Mac Power Users

In this episode we talk about tips and tricks when buying and selling Macs. Whether you're a switcher buying your very first Mac, or a seasoned Mac user looking to sell an old machine, we've got your covered. We'll help you figure out what accessories you need to complete your new Mac purchase, and where to get the most bang for your buck. We also talk about the trials and tribulations of buying a used machine and how to get the best value without getting scammed. We also cover how to get top dollar when selling your old machine.

Links of note

Apple Special Deals Store

Setup Apple Refurb RSS Feed

Apple Authorized Resellers

Apple One to One

MacRumors Buyers Guide

DealMac

Deal Brothers

Crucial Memory

Other World Computing

Create an Updated OSX Install

We've gotten a lot of requests for this episode, so here it is, our Task Management Smackdown. In one corner, David and The Omni Group's Omni Focus. In another, Katie and Cultured Code's Things. The duo discuss their system for managing tasks and how their preferred application helps to get things done. The verdict: the Mac has two excellent programs.

Links of note

Omni Focus - The Omni Group

David Allen, Getting Things Done

Curt Clifton - Omni Focus Scripts

Things Wiki

OmniFocus GTD White Paper

ScreenCastsOnline Tutorials:

Things - Part 1

Things - Part 2

Things for iPhone

OmniFocus Basics

Advanced OmniFocus & iPhone Client

Jeremy Burton's Take on OmniFocus v. Things

Note2Self iPhone App

Macs are typically very reliable machines, but from time to time they can cause you trouble. In this episode, we discuss recommendations for identifying and fixing problems. We also discuss tips for keeping your Mac running smoothly and discuss more listener feedback on our security episode.

Links of note

This episode provides an introduction to automation. Subjects include Applescript, Automator, and Snow Leopard Services. We also had Macworld Expo Director Paul Kent on to talk about Macworld Expo and Conference 2010.

Links of note

Automator

This episode includes a survey of security issues for Mac owners. Subjects include virus and trojans, phishing and web security, and physical security and insurance.

Links of note

Norton Anti-Virus for Mac

McAfee VirusScan for Mac

Virus Barrier

ClamX

PGP Encryption

TrueCrypt

Open DNS

OS X Filevault

MacSparky Secure Disk Image Screencast #2

George Starcher Open DNS Screencast

1Password

TextExpander

We know, we were supposed to do a show about security this week. But with all the news coming out about Snow Leopard we just couldn't help ourselves. In this episode we talk about how to get your Mac ready for Snow Leopard and our tips for a smooth install process.

Links of note

In this episode, David and Katie discuss backup tools, strategies and plans.

Links of note

Carbon Copy Cloner

Time Machine

Time Capsule

Drobo

MobileMe

Mozy

Backblaze

Carbonite

Amazon S3

Backjack

Crashplan

iDrive

Microsoft Skydrive

Chronosync

Chronosync Agent

In this episode we cover popular application launcher, LaunchBar. This episode goes beyond the basics and includes are several power user tips. We recommend you listen to this one in front of a Mac equipped with LaunchBar. Enjoy.

Links of note

LaunchBar

LaunchBar Features Page

LaunchBar Scripts

Timer Script

LaunchBar Search Templates

Wolfram Alpha Template

David's favorite - Tea Timer

Other Launchers

Apple Spotlight

Google Quick Search Box

Quicksilver

Drag Thing

Butler

In this episode we talk all about setting up a new Mac. Do you want to migrate your data or start from scratch? What are the options for getting your old data on your new Mac? Katie and David explore the options and share their tips and tricks.

Links of note

Carbon Copy Cloner

SuperDuper

1Password

DropBox

PDF Pen Update

MacSparky Screencast (Multiple e-mail accounts)

Episode five takes on word processing and writing on your Mac. It is no longer all about Microsoft Word. Apple's own Pages is becoming a contender and there are several other tools that will help you write better.

Links of note

OpenOffice

NeoOffice

Apple Pages

Scrivener

WriteRoom

MacSpeech Dictate

TextExpander

OmniGraphSketcher

The Scourge of Arial

Original Macintosh System Fonts