access the file information directly from the Dock, it's essential to know where is the file location.
- Control-Click on the folder/application
- Choose Show in Finder from popped up contextual menu
- New Finder window pointed to that item will pop up
Commonly Overlooked Things
I encountered many unique and interesting events today, such as my Windows user friend is using my Mac, my Mac cannot log out automatically, etc and from these incidents, I got more knowledge on operating my Mac, such that:
Look Up the Synonym
You should have known that using Command-Control-D you can mouse hover a word and directly see the definition of the word without the need to open your Mac Dictionary.
However, this trick is widely known. But I can't even find any single source talking about feature like Look Up in Thesaurus. Here is how to do it:
- Open your Dictionary
- Go to its Preferences Pane
- Drag the order of Thesaurus to the first one
Modifier Keys and Their Impact on Keyboard Shortcuts
If you want to become a Mac power user, you should first remember some essential keyboard shortcuts. These most commonly used Mac shortcuts alone can cost you a hell lot of time to remember them.
Luckily, most of the shortcuts are derived by adding modifier key to the initial shortcut. These initial shortcuts are easy to remember and shorter than their derivation (i.e. addition of Option, Control, Shift, etc). With only half of your work, you can get your productivity double-up; It sounds like iPhone ads: Twice as Fast. Half the Price.
I also have included some nifty tricks to give you an idea on how you can intuitively apply this to your daily needs.
[System Preferences] Changing Mac Appearance
Basically, you can change your Mac's appearance from inside Apple ▸ System Preferences ▸ Appearance. Inside this pane, you can change your Mac color appearance, window behavior, recent items or even font smoothing.
Let's see what you can do with it.
Mac Benefit 1: You don't need to click Apply like Windows. The changes will be applied instantly.
Color Appearance
Inside this pane, you will see that you have the default value for Appearance: Blue and Highlight Color: Blue.
10 Handy Mac Preview Application Tricks as Image Editor
Preview is the default image editor for your Mac. Even though it's shipped along with your Mac for free, but it's surprisingly useful for Mac users, especially for those who have upgraded to Mac OS X Leopard.
First, I will guide you to learn the very first and important technique of using Preview application, i.e. opening multiple images at once in one Preview window.
1. Opening Multiple Images at Once
Before you opened many images file with your iPhoto, think first. You will give heavy load to your Mac. It's better for you to open all of those images file with Preview application.
When you're going to open many images at once, don't forget to set your Preview Preferences (Command-Comma) to open all selected images in one window (if not, all images will be opened in separate windows).
70+ Creative Transparent Mac Screens
From the first time transparent Mac appears on the world of web, about several years ago, it has brought many interests and discussions among people, including me. I've tried to, but still cannot resist to collect more of those transparent Mac screens around the net and share them with you.
You will see seventy more transparent Mac screens shown after the jump. Hope you will like it.
Tip: Photo of transparent Mac screens shown below aren't likely to be photoshopped.
22 Useful Lists of Mac Applications
Maybe you will think that Mac applications are more expensive compared to those on Windows. However, it won't be the case if you really know where to download those free applications for your Mac. They're all around the web, the free applications.
Below, you will see 22 sources that will help you find applications that are essential for you.
Most Popular Apple Download
[20 Apps]
You can always check inside Apple official website under Downloads section to see what most of the people download from there.
The Mac Big Bang Games
Before, I've written long list of actions that you can do when you got bored, extremely bored : When Mac Users Get Bored. I know you have tried some, but did you wonder what is Big Bang Board Games mentioned in the list?
Big Bang Games are released by Freeverse. They have released two kinds of Big Bang Games. One is Big Bang Board Games and the other is Big Bang Brain Games.
Mac How To : Hide Everything
Hide Menu Bar and Dock
We're now introducing you the trick to hide your Mac menu bar. It's useful when you're trying to mimic the way Windows users do to their menu bar. But for real, by hiding (getting rid of) your menu bar, you can get extra 20 pixels for your display.
