Mac OS X 10.5.6 released

Mac OS X 10.5.6 released: better AirPort, gaming performance, more

Apple has released Mac OS X 10.5.6, which resolves a slew of bugs, and increases performance and stablity for a number of system components. Among the enhancements purported in this update:

AirPort Improves the reliability of AirPort connections, including improvements when roaming in large wireless networks with an Intel-based Mac.
Graphics Includes general improvements to gaming performance; includes fixes for possible graphics distortion issues with certain ATI graphics cards.
MobileMe Contacts, calendars, and bookmarks on a Mac automatically sync within a minute of the change being made on the computer, another device, or the web at me.com.
Time Machine Fixes issues that could cause Time Machine to state the backup volume could not be found.
Safari Improves compatibility with web proxy servers.
Networking Improves Apple File Service performance, especially when using a home directory hosted on an AFP server; improves reliability and performance for AT&T 3G cards.

On Becoming Real - Facebook Events

"I walked into the party at a small, Portuguese restaurant and was not surprised that I knew virtually no one. Or, should I say, had never met anyone there, but I knew about them. For some, I had seen pictures of their summer vacation, known if they had recently started or ended a relationship or where they were from. I knew them through Facebook. Now, they had become people. After the meager scraps of information gleaned from Facebook encounters, we now feasted on unfettered conversation. We laughed and heard them laugh at the same time. We shook hands, hugged, took pictures, drank wine. We became real."

Yes, Facebook Events is a "networking" tool. But it can be so much more in terms of making connections with friends and new friends. Here are a couple of reasons why you should consider creating a Facebook Event for your gathering, or as a reason for your next gathering.

It's easy to use. Just fill out the details on the form pages and your guests have all of the information they need to attend. There is even a link to a Google map to the location.

One of the most overlooked features is "Export". Every event has an "Export" button. When you click it, FB generates a .ics file, which then automatically opens and adds the event to your default calendar application. With just one or two clicks, your guests now have your event added to their calendar.

The event has all of the event information, including links. Since I use an iPhone, it is automatically added there as well. Now, when I leave the house, I know that if I get lost, not only do I have the address, I can see a Google Street View of the actual building.

I usually have my camera when I go out and I like to take pictures of people. When I get back home, I can upload them to Facebook, then tag the pictures (put names to the faces in the picture). If I don't have the camera, I can use my iPhone to take a picture, and post it on FB. The friends are notified that their picture has been posted, which generates more interaction.

Events generates a list of attending, not attending and undecided guests. Here's what I love about this. There may be people that I know on FB, but have never met. By looking at the lists, I can make a mental note of who I might want to meet. I even have a picture of them (if their profile picture is a picture of them).

And, last but not least, it's FREE!

There is something magical that happens when a bunch of people who have only known each other on the internet finally meet. It makes you wonder if computers might actually not be evil.

The Daily Grill

Hey Folks,

My friend from the comedy days, Marc Hershon has added the I'm Your Genius: Genius Notebook" to the "Hot Blogs on a Roll" listing on his blog, The Daily Grill. Marc is a very talented and funny writer. Not checking him out would be, as Dr. Bobby would say, "...like Vista with a virus".

Genius Notebook: Final Draft to the Rescue

A client is working on a script. It was in MS Word format. They had tried to format the script using spaces and tabs. Lots and lots of spaces and tabs. They said that they wanted to install and use Final Draft. I installed FD, then started to show them how to clean up their Word version.

However, since these folks are not the most computer-savvy people, I watch as the person charged with the clean-up took a very long time to get the hang of this. I said, "You know, I could do this for you." They agreed, and I sat down and used FD's tools to clean up the script. I then started going through the script using FD's Reformat tool. It's so easy to use that I was able to show the writers how to use format to complete the job.

Bottom line: They went from a 230+ page, badly-formatted document to a professionally formatted screenplay in about one day.

Your Genius

Genius Notebook - Tales from Beyond the Bar

I have great clients. Helping them with their Mac issues is a pleasure for me, as well as business. I find that I am constantly using information learned helping one person to help others, as many of you have the same issues with your computers. I decided to start a series of posts describing what I do for my clients in order to share that information.