Category: Misc Notes

Summary

This document explains how to reset the parameter random access memory (PRAM) and nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM) on Macintosh computers.

Important: If your computer does not retain parameter RAM (PRAM) settings when it is turned off, this generally indicates that the battery needs to be changed. Refer to Macintosh Family: Batteries and Part Numbers.

via Resetting your Mac’s PRAM and NVRAM.

i lost my file with the complete, detailed instructions on how I built/installed PHP5 and MySQL5 on my box.

The backup of the backup created a bogus file.

The nightly backup was a “recycle”

I’ll learn

macosxhints.com – Burn a playable DVD from a VIDEO_TS folder

After searching the forums and trying various things, I still couldn’t find a quick, reliable, free method of burning a VIDEO_TS folder to a pure UDF DVD, so that it would play in regular DVD players, as well trigger DVD Player to start up automatically. Anyway, as often is the case, Terminal had the answers. Just type in this command and change the paths to suit:

hdiutil makehybrid -udf -udf-volume-name DVD_NAME -o MY_DVD.iso /path/to/VIDEO_TS/parent/folder

Make sure that /path/to/VIDEO_TS/parent/folder is the path to the folder containing the VIDEO_TS folder, not the VIDEO_TS folder itself. Once the .iso file has been created, drag this to Disk Utility and hit the Burn button.

MacInTouch: timely news and tips about the Apple Macintosh

[C. Alexander Cohen]
On a tip from Larry Pina (credit where it’s due dept.) I have found that simply dropping a CD over the antenna(s) boosts wireless range. (CD coasters are great for this). On a 2 antenna box, orienting one at 90 degrees to the other seems to help. Should this not work well enough for Ben Levi, well, no harm done and no cost!

You: so what I needed was to make the SSID of both of the routers the same
You: There is nowhere in the manual that says that (that I can find)
You: and the web page says “Security settings (WEP) must match between Router and AP.”
You: so I guess the SSID is part of the security settings
Adam James: Yes.
Adam James: It’s the name of your network.
You: do I need to turn on the Specific Access points settings?
Adam James: That you need to give the same for one network.
Adam James: You can turn on now, for the security….
You: and which router needs know which MAC address?
You: the A router, the B router, or both?
Adam James: Give on both.

Resetting PowerBook and iBook Power Management Unit (PMU)

1. If the computer is on, turn it off.
2. Disengage the two keyboard latches located between the Esc and F1 keys, and the F11 and F12 keys. (You may also need to disengage the keyboard locking screw located between the F5 and F6 keys.)
3. Lift the keyboard. To ensure no harmful static electricity is transferred to the computer, properly ground yourself before performing this procedure.
4. Press and release the reset button located on the upper right side of the logic board near the power button, shown here.
5. Wait 5 seconds.
6. Press the power button to restart the computer.

Why SP2 deserved every shred of the scrutiny

Microsoft’s Service Pack 2 for Windows XP is a failure in
so many ways that criticisms of the it and, more importantly, of the
Trustworthy Computing Initiative itself, simply can’t be dismissed.

A good read, if a bit long.

It’s all about attitude.