Tag Archive for apple

Pages Check Template

We had a requirement of creating a check template in Apple’s Pages.

This template would eventually have to be populated with the client’s account number and the client’s bank’s routing number, although those numbers would of course be kept confidential.

The first resource we located was Robert Hashemian’s excellent online “Free Check Generator” located at <a href=”http://www.hashemian.com/tools/check-generator.php”>http://www.hashemian.com/tools/check-generator.php</a>.

This is a pretty amazing resource, creating an onscreen customizable check, with routing number, account number, and check number customizable, and present on the check in the proper MICR font. The page also contains numerous links to helpful information. Through these links we located the Wikipedia page for the <a href=”https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_ink_character_recognition”>Magnetic ink character recognition</a> font.

Because we were using Pages on a Mac, we had to look up how to get the <a href=”http://www.poynton.com/notes/misc/mac-unicode-hex-input.html”>Unicode Hex Input screen going</a>, as well as <a href=”https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4082373?start=0&tstart=0″>jog our memories on how to make Pages show all fonts available on the system</a>.

Of course, we did not input our account numbers and routing numbers directly on the website, but we were able to put together a very basic check template with the proper MICR font in Pages and provide the solution to the client.

 

“Create MP3 Version” missing in iTunes

It’s not really missing, but the “Create xyz Version” is dependent on your encoding settings in iTunes preferences. Of course. Hmm.

 

Thanks, Apple Insider folks!

wget on OS X Lion

This is one of the first things I found myself doing on this new install of OS X Lion:

http://www.elfnet.org/2012/01/09/wget-os-lion-10-7/

Also:

http://thomashunter.name/blog/install-wget-on-os-x-lion/

And I did have to follow the directions found in a comment in Apple’s AppStore (of all places) to get it linked properly:

 

Little Mac Apps

We were very happy to find that this software existed!

It lets you monitor inbound ssh connections in real time on OS X Server.

http://littlemacapps.com/software/whoisconnected.html

Trying Out Apple’s Mobile.Me

I’m trying out Apple’s Mobile.Me, as part of my concerted effort to de-construct tech needs and provide the simplest solution possible.

Apple: Fix the WWAN status in the menu bar option

…in OS X 10.6, Preferences, Network…

The checkbox never stays checked. And the WWAN status never shows up in the menu bar.

This is for various Verizon/VZW devices, at least the USB720 and the MiFi 2200 Novatel.

The Digital Road Warrior

vancouver-img_3083-600

Today marks the second day in a row I’ve worked from the same place — the YCG Northwestern Headquarters. Above you can see the lovely scene that greeted us as we cruised into Vancouver, B.C. this last weekend for an extended series of face-to-face client meetings.

Being on the road constantly has lead us here at Your Computer Genius to perfect the Digital Road Warrior’s arsenal, or rather, to make the most of the available technology, while striving to keep costs down, equipment fresh, and the backpack light.

The current mobile setup I use is as follows:

This worked great all the way to Canada and back!

iPhone Adoption

The iPhone 3G is a nice product.

Here are the benefits:

  • Touchscreen
  • Full keyboard
  • Bluetooth
  • Camera (1+ MP)
  • GPS
  • WiFi
  • 3G Connection

However, I will not upgrade the Your Computer Genius Team to iPhones until these things are accomplished:

  • Cut & Paste
  • 3G Laptop tether (USB or Bluetooth or WiFi)
  • Dvorak Keyboard Layout

Tell Apple what they need to do to appease us, here at Your Computer Genius Genius Headquarters:

http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html

The Macbook Air

Apple Refurbished MacBook Air 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

The things I don’t like about the Macbook Air:

  • Edges on inside (wrist-rest area) should be beveled
  • Screen should tilt back further
  • Battery life is poor

The things I love about the Macbook Air:

  • Slim Profile
  • Light Weight

Things I could never go back from:

  • Back-lit Keyboard
  • Auto-sensing Display Brightness
  • Multi-touch Trackpad

MacBook Air


Apple Online Store