Mac Power Users

MPU 031: Speaking to Your Mac

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:30:02 +0000

David and Katie talk about speech recognition software for the Mac, focusing on the powerful dictation applications MacSpeech Dictate and MacSpeech Scribe.

MacSpeech

MacSpeech Dictate

MacSpeech Scribe

Dragon Naturally Speaking (For PC)

Dragon Mobile Apps

MacSpeech Certified Microphones

Please support our sponsors:

SmileOnMyMac

1Password

Save 20% off the price of 1Password using coupon code MacPowerUsers or through this link:

https://agilewebsolutions.com/store?d=MacPowerUsers

Navel Labs - ReadMore App

MPU 030: Mac Gadgetier

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 01:20:28 +0000

In this episode, Katie and David cover some of their favorite Mac related gadgets.

MonoPrice Display Port ot HDMI

Scoche iPhone Connector

Ped 3 Auto Car Mount

LiveScribe Pulse SmartPen

Please support our sponsors:

SmileOnMyMac

Save 20% off the price of 1Password using coupon code MacPowerUsers or through this link:

https://agilewebsolutions.com/store?d=MacPowerUsers

FuzeMeeting.com/mac

MPU 029: Workflows with Jason Snell

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:32:08 +0000

Continuing in our Workflows series, we chat with Macworld Editor Jason Snell. Jason shares how he uses his Mac to juggle his job and shares with us his favorite applications.

Links of Interest:

Google Email Uploader

Jason’s Projects:

Macworld

Twitter

Please support our sponsors:

SmileOnMyMac

Save 20% off the price of 1Password using coupon code MacPowerUsers or through this link:

https://agilewebsolutions.com/store?d=MacPowerUsers

FuzeMeeting.com/mac

MPU 028: Using a Mac in a Windows World

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 20:21:48 +0000

In this episode David and Katie discuss strategies and solutions for dealing with that *other* operating system.

Links of Interest

Mac Software

Remote Desktop Connection

Windows Software

Outlook to Google Calendar Sync

Launchy

MonkeyWrite

Please support our sponsors:

SmileOnMyMac

1Password

Save 20% off the price of 1Password using coupon code MacPowerUsers or through this link.

FuzeMeeting

MPU 027: iPad Power Session

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Mon, 31 May 2010 18:17:11 +0000

After spending a few months with the iPad, Katie and David reflect on how they get work done on them.

Links of Interest

Accessories

Apple iPad Case

Apple iPad Keyboard Stand

Apple Bluetooth Keyboard

Apple Camera Connection Kit

Incase iPad Convertible Book Jacket

Marware Eco-Vue iPad Case

Verizon MiFi

PogoSketch Stylus

Insurance:

Safeware Portable Electronics Insurance

SquareTrade iPad Warranty/Insurance

iPad Apps

David’s SimpleNote Post

Please support our sponsors:

SmileOnMyMac

1Password

Save 20% off the price of 1Password using coupon code MacPowerUsers or through this link.

FuzeMeeting

MPU 026: Workflows with Dan Benjamin

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Mon, 17 May 2010 01:27:23 +0000

This is our second show in the “Workflows” series. Our guest is programmer, writer, and podcaster Dan Benjamin.

Links of Interest:

Dan’s Sites

Applications

Missing Drawer TextMate Plug-in

Please support our sponsors:

SmileOnMyMac

Save 20% off the price of 1Password using coupon code MacPowerUsers or through this link:

https://agilewebsolutions.com/store?d=MacPowerUsers

FuzeMeeting.com/mac

MPU 025: Geeking Out With Hazel

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 15:24:21 +0000

In this episode, David and Katie talk about how to keep your Mac clean and organized using Noodlesoft’s Hazel. Hazel watches folders and runs actions based on specific criteria to take action on the folder items. Hazel also keeps your Mac tidy by throwing away left-over bits of deleted programs and helping you to manage your trash.

