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  • Phill Magakoe/AFP/Getty Images

    Artificial insemination used to breed lions for the first time

    by 
    Jon Fingas
    Jon Fingas
    09.30.2018

    Artificial insemination isn't new, but the technique is still breaking new ground -- and it might just save one of the world's better known species. South Africa's University of Pretoria has successfully used artificial conception with lions for the first time, producing two cubs (Isabel and Victor, above) who've been healthy since their birth on August 25th. This wasn't a simple case of repeating familiar methods, either. The researchers relied on a new approach that could represent a breakthrough for species conservation.

  • Apple updates OS X to protect 'advanced UNIX users' from Shellshock

    by 
    Richard Lawler
    Richard Lawler
    09.29.2014

    Although OS X is among the systems listed as vulnerable to the recently-uncovered Shellshock / Bash security flaw (still not sure what that is? Let us explain.), Apple has said it isn't a problem for most users. For those potentially vulnerable due to enabling certain UNIX services, 9to5Mac reveals the company has just pushed patches for the Mavericks, Lion and Mountain Lion versions of its desktop operating system. You can download the updates from Apple's website now, and it should be available via software update soon. [Image credit: Robert Graham, Twitter]

  • Apple selling $20 Lion and Mountain Lion redemption codes for older Macs

    by 
    Michael Grothaus
    Michael Grothaus
    10.24.2013

    Apple has begun selling redemption codes for OS X 10.7 Lion and OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion on Apple.com. Each code costs US$19.99 and allows the buyer to redeem that code inside the Mac App Store so they can download the OS. At first, the move may seem an odd one since anyone can download OS X 10.9 Mavericks for free, but as TechCrunch notes, the sale of the older OSes compensates for the lack of availability of those versions of OS X on the App Store: We did some asking around about the thinking behind this particular arrangement and the nut of it is that Apple only offers one version of OS X at a time for purchase on the Mac App Store: the current one. But OS X Mavericks, though it does support some devices as far back as 2007, still has a lot of compatibility gaps for old Macs. If you've previously purchased either Lion or Mountain Lion, these are freely downloadable from the Mac App Store, but this new arrangement allows customers who may not (for some reason) have owned either one to purchase new copies. This will also allow users who have old Macs running Leopard or Snow Leopard to upgrade to 'new-er' versions of OS X. After a buyer purchases a code, they will receive it via email. Buyers can then copy and paste that code into the Redeem section of the Mac App Store and their download will commence.

  • Chitika's look at Apple OS adoption on the eve of a product launch

    by 
    Steve Sande
    Steve Sande
    09.09.2013

    It's very likely that along with the announcement of some new products tomorrow, we'll get a better idea of when Apple's newest operating systems -- iOS 7 and OS X Mavericks -- will actually ship. iOS 7 is widely expected to ship with the new iPhone(s) that should be announced tomorrow, while OS X Mavericks may be slated for an October release. Online advertising firm Chitika looks at millions of ad impressions generated by their network to scout out trends, and its most recent numbers (from August 15 to August 21, 2013) show that a whopping 92 percent of all iPhone users and 82 percent of iPad users are currently running iOS 6. Why are fewer iPad users on the most recent version of iOS? Chitika noted analyst Chetan Sharma as pointing out that 90 percent of tablet users use WiFi only (even if they are WiFi + cellular devices). iOS 6 has some mobile-focused features like turn-by-turn GPS and FaceTime over mobile networks that made the upgrade to iOS 6 more attractive to iPhone users than those who own iPads. Chitika believes that "based on past adoption rates of new iOS versions, it's likely that users of both device categories will adopt iOS 7 at high rates." So what about Apple's desktop / laptop operating system, OS X? Chitika's numbers show that 34 percent of all Mac owners in North America currently use OS X Mountain Lion (10.8), while 23 percent are still using Lion (10.7). What's quite surprising is the number of users who are somewhat stuck in the past with OS X Snow Leopard (10.6) and Leopard (10.5), a surprising 32 and 10 percent, respectively. For those who are running newer hardware capable meeting the requirements for the upcoming release of OS X Mavericks (10.9), the upgrade to the new version should be a no-brainer. Older Macs, however, will most likely continue to run the older operating systems until such time as the hardware is beyond repair.

