huff

Apr 27 2009

The Easy Way Out

Cocktail The Easy Way Out

I know this column is for power-users to learn advanced ways to get the job done, but…why not take a day off? Do some things the easy way for once? Remember all of those terminal commands to keep your system clean and properly running? …I don’t… That’s why I use Cocktail.



Cocktail is an undeniably valuable tool for every OSX user who is either afraid of the terminal, or just doesn’t have the time to bother with it. Cocktail takes control of nearly every terminal command available and presents it in a very easy and intuitive GUI. Some features include prebinding, Cron scripts, deleting archived log files, deleting caches, and customizing the look and features of the Finder and Dock.


Now, go out there, download this app, and have a real coffee break.


This lazy tip has been brought to you by: James “MacManX” Huff.

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Apr 27 2009

Make a Boot-able OSX CD (with Finder) for Free

Yes, my friends, it’s time for another quick, but useful edition of “Quick, but Useful Power User Monday”. Today, we’ll highlight BootCD, by CharlesSoft.



Do you have an application that can’t run, or can’t repair if launched from the start-up drive (TechTool Deluxe, for example, cannot check or repair the volume structures when run from the start-up drive). If you don’t have an external HD to install OSX on, you probably think that you’re out of options, right? Not if you have a CD burner and BootCD.



Yes, BootCD will create a boot-able OSX CD with Finder installed (a first for OSX boot-able CDs). Launching the application does just that by creating a disk image, you will then be asked to add other applications (which will appear in the Dock when booted from the CD). Finally, burn the disk using Disk Copy (DO NOT USE TOAST).



You now have a fully enabled emergency disk, congrats. Please note that the only real downfall to the CD is that it will take at least 5 minutes to boot. But, as they say, “it’s all good.”



This “Quick, but Useful Power User Monday” has been brought to you by, James “MacManX” Huff.

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