I usually find myself wondering if I’m the only person who uses my desktop as a staging area for the files and projects I’m working on. Once I’m done with them I throw them into the appropriate files, make backups where necessary, and then start all over again. It’s been a pretty handy approach, but I occasionally find myself surfing for something I accidentally deleted, because I’ve gotten carried away in my cleanup process. Well, now we can avoid the problem, and more specifically, we can automate our file cleanup from around the desktop with Hazel.
Hazel’s kind of like Automator, in the sense that it lets you set a number of criteria so you can ensure that you’re affecting the right files, then it lets you set up a series of tasks to perform on them. For instance, in my download folder I have a ton of zip files. Most of them are from application downloads, and it’s become really annoying manually deleting them, so instead, I have Hazel checking to see if the .zip files haven’t been opened in a couple days, then it moves them to the trash can if they meet my criteria.
There’s a host of options, and a ton of ways you can bend Hazel to your will. It’s a productivity godsend, and frankly, you shouldn’t have to worry about how to manage your computer. You computer should manage itself, it’s 2009 for goodness sakes, it’s about time an application exists like Hazel.
Since writing our first book review, I’ve received a dozen “please share” emails from people looking to figure out how to get the tools needed to work with green screens in iMovie 09. It’s important to note that you need iMovie 09. Previous versions don’t have the tools needed to work with the green beast, so, you should probably upgrade if you haven’t. Other than that, there’s a couple of small steps, and you’ll be well on your way.
Open the Preferences for iMovie
Under the general tab, check the ‘Show Advanced Tools’ option
Close the preferences
A number of new buttons, and options should appear.
Now, all you need to do is drop your background footage into your timeline.
Then, select the green screen footage you want to overlay your background footage.
On releasing your mouse button you should be met with a menu. Select Green Screen.
My upgrade from Leopard to Snow Leopard was seamless. After the upgrade all of my applications worked. If they didn’t, the software developer either had a beta for the software, or they had a Snow Leopard compatible version. The hiccup I encountered was with one of my two printers that are on my AirPort network.
I have an Epson Stylus Photo RX595 All-in-One connected to my Time Capsule; which is both Mac and Windows compatible. This printer worked fine after the upgrade. I also have an HP LaserJet 1020 connected to my AirPort Express; which is only compatible with Windows, and not the Mac. Here in lies my issue. If you’re familiar with this printer it was made to only work in Windows and not on a Mac. However, if you use the HP LaserJet 1022 drivers it will install on the Mac as an HP LaserJet 1020. This has worked for me since I had my PowerPC Mac Mini all the way to my Intel iMac running Leopard. As you can see I didn’t want to part with the printer since it’s lasted this long. I tried several attempts to get it to work. All attempts were futile. I even went as far as to try other LaserJet 1000 series printer drivers from Apple’s printer list, none of those worked either.
Two weeks after Snow Leopard 10.6 came out, Apple released Snow Leopard 10.6.1. In this release Apple made compatibility improvements to some of the printers. Unfortunately, my printer was not one of them. Then shortly after 10.6.1 was released Apple released individual manufacturer printer driver compatibility updates, and my printer was one of the printers that received an update. If you are having this issue with one of your printers click here to search and download your printer updates for Snow Leopard. So I download the update and I was able to install my printer. I was able to print once, each subsequent print job I sent would not print. I rebooted my AirPort Express, and I received the same results. So I decided to connect my printer directly to my iMac. Now the printer was printing fine. I was able to print multiple times without any issues. I concluded that the issue lied not with my new printer driver, but with printing to my printer through the AirPort Express.
I decided to Google my issue, and I found several Apple Discussion threads on how to resolve this issue with any printer connected to an AirPort. I have detailed below the steps from beginning to end on how to get your printer to work in Snow Leopard through an AirPort device. This is only needed if you’re experiencing the same printing issues to an AirPort device.
Install the downloaded software.
Click on System Preferences from your Dock Bar.
Click on Print & Fax.
Click on the + symbol in the Printers column.
Your AirPort connected printer(s) will appear in the list.
Click on your printer.
Click on IP.
Select HP Jetdirect – Socket from the Protocol drop down menu. This protocol has only been tested with HP printers. Theoretically it should work with other manufacturer’s printers.