  • Running Linux on your Mac: 2013 edition

    by 
    Steve Sande
    Steve Sande
    09.06.2013

    Back about this time of year in 2009, I wrote a post that's remained a venerable favorite. Entitled "How to set up Ubuntu Linux on a Mac -- It's Easy and Free," the post described in full detail how those interested in learning more about one specific Linux distro could install Ubuntu in a virtual machine on their device. This post is an update to the original, with all-new instructions but still using the same framework -- Oracle VM VirtualBox, which is an open source virtualization environment, and Ubuntu Linux. Why would you want to run Linux on your Mac, which features a Unix-based operating system in itself? Well, you may need to run Linux applications for your job as a system admin, or perhaps there's some specific app that some kind soul has written to run on a variety of Linux distributions but hasn't been ported to OS X yet. Whatever the reason, it's easy to do and you can put it on your resumé. Step 1: Download VirtualBox The first thing to do is get the Virtual Machine environment installed. Rather than use either VMware Fusion or Parallels Desktop, we're using the free Oracle VM VirtualBox. Download VirtualBox 4.2.16 for OS X Hosts here, and save it to a convenient spot on your Mac. Step 2: Install VirtualBox At this point you have a file with a name like "VirtualBox-4.2.16-86992-OSX.dmg" either in the Downloads folder or on the desktop. Double-click it to mount the installer image and this Finder window appears: The instructions are right on the box! Double-click the VirtualBox.pkg icon, respond to the various prompts using the default values, and VirtualBox is installed in the Applications folder. Step 3: Download Ubuntu Now it's time to get the Linux distro that I used the last time -- Ubuntu. Yes, I know there are plenty of other distros out there to play with and that some are better than others, but for the purpose of this post I'm trying to make this as easy as possible for readers to just experiment. Head on over to this page in your favorite browser, and click on the download button for the Long-Term Support (LTS) edition -- that just means that version will be supported for a longer time. In this case, it was Version 12.04 LTS. By the way, if you have a fairly recent Mac that's running Lion, Mountain Lion, or even Mavericks, go ahead and select the 64-bit version of the operating system. You'll be asked if you want to make a donation to help development of Ubuntu; that's up to you and you can also just try it for free, then donate later. The download will begin and several minutes later an .iso disk image file is stored on your Mac. This is used as an installation "disk" for Ubuntu. Step 4: Launch VirtualBox and create a virtual machine Pop into the Applications folder and launch VirtualBox. A blank "Oracle VM VirtualBox Manager" appears. Click on the New button in the upper left of the window to start creating a new virtual machine. The first window you'll see looks like this: I typed in a very original name for my virtual machine: Ubuntu. You may call it George if you wish. The type of operating system is Linux, the version in this case is Ubuntu (64 bit). Click Continue. A screen appears asking for the amount of memory you wish to allot to your VM. VirtualBox recommended 512 MB, but I selected 1 GB because hey, RAM's good! Clicking Continue again, you're then asked if you want to add a virtual hard drive to the new machine. Use the default "Create a virtual hard drive now" radio button, and click "Create". The next screen asks what kind of hard drive file type you would like to use. I chose the default VDI setting, and clicked yet again on Continue. Now you need to select the storage size of the virtual hard drive on your physical drive. Once again, select the default "Dynamically allocated" and click Continue. VirtualBox needs to know the initial size of the new virtual hard drive and where you want to save it. I suggest using the default 8 GB setting, and default location -- in your user folder (the one with the house icon in Finder). You can select another location if you wish. Click Create to continue. Guess what? You're back at the Oracle VM Virtual Box Manager. With your new virtual machine selected in the left sidebar, click the green Start arrow. As your virtual machine boots, it will want to be pointed at the installation media -- in this case, that's the Ubuntu distribution file. Mine was called "ubuntu-12.04.3-desktop-amd64.iso", but yours might be different dependent on the version number of the download. Select the distribution file by clicking on the folder icon, then using the standard OS X dialog to find and select it on your Mac. Once you're ready to go, click Start. Step 5: Installing Ubuntu Linux Pretty easy so far, right? It gets even easier now, since Ubuntu practically installs itself. Here you have a choice -- you can either just try Ubuntu, which means that you're running it from the disk image, or you can install Ubuntu so that you can start installing apps and customize it. I suggest clicking the Install Ubuntu button. The next screen checks to see if your computer has at least 4.5 GB of available drive space (we set it for 8 GB earlier) and is connected to the Internet. Chances are good that if you're reading this post on TUAW, you're connected to the Internet. I checked both the "Download updates while installing" and "Install this third-party software" boxes so that my virtual machine received any late-breaking security updates, then clicked Continue. Next, an Installation type window appears. Since you've selected your virtual hard drive, make sure Erase disk and install Ubuntu is selected, and then click Continue. You should see something similar to this indicating that you're connected to a VBOX HARDDISK: Click that Install Now button and you're on your way. You'll need to create a user for your virtual machine: Put in your name, the name of the computer (if different), pick a username, and then select and confirm a password. If you don't care to log in every time you start the virtual machine, just select "Log in automatically" and click Continue. For me, I decided to require a password lo log in. Now you are treated to an exciting slideshow of features while the Ubuntu installer does its magic. When it is complete, you're asked to restart the machine: As soon as your virtual machine reboots, you're greeted with a login window (if you selected that option), and then move to to the Ubuntu Desktop using the Unity Desktop Environment: At this point, you can choose to play around for a bit, browse the Ubuntu Software Center (think of it as Ubuntu's App Store), tweak settings, and otherwise make yourself at home. I would suggest, however, that before you do too much, that you make a few minor changes to your virtual machine. To do this, shut down your Ubuntu VM by clicking the little "power button" icon in the upper right corner of the window, then selecting Shut Down... Step 6: Final Tweaks Once you're safely back at the Oracle VM VirtualBox Manager, click on your Ubuntu virtual machine in the left sidebar and click the Settings button in the toolbar. What we need to do is change the boot order so that VirtualBox knows where to look for the virtual machine file on the Mac. When the Ubuntu - System settings window appears, click the System tab: See that second item below Base Memory titled Boot Order? Initially, it's going to show CD/DVD-ROM as the first item in the list. You want to change that by clicking on Hard Disk, then moving Hard Disk to the top of the list using the little arrows to the right of the boot device list. By the way, since your Mac doesn't have a floppy drive, uncheck that Floppy check box. In fact, you can do the same to CD/DVD-ROM as well if your Mac (like both of mine) doesn't have an optical drive. Conclusion I was surprised at how little time it took to set up the Ubuntu virtual machine this time compared with 2009. Of course, the iMac I installed it on is much faster than the one I used four years ago, and both VirtualBox and Ubuntu have gone through some changes as well. It boots a lot faster, too -- from the VirtualBox Manager, it takes just 8 seconds to get to the login screen. Like I said earlier, you can choose to use any other Linux distribution if you wish to; I just chose Ubuntu because that's what I did four years ago. But this is a fun and educational way to learn all about another operating system, and if you choose not to make a contribution, it's also free.

