The Practical Mac

Low End Mac is pleased to have as a columnist. Steve is the Vice President for Information Technology for a mid-sized bank and also an attorney. He has been a Mac user for about 12 years. He is also an Army Reserve JAG on extended active duty (and thus forced to use Windows XP on a daily basis). His first Mac was a Classic II with a 40 MB hard drive and 4 MB of RAM. He has owned some PCs along the way - but always came back to the Mac.

• Writing for Low End Mac Is a Great Way to Share New Discoveries About Old Macs, 2012.04.06. Steve Watkins has been writing for Low End Mac for over a decade and is still learning things about old Macs.
• Disk Expert Helps You Find and Delete or Archive Your Biggest Files, 2012.02.02. If your hard drive, flash drive, or SSD is filling up, Disk Expert can help pinpoint the biggest files, which you may be able to delete or archive.
• Welcome Back to Mac, Quicken, 2012.01.06. Quicken 2007, widely used on Mac, broke with OS X 10.7 Lion, and Quicken finally promises a Lion-compatible version.
• The Jobs Legacy: Nearly Problem-Free Computing, 2011.10.06. "...users quickly saw that the Macs had none of the problems their previous Windows PCs had."
• OtterBox Reflex: Serious iPhone Protection with Less Bulk than the Defender, 2011.06.20. You want to protect your iPhone, and the OtterBox Reflex does it with a lot less bulk than the rugged Defender case.
• OtterBox Defender: Don't Let Your iPhone 4 Leave Home Without It,, 2010.10.12. If you break your iPhone 4, it costs $600 to $700 to replace it. This $49 case provides the protection your iPhone needs and deserves.
• 30 Days with My iPhone 4, 2010.09.21. A broken iPhone 3G forced the upgrade issue, and the iPhone 4's Retina display is a marvel.
• How to Zoom Your Browser for a More Readable Web, 2010.03.18. Instructions for zooming text and pages in Safari, Firefox, Camino, and Opera.
• Take Off Your Glasses and Enjoy the Web, 2010.02.16. Whether it's aging eyes or the ever inceasing pixel density of new displays, Readability can make reading website content much easier.
• The Road to Obsolescence: Intel Core Duo Users Will Be Left Behind, 2010.01.19. Mac OS X 10.7 may well be the version that leaves behind those with 32-bit Core Solo and Core Duo Macs from 2006.
• A Tale of Two Cases, 2010.01.11. The OtterBox iPhone Defender and iPod Classic Defender cases provide excellent protection, but each has a significant drawback as well.
• Portable Fujitsu ScanSnap S300M Hits a Home Run, 2010.01.07. If you need a quality portable scanner, take a serious look at the small, light, bus-powered ScanSnap S300M.
• 5 things Apple is doing right in 2008 - and 5 it could do better, 2008.03.24. Apple has made great strides in the past five years, but there are still a few areas that need to be addressed.
• MacBook Air a compelling option for the true road warrior, 2008.02.22. Although it's not intended as a desktop replacement and has a few shortcomings, the lightweight MacBook Air with its 13" display could be the perfect field computer.
• Mailsmith a simple, powerful, spam fighting alternative to Apple Mail, 2007.04.23. Mailsmith is bundled with SpamSieve, integrates with Address Book, and has very flexible scripting tools combined with elegant simplicity.
• Can your spam with SpamSieve, 2007.02.02. "Right out of the box, SpamSieve exceeded the accuracy of the Apple Mail filter I've been training for over a year."
• 4 things we probably won't see from Apple at the Macworld Expo, 2007.01.08. Don't expect Apple to release a Tablet Mac, improve Mail's junk mail filter, improve Print-to-PDF control, or improve the integration of Mail, iCal, and Addres Book.
• Beginning my Macintel adventure, 2006.09.21. When Apple introduced the Core2 Duo iMacs, the time was ripe to pick up a 20" Core Duo iMac on the cheap.
• MacHome magazine: 1991-2006, 2006.09.18. MacHome specialized in practical advice for the average Mac user. It will be missed.
