Posts Tagged ‘computers’
Question Asked: Can I Run Mac OS X On a PC?
You can, but not very easily. Running Windows on a Mac is relatively easy compared to the other way around, using Bootcamp, Parallels, or VMVare.
However, running OS X on a PC, you’d need to built what’s referred to as a “hackintosh”. A machine specifically built for the purpose of running OS X.
PCs and OS X have different standards as to what will make them “work” for the machine itself. The majority of standard PCs aren’t capable of running OS X, so you need something custom.
Lifehacker has a great walk through to build one of these “hackintosh” computers for less than $800. Check out their tutorial here.
Question Asked: Who Created The Keyboard?
I’m assuming you meant keyboard as in the thing I’m typing on right now, and not the musical instrument. If I’m wrong, reply to my e-mail for clarification.
The “keyboard” as we know it today, derives from the work of inventor Christopher L. Sholes, who put together the prototypes of the first commercial typewriter in a Milwaukee machine shop back in the 1860s.
The first item marketed as a type-writer was available in 1862, and had the same keyboard we have today, which is known as a “QWERTY” keyboard, because in the top row of letter keys your left hand can easily type out QWERTY.
There have been a number of other keyboard styles available in the past, but none have been even as remotely successful as the QWERTY keyboard.
Question Asked: When Does Snow Leopard Come Out?
According to Apple, September 2009.
They haven’t announced the exact day yet, though employees at my local Apple store seem to think it’s going to be early in the month, opposed to towards the end.
If you haven’t seen the new features of Snow Leopard yet, you should definitely check out Apple’s OSX page. It seems like it’s going to be a pretty substantial upgrade.
Question Asked: How Can I Lock My Mac?
Locking your computer when you’re not at it is one thing that Windows does out of the box that OS X doesn’t. You can lock your Mac though, don’t worry. You just need to do a few things first.
For starters, you need to enable fast user switching.
To turn on fast user switching, open the System Preferences and click on theAccounts icon under the System category. Click on Login Options near the lower left and click the Enable fast user switching checkbox.
Fast User Switching
Once activated, you’ll be able to click on the Accounts icon in the top right corner of your computer, and select “Show Login Screen.”
This won’t log you out, but will make it appear that you have. Keep in mind that if someone else has an account on your Mac, and they login from the login screen, you’ll get logged out.
If you prefer a simpler way to lock the mac, once Fast User Switching is turned on, I’d recommend checking out MacLoc (link).
MacLoc is a small, lightweight program that enables the Fast User Switching to happen without having to mouse up to that corner, and select the login screen option.
You can set MacLoc to be opened with some keyboard shortcuts, as well.
Question Asked: How Do I Transfer VHS to DVD?
The easiest, and most cost effective way is to get some hardware to help you. Whether that’s a stand alone unit, or a package like Roxio’s Easy VHS to DVD converter.
Roxio’s system makes it incredibly easy. Instead of adding a new piece of gear to your home theater setup, you do the work on your computer. You just plugin their device, and connect your VCR to it. (You’re actually doing yourself a favor by taking it out of the home theater setup anyway, right?) You then run their software, and burn the DVD right from your PC.
If you don’t have a DVD burner on your PC (which is unlikely these days), you can opt for a standalone unit, such as this one from Samsung. This will allow you to simply put in your VHS tape on the left and a blank DVD on the right, and click “Play” and “Record”. The unit does the rest for you.