Categories
iCloud macOS

Apple ID management

There are two annoyances with Apple IDs that Apple hasn’t addressed. 1. Many users have two distinct Apple IDs – one for iCloud and the other for iTunes purchases. While Apple’s software supports the use of two accounts, this isn’t desirable. It would be simpler and cleaner to have one Apple identity. Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t…

Categories
iCloud

MobileMe to iCloud Migration

Time is running out! Apple will discontinue MobileMe services at the end of June, 2012. If you’re using MobileMe, you have until June 30th to migrate your mail, contacts, and calendars to iCloud. You’ll also need to pull your iDisk files and gallery photos off MobileMe. Here’s a useful FAQ about the transition. MacMaven Consulting…

Categories
Miscellaneous

Common infrastructure issues

Here are some infrastructure issues I frequently find at new clients: Either no backup solution is in place, or backups are handled manually. Unfortunately, many companies decide to employ a backup solution after data is lost. Be proactive. Wireless networking is used even though all computers are in the same room as a switch or…

Categories
macOS Server

OS X Server – Wiki

Did you know your business can run its own wiki? A wiki is a collaborative web site, where users can easily create web pages filled with content. Documents, pictures, tables, and links to other pages can all be added without any technical knowledge. Additionally, security permissions can be applied so that only certain users can…

Categories
macOS Server

Open Directory Magic Triangle

Mid to large-size companies commonly use Active Directory to manage their Windows users and computers. When introducing Macs into a Windows environment, companies often ignore Active Directory when managing their Macs. This doesn’t have to be the case, since OS X supports Active Directory right out of the box. When a Mac is connected to…

Categories
iCloud Security

iCloud Data Security

iCloud is a fantastic service for synchronizing photos, documents, notes and more between your Macs and IOS devices. But before your personal data can be pushed to your devices, the content has to be stored somewhere. In the case of iCloud, your data is stored on Apple’s servers. So should you feel confident that your…

Categories
macOS Server

OS X Server value

OS X Server is one of the best values in IT. Just compare OS X server pricing with Windows Server pricing: OS X Lion Server: $49.99 add-on to Lion with unlimited clients. [Update: OS X Server now costs $19.99.] Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard: $1029 with 5 clients. $1209 with 10 clients. $3919 with 25…

Categories
iOS devices

Configurator

Apple just released a new tool to manage iOS devices called Configurator. In terms of features, it fits between the simple iPhone Configuration Utility and the more heavyweight Profile Manager solution in OS X Lion Server. Configurator can prepare up to 30 devices at once. The preparation includes configuration profiles and a list of apps…

Categories
iOS devices

The New iPad

Apple announced the new iPad today. It will inevitably sell like hotcakes. The notable new features include: 2048 x 1536 retina display 4G (LTE) wireless connectivity A5X processor with quad-core graphics Camera with 5-megapixel sensor and improved optics Voice dictation Like the iPad 2, there are separate models for Verizon and AT&T. This is unfortunate.…

Categories
Mac hardware

Adding an SSD to a Mac Pro

Solid state drive prices have been plummeting over the past few months. I couldn’t resist buying a Crucial M4 128 GB drive for $129. This drive is highly regarded for its speed and reliability. Although my Mac Pro doesn’t have a SATA 3 interface to take full advantage of the M4’s speed, using an SSD…