• The benefits of using webmail, 2003.06.17. The biggest advantage of webmail is that you can access your email from any computer with a web browser and an Internet connection.
• Is QuickBooks Pro 5 the new accounting leader?, 2003.05.20. First update to QuickBooks in years supports OS 9 and X, but is it enough to win over Mac using businesses?
• Safari and the Apple Internet experience, 2003.05.13. It's free and fast, and the latest version makes Safari even more functional than the previous beta.
• Mail trouble a-brewin', 2003.05.06. There's something wrong when the standard OS X email program can't reliably send attachments.
• Sharing a dial-up Internet connection, 2003.04.29. Tips on sharing a dial-up Internet connection with multiple computers.
• Apple should buy Universal - or not, 2003.04.23. This would be a wise and prudent investment for Apple -- or maybe not.
• How spammers verify your email address, 2003.04.08. How simply reading spam can let a spammer know that your email address is valid -- and then profit by selling it to others.
• iRock!, a gadget we can't live without, 2003.04.03. Clever, low cost device lets you listen to your iPod (or other portable music player) on any FM radio.
• 5 things Apple is doing right - and 5 they could do better, 2003.03.25. Thoughts on Al Gore, Xserve clusters, Keynote, Virtual PC, death of the CRT iMac, education, and how Apple could own the PDA market.
• Safe and secure online ordering, 2003.03.18. "By employing a few safeguards, you can greatly reduce the chances that you will fall victim to Internet fraud."
• A sentimental Mac journey with a PowerBook 3400, 2003.03.11. "Experiencing an attack of nostalgia, I got out the 3400c today. In fact, I am typing this column on it...."
• The complete Mac makeover, 2003.03.04. Revitalize your aging Power Mac or iMac with a faster CPU, more RAM, and a bigger, faster hard drive for $279 to $483.
• Independent Mac retailing done right, 2003.02.25. MacAuthority proves that independents can hold their own against Apple's own retail stores.
• Importing vCards from Entourage, adding a reply-to header, and the unshown drawer bug in Mail, 2003.02.18. Tips on using Apple's Mail application and secure file deletion, plus a problem with scrolling mics in the classic environment.
• Jaguar revisited, 2003.02.11. Three months with Jaguar -- a lot of good, a little bad, and some nitpicky gripes.
• The value of a low end Mac, 2003.02.04. With a few hundred dollars worth of upgrades, an eight year old Mac remains a very useful computer -- unlike a Windows PC.
• ThinkFree Office: Not ready for prime time, 2003.01.28. The spreadsheet seems fully polished, and the presentation module works fine, but the word processor leaves a lot to be desired when working with Word files.
• The value of a refurbished iBook with Jaguar, 2003.01.21. How well old iBooks hold their value -- and the value of buying a newer factory refurbished iBook with Jaguar and Quartz Extreme.
• The new PowerBooks, Safari, and other Apple innovations, 2003.01.14. A killer portable presentation 'Book, a use-it-anywhere PowerBook G4, a very polished browser, a PowerPoint killer, and wireless connectivity.
• Move2Mac, divergent reviews, and making your own choices, 2003.01.07. Reviewers disagree, but that diversity provides you with more information so you can make a better decision.
• Apple's top 10 of 2002 -- plus two more, 2002.12.17. Innovative new hardware, faster processors, consumer G4s, and demise of the Dell dude hilight the list.
• 10 holiday gift ideas for Mac users, 2002.12.10. Holiday gift ideas from $29 to $999 for the Mac lover.
• A smooth switch with Move2Mac, 2002.12.03. Want to switch but worried about your PC files? Move2Mac can handle most of the transfer effortlessly.
• Frequently asked employment questions, 2002.11.19. The five most frequently asked questions by those searching for a job.
• The rest of the story, 2002.11.12. A look at other backup options, recent advice on getting a job in IT, wireless printing, and finally fulfilled Macworld Expo predictions.
• Top 10 ways not to get hired, 2002.11.05. Ten sure-fire tips for staying unemployed instead of getting a job in Information Technology.
