Assigning a Default Opening Application in Mac OS X
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Mac OS X allows users to choose which application is assigned to open specific file types. For example, if the user prefers to always open PDFs with Adobe Reader instead of the Apple's Preview application, proceed as follows:
Select a PDF file in the Finder with a single click. From the Finder menu, select Get Info or perform a "Command + I" after you have clicked on the PDF file. In the Info window that appears, expand the "Open with" menu. From the pull-down menu that appears, select the application you want to use to open the file (in this case, the Adobe Reader). Additionally, if you would like all files of this type to open with the newly selected application, click on the "Change All" button.
Managing your Children's iOS Application Purchases
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MacWorld has recently released an informative article for parents to help them control on what and how much their children are spending at the App Store. Click here to read the MacWorld article "How to Manage Your Children's iOS App Purchases."
Backing up Your Equipment
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Even though we have written numerous articles about the importance of backing up your data, we feel that since many of our readers may have purchased new equipment over the holidays, strategies for backing up this equipment should be reviewed. Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard and 10.6 Snow Leopard users should use Time Machine, the backup utility built into OS X. This utility is used in conjunction with a dedicated external (preferred) or internal drive. The designated drive should be approximately 1.5 times the size of the drive in your computer. MacBook and MacBook Pro users should also consider the Time Capsule, which adds wireless convenience. For desktop Macs, we recommend LaCie external hard drives. Backups for iPads, iPods, iPhones and iPod touch devices are accomplished when synchronizing with iTunes. That synchronization will then be backed up through Time Machine. For more information about the correct backup drive for your needs, call QuadStar at 440-546-9911 or email us .
Maintaining Your LCD Projector
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Many of our readers use LCD Projectors for lectures, demonstrations, classroom activities and multimedia presentations. Lamp replacement for these projectors is costly and ranges from $200. Adhering to the following maintenance procedures can significantly extend the life of the lamp. Most LCD projectors have a cooling fan with a removable foam air filter. Clean the filter at least twice per year or more if you are in a dusty environment. Clogged filters reduce the flow of air around the lamp, causing early lamp failure. Many projectors have energy savings features, which include reduced brightness settings and automatic shut down. If you work in subdued lighting, a low "lumens" setting may yield sufficient brightness. Leaving the room and forgetting to shut down the projector is a common problem. Most projectors have an auto shutdown feature based on time or inactivity. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for more precise details.
Change the Default Mail Application for mailto: URL's
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The default mail application is the software that is registered by your operating system as the application that handles mailto: URL's. When another application wants to send an email, it passes the email to the default mail application. Use the following steps to change the default mail application in Mac OS X: open the Mail application from the Applications folder; click on the Mail menu; select Preferences; click on the General button (upper left of dialog box); select the desired default mail program from the "Default Email Reader" pull-down menu; highlight it; and click Select.