  • Twitter for Mac 2.2.1 brings Notification Center support, various bug fixes

    by 
    Joe Pollicino
    Joe Pollicino
    05.22.2013

    It's certainly been a long time coming, but the latest version (2.2.1) of Twitter for Mac finally brings support for Notification Center in OS X Mountain Lion. Aside from the side-pane pings for your @replies and DMs, a number of fixes have been implemented that should stabilize your experience some more. Most notably, Growl users on Lion and Mountain Lion can enjoy receiving notifications again. The update is available directly from the Mac App Store right now, so hit the source link if you're interested.

  • OS X camera RAW compatibility update adds Sony RX1, Nikon D5200 and more

    by 
    Jamie Rigg
    Jamie Rigg
    02.08.2013

    Apple's 'Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 4.04' is out, and although we rarely report on these frequent releases, there are a few notable shooters named in this particular version. Available for Macs running OS X Lion 10.7.5 and above, or Mountain Lion 10.8.2 and above, the update now allows RAW snaps from Sony's compact Cyber-shot RX1 and Nikon's D5200 SLR to play nice with Aperture and iPhoto software. Plenty of other cameras are also on the changelog: Leica's X2, V-Lux 4 and D-Lux 6, as well as Pentax's Q, K-30, K-5 II and IIs. A quick trip to the App Store will get you on the latest version and have you cooking something up in Aperture before you can say "medium-rare." Bon appétit.