Links of Interest:

Hazel

Noodlesoft Recipe Exchange

MacSparky: Sorting and Moving Documents

MacSparky: Magic Install Disk Screencast

ScreenCastsOnline: Housekeeping with Hazel

Add to Things via Dropbox and Hazel

Dropbox

PassPORT iPhone Charging Adapter

Use Discount Code MPU25 to save 20% off the purchase price of Hazel. The discount expires May 3 and can be found here. Valid for one week after the show is published.

Please support our sponsors:

SmileOnMyMac

Save 20% off the price of 1Password using coupon code MacPowerUsers or through this link:https://agilewebsolutions.com/store?d=MacPowerUsers

FuzeMeeting.com/mac

Correction: The Fuze $25 iTunes card requires that you sign up at FuzeMeeting.com/Mac, not just fuzemeeting.com as mentioned in the show.

MPU 024: Home Networking

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 16:18:02 +0000

Katie and David talk through home networking including wired and wireless solutions along with common pitfalls and speed bumps

Links of Interest

Networking cable ad nauseam

Wikipedia on Wireless Security

Breaking WEP in Under a Minute

MacBreak Tech ABGN

Apple Networking Gear

Follow Up Links

AmberV talks File Naming – post 1 – post 2

Please support our sponsors.

SmileOnMyMac

Save 20% off the price of 1Password using coupon code MacPowerUsers or through this link: https://agilewebsolutions.com/store?d=MacPowerUsers

Mac Power Users, #2 Technology Podcast in iTunes

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 03:34:54 +0000

Tonight the Mac Power Users is ranked #2 on Apple’s list of top technology podcasts. The “Workflows” show format is a smashing success and we are already planning more. The groundswell of support from new and veteran listeners has been humbling. Thank you all. Also, a big thanks to Merlin Mann, whose energy and enthusiasm kicked the “Workflows” series off in a way that no one else could have.

MPU 023: Workflows with Merlin Mann

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:00:46 +0000

In our first “Workflows” episode we talk with Merlin Mann, or as David calls him, the “Hero of Nerds.” Merlin discussed how he uses his Mac for his work and the applications he uses to be more productive. This extra long episode is packed with geeky goodness.

This is a new type of episode for us so we appreciate your feedback.

Word Processing

Scrivener

Writing Down the Bones – Natalie Goldberg

A Writer’s Coach – Jack Hart

Task Management

Getting Things Done – David Allen

Email

Mailplane

MailAct-On

MailTags

Gmail Keyboard Shortcuts

Calendar:

BusyCal

Google Calendar

Information Management

AmberV talks File Naming – post 1 – post 2

iPhone Apps

RSS

Productivity

Merlin Mann

Interview with Seth Godin (lizard brain video)

Special thanks to our sponsor: SmileOnMy Mac

MPU 022: Traveling With Your Mac

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:00:38 +0000

Fresh back from our trip to Macworld, Katie and David talk all about traveling with your Mac. The duo talk about bags, power, accessories, backing up while on the road, security and more. Katie and David talk about all the gadgets that are in their travel bag and how they get work done when away from their home or office.

Links of Interest:

Richard Solo BluePack

Mophie Air

Virgin Mobile Broadband To Go

Special thanks to our sponsor: SmileOnMy Mac

Last Day for SmileOnMyMac Discount

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 20:13:00 +0000

Today is the last day for the 20% discount. Don’t miss out.

MPU 021: Interviews from the Macworld 2010 Show Floor

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:43:50 +0000

This is the last of our Macworld 2010 special episodes. In this episode we speak with various vendors about what’s new and what products we can look forward to in the coming year.

Links of Interest:

Microsoft Mac Business Unit

Remember, up until February 28, 2010 you can save 20% off SmileOnMyMac products using the link below. If you purchase TextExpander 2 now, you will be eligible for a free upgrade to TextExpander 3 when it is released next month.

http://www.smileonmymac.com/mpu/

SmileOnMyMac 20% Discount

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:38:56 +0000

There are just a few weeks left on the SmileOnMyMac 20% MPU discount. Now that the lid is off TextExpander 3, the SmileOnMyMac gang informs us that if you buy TextExpander 2 on the discount page now, your upgrade to version 3 will be free. Don’t miss out.