And after your hardwork in tweaking, you don't need to care about what's the most suitable color for your menu bar; Invisible is the most suitable color.
Before starting, I'd like to tell you that you will need to have a free application so called Property List Editor. This application is already packed inside your Mac. In case you've deleted it, get it back now.
Here is the basic idea, you tweak the Info.plist file of certain application. This application, when launched, will hide the menu bar for you. It's also named as Full Screen Presentation Mode by Apple developers.
Enough of the explanation, I think. Let's jump to details:
Mac Applications for Video Recording
Nowadays, I have been hunting for good mac applications to record screen of my Mac. And I found these five applications are good enough to do the task: ScreenFlow, SnapzProX, ScreenMimic, iShowU and Jing.
Their prices are varying. They also have their own uniqueness. Here are what I thought of them.
Jing
Price : $0.00 alias Free
Let's start from Jing.
With Jing, you can record video of your screen up to 5 minutes. The recorded video is in the swf format. The file size of the result is quite big so that it's not compatible for recording long video.
Recover Deleted Desktop Picture
I have set up a cool image as my Desktop picture and that precious file is accidentally deleted. And I will be really confused if someone came and asked me to send that image file I used as Desktop picture.
I spent my precious two-hours time digging through folders to find where the file is saved inside my Mac and ended up in vain. But then I realized, I can use one trick to recover that deleted Desktop picture. Here is how the trick works:
- Open System Preferences
- Choose Desktop & Screen Saver and then go under Desktop section
- Simply drag out the Desktop picture thumbnail and you will get the copy of that picture file. It works like a charm
For additional illustration, I have embedded the video tutorial for this trick.
10 Most Essential Things for Securing Your Mac
Now it's the time to secure your Mac from either data thieves or network hackers. These are the basic settings you can make to secure your Mac:
Securing Accounts
There are several things to be aware of when you're choosing options for your login items, such as disabling automatic login or hiding available usernames.
Here is the complete steps to secure your login:
- Go to Apple ▸ System Preferences inside Accounts
- Click on the Lock to make changes
- Choose Login Options
- Disable automatic login, so strangers will require password to access into your Mac
- Hide list of users by choosing Display login window as Name and password. So even though some data thieves can lure you away from your Mac, they won't get any hints to enter your account
- Don't show Restart, Sleep, and Shut Down buttons
- Don't give Password Hints. I believe you will remember your password
Stunning Mac Setups 2: Youngsters Edition
Last time, I've collected some Stunning Mac Setups from people around the world. Recently, I landed on a forum where some youngsters are discussing and posting their Mac setups.
Maybe some of you are curious, how fortunate youngsters out there are? Or maybe, how unlucky we adults are? I got my first Mac G5 on my nineteenth.
Here we present, 30 youngsters Mac setups!
When is Your Mac Birthday?
Maybe this question is too strange for you (and your Mac). But, this is a surprisingly interesting question to be asked; to know more about your Mac. Who knows that tomorrow will be your Mac birthday.
Do you want to know when is your Mac birthday?
Free Humanoid Mac Icons
Check out these cute icons. Maybe some of them don't have two legs, like humans, but at least they've got a head and two arms.
Kalijubees Mac
Stunning Mac Setups
Sometimes, we should spend our time to setup our workplace. Nice setup can be used not only for showing off to your friends but also for increasing our productivity and motivation.
After jump, you will see a lot of nice Mac setups from people around the world. Hope you can gain some inspirations on how to make another stunning Mac setup.
Hidden Preference Panes for Mac OS X
Preference panes are dynamically loaded plug-ins that provide a graphical user interface to the system’s or an application’s user preferences - Apple
In System Preferences, each icon represents an individual preference pane plug-in which can be used to change or modify the setting for each application.
Most of preference panes contain generally used application. We can also create our own preference panes that will be able to be used by System Preferences or even by your application. The link above contains the details, if you're interested.
Usingmac.com publish a book
Yes, after few months of work hard, we finally done up our book. You can see this book soon in your area the nearest book store.
