Apple | Castellini on Computers - Computer help for beginners

Posts Tagged: Apple

How to transfer your iTunes library & playlists to a new computer

photo credit: mac steve

If you use an iPod, iTouch, or iPhone and plan on getting a new computer, you will want to read this article! OR, if you use any of these devices and want to make sure your library stays safe, you will want to read this article!

Yesterday, I helped a customer setup a new Windows 7 computer and transfer email, favorites, and other data from his old Windows XP computer. Turns out that he also needed to move his iTunes library of more than 8,000 songs and almost 150 playlists!

There isn’t too much I panic about when I arrive at a customer’s home or office, but moving large, customized iTunes libraries is something that does get me a little nervous. In the past, I have had to open an iTunes XML file in a word processor and then use find and replace to enter the path to the storage location on the new computer. It was extremely difficult and tedious.

I am happy to report that I successfully transferred the entire 36 gigabyte library and playlists using Continue reading →

Application Tips / Computer User Group / General Computer Tips / Macintosh / Ubuntu Tips — 2 Comments
11
Nov 09

How to print labels the EASY way! – Video Tip

I know I’m late for this year’s Christmas season, but you can learn and start using this tip TODAY to make next year’s Christmas card mailings a breeze.

Too many computer users have no idea what a database is, how to use it, and how to merge it with another program to create labels. Since printing mailing labels is only a once per year activity for many of you, learning how to do it again every single year requires too much time and frustration.

In this week’s tip, I take all of the mystery and hysteria out of creating and printing mailing labels. You will thank me every November when you need to print out your mailing labels. The tip centers around creating a word processing document where you can store, edit and print your labels quickly and easily. Watch the video as many times as you need to and you will NEVER be frustrated with printing labels again!!

If you can’t understand and utilize this tip to print your labels, get out your best pen and write them out instead.

Email Tips / Macintosh / Ubuntu Tips — No Comments
21
Sep 09

Set Firefox to recognize web mail for mailto links – Video Tip

If you use a web based email system like Gmail, HotMail, or Yahoo email or any derivative of these, you more than likely run into occasions where you want to email someone from a web site. However, when you click the link (known as a mailto link), you get presented with an email system you never heard of or used asking you to enter your email particulars to send the email. Most folks usually just snarl and forget about it.

You could copy and paste the email address into your web mail. OR, if you use Mozilla Firefox as your browser, you can set it to Continue reading →

Riding Shotgun with Rick / Tech News — No Comments
9
Sep 09

System Engineer fed up with Windows vulnerabilities

Interesting article from a ZDNet author, Christopher Dawson, who also works full-time as a school district computer engineer. Despite locking down Windows computers with security software, tweaking firewalls, and making sure all Windows updates are up to snuff, threats still sneak into their computers. I understand the frustration he exhibits in the article regarding the time and effort spent fighting these threats…especially knowing how much more trouble free a Linux computer or Apple computer can be. Worth the read:

Give me one good reason not to just move them all to Linux | Education IT | ZDNet.com.

Riding Shotgun with Rick — 2 Comments
1
Sep 09

Keep your Mac running clean & fast

photo credit: Angels Gate

Macintosh computers run remarkably quick and smooth when you first buy and set them up. However, over time, like any computer, they can begin to feel somewhat sluggish. To keep your Apple Macintosh computer running quick and smooth, try these hints:

Leave your computer on overnight at least once every week or two. The Macintosh Operating System (which is based on Unix) will run maintenance and cleanup tasks in the wee hours of the morning. By regularly allowing your computer to stay on overnight, these services will be rendered automatically for you resulting in Continue reading →

Macintosh — No Comments
2
Aug 09

Apple Macintosh Expose Shortcuts – Video Tip

Windows users making the switch to an Apple might miss the Show Desktop icon from Windows that minimizes all Windows and displays the desktop. By default, Mac systems have a function enabled called Expose corners that lets users quickly display the desktop by just moving the mouse to the lower right corner. In today’s short video tip, I explain how to enable the other corners of your Mac screen to perform a function that makes sense to you.

Take a look at this easy to implement and useful tool for Macintosh. Continue reading →

Riding Shotgun with Rick / Tech News — No Comments
16
Jul 09

Microsoft Plans to Open Retail Stores

No time frame or number of stores planned were released in Microsoft’s press release this week, but Microsoft did say they planned to open their stores close to existing Apple stores. Ex-management staffers from WalMart and Sam’s Club will be heading up this new direction for Microsoft.

You can read more details at the Daily Tech web site:

DailyTech – Microsoft Retail Stores to Open Near Apple Stores.

Riding Shotgun with Rick / Tech News — 1 Comment
7
Jul 09

Great Demand for Apple’s 13″ MacBook Pro

As sales of Windows based computers slow down, Apple continues to gain market share. Their revamped laptop line appears to be the leader in Apple computer sales. With increased memory, video power and a new SD slot, there is a lot to like. Read the full article below.

AppleInsider | Demand for Apple’s 13″ MacBook Pro may be outpacing supply.

Riding Shotgun with Rick — 5 Comments
16
Jun 09

My iPhone applications after 10 months

Click photo for full size view

From 1997 through August of 2008, I used only Palm based handheld organizers then the Visor Phone, Palm Treo 300, Treo 600, and Treo 755p. I purchased an iPhone in August of 2008 because the iPhone proved itself in its short year of existence to be a valuable product, added the ability to allow third party applications, and gained access to the faster cellular networks. With very few exceptions, I couldn’t be happier and haven’t missed my old Palm products.

I use my iPhone for many more functions than just the phone. So almost a year later, I took the following screen shot of the additional software I have added to the iPhone (some of it free, some of it purchased). I added 42 applications to my iPhone so far. Of these 42, I use maybe 8 of them regularly, and the rest sparingly.

After looking over this list, most of my apps are free ones. That could mean I’m either one cheap SOB or there are some excellent free applications out there. The answer is probably somewhere in the middle.

Here’s the breakdown: Continue reading →