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Can I connect a Windows PC and an OS X Mac by wireless networking?
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Al Fasoldt's reviews and commentaries, continuously available online since 1983
T h e R o a d L e s s T r a v e l e d
Answers to your OS X questions, Part 1
June 1, 2005
By Al Fasoldt
Copyright © 2005, Al Fasoldt
Copyright © 2005, The Post-Standard
Let's play 20 questions. These have been piling up, so here are brief answers, this week and next, to questions sent by readers.
1. Please tell me the difference between "Empty Trash" and "Secure Empty Trash." -- B.V., via Hotmail.
"Empty Trash" frees up space on the hard drive by allowing new files to take the place of unwanted files. The unwanted files aren't removed separately and can still be found by a snoopy kid or lawyer. In the "secure" version (starting with OS X Panther), files that are deleted are expunged. They can't be looked at later.
2. Can I connect a Windows PC and an OS X Mac by wireless networking? -- C.W., via Road Runner
Yes. Apple calls wireless networking "Airport." So-called "802.11b" or "802.11g" wireless networks work with any computer that has a compatible circuit.
3. Can you run some photos that show the inside of a Mac? I've been working on PC's since '96 and have yet to see the inside of a Mac!!! -- D. L., via ontera.net.
Apple has them. For a view inside a G5 tower, go to www.apple.com/powermac/design.html.
4. Did you ever find a convenient way to import your Safari bookmarks into Firefox? In the import section of Firefox I only have the option to import Netscape bookmarks. -- C. S., via dokurama.de.
Yes. Here's a site that did the work for us: http://iraszl.brinkster.net/creativebits/2004/07/time-to-try-firefox.html.
5. Is there a keystroke that will restore a hidden window from the dock? I've been looking for it in vain. -- T.J.H., via psu.edu.
More or less: Press Ctrl-F3. That selects the last selected icon in the dock. Use the right and left arrows to select the different icons. Press Enter to activate the selection, press up or down arrow to go through the item's menu, or Esc
(or Cmd-.) to cancel.
6. Should Mac OS X users run a defrag program? -- S.S., via Road Runner
No. Or rather, yes. Disk experts differ. Panther and Tiger run their own defrag operations while you're doing other things, so you really don't need do do it yourself.
7. Are there any groups that would provide help with upgrading iMacs? -- S.J.S., via AOL.
There are Mac user groups in most urban areas. Use Google to search for your area along with the words MACINTOSH USER GROUP. In Central New York, go to www.ismug.com for details on the local user group.
8. Do OS X Macs need antivirus software? -- L.E.
No.
9. I am planning to buy an Apple. Where I can compare advantages of Apples vs. Windows PCs when dealing with Trojan horses, viruses and spyware? -- A.F.L., via energizer.com.
There are no Trojan horses, viruses or spyware for Mac OS X computers. Go to www.apple.com for a good site on Mac OS X computers in general.
10. I have 500 pictures in my iPhoto library. How do I convert each to TIFF? -- J.D., via BCI.net.
Select the images, go to the File menu and choose "Export." Choose TIFF.
Next week: 10 more hot topics.
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