MPU 020: Live from Macworld 2010

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:18:33 +0000

This is a different type of show for the Mac Power Users. Katie and David had the honor of podcasting live from the Main Stage of Macworld 2010. This podcast was recorded as a live show on Saturday, February 13, 2010. The two discuss what’s new from their favorite products and vendors, discuss the impact of the iPad and discuss the future of Macworld. We also take questions from the audience.

Links of Interest:

Fast Mac Battery Pack with IR

Papershow

Office Squared

Pogo Pen

Episode 21 will be released shortly after this episode and will feature interviews from exhibitors of products we thought would be of interest to our listeners.

MPU 019: 1Password

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:29:45 +0000

In this episode Katie and David talk about one of their favorite programs, 1Password. This application does more than just auto-fill passwords. The hosts talk about all of the features of version 3 and how they use the application to stay safe and organized.

Links of Interest:

1Password Website

1Password Intro Video

Save 20% off the price of 1Password using coupon code MacPowerUsers or through this link: https://agilewebsolutions.com/store?d=MacPowerUsers

Join us at Macworld, Katie and David will be podcasting live from the Main Stage on Saturday, February 13th

Mac Power Users: 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.

Mac Roundtable: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

This episode was sponsored by:

SmileOnMy Mac – Get 20% Off until February 28, 2010

MPU 018: Managing The Onslaught

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:42:05 +0000

The daily barage of links, feeds, and e-mail sites can become overwhelming. In this episode, David and Katie talk about managing the the daily flood of data using RSS, Instapaper, and other solutions.

Links of Interest

iPhone Newsreaders of Note

MobileRSS

ByLine

NetNewsWire

This episode was sponsored by:

SmileOnMyMac – Get 20% Off until February 28, 2010

MPU 017: DNS and Macworld 2010

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:23:24 +0000

It’s a jam packed show this week. We discuss alternative DNS services including OpenDNS and Google’s DNS service with special guest George Starcher. We talk about the advantages and disadvantages of using an alternative DNS service and compare the new Google DNS service with OpenDNS. We also conduct a follow-up interview with Paul Kent of Macworld Expo and talk about the exciting new changes coming to Macworld.

Links of Interest

OpenDNS

Google DNS

George Starcher

George’s OpenDNS Tutorials on the Typical Mac User Podcast

NameBench

Macworld Expo 2010

MPU 016: Information Managers

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 02:07:39 +0000

This has been one of our most requested episodes. We talk all about information managers. These are applications that handle all those random bits of information that don’t seem to fit in any other type of organizational system. We’ll give you a general overview of some of the options available on the Mac and Katie and David go more in depth on the systems we use.

Links of Interest:

Devon Think
Devon Academy
Notebook
Mac Journal
Curio
Papers
Bento
Shovebox
Together
Evernote
Yojimbo

Dont’ forget to send us in your questions for Macworld’s Paul Kent on our next episode. Send any questions to feedback@macpowerusers.com

MPU 015: Scrivener

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 02:45:36 +0000

We got a lot of feedback about episode 5 Word Processing and Writing, apparently people just keep looking for better word processors. So, we decided to do another show on a single application, Scrivener. Scrivener is a word processor and project management tool that allows you to research, organize, outline and create documents. The emphasis is not on fancy features or formatting, it’s on writing and writing well.

Note: we apologize the audio quality for this show is not up to our regular standards. We had some difficulty with the Skype recording this time around. The show is still very listenable, and we hope you’ll agree the content is worth a listen. Thanks.

Literature and Latte – Scrivener

Scrivener Video Tutorials

Scrivener Wiki

NaNoWriMo

The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp

MPU 014: Buying and Selling Macs

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:53:02 +0000

In this episode we talk about tips and tricks when buying and selling Macs. Whether you’re a switcher buying your very first Mac, or a seasoned Mac user looking to sell an old machine, we’ve got your covered. We’ll help you figure out what accessories you need to complete your new Mac purchase, and where to get the most bang for your buck. We also talk about the trials and tribulations of buying a used machine and how to get the best value without getting scammed. We also cover how to get top dollar when selling your old machine.

