Useful

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.

Filmmaking Freeware

Macs and video go way back, and creating and converting quality video has never been easier or cheaper. Do more with your video with this week’s free tools.

blue Filmmaking Freeware Gumby

Not just a claymation character anymore. This hidden gem is a swiss-army knife of MPEG and more. Fix, split or convert MPEG’s and build VCD’s. Pretty well documented, the only thing you’ll miss with this free package is Pokey.

mu Filmmaking Freeware myVCR

Schedule your Mac to record clips from a video source. Useful for setting up captures when you’re not around. Settings let you limit duration and set minimum hard drive space to leave free.

mu Filmmaking FreewareDirectors Boards

This interesting app combines story-boarding, audio annotation and presentation for digital directors. This tool is ideal for planning films with the ability to attach graphic files to story-board and organize digital clips.

Now that we’ve got budget taken care of there’s nothing between you and your masterpiece. Don’t get too dangerous.

I’ll see you next week with more free software.

Brian

mu Filmmaking FreewareDownloads provided by MacUpdate

blue Filmmaking FreewareA MacMerc Exclusive

More Christmas Freeware

‘Tis the season, and once again I have a collection of Christmas-themed freeware.

We’re getting closer to my annual freeware picks, so continue to send in suggestions to brian AT macmerc DOT com.

mu More Christmas FreewareX-MasTree

Add some seasonal fun to your desktop with a floating Christmas tree. It comes in three sizes, with lights of course.

mu More Christmas FreewareSnowman

Tree not your style? How about a snowman? This free application is for you.

mu More Christmas FreewareChristmas Tree Creator ’04

Not happy with others’ Christmas trees? Make you own. This free application lets you decorate, light and share your tree to email, a greeting card or an animated screen saver.

mu More Christmas FreewareGiftory

Track your gifts, incoming and outgoing, with this simple program. Useful in avoiding duplicates and noting who was responsible for that argyle sweater.

mu More Christmas FreewareAmazonShopper

Still have some shopping to do? Waste no time with this quick application. It interfaces directly with Amazon’s web services to give you a clutter-free interface for searching Earth’s biggest selection.

Have a merry one. I’ll be out next week, but back in two for the 2004 wrap-up.

Brian

mu More Christmas FreewareDownloads provided by MacUpdate