It might seem like a daunting task to mix your Mac in a Windows server environment.  But, it’s not too difficult.  There are a few steps to take to connect to a Windows server with a mac running Mac OS 10.  This will allow you to access files on a Windows server.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Go to the Finder->Go and choose Connect to Server
2. Type in smb://server_name/share_name
3. Enter the workgroup/domain where the server is
4. Enter your username and password for the server
5. Your server share will appear in the Computer area in the Finder Window.  You may select is as a preference so it appears on your desktop.

Leopard is out in the market.  So, how has it fared thus far?

There are three ways to install Leopard on your current mac. 

1. Buy a new mac with Leopard already installed on it.
2. Upgrade your current Mac OS to Leopard
3. Archive and Install - this means to back up your files first and install a fresh copy of Leopard

We originally thought Options 1 and 3 are the way to go since having a clean copy of Leopard is the way to go.  Why?  If you have any existing corruption or issues with the your current Operating System, it may be carried over to your upgraded Leopard operating system.

However, from the tests performed, option 3: Archive and Install, has shown from 15% of our cases where it would freeze and not allow further processing or installing.  50% of the time would run through fully, but would lag and take about 45 minutes to complete although meeting the recommended RAM and processor requirements.  The rest of cases went through smoothly probably due to have over-qualified hard drive space and RAM requirements.

It is recommended to back up your important files first to an external hard drive or DVDs before installing Leopard.  Sometimes, the archive feature doesn’t work well or freezes.  Hey, it’s better to be safe than sorry!  Then, our results show upgrading to Leopard is a more stable bet for now. 

Leopard is now available for macs.  This is the Mac OS X Version 10.5 operating system released from Apple.  This new operating system touts over 300 new features geared towards auto-backups, enhanced desktop, and easy mac-file sharing.

So, what’s the best way to get your hands on Leopard?  Should you go to the store?  Buy online? 

The regular price from Apple is $129.00  For online enthusiasts, Amazon and MacMall drops the price down to $109.  You may also buy Leopard in stores at CompUSA for $99.99 after a mail-in rebate.  The CompUSA rate seems to be the cheapest although we’re not big fans of waiting 2-3 months for a rebate.

Going to the store or buying online will give you the same media and box from the above vendors.  Some online sites just provide the OEM version, or the CD without the box.  It doesn’t really matter which way you choose to purchase.  It is up to you and your preference.

Leopard is the newest operating system that will be released by Apple on October 26, 2007.  As always, Apple insists you need it.  But, do you really?

For $129, Leopard will give you the following 5 new features:  Boot Camp, Time Machine, Parental Controls, a robust Desktop, and strong Spotlight search.   The price seems to validate going ahead to purchase Leopard for these nice features.

Can you run Leopard on your existing mac?  Yes, if you have at least 512MB RAM, 9GB of free hard drive space, and a DVD drive.

You may even save on a 5-license deal with Leopard.  You can buy 5 licenses for just $199. 

Overall, the price seems to be targeted well for swaying the fence sitters out there.  Seems like a worthwhile upgrade to us.

The new 20″ and 24″ all-in-one macs have taken the computer world by storm.  PC buyers are considering really to make the “switch” and mac users and heavily swayed towards upgrading their apple computer.  Is the hype validated?

Yes, we think it is worth it.  The new mac is even more aesthetically pleasing, without even turning it on.  The all-in-one mac features a new black and white front plastic as well as a glass finish for the screen.  It’s thinner and provides easier viewing from side angles.  The contrast in colors on the 24″ leaves rich and easy viewing.  Of course, the 24″ screen should be placed at least 1 foot away from your eyes or this could result in “mac-reality induced depression.”  Yes, that word was just created!  We feel that if you get to close to the light, you might never want to come back to reality.

The newest and biggest craze over these new macs is the bluetooth keyboard.  The keyboard blends in with the design as a white minimalist look.  It is very comfortable to type on and it includes 2 high-speed USB ports for connecting peripherals, such as an external hard drive, blackberry, or treo.  The mouse also is bluetooth and does not take up much space.  Those with large fingers might not be so appreciative of the sleek keyboard and mouse input devices.