  • Mac OS X 10.7 Lion is still available for purchase from Apple

    by 
    TJ Luoma
    TJ Luoma
    01.24.2013

    A reader contacted us the other day with an interesting problem: he wanted to use the latest Java update, but it requires an "Intel-based Mac running Mac OS X 10.7.3 (Lion) or later" and his MacBook was running Snow Leopard. Here's the twist: his MacBook cannot run Mountain Lion (10.8), and Lion (10.7) is no longer available for sale on the Mac App Store. It's also not available on Apple's website, or Amazon.com, or anywhere else (with very few exceptions which all looked extremely unreliable). The good news is that Lion is still available from Apple... but you have to call Apple to get it. It will cost you US$20 and will come to you as a redeemable code that you will use in the Mac App Store, which means that you will need a Mac running at least 10.6.8 to use the code. The only weird part is that the Apple Support salesman said that it may take "up to a couple of days" to get the redemption code. I'm not sure why that is, but my guess is that if you haven't upgraded to Lion yet, waiting another day or two won't be a huge deal. In the USA, the number for Apple Sales Support is 1-800-692-7753. When I called their automated call routing system I said "Sales" at the first prompt (what department I wanted), "Lion" at the second prompt (what I was calling about) and "Personal" at the third prompt (personal, business or education). That connected me to the right person. Folks who aren't in the US should check the Contacting Apple for support and service page, and may have different voice prompts. "But I already paid for Lion!" If you bought Lion when it was available, you might be disappointed to learn that it no longer appears in your "Purchases" list in the App Store. I was surprised to learn that if I wanted to download Lion again, I would be expected to pay for it again. That seems like something Apple should be able to easily confirm that I have already purchased and allow me to download for free. I also assume that if I needed to reinstall Lion from a recovery partition which is already set up on a computer running Lion, then I would be able to do that, but I have not tested that theory. Fortunately I saved a copy of the 4 GB "Install Mac OS X Lion.app" before it was removed from the Mac App Store in case I ever need to do a clean installation. "Can I use someone else's Lion installer?" Probably. If you purchased Lion from the Mac App Store but no longer have a copy of the installer app, you should be able to use someone else's Lion installer, i.e., from a USB thumb drive. I seem to recall that the installer connects to some computer at Apple.com to verify that you are "eligible" to install Lion, but it has been a long time since I installed Lion and have not tried using someone else's installer. Past is prologue, make a USB installer today Apple's behavior with Lion is a good indication of how things will likely proceed with Mountain Lion once the next version of Mac OS X is released. The Mountain Lion installer will eventually be removed from the Mac App Store, and users who cannot or prefer not to upgrade will not be able to download it again without contacting Apple, and possibly having to pay for it again. If you don't already have the installer downloaded, I recommend getting it now and saving it somewhere safe. In fact, it would be a good idea to save a copy of it on your hard drive, and make a USB installer as well. This is extremely easy to do using Lion DiskMaker which (despite the name) works with Snow Leopard, Lion or Mountain Lion.

  • A reasonable response to Java security problems (Updated)