• Low-cost backup solutions, 2002.10.29. The importance of backup -- and how to do it at minimal cost.
• How to land the job you want, 2002.10.22. Practical advice for those who want to find a job in the information technology field.
• A look at the IT job market, 2002.10.15. "Jobs are harder to come by, and the Information Technology sector has not gone unaffected."
• There's much more to life than Macs, 2002.10.08. "If you know someone at risk for suicide, talk to them. Better yet, try to get them to talk to a professional."
• Apple, Apple everywhere, 2002.10.01. Between OS X and the "Switch" ads, Apple Computer's profile is higher than at any time in recent memory.
• Jaguar joyride, 2002.09.24. "I have just taken Mac OS X 10.2 (a.k.a. 'Jaguar') for a spin, and I am impressed. There's a lot of energy in this cat."
• The sad state of the tech sector, 2002.09.17. The tech slump gives Apple a perfect opportunity to demonstrate their innovative products to the IT community.
• Microsoft: Just Say No, 2002.09.10. Alternatives to Microsoft Office XP abound, and giving PC users choices helps Apple in the long run.
• Contains Microsoft: Use at Your Own Risk, 2002.09.03. "How long will the computer world continue to blindly follow the Microsoft monopoly into continued mediocrity?"
• Wireless printing revisited, 2002.08.27. How to use a wireless print server to share your printer on an AirPort network.
• iTunes 3 hands on review, 2002.08.20. One of the most versatile music programs available -- and best of all, it's free.
• Gone in 60 nanoseconds, 2002.08.13. Protecting your money online in the world of PayPal, credit cards, and debit cards.
• Dear Mr. Jobs, 2002.08.06. "In order to make the leap to the next level, the enterprise, Apple must encourage or facilitate development of some crucial industrial-grade applications."
• Apple's retail upswing, 2002.07.30. Apple isn't just turning a profit -- they're also retailing computers right.
• Pass the crow, please, 2002.07.23. Last week's Expo predictions revisited. Some misses, but some home runs, too.
• 'Twas the night before Macworld, 2002.07.16. Thoughts and predictions -- what we may see at the Macworld Expo.
• eMac test drive, 2002.07.09. The G4, larger screen, and attractive price make the eMac a real alternative to the old CRT iMac.
• Same Stuff, Different Pile?, 2002.07.02. Are all computers pretty much the same, or does something still set Macs apart from the rest?
• Safe and secure online ordering, 2003.03.18. "By employing a few safeguards, you can greatly reduce the chances that you will fall victim to Internet fraud."
• A sentimental Mac journey with a PowerBook 3400, 2003.03.11. "Experiencing an attack of nostalgia, I got out the 3400c today. In fact, I am typing this column on it...."
• The complete Mac makeover, 2003.03.04. Revitalize your aging Power Mac or iMac with a faster CPU, more RAM, and a bigger, faster hard drive for $279 to $483.
• Independent Mac retailing done right, 2003.02.25. MacAuthority proves that independents can hold their own against Apple's own retail stores.
• Importing vCards from Entourage, adding a reply-to header, and the unshown drawer bug in Mail, 2003.02.18. Tips on using Apple's Mail application and secure file deletion, plus a problem with scrolling mics in the classic environment.
• Jaguar revisited, 2003.02.11. Three months with Jaguar - a lot of good, a little bad, and some nitpicky gripes.
• The value of a low end Mac, 2003.02.04. With a few hundred dollars worth of upgrades, an eight year old Mac remains a very useful computer - unlike a Windows PC.
• ThinkFree Office: Not ready for prime time, 2003.01.28. The spreadsheet seems fully polished, and the presentation module works fine, but the word processor leaves a lot to be desired when working with Word files.
• The value of a refurbished iBook with Jaguar, 2003.01.21. How well old iBooks hold their value - and the value of buying a newer factory refurbished iBook with Jaguar and Quartz Extreme.
• The new PowerBooks, Safari, and other Apple innovations, 2003.01.14. A killer portable presentation 'Book, a use-it-anywhere PowerBook G4, a very polished browser, a PowerPoint killer, and wireless connectivity.