Inside the hood is faster, glossier, and more powerful.  The same applications as all the macs, but the driving is faster since the new macs come with dual core processors and up to 4GB RAM.  Enjoy the ride, and remember to drive responsibly. 

In general, Macs seem to have less problems that PCs.  There are less viruses and spyware associated with Macs since they are not targeted as much as Windows computers.  However, there are still common issues that Mac users experience.  We have tallied up all of the Mac issues and found the below three to be the most popular:

1.  Frozen Application

If your Entourage, iTunes, or another application freezes, you may resolve this by holding down the Command and Option keys simultaneously and the press Escape.  Once you see the Force Quit window, select the non-responding software and click the Force Quit button.  You will be able to end this freezing application and continue working again.  If the keyboard is not responding, you have no choice but to hold down the power button until the system shuts down. 

2.  Mac Won’t Wake from Sleep Mode

To prevent this from happening in the future, follow these preventative steps:

-Disconnect peripherals, such as iPod, printer, and handheld, before putting your Mac to sleep.

-Make sure your Mac is updated by performing a software update.

-Make sure your peripherals and hardware have the appropriate firmware, or updated software.

3.  Dock Application Freezes

Sometimes, an application will not launch or quit from the Dock.  The application will not do anything when clicking on it or display a question mark.  To unfreeze the application, follow the steps described above in the Frozen Application.  If the question mark still remains, drag the question mark to the desktop to make it disappear.  Then, drag the missing application’s icon to the Dock by finding it within your Applications folder.

If you are experiencing slow startup on your Mac, below is a checklist of how to get back in the fast lane:

1. Reset or replace PRAM battery.  A reset is as easy as starting up your Mac while holding the Command, Option, P, and R keys.  You’ll hear the startup chime twice and then you have to release the keys.
2. Replace all peripherals besides your keyboard and mouse
3. Ensure all cables are connected tightly
4. Disconnect network cables.
5. Remove startup issues.  This may be found in the “Accounts” pane in System Preferences and the go to “Login Items” to remove any problematic startup items.
6. Check for permissions issues

Making the Switch is easy nowadays.  But, is it for you? 

Here are the top 3 pros and cons for making the switch.

Pros: 
1.  Word & Excel will work fine with AppleWorks or by installing Microsoft Office for Mac
2.  Digital cameras may use iPhoto software
3.  Pictures will be recognized flawlessly

Cons:
1.  Getting used to the single-button mouse.  That means no left or right-click button. Solution: Buy a third-party two-button mouse.

2.  Outlook & Outlook Express are tricky to transfer over without utilities. 
Solution:  Use a $10 software utility from Little Machines to move your e-mail over.

3.  Built-in firewall is not activated by default like Windows. 
Solution:  Use Mac Help in the finder for instructions on how to activate the firewall.

If you’re having difficulty making the jump from the PC world to Mac, there is an easy way to bridge the gap.  You can install software that allows you to run Windows on a Mac.  This way, you can enjoy the seamless, clean graphical look of a Mac and not have to learn a whole new operating system and applications.  You can run Windows XP on an iMac or iBook.  The best of both worlds.

Below is software that allows you to toggle between a Mac and Windows operating system:

Parallels:  Pro:  First software to be made for an Intel-based Mac OS X 10.4.6. and higher.  The easiest and smoothest of the bunch.  Con:  You have to purchase a copy of Windows along with this $80 software.

Virtual PC for Mac:  Pro:  Top emulator and feature-rich software for working between Macs and Windows.  Good value at $129.  Con: Does not run on Intel-based Macs

iEmulator:  Pro:  For an inexpensvie $25, you can easily work with Windows on your Mac.  Con:  Windows 2000 runs faster than Windows XP

Now, you can end the age-old dilemma between choosing a PC or Mac.