    by 
    TJ Luoma
    TJ Luoma
    01.11.2013

    Update: According to The Mac Observer, Apple has acted proactively to block the Java browser plug-in on Mac machines with OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard or higher. If you are running an earlier version of OS X, then you should disable Java as noted below. Update 2: In a remarkably speedy turnaround, Oracle has released a patched Java VM (release 11, listed as b21 internally) that closes this particular hole. Users who need Java installed are urged to update ASAP. You may have to update manually; Mike Rose reports that the auto-update feature on his machine ended up crashing the Java control panel. A Java security flaw has been reported by CERT (the Computer Emergency Readiness Team). TheNextWeb has a good write-up of the background of the exploit's discovery. Here's the bad news: there is no "fix" for the bug yet. Here's the worse news: it is believed that malicious sites on the web are already aware of this security hole, and are trying to exploit it. Is your Mac at risk? Maybe. It is possible that your Mac does not even have Java installed. Apple stopped including Java by default with Lion. However, if you have run into any websites or software that needs Java, it may have prompted you to install it. So what should you do? Well, here are some options: Stop using the Internet and go live in a yurt. Disable Java Uninstall Java Ignore it and hope that everything will be OK. Hopefully you guessed that options 1 & 4 are the "Not Good" options, so that leaves us with two choices: Disable or Uninstall? Here's my suggestion: if you are on Mac OS X 10.7 or 10.8 (Lion or Mountain Lion) have Java installed and you're not just one of those people who goes around installing things willy-nilly, my guess is that you have (or had) some software program that relies on Java. If you uninstall it, something might break and you might not be able to figure out why. However, if you disable Java in whichever browser(s) you use regularly, you can continue to use your web browser without worrying about this exploit. If you find a website that uses Java, you can turn it on, do what you need to do, and then turn it off again. Safari Users: you can easily disable Java by going to Safari's Preferences, then choose the Security tab, and uncheck the appropriate box: Google Chrome users need to go to chrome://plugins Firefox users: Go to the "Tools" menu, then "Add-ons" (or ⌘ + Shift + A) and choose the "Plugins" tab. Then click the 'disable' button next to Java Applet Plug-in. "But I need Java for these sites I use every day!" OK, so that's the reasonable response that I think will work for most people, but if you happen to be one of the people who needs to use Java every day for a specific set of websites all is not lost. In fact, there's a very easy solution called Fluid.app. This one might seem a little nerdy, but once you set it up, it's quite easy. We've mentioned Fluid.app on TUAW in the past and it's one of my favorite tools. With Fluid.app you can make a "standalone" web browser with its own set of preferences, including Java. You can find these settings in your Fluid.app browser under 'Settings': But wait! he said in his best made-for-TV voice There's more! Fluid.app will also let you say exactly which websites (domains, URLs, etc) that you want to use with that browser. Go to the "Whitelist" preferences and enter the domains, like this: Now that the rule that I have will allow me to visit any URL that includes www.google.com. You can add more sites using the + at the bottom of the window. Add all of your known and trusted sites which use Java. If you come across a link to a different site, it will automatically send you over to your regular browser (where you have disabled Java). Using this system you can have the security of having Java disabled, but still have the convenience of being able to use it on sites that you trust.

  • Mountain Lion is king of the OS X jungle

    by 
    Michael Grothaus
    Michael Grothaus
    01.04.2013

    As noted by Macworld UK, Apple's OS X Mountain Lion has clawed its way to the top of the OS X jungle. It was released on July 25, 2012 and as of this past December it's installed on 32 percent of all Macs online. That percentage is according to Net Applications, a web-measurement firm that tracks operating system usage by analyzing visitors to 40,000 websites. That number represents a 3 percent increase for the OS from November, when 10.8 was running on 29 percent of all Macs online. That gain came mostly at the expense of OS X 10.7 Lion, which sank from 30 percent to 28 percent. Mountain Lion also stole one percentage point from OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, which is now actually in second place, accounting for 29 percent of all Macs. Interestingly, Computerworld has compared Snow Leopard to Windows XP, noting its strong staying power. They attribute this to the stability of the OS and the ability of Snow Leopard to run PowerPC apps. Net Applications doesn't expect any future Mac operating system to ever crack a 50 percent share. That's due to Apple's new annual OS X update cycle. If OS X 10.7 and 10.8 are any indication, Apple should announce the 10.9 beta some time this spring with the official release coming in July.

  • Apple releases WiFi compatibility update for late 2012 Macs

    by 
    Mark Hearn
    Mark Hearn
    12.18.2012

    Earlier today, Apple released a WiFi update for late 2012 Mac systems. The new software improves compatibility for devices on the 5GHz band and requires that your machine be running OS X 10.8.2. Qualified users looking to expand their system's connectivity can snag the 1.49MB update through the Apple Menu's Software Update tab, or by visiting the source link below.

