AppleScript- A Short Report for a Very Long Book

I must admit that, at first glance, “AppleScript 1-2-3” by Sal Soghoian and Bill Cheeseman was a daunting experience. In today’s world, a printed volume that weighs nearly four pounds, and has 880 pages can be an unusual and intimidating document.

Yet, upon sitting down with the book and my MAC along side, and going through the numerous examples of the first chapter, I realized that, “Hey! This book is READABLE!”

Now, I won’t pretend that I’ve read the rest of the book in any great detail, but from what I’ve gleaned so far, the authors continue their hands-on, example-driven approach throughout- making the learning of AppleScript a very doable undertaking.

To those who are unfamiliar with AppleScript, let’s just say that it is an unbelievably powerful object-oriented language, built into every MAC from the beginning. It allows the user to manipulate the MAC applications in ways which add tremendous utility to the original programs.

For instance, my project involves taking a “whole boatload” of very old Microsoft Word files for MAC, and converting them into files that can be read by a modern WINDOWS PC- a daunting task if it were not for the MACRO capabilities of AppleScript.

AppleScript uses high-level, English language sentence structure and compiles it into a program that the machine understands. A built-in AppleScript Editor makes programming easy. An example of a command might be:

tell application “Finder” to open the startup disk

Nothing very cryptic there…

If you need your computer to do something different, or something not originally designed into a “Standard” application, you may want to give AppleScript a try. The book has a list price of $49.99. If you want to see if AppleScript is right for you before you make a commitment, look for a copy at your local public library.

Published by Peachpit Press
Copyright 2009
ISBN13:978-0-321-14931-2
ISBN-10:6-321-14931-9
mm
Ron K

December 2009 Meeting

December 19 , 2009

Tips & Tricks for everyone by Mark Bazrod

Bring TV to your MAC for Free by Ben Romney

Fill Your Wish List for the New Year with Dale's goodies

Free Photoshop Alternatives

Check this out!!!!
Three websites for 25+ Photoshop alternatives

==================================================================

11 Free Adobe Photoshop Alternatives (Softwares) | Tools
http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/11-free-alternatives-softwares-to-adobe-photoshop/


Photoshop Alternatives: Another 14 Free Image Manipulation Tools | Tools
http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/photoshop-alternatives-another-14-free-image-manipulation-tools/


One more site to check out for Mac based (non free) Image editors
Top 5 Alternatives to Photoshop For Mac Users | Psdtuts+
http://psd.tutsplus.com/articles/top-5-alternatives-to-photoshop-for-mac-users/

Links for September Tips

Here are the URLs for the Mac tips from the September 19, 2009 meeting. This is my first post to the blog so who knows how it will turn out.

BOOTABLE FLASH DRIVE http://www.mlmug.org/BMSep.html

TEN THUMBS TYPING TUTOR ($26) http://www.tenthumbstypingtutor.com

TYPING SHORTHANDS

1. SPELL CATCHER ($30) http://www.rainmakerinc.com/
2. TYPEIT4ME ($27) http://ettoresoftware.com/EttoreSoftware/About_TypeIt4Me.html
3. TEXT EXPANDER ($30) http://www.smileonmymac.com/TextExpander/

DWIGHT SILVERMAN'S BLOG http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/

The MACBUNDLES.COM http://www.themacbundles.com/

EASYFIND (free) http://www.devon-technologies.com/products/freeware/

TROUBLESHOOTING SITES -

1. GOOGLE http://www.google.com/mac/
2. APPLE http://discussions.apple.com/index.jspa
3. MACOSHINTS.COM http://macoshints.com/
4. OSX FAQ http://www.osxfaq.com/
5. OSXGUIDE http://www.osxguide.com/
6. MACFIXITFORUMS.COM http://forums.cnet.com/?tag=hdr;snav

SPEEDDOWNLOAD ($25) http://yazsoft.com/

Mark Bazrod

The AppCast for great tutorials

iPhone apps video podcasts
http://theapppodcast.com/
The App Podcast is a video review website of popular and upcoming iPhone & iPod Touch Applications. We hold one of the top technology podcast positions in iTunes with over 6500 subscribers and growing. Get the reviews for free in iTunes to watch on your computer, iPhone, Touch or AppleTV.

The Applist

Applist - lists of the essential and best iphone apps
http://appadvice.com/reviews
When you just can't find the right set of apps going to the AppStore will strike pay dirt. Don't know which apps you need on your iPhone? Check out our AppLists to find handpicked bundles of apps that fit your unique style. Whether you are looking to use your phone for a particular purpose, or just want to have more fun on the go, AppLists transform your iPhone to your very own myPhone.