• Move2Mac, divergent reviews, and making your own choices, 2003.01.07. Reviewers disagree, but that diversity provides you with more information so you can make a better decision.
• Apple's top 10 of 2002 - plus two more, 2002.12.17. Innovative new hardware, faster processors, consumer G4s, and demise of the Dell dude hilight the list.
• 10 holiday gift ideas for Mac users, 2002.12.10. Holiday gift ideas from $29 to $999 for the Mac lover.
• A smooth switch with Move2Mac, 2002.12.03. Want to switch, but worried about your PC files? Move2Mac can handle most of the transfer effortlessly.
• Frequently asked employment questions, 2002.11.19. The five most frequently asked questions by those searching for a job.
• The rest of the story, 2002.11.12. A look at other backup options, recent advice on getting a job in IT, wireless printing, and finally fulfilled Macworld Expo predictions.
• Top 10 ways not to get hired, 2002.11.05. Ten sure-fire tips for staying unemployed instead of getting a job in Information Technology.
• Low-cost backup solutions, 2002.10.29. The importance of backup - and how to do it at minimal cost.
• How to land the job you want, 2002.10.22. Practical advice for those who want to find a job in the information technology field.
• A look at the IT job market, 2002.10.15. "Jobs are harder to come by, and the Information Technology sector has not gone unaffected."
• There's much more to life than Macs, 2002.10.08. "If you know someone at risk for suicide, talk to them. Better yet, try to get them to talk to a professional."
• Apple, Apple everywhere, 2002.10.01. Between OS X and the "Switch" ads, Apple Computer's profile is higher than at any time in recent memory.
• Jaguar joyride, 2002.09.24. "I have just taken Mac OS X 10.2 (a.k.a. 'Jaguar') for a spin, and I am impressed. There's a lot of energy in this cat."
• The sad state of the tech sector, 2002.09.17. The tech slump gives Apple a perfect opportunity to demonstrate their innovative products to the IT community.
• Microsoft: Just Say No, 2002.09.10. Alternatives to Microsoft Office XP abound, and giving PC users choices helps Apple in the long run.
• Contains Microsoft: Use at your own risk, 2002.09.03. "How long will the computer world continue to blindly follow the Microsoft monopoly into continued mediocrity?"
• Wireless printing revisited, 2002.08.27. How to use a wireless print server to share your printer on an AirPort network.
• iTunes 3 hands on review, 2002.08.20. One of the most versatile music programs available - and best of all, it's free.
• Gone in 60 nanoseconds, 2002.08.13. Protecting your money online in the world of PayPal, credit cards, and debit cards.
• Dear Mr. Jobs, 2002.08.06. "In order to make the leap to the next level, the enterprise, Apple must encourage or facilitate development of some crucial industrial-grade applications."
• Apple's retail upswing, 2002.07.30. Apple isn't just turning a profit - they're also retailing computers right.
• Pass the crow, please, 2002.07.23. Last week's Expo predictions revisited. Some misses, but some home runs, too.
• 'Twas the night before Macworld, 2002.07.16. Thoughts and predictions - what we may see at the Macworld Expo.
• eMac test drive, 2002.07.09. The G4, larger screen, and attractive price make the eMac a real alternative to the old CRT iMac.
• Same stuff, different pile?, 2002.07.02. Are all computers pretty much the same, or does something still set Macs apart from the rest?
• Are Mac users losers?, 2002.06.25. Are switchers nothing more than "a stark collection of life's losers"?
• Readers weigh in on Mac Challenge, 2002.06.18. Lots of comments on Mac OS X vs. Windows XP - but no question that the Mac OS is superior.
• Mac challenge follow up, 2002.06.11. More information on software used during the Mac Challenge, which compared OS X and WinXP.
• Mac Challenge results, 2002.06.04. One month with an iMac and OS X, another with a Dell and Windows XP. Which is the more practical platform?
• Apple's ulterior motive, 2002.05.28. How Apple is pursuing new markets within the corporation by advertising to CEOs, CIOs, and IT.