  • TERA entices players to buy boxed copies with a totally sweet lion

    by 
    Eliot Lefebvre
    Eliot Lefebvre
    12.13.2012

    You are a discerning consumer. You've looked at the the box for TERA many a time, and you've said to yourself, "I would enjoy this game... but not yet. No, I want to wait until buying this box gives me an awesome lion to ride around as a mount. I will name her Karen." If this sounds like you, good news! Your oddly specific desire has been rewarded with the game's newest promotion! So how do you go about getting this completely awesome lion mount, technically referred to by the game as the tawny huntress? You just buy a boxed copy of the game and enter the authorization code backwards. The promotion also rewards you with two emeralds and two semi-enigmatic scrolls, but the lion is the centerpiece. However, this promotion is only valid for boxed copies of the game bought on or after December 12th. If you already have a box, you're a bit out of luck, but anyone waiting on a free lion has just lucked out.

  • Messages beta for OS X Lion users ends December 14

    by 
    Kelly Hodgkins
    Kelly Hodgkins
    11.19.2012

    Apple is notifying Lion users that the beta version of the Messages app will expire on December 14th. The app debuted as a free beta download for Lion users and was incorporated into OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion when the latest version of OS X was released earlier this year. An email sent to Lion owners that was published by Cult of Mac says that customers must upgrade to Mountain Lion if they wish to continue to use the Messages app. The Mountain Lion upgrade costs $20 and is available from the Mac App Store. With Messages, Reminders and Notification Center, OS X Mountain Lion is a worthwhile upgrade for customers whose Macs are compatible. You can view a copy of Apple's email below. [Via Engadget and Cult of Mac]

  • Apple camera RAW update for OS X supports Canon EOS M, Nikon D600, compulsive photography

    by 
    Jon Fingas
    Jon Fingas
    10.25.2012

    Not every update Apple makes to its RAW support in OS X merits attention, but when a new revision covers several of the biggest camera launches of the year in one fell swoop, we'll have our eyebrows raised. The company's not very elegantly titled Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 4.01 supports the unprocessed photos from Nikon's 'starter' full-frame DSLR, the D600, as well as a handful of hotter mirrorless cameras like the Canon EOS M, Nikon 1 J2, Panasonic Lumix G5 and Sony NEX-F3. Those who aren't keen on swapping lenses still get native RAW support for higher-end compacts like Canon's PowerShot G15 and Sony's Cyber-shot RX100. Provided you're running the necessary OS X Lion or Mountain Lion, Apple just gave you free rein to pick a cutting-edge camera and shoot (in full detail) to your heart's content.

  • OS X Lion hits 10.7.5 with most recent update, brings improved security with Gatekeeper

    by 
    Zachary Lutz
    Zachary Lutz
    09.20.2012

    While the latest software for OS X Lion isn't nearly as exciting as a couple of other updates that Apple released today, Lion users will find a few worthwhile improvements within the new OS X 10.7.5 update. Most importantly, the latest software introduces Gatekeeper, a security feature from Mountain Lion that makes it more difficult to inadvertently install malicious software. The update also brings improved WiFi reliability for the iMac (late 2009 and newer) and squashes a bug that'd caused Launchpad icons to become rearranged. You'll find an even greater number of fixes / improvements after the break, and it's also worth a mention that even Snow Leopard users have received a bit of love today in the form of a security update. Want to prove you're a good cat owner? Go ahead and check for new updates right away.

  • Zorro Macsk review: instantly add touchscreen functionality to your 21.5-inch iMac

    by 
    Richard Lai
    Richard Lai
    09.17.2012

    Over the years we've come across a few signs that pointed to the possibility of touchscreen-enabled iMacs, but Steve Jobs had already dismissed this as a possibility for current Mac form factors. Quoting the man at the "Back to the Mac" keynote from two years ago: "It gives great demo, but after a while your arm feels like it's going to fall off. Touch surfaces want to be horizontal." So perhaps our fantasy's still stuck in the "research project" phase. Luckily, the more adventurous touchscreen lovers can look to third-party solutions. For MacBooks you have Axiotron's Modbook, except you lose the keyboard and you can't perform the modification yourself. As for iMacs and Cinema Displays, we've been following Troll Touch for its resistive touchscreen replacement panels, but they aren't exactly affordable and most of them have to be installed by the company. Even its user-installable SlipCover series starts from $899, anyway. This leaves us with the Zorro Macsk, a cheekily named iMac accessory hailing from TMDtouch of Shenzhen, China. The 21.5-inch model is priced at just $199 on Amazon with no modifications required. Plus, it supports multitouch -- a glaring omission from Troll Touch's Mac lineup. So is this truly a bargain? Or is it just a case of "you get what you pay for?" Follow past the break to see how we got on with the Zorro Macsk.%Gallery-165013%