Links of Interest:

Apple Retail Stores

Apple Special Deals Store

Setup Apple Refurb RSS Feed

Apple Authorized Resellers

Apple One to One

MacRumors Buyers Guide

DealMac

Deal Brothers

Crucial Memory

Other World Computing

Create an Updated OSX Install

MPU 013: Task Management Smackdown

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:58:10 +0000

We’ve gotten a lot of requests for this episode, so here it is, our Task Management Smackdown. In one corner, David and The Omni Group’s Omni Focus. In another, Katie and Cultured Code’s Things. The duo discuss their system for managing tasks and how their preferred application helps to get things done. The verdict: the Mac has two excellent programs.

Links of Interest:
Things – Cultured Code

Omni Focus – The Omni Group

David Allen, Getting Things Done

Curt Clifton – Omni Focus Scripts

Things Wiki

OmniFocus GTD White Paper

ScreenCastsOnline Tutorials:

Advanced OmniFocus & iPhone Client

Jeremy Burton’s Take on OmniFocus v. Things

Note2Self iPhone App

MPU 012: Troubleshooting Your Mac

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:55:18 +0000

Macs are typically very reliable machines, but from time to time they can cause you trouble. In this episode, we discuss recommendations for identifying and fixing problems. We also discuss tips for keeping your Mac running smoothly and discuss more listner feedabck on our security episode.

Links of Interest:
Reboot a Mac with Terminal
VersionTracker
MacUpdate
TinkerTool
Onyx
MacPilot
Cocktail
DiskWarrior
DriveGenius
Applejack (Warning: Check Compatibility)
Apple Certified Specialist Registry
Apple Discussions
MacFixIt

MPU 011: Services and Macworld 2010

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:43:02 +0000

This episode provides an introduction to automation. Subjects include Applescript, Automator, and Snow Leopard Services. We also had Macworld Expo Director Paul Kent on to talk about Macworld Expo and Conference 2010.

Links of Interest:

Automator
Applescript
Snow Leopard Services
Applescript 1-2-3
MacBreak Video Services Episode
Listener Ken’s Post on Evernote Service
David’s Post on Title Caps Service
Macworld Expo and Conference 2010
David’s “Mac at Work” Session
David’s “Numbers Lab” Session

Our nest show will be about troubleshooting on your Mac. Stay tuned!

MPU 010: Mac Security

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 01:46:34 +0000

This episode includes a survey of security issues for Mac owners. Subjects include virus and trojans, phishing and web security, and physical security and insurance.

Links of Interest:

Norton Anti-Virus for Mac

McAfee VirusScan for Mac

MacSparky Secure Disk Image Screencast #2

George Starcher Open DNS Screencast

1Password

TextExpander

Our nest show will be all about the new Snow Leopard services menu. E-mail us with your questions and favorite scripts.

MPU 009: Getting Ready for Snow Leopard

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0000

We know, we were supposed to do a show about security this week. But with all the news coming out about Snow Leopard we just couldn’t help ourselves. In this episode we talk about how to get your Mac ready for Snow Leopard and our tips for a smooth install process.

Links of Interest:
Snow Leopard Specifications
Apple Up-to-Date Program
Mac OS X version 10.6 Snow Leopard
Mac OS X Snow Leopard Family Pack (5-User)
Mac Box Set (with Snow Leopard)
Mac Box Set Family Pack (with Snow Leopard)
Mac OS X Server version 10.6 Snow Leopard
Apple Insider Article on Snow Leopard Install Options
Typical Mac User Snow Leopard Prep Show

Note: Due to our schedules, the next episode of Mac Power Users won’t be released until early September. Feel free to take the time to catch up on past episodes.

MPU 008: Backup!

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 22:57:33 +0000

In this episode, David and Katie discuss backup tools, strategies and plans.

Next show: Security

Links of Interest

MPU 007: LaunchBar Blackbelt

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 16:05:10 +0000

In this episode we cover popular application launcher, LaunchBar. This episode goes beyond the basics and includes are several power user tips. We recommend you listen to this one in front of a Mac equipped with LaunchBar. Enjoy.

LaunchBar Discount Code – 15% Off, Valid through August 31.