Type in the IP address of your AirPort Device.
In the Name field enter the Name of your printer, i.e. HP LaserJet 1020.
In the Location field enter the name of the AirPort device.
In the Print Using drop down menu choose Select Printer Software.
Next locate your printer driver from the list of available printers.
Click OK.
Finally click Add.
Now you have a functional printer on your AirPort network.
Most of us who grew up during the 80s spent quite a bit of time building and rebuilding the death star with Lego. The funny thing is most of us are still pretty passionate about it, and could easily blow and entire afternoon tossing together some Lego. Well, what’s better than mashing together two of your passions? Exactly! Lego plus Apple gear is all win. What makes it even better is turning the lego into something completely useful!
Want a back to school 2009 sampler pack from Apple? All you have to do is become a fan of iTunes and the next thing you know, you’ll be getting a coupon code with a bunch of new songs for FREE. Well, nothing’s free, because you’re allowing Apple access to some Facebook stuff for research purposes, but, no need to freak out about it. Facebook’s likely already sold your stuff around the internet a million times, so what’s the big deal in giving to Apple?
I thought I’d be getting a giant pile of crap and a lot of pop music, but I’m actually surprised that it’s filled with some decent music. They might be using your music preferences and selecting songs to send you by that, but it’s just a guess, since I can only get one coupon code to try it out.
Over at elonex they’ve been busy coming up with a completely new idea that will revolutionize the gaming market… It’s a dock for your iPod that you plug into your TV so you can wave a Wii-Mote style controller around to make
Cathy, Mark and your friends jump around on screen playing games like bowling, table tennis, darts, firecracker and trampoline.
The iGAME is a great new gaming experience that is both
entertaining and engaging but also simple to play, great for
interacting with family and friends and above all healthy and
active.
Using wireless vibrating controllers the iGAMER swings the
controller as if it were a real tennis racket and the movements are
mimicked by the character on the screen. This not only gives kids
a great introduction to computers but also helps improve motor
skills and visualisation.
It’s compatible with a wide selection of iPods which is quite good though, but weirdly it is just iPods, the iPhone isn’t on their list of supported devices, or did they simply just miss it off the list.
iGAME lets you get the very most out of your iPod. Browse through your
iPod folders on the TV using the iGAME controller. Get the party started
with your music, playlists and podcasts and watch movies, music videos and
vidcasts full screen on your TV!
I wonder if it will be compatible with other games and apps that you can buy using Apple’s own App Store, or if it will be completely locked down just for their own titles. They’re looking for developers to create more titles though, so if you fancy your chances get in touch with them.
No prices out for it yet, but Joystiq.com have got in touch to see if they can dig up any more information.
Dinosmash Online ($0.99, sale price) is a fun addictive game to let you let off steam. In the game, you’re required to shoot the other dinosaurs to get more points.
The game is self-explanatory. The introductory video is all you need to get on your way. The green button on the left is the D-pad that lets you move. The red button allows you to shoot your opponents. The blue button brings hooks so that you can jump on higher platforms. The green button on the right lets you jump.
If anything, the controls do take a bit of getting used to, especially for climbing up walls and the like. The hook can only attach itself to horizontal platforms, not vertical planks that hold them up. But once you understand this, you’ll be a strong player whether you play by yourself or with a team.
That’s right, three game options are available: Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and Capture the Flag. All are a lot of fun, whether you play by yourself or with an opponent. And even at late night hours, you’ll often find yourself playing with at least 2-3 people in the team, so there’s hours of fun to be had. Unfortunately, though, as a newbie, you won’t get that much time to practice, since an opponent is likely to trample on you right away. If anything, I feel like I haven’t perfected my moves and want to enjoy the game at my own pace, but I’m not really able to do so.
Otherwise, the game has a lot of good elements: graphics are superior, and the game is fun once you get the hang of it.
I usually find myself wondering if I’m the only person who uses my desktop as a staging area for the files and projects I’m working on. Once I’m done with them I throw them into the appropriate files, make backups where necessary, and then start all over again. It’s been a pretty handy approach, but I occasionally find myself surfing for something I accidentally deleted, because I’ve gotten carried away in my cleanup process. Well, now we can avoid the problem, and more specifically, we can automate our file cleanup from around the desktop with Hazel.
September 18, 2009
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