Dorchester — Sep 13th 2011
John opened the meeting with 19 members present.
Mick talked about Smart folders in finder, and in three Apple applications.
The first example was Mail, in which smart mailboxes keeps a copy, or rather a pointer to the original message. This is similar to Rules, but can process sent mail as well. (It is worth noting that this limitation in Rules can be worked around using an Applescript.) The process for setting up a smart folder is not dissimilar to that of setting up a Rule.
In iPhoto, one can set up Smart Albums, and a very wide range of criteria is available for defining the contents of the Smart Album. This facility can exploit the 'keyords' whichcan be defined to label each photo.
iTunes also has the capability to define smart playlists, also with a very wider range of defining criteria available.
Smart Folders also exist in Finder, but with a very restricted range of criteria
Steve spoke about Dropbox, not an Apple product, but in some ways a precursor to the much anticipated iCloud. After installing this application, a folder is created, the contents of which can be automatically synchronised with the same folder on other macs (or even PCs!). Thus up to date versions of documents can be maintained and viewed across a number of computers with access to the Cloud. An app is also available for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod, which brings these devices into the loop, with the exception that it does not allow editing of the documents which are being shared. It does, however allow photos to be uploaded. Dropbox also allows individual documents, or a folder containing photos to be shared with others, and will provide a URL which will provide access to each such item to be shared. At the moment, although all eyes will be focussed on iCloud, Dropbox may still be of use to those for whom iCloud does not provide a solution in their particular situation.
Before the break, a short Q&A session discussed a number of points, including the question of how to ensure the longevity of the iBook battery. The age old recipe of running through a full charge / discharge cycle each month, with possible mini - cycles in between is still apparently valid.
Euan then introduced a discussion on Lion.
Of the 18 then present, 6 use Lion, and 6 may be about to do so.
Euan briefly (!) went through a number of enhancements from the Apple list of 250 New Features of Lion, including - Air Drop - Autosave - Face Time - Full Screen Apps - Internet Restore and Utilities - Mail (including Conversations).
The following points / questions were raised:
After the lengthy process of downloading Lion, it is important to preserve a copy of the Installer, to avoid the need of going through the whole process again. Can do this by opening Application folder, select Lion, put it on desktop, and in other places eg DVD, and can also install on a data stick - see below.
Can I use Snow leopard on one HD, and snow leopard on the other - Yes but partitioning of main HD recommended.
Cannot synchronise contacts with any mobile - only with iPhone
Lion running with ext HD - OK but if you try to run it from a memory stick, things may be slow if it connects via USB2
Partitioning - nothing to worry about. Appear as separate drives.
To select startup system, press alt before startup chime.
Making start up data stick - reformat as extended journalled, using Disc Utility, install Lion.
The meeting continued informally after 10:30 with further discussion.
SR
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