DT-37F9-D8EB

Links of Interest

LaunchBar

LaunchBar Features Page

LaunchBar Scripts

Timer Script

LaunchBar Search Templates

Wolfram Alpha Template

David’s favorite – Tea Timer

Other Launchers

Apple Spotlight

Google Quick Search Box

Quicksilver

Drag Thing

Butler

MPU 006: Setting Up A New Mac

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:57:28 +0000

In this episode we talk all about setting up a new Mac. Do you want to migrate your data or start from scratch? What are the options for getting your old data on your new Mac? Katie and David explore the options and share their tips and tricks.

Links of Interest

Carbon Copy Cloner

SuperDuper

1Password

DropBox

PDF Pen Update

MacSparky Screencast (Multiple e-mail accounts)

MPU 005: Word Processing and Writing

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 03:18:18 +0000

Episode five takes on word processing and writing on your Mac. It is no longer all about Microsoft Word. Apple’s own Pages is becoming a contender and there are several other tools that will help you write better.

Links of Interest:

Original Macintosh System Fonts

MPU 004: Staying in Sync

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:32:12 +0000

In our fourth episode we talk about a subject that plagues many Mac users, keeping thing in sync. Whether you’re trying to sync documents or data to another computer, a mobile device, or the cloud we talk about various products and services to allow you to always have your data available no matter where you are. We discuss various options including MobileMe and Dropbox for file syncing, as well as programs that keep just specific types of data, such as music or calendars in sync.

Notes:
1) Please excuse the audio quality and some hard cuts in the editing. We had a horrible time with Skype dropping out while trying to record this show and had to put the show together from a series of recordings.

2) Our friend Don McAllister of ScreenCastsOnline recently addressed the problem of how to sync files using DropBox when the files have to be located in specific folders and can’t be moved to the Dropbox folder. Unfortunately, his show was published after we already recorded ours. You can find information on creating links to files and folders for syncing in his Screencast 202- Mac Hints & Tips Montage – 08

Links of Interest:
MobileMe
Dropbox
Google Sync
Evernote
ChronoSync
Spider Oak
Syncplicity
Zumo drive
Microsoft Live Sync
BusySync
BusyCal
Spanning Sync
SuperSync
My Tune Sync
Syncopation
TuneRanger
iPhoto Library Manager

MPU 003: Going Paperless

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Sat, 23 May 2009 00:51:39 +0000

In this episode, we discuss all the steps necessary to take your piles of paper and get it into your Mac and organized.

Links of Interest

Fujitsu ScanSnap 300M Fujitsu ScanSnap 1500M

Prizmo – Scan with your Camera

Griffin Clarifi iPhone Case

Hazel

ScreencastsOnline Hazel episode

Yep PDF Management

Leap

ExactScan

EagleFiler

DEVONthink

The Neat Company

Paperless

Yojimbo

Evernote

PDFpen

Readiris – OCR Software

Encrypted Disk Image Video (MacSparky Screencast)

MPU 002: All About E-Mail (Part 2)

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Tue, 12 May 2009 10:00:37 +0000

In part 2 of our E-mail series we go in-depth on our various systems for managing email, the pros and cons of each system, developing a good email work flow, learning how avoid becoming a slave to your inbox, email etiquette and other useful tools. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to Episode 1 yet, you’ll probably want to listen to that for background before picking up Episode 2.

Links of Interest

MPU 001: All About E-Mail

feedback@macpowerusers.com (David Sparks and Katie Floyd) — Tue, 05 May 2009 22:38:35 +0000

We actually talked about e-mail for 2 hours. But we didn’t want to scare too many people away with our very first podcast so we decided to release this episode in two parts.

In part one we talk about the differences between IMAP and POP and why we prefer IMAP, storing messages, Mobile Me and Gmail services, managing multiple email accounts, Apple Mail, smart folders, rules, spotlight search, data detectors, stationary, thread organization, To-Do management, mail stationary, plug-ins, archiving messages, spam filtering and more.

Part two will be released in about a week where we’ll go in-depth on our various systems for managing email, the pros and cons of each system, developing a good email work flow, learning how not to become a slave to your inbox, email etiquette and other useful tools.