• Printer sharing for Mac OS X, 2002.05.21. Linksys WPS11 shares a printer on ethernet and AirPort - but with a catch.
• Apple back on the radar screen, 2002.05.14. CIO Magazine, eWeek, ZDNet, and others are taking notice of a resurgent Apple.
• How to optimize Classic, 2002.05.07. How to make Classic mode more stable and faster loading.
• Your right to link threatened, 2002.04.30. "If the simple process of posting a link to another site becomes mired in regulation, it is not inconceivable that the Internet as a useful communication could begin to wither."
• The case against Microsoft, 2002.04.23. Why Microsoft should be broken up into two or more companies.
• The Mac is back, 2002.04.16. Mac OS X and Java could make the Mac a leading choice for programmers.
• Indispensable OS X wares, 2002.04.09. 10 freeware and shareware programs every OS X user should know about.
• MacLeisure, 2002.04.02. Six leisure time programs for your (and your Mac's) down time.
• The $299 2 GHz iMac '040, 2002.04.01. How Apple could produce a 2 GHz iMac and sell it for just $299.
• The Mac Challenge kickoff, 2002.03.26. Final changes to the Mac Challenge add installation, gaming, and MP3s.
• Take the Mac Challenge, 2002.03.19. The goal of the Mac Challenge is to discover which is the superior platform: Mac OS X or Windows
• Who stole my domain?, 2002.03.12. Traffic aggregators are ready to buy your expired domains and redirect them to porn sites, online casinos.
• Configuring your OS X firewall, 2002.03.05. How to set up your OS X firewall to disable or allow data on specific ports.
• Setting up a firewall in OS X, 2002.02.26. Everything you need to set up a firewall is built into OS X - except for an easy way to set it up.
• OS X and the future of Linux, 2002.02.19. Some claim that OS X dooms Linux; I believe it renews Linux.
• 8 OS X gotchas, 2002.02.12. You can't sync your Palm, share your USB printer, use most scanners....
• 10 forward, part 2, 2002.01.29. An easy, successful upgrade to OS X, and how I crashed OS X in one easy step.
• 10 Forward!, 2002.01.22. All the old commands are in different places, but forward migration shows just how rock solid Mac OS X is.
• Stop the email madness, 2002.01.15. Fighting spam is a good thing, but some ISPs carry things too far.
• The 2001 Top Ten, 2001.12.18. The ten best Mac-related developments of 2001 don't include a single cow.
• A home away from home, 2001.12.11. Three solutions for accessing your home computer from work or vice versa.
• Undercover at the Apple Store, 2001.12.04. A trip to Dallas, discovery of a new Apple store, and going undercover as a Windows user.
• Internet security for the home user, 2001.11.27. Determining how much protection your home computer needs and picking the right solutions.
• Technical aspects of network privacy and security for business, 2001.11.13. Tips on picking a firewall, mail server, Web server, and antivirus program.
• Legal aspects of network privacy and security for business, 2001.11.06. The importance of establishing company network and internet use policy.
• Windows is watching, 2001.10.30. Windows tracking Mac users? Computer security in the Internet Age.
• Building a Web presence on a shoestring, part 2, 2001.10.23. Choosing the right free or low-cost host for your website.
• Building a Web presence on a shoestring, 2001.10.16. Low cost and no cost solutions for designing a single page or a whole website.
• BIAX vs. Apple, Part 2, 2001.10.09. Is Apple the right target for the BIAX suit - and what about prior art?
• BIAX vs. Apple, Part 1, 2001.10.02. Does the BIAX suit against Apple have merit?
• Apple's dirty little secret, 2001.09.25. One more way in which Apple is very different from Microsoft.
• Why OS X matters, 2001.09.18. With the stability of Mac OS X, Apple leapfrogs all the improvements in Windows stability.
• Some mindless entertainment, 2001.09.11. No in-flight movie, but watching a couple IT guys try to run a DVD on their Dell was entertaining enough.
• The Mac as a business solution, 2001.09.04. The Mac finds a home in real estate and banking.

Also see the Best of the Practical Mac.