  • Put colorful Finder icons back in Mountain Lion

    by 
    Dave Caolo
    Dave Caolo
    08.10.2012

    OS X Lion introduced greyscale Finder icons in the side bar of Finder windows. They look nice, but many think their colorful counterparts were nicer. SideEffects lets you replace them. This simple Mac utility installs components that enable color Finder sidebar icons in both Lion and Mountain Lion. SideEffects is donationware and a beta, so if that makes you hesitant you can skip over it. Otherwise, enjoy the pretty icons!

  • LaCie reveals new Mac-friendly USB 3.0 external drives

    by 
    Michael Gorman
    Michael Gorman
    08.04.2012

    Lacie's just announced its next generation USB 3.0 drives meant to take advantage of the new Ivy Bridge internals of the latest MacBooks. The fresh Rugged Triple, Porsche Design P'9223 and P'9233, and RuggedKey models all use USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UAS) for maximum data transfer speeds to and from machines running Lion or Mountain Lion. If you're looking to pick one of these slick storage devices, they'll be available in Apple stores and on LaCie's website this summer.

  • Dear Aunt TUAW: My Lion-only MacBook just died. Help! (Updated)

    by 
    Erica Sadun
    Erica Sadun
    08.01.2012

    Dear Aunt TUAW, The hard drive in my late 2006 black MacBook died this week. I purchased a new hard drive for it, used my OS X 10.6 install CD and then updated. I then went to the Mac App Store and found I can no longer download Lion, even with trying to hold the Option key down. What can I do other then buy the US$69 USB key? Your loving nephew, Todd Dear Todd, Update: The Lion installer has made a re-appearance in the Purchases tab, so it may be worth trying to download it one more time. Auntie gathers you didn't make a USB install drive from your original installer, yes? As for Apple's USB installer, Auntie's afraid that's no longer available. It must have been removed from shelves when Lion disappeared from the Mac App Store. Pity. She thinks you should head on over to an Apple Store Genius Bar and throw yourself and your MacBook on their mercy. You shouldn't have to pay $69 for a copy of the installer software that you already paid for. Since you did already pay, if you have any friends with copies of the installer, you're probably on reasonable moral grounds to re-install that way as well. Not near an Apple store? You can also try calling Apple Support, although that's generally better to do if you have Apple Care. Mind you this is Auntie's own opinion. And Auntie has a lot of opinions. Like Teen Wolf. It should be on every night, and go for 52 weeks of the year. All Teen Wolf, all the time. And Werthers should sponsor "Dear Aunt TUAW", providing the TUAW staffers with free candies and back massages. See? These opinions are not entirely based in any reality, so check with Apple about your options. In any case, Auntie wishes you an easy upgrade and a quick return to Lion health. Hugs, Auntie T. #next_pages_container { width: 5px; hight: 5px; position: absolute; top: -100px; left: -100px; z-index: 2147483647 !important; }

  • Farewell, Lion, you've served us well; Apple removes 10.7 from App Store

    by 
    Megan Lavey-Heaton
    Megan Lavey-Heaton
    07.25.2012

    Apple has apparently dropped OS X Lion from the Mac App Store. Those who have purchased it are still seeing it in their purchases list, though some TUAW staffers are saying they're not able to download it. I wasn't able to download it on my MacBook Pro, though I was able to start doing so on my iMac. Those with OS X Lion who are not making the Mountain Lion upgrade should be able use the Lion Internet Recovery process if there are any issues or use Lion Recovery Disk Assistant to make a backup on an external drive. We also recommend making a bootable backup of your computer whether you're sticking with Lion or upgrading to Mountain Lion. #next_pages_container { width: 5px; hight: 5px; position: absolute; top: -100px; left: -100px; z-index: 2147483647 !important; }