 Apple fans since 1982

Minutes 9/7/2006

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The evening started with some folks sharing summer experiences. There was some discussion of the new iMacs and MacBooks. Bob provided printed tech specs to those interested.

Randy demoed several shareware/freeware programs.

  • SizzlingKeys (v. 3.0.6) is a shareware program that controls iTunes with keyboard shortcuts from any application. A limited version is free, pro version is $4.95. Randy demoed SizzlingKeys and went through the keyboard shortcuts using option, control, and command keys to do the following: previous track, play/pause, next track, volume down, volume up. You can also a box to activate mute, almost mute, show/hide iTunes, show play lists, and search. All of this can be done without going into iTunes. You can download via Version Tracker or Google. SizzlingKeys is a must for power users of iTunes.
  • Next, Randy demoed FileChute, a shareware program that makes sending large files easy. Some service providers limit the size of files that can be emailed. In FileChute just drag a file and drop it on FileChute. FileChute puts the file on your .Mac account and generates a web link for retrieving the file all in one step. Next drag the generated link into your email and you’re set to go. Your recipients can retrieve the file from a Mac, a PC or any other platform. You can even drop multiple files or folders at once. FileChute automatically creates an archive in the format of your choice – it supports dmg, zip, and tar – and sends the archive file. The app works best with a .Mac account, however, once properly set up, it works just as perfectly with non-. Mac servers. Randy uploaded a large file and emailed it successfully!
  • FruitMenu is another shareware program ($10). It is compatible with Intel-based Macs. It is a haxie that gives you the ability to customize the Apple Menu and contextual menus. Using a visual editor, you can edit the contents of the menus to suit your needs and taste. To make the haxie completely flexible and customizable, you can assign hotkeys to particular menu items.
  • A cool freeware app is StartupSound. It is software, which controls the volume of the startup sound of your Mac. It goes into System Preferences.

Business: Jay Ruuska shared info on MakeItTakeIt program, which he has operated for the past 5 years. It is a program that gives computers to students who need one. Storage space has been provided free of charge for the past two years. The firm cannot provide it free any more. The year’s cost is $800. Discussion ensued. It was moved (Randy), seconded (Jim) and carried that “SLMUG pay for up to 3 months of the storage space cost.” Jay will negotiate this with SA Storage. He will also put an ad on Craig’s List to see if someone would take over the program.

Ed Matlock reviewed the DOM. OpenOffice 2.0 will be native soon so you won’t have to run X11. Programs in the DOM includes appzapper, Clean-the-Finder-Preferences, cleardock (shows just the icons), CocktailPE (panther), FontExpolorerX11, iTuneMyWalkman (can download to another), lcc2.1 (Logitech), and MacTracker 4.0.6. MultiClip (freeware), OnyX, OpenOffice 2.0.3, Security Update 2006-004, Skype (works with iSight), and Xbench (tests computer speed, etc.) Thanks Ed.

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