The Mac mini provides an excellent platform for building a Home Theater PC or Media Center computer, but what software do you need to complete the package and give you the flexibility to record television programs and view Internet content on your schedule. I’ll describe the software suite that I’ve assembled and am using on my Mac mini-based Media Center computer.
If you had high hopes when Apple first released the AppleTV and using it as your HTPC or media center, you’ve probably been disappointed. There’s been much talk about using the Mac Mini, but how do you do that and what components do you need? I’ll discuss both the hardware and software that will turn your Mac mini into the ultimate HTPC.
Are you planning on buying an iPad when released? Have you really thought about if you really need 3G? Well, there’s a way to get 3G connectivity along with more flexibility and capabilities for your mobile computing needs and not locking yourself in to just the iPad.
Another camera app for the iPhone? Well, Camera Plus Pro developed by Global Delight is probably one of the most advanced camera apps available for the iPhone and if you feel limited by the iPhone’s built-in camera functionality, then Camera Plus Pro will make your picture taking easier and improve the quality of those pictures.
Did you know that iTunes 9 added a new feature that will allow you to automatically add media files to your iTunes library? Using a feature called “Automatically Add to iTunes”, you can easily add media to iTunes.
Have you encountered the occasional OS X problem and the inability to empty your Mac’s Trash? There are numerous tricks for forcing the Mac to empty the Trash, but if all fails there is one last method.
If you use USB flash drives to store and transport files there’s always a concern if those files carry personal or confidential information and you lose the flash drive. Well, there’s a simple way to protect those files and information should you lose the USB flash drive.
Do you need time tracking and billing software for your small business? For many small businesses this usually meant using QuickBooks on a PC. But what do you do if you use a Mac and QuickBooks Mac is overkill for your business? Well, TimeNet from AppleSource may be the answer to your needs.
If you have used computers for any period of time, you should have heard the expression “There are two kinds of computer users -those that have had a hard drive failure and those that will”. If you haven’t experienced a failure consider yourself lucky, but your days could be numbered. A reliable backup strategy will make recovery easier, less nerve-wracking and ensure that you won’t potentially lose days of sleep.
Would you like to record HDTV video streams directly on your Mac without having to jump through hoops? Well, using a handy little utility and a Firewire cable, along with having a properly equipped cable box you can do just that and get full HD quality video captures.