September's Meeting

Freeware-Shareware and Open Source

This month we will feature as many applications, tips and tricks, and tools that are available to the macintosh platform free of charge or for a nominal fee.
Come join us and share your expertise or have your question answered.

iPhone/Touch Identity Screen

I wanted to display my name, phone number, and email address to the finder of my iPod Touch if it were lost and some good Samaritan managed to turn it on. My IPod Touch is Passcode protected. Some of the identity apps, like My info, need to be actually run, in order to make the information visible. That means someone has to get passed the Passcode for the information to be seen.

Other applications, like If Found set the iPhone/Touch wallpaper to display the data. This is displayed on the Passcode screen.

If you want to start from scratch, to create a unique wallpaper poster, check out:

iPhone/Touch Wallpaper

Other suggestions include:
The EasyShot App
And PhotoForge

I created a JPEG with my contact information at the top of a photo using
Paint.net on my computer and downloaded it to the Touch using iTunes. I then
selected it as wallpaper, and it shows up on the initial screen above the
Passcode keyboard.

Ron K

IPhone/Touch File Sharing

One of my most frequently used operating system attributes of my networked desktop and laptop computers is the ability to file share between machines.

While in "the olden days", a file might be transferred between machines on a floppy disk or Flash drive, using network file sharing is much more convenient, and opening a channel through Ethernet or WiFi is really automatic, once the sharing mechanism is in place.

Sharing files on an iPhone/Touch is a bit more complicated. Apple wants everything to go through iTunes using USB and the available applications in the iTunes Store.

There are, however, several APPS, which in effect, circumvent some of these limitations. Several methods are employed. Some provide an external (cloud) server. Send the file to the cloud on one computer and receive it on the other, all through the Internet. Another approach is to open a local channel between computers either through USB or WiFi and transfer the file that way. Of course, it is necessary for the iPhone/Touch to have an application to handle the received file. Check out Mover and ActivePrint

Two popular file sharing programs available are: Air Sharing and FileAid I chose FileAid. The WiFi version of FileAid can be used for free. One item to watch out for when setting up FileAid is to make sure when inserting the iPhone/Touch FTP address use a colon (:) rather than a dot before the last set of digits ftp://192.1.168.17:2121 The 2121 is the port number.

Using FileAid it was easy to download, for instance, Michael Rubin's $35 bio of George Lucas and Lucasfilm, Droidmaker now available for FREE, into my desktop as three pdf docs and transfer them to my iPod Touch for later reading when not hooked into WiFi.

Check it Out!

Ron K

Oxford Valley Mall Offers Free WiFi to Customers

This was the first time I visited The Oxford Valley Mall with my new iPod Touch in hand. To my pleasant surprise, I found that the mall now offers a WiFi connection for the convenience of the shoppers. I very happily sat down at a bench and passed the time surfing the Web, as my wife enjoyed her shopping trip. The WiFi works well in the big open areas, but is not present in the satellite department stores.

I still can't get over the fact that at the public libraries and such, others are pinned down to their desktops and laptops, while I can walk around, or sit in a comfortable chair, and view the same web pages and movies on the little 'Touch.

Anyone know of other malls in the area with free public WiFi?
Ron

iTunes Apps Store Bargains!

With most Apps at 99 cents, every application at the Apps store is really a bargain! But, by checking out a number of websites and special apps, new, free, and discounted apps can be easily found.

I like and use:

http://appshopper.com/
http://www.appstoreapps.com/
AppMiner
PandoraBox

Anyone else have some suggestions?

Ron K

RSS Readers for the iPhone/iTouch

Looking for a RSS Reader for your iPhone/iTouch?

At least 4 Readers [Free & Pay] can be found on the iTunes App Store.

In February 2009, GearDiary did a review on the RSS Reader Google Sync

To find the different readers open up iTunes, scroll down and click on the Apps Store and then in the Search iTunes Store field at the upper right corner of the iTunes window enter RSS Reader and press the Enter/Return key. You will then have several applications you can review and try many free and many pay. If you are a heavy RSS Reader you might want to consider the paid apps as they are likely to be more robust and give you a better viewing experience. However, before you buy anything be sure to read the reviews.

If Google is your primary RSS Reader Account on your desk/laptop you might want to look at Ebisu Soft’s RSS Flash g application. Released June 15, 2009, this iPhone/iTouch RSS Reader allows you to pick up, on your portable device, where you left off reading on your computer. It will allow you to read offline as well. All you iTouch owners will be able to read those RSS feeds you've already downloaded offline when you don’t have a WiFi connection. RSS Flash g normally sells for $4.99, but is on sale for $2.99 on the App Store until June 30, 2009.

--Ben Romney

The iPod Touch as a Vibration Sensor

I've been experimenting with my noisy window air conditioner, trying to reduce vibration by adding supports and accoustic insulation.  I was looking for a better way to pinpoint from where on the chassis the vibrations were coming. PACS Windows SIG

Well... "There's an App for that!"

I knew my iPod Touch was a really neat gadget, but I never thought I'd be using it as a vibration monitor! 

