Episode 0029 - traveling with your Mac
07/22/09 16:41
Cases:
Incase 15" Neoprene Sleeve for MacBook Pro
http://www.goincase.com/products/detail/15-neoprene-sleeve-cl57099
I put the MacBook Pro in the sleeve then into your standard Jansport backpack/bookbag.
Looks like TSA allows you to leave laptop in sleeve for security screening
http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/simplifying_laptop_bag_procedures.shtm
Power:
The power brick is a self switching 100 - 240V 50-60 Hz power supply, thus it doesn't require a voltage regulator to go from US power systems to European power systems.
The only thing you need is an adapter to change the plug end to fit the different style plugs.
I chose the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit - this comes with a set of 6 adapters
http://store.apple.com/us/product/M8794G/B
I charged my iPhone 3GS via usb from the MacBook Pro
Two things I would look into for next time:
Apple USB Power Adapter (UK)
http://store.apple.com/uk/product/MB051B/A
Magsafe Airline Adapter
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB441Z/A
Second Battery (for units with removable batteries)
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB772LL/A
Headphones:
Apple In-Ear Headphones
http://www.apple.com/ipod/inearheadphones/
Might want to consider noise canceling headphones
http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/headphones/noise_cancelling_headphones/index.jsp
Security:
PGP Whole Disk Encryption
this basically makes the disk a brick if it's removed from laptop or anyone tries to access it from a 3rd party device. Only thing you can do with it is reformat it and lose the data on it. Warning this also affects the use of the boot-up utility found on the included disks that come with your mac - no availability to repair permissions, etc...
http://na.store.pgp.com/whole_disk_encryption_mac.html
disable automatic login under security preference pane
for extra security then go to System Accounts, click the "Login Options" button
Display Login window as: "Name and Password"
Also
Go back to the Security Preference Pane and check "Require password to wake this computer from sleep or screensaver"
this way if you leave mac on while you are out, it locks and keeps unauthorized uses from accessing your data.
You might want to consider turning on your firewall as well if you are using the hotel computer network wifi/ethernet hardwire
go to security preference pane, click on the firewall tab and choose "allow only essential services" if you have issues with certain apps functioning you might have to choose "Set access for specific services and applications" and then add the application using the plus button in the bottom left of the window. I suggest you test the firewall setting out before your trip to fine tune it.
consider a laptop lock cable to secure laptop to desk/furniture if you are going to leave it in hotel room
http://store.apple.com/us/product/TR414LL/A?mco=NTkwMDU1NQ
Accessories:
Be sure to remember things like USB cable for camera, small portable mouse, USB cable for iPod or iPhone.
Might want to create a list a few days in advance and keep adding to it, checking it.. that way you don't forget anything. Also come up with a plan to charge batteries for your camera.. either USB, buy another battery, adapter fro charger (be sure charger can autoswitch it's voltage or you'll have to buy a voltage converter as well.)
Pictures of London Vacation
http://www.matthillyer.com
Episode 022 - Broadcasting on Ustream.com & PGP Whole Disk Encryption
05/01/09 22:56
In this episode I was playing around and trying out live broadcasting via ustream, so the first half of the show I talk about what I am doing and the applications I use to broadcast.
First I created an account at http://www.ustream.com and set up all the data for my "show." I then downloaded an application called Camtwist - found at http://www.allocinit.com/index.php?title=CamTwist. This free application allows you to have multiple video inputs and have effects applied to them real time - then it allows this video to be put out as a single video feed and shows up as a video source in OSX, just like iSight or a firewire video camera.
Next I snagged an application called Wiretap anywhere from Ambrosia Studios found here: http://www.ambrosiasw.com/utilities/wta/ this application does somewhat the same thing as camtwist but with audio. This application allows you to have multiple audio inputs, combine them together and create a single audio "output" that can be selected in various OSX applications as an audio source.
This is not required to broadcast on ustream, but if you want the viewers to hear application sounds and you talking you will need an application like this. I used this application specifically for the audio output of garageband and my Blue Snowball microphone so that viewers can hear me talk and listen to the garageband output.
After I've set up my video and audio source I went back to ustream and logged in, then clicked the "Broadcast Now" button, and clicked OK on the security prompt to allow the website to use my camera and audio source. That's it - I'm now broadcasting live.
One thing I did discover - there is a delay, from 5-30 seconds is what I observed.
I also talk about PGP whole disk encryption for the mac and why I purchased it. This application provides whole disk encryption security. When booting you first have to type in a pass-phrase in order to allow the OS to boot. If someone were to steal the laptop - the data is safe because the entire disk is encrypted.
you can read more about PGP whole disk encryption for the mac here: http://na.store.pgp.com/whole_disk_encryption_mac.html
I hope you enjoyed this weeks show - if you are interested in more live recording sessions or have any questions or comments, please contact me at thestealthmac@gmail.com