If you have a Touch or an iPhone, check out the Apps Store for "iSeismometer" (Free) or, if you need more intricate data analysis, try iSeismograph ($.99).

Ron K

Have you ever gotten lost????

Take me to your car app will solve your problem.

Don't get frustrated when you can't find your car.
So many times we park and run whether it is to a movie, ballgame, or shopping.
This app will make your life easier. You just have to click the app after you park your car. Upon returning to the car, you click the app and it will guide you to the car.

June 20th meeting

June 20 th
Summer Wrap Up and
Things to Investigate over the Summer

(There will be tips & tricks, Q&A, HD follow-up,

iPhone/Touch info and apps, and things to look for over the Summer.

Come spend the morning with
Meeting: 9am-11:45
Every computer user welcome
Come and enjoy.......

Steve Zalot @ Macs@Pacs

Saturday May 16th 2009
Come to listen and learn with
Steve Zalot
Senior Apple Systems Engineer

From Macs@Pacs on the Web

Time: 9am to 11:45 am
Come early because seating may be limited.
New Location:
All meetings, unless otherwise noted are held at:

Community Center 2nd floor
Super Giant Food Store
315 York Road
Willow Grove PA. 19090

http://pacsnet.org/directions.php

Digital TV Myths Exposed

Digital TV Myths Exposed
with Dale Fletcher

The HDTV Myth (US only)
Is there such a thing and will we ever see it?
Will the Real HDTV please show up
HDTV, the good, The Bad, and the Really Bad�

image from Flick's Creative Commons Pool/ *USB*

Terry White @ Macs@Pacs

The iPhone Book by Scott Kelby and Terry White.
10-10:30 Live with Terry White from Adobe
He will talk about his iPhone book and share tips and tricks.


On his blog he presents an iPhone app of the week.
His url: http://terrywhite.com/techblog/

Terry has some favorite accessories check them out:
Terry's Fav iPhone Accessories
http://terrywhite.com/techblog/?page_id=928

Dave Marra presents at macs@pacs Feb 21st

February 21st
Dave Marra from Apple

Meeting will start promptly at 9am and end promptly at 11:45
Come see iLife'09 and iWork'09 Apple's newest tips, tools, and applications
Some really cool new ways to work with photographs and movies, etc.
A must see to believe!!!!
Come and enjoy
and
Have your wish list enlarged....... �

Amazing Cityscape Art Made from Unusual Objects

See San Francisco constructed out of Jello or cookware, Shanghai out of poker chips and dice, made-up cities created with bottles and food packaging, discarded circuit boards, machine parts, etc.
Oddly beautiful stuff.

http://www.neatorama.com/2009/01/06/amazing-cityscape-art-made-from-unusual-objects/

SamZ...Touch This

A contributor to our newsletter points out some interesting iPhone apps.

WiFinder
This app is very useful because it finds all near wifi signals. It finds a way other than going through the menus to find the wifi section, and it is a lot easier. You can also connect to the wifi signal right through this app. The only downside to it is that you can not refresh immediately. You have to wait for it to check all the signals and say if they are good or bad.

I like it, and its helpful plus its free!

SamZ...Touch This

A contributor to our newsletter points out some interesting iPhone apps.

Virtual Zippo Lighter
This is just a little app for when you are bored. You can customize the Zippo in various ways like changing the color of the Zippo, or adding one of the various designs. You can also write on a couple of the patterns. This app uses the accelerometer in your iPod/iPhone to flip open and close the Zippo. Overall I love this app since it is so much fun. And the best thing about, it is it's FREE!

Acronyms can be fun and frustrating when you don't know them...

Acronym Interaction, Expansion and Extrapolation Engine
by Lore Sjöberg http://www.brunching.com/acronymer.html

Tired of practicing your blank stares for when someone says they need a TCP/IP-based LAN set up and a USB-to-SCSI adapter ASAP? Do you wish you could throw around acronyms with that same casual attitude that pisses you off so much? Here's your chance. With this tool, you can enter any combination of letters you like (from 2 to 6) and we'll expand them into a handy, technical-sounding, completely made-up phrase that borders on the plausible.

So invent your own. Go to: http://www.brunching.com/acronymer.html

Acronyms can be fun...

Print 3D Buildings from Google Earth

SketchUp and 3D Printing the Disney Concert Hall - Sweet Onion Creations

Another company has come out with a solution for making 3D prints from Google Earth. This time the solution is actually based on SketchUp 3D models. The company is called Sweet Onion Creations, and they describe how to click on a 3D model seen in Google Earth (or any found in the Google 3D Warehouse) and using their "3D printing" service get back an actual physical model. Here's a video they've made showing how it works:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLiReajlXrg

SlideShare...a great tools for user groups

SlideShare is a great tool for user group members to make slide presentations available to others. There is now a plug-in for Keynote as well as powerpoint.
Here is a video that shows how to upload a keynote presentation.

Upload Keynote to SlideShare

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: keynote slideshare)