SUID Warning Mac OS X
Hi Alex -
Probably nothing – but I would run the ‘Repair Permissions’ feature of Disk Utility to confirm. Disk Utility is located in /Applications/Utilities.
Best,
hunter
On Jun 3, 2010, at 3:22 PM, Alex wrote:
> Hello Hunter, > > This notice came up with a Disk Utility disk permissions repair: “Warning: SUID file “System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/MacOS/ARDAgent” has been modified and will not be repaired.” > > Should I be concerned? > > Alex >
Offsite Backup Strategy
Brian,
Yes, tapes are prone to failing. Often at the most disastrous times, too.
Mozy and Carbonite are both good services. Brainspiral Tech also offers an off site backup service which you can read about here (http://brainspiral.com/services/offsite-backup ).
A one-year subscription would be $200, which would include unlimited server backups and storage.
We have a number of clients who maintain both off site and local data backup systems, and this is certainly an option. One benefit is being able to keep hourly (or semi-hourly) backups on site while also keeping a daily backup off site. Some think this is overkill, others believe you can’t be too careful. We’re happy to support either approach.
Any credible off site backup service will encrypt your data, allow you to select which data should and shouldn’t be backed up, and allow you to restore at any time. Most of these solutions will back up your data on a schedule, while a few of the more robust solutions will monitor files for changes and back them up immediately.
Transferability is never a problem with off site backup services. The files are stored as plain data, and can be retrieved from any machine with the software installed (and the username / password). Transferring from one computer to another is simply a matter of downloading the stored files onto the new machine. Transferring to a new company is as easy as turning off the old service and turning on the new one.
I’d be happy to answer any other questions you might have.
Jacklyn Matts Brainspiral Techonologies, Inc.
> From: “Brian” > Date: May 14, 2010 12:41:47 PM EDT > To: “Hunter Greene” > Subject: backups > > Hunter, > A quick question I forgot to ask earlier….. > Our backup tape drives all seem to have a life of 2-3 years until > they fail – they are also unwieldy. > > Given the technology advancements in the last 2 years on external > drive storage/transfer speeds, We are now considering an external > hard disk dedicated to backing up the server – a lot cheaper than > tape, more reliable – just one have off site tapes in case of fire, > flood, etc. > > We also looked into Mozy and Carbonite for internet based back-up, > encrypted……we prefer Mozy – they seem more business oriented, and > are part of a large public company. > > When I look at the costs, I am not even certain it makes sense to > have an external back-up drive onsite in addition to internet > backups, since Mozy seems to do everything, as long as there are > test restores that show everything is in working order. > > Your have had any experiences with offsite internet based storage/ > retrieve al systems? > > I guess one question I still have is “transferability” from one Mozy > to another company down the road, if that should ever be a need. > > Thanks for any input, > B > >
New Computer Advice
Hi Sue -
Good to hear from you.
To make is simple: A new Mac is definitely the way to go. Macs are more reliable, better looking, faster, more durable, last longer, easier to use and less likely to be bogged down with viruses or security vulnerabilities. Macs are also less prone to out-of-the-blue flakiness.
They do cost a bit more than PCs, but that’s only because Apple doesn’t skimp on quality of components. Even the least expensive Mac is more powerful and more featured than most PCs.
Choosing a Mac is easier than choosing a PC. Basically you just have to decide what size you’d like.
I think the new 13″ Macbook Pro is a really nice machine.
http://www.apple.com/macbookpro
But some find the 13″ screen to be a bit too small.
Even the regular Macbook is very nice (I used one myself for years):
And it’s a bit cheaper than the Pro.
The prices on all the Apple equipment are quite close across the board (from Apple or a Reseller), but sometimes we can get some discounts through our distributors.
Let me know what you think.
All the best,
hunter
On Apr 3, 2010, at 12:51 PM, Sue wrote:
> Hunter, > > It is finally time for me to get a nice laptop like our two girls have. My parents would like to help me buy one. My question for you is this – the school I work at is pretty much all PC. My kids and husband think I really need to get a Mac. I am not up-to-date on how compatible everything is. If I use my computer mostly (90%) for work, is it okay to go with a Mac. > > I welcome your advice when you have the time. > > Thanks, > Sue >
Procedure for Cleaning Up a PC or Mac
Hi Jeff -
Yes, we can help. At least 50% of our business entails home user support.
How old is the machine? Normally what we do is:
Ensure the machine has sufficient memory. Ensure the machine does not have a hardware defect (like bad memory or bad hard drive – both known to cause performance issues). Ensure the operating system is functioning properly by: Removing out of date software Installing all important patching and updates Optimizing the system by eliminating unnecessary system services, cleaning temporary files and defragmenting the hard drive
Test the machine.
If the machine is exceptionally old – like 7+ years – then it’s usually not worth fixing. Instead, we junk the machine and migrate the data over to a newer machine (we have clients that upgrade their systems regularly and donate their equipment to us afterwards). Ultimately then you’ll have a fully functional system instead of something patched together.
Total cost: $50-$100
Thanks,
hunter greene Brainspiral Technologies, Inc. ————————————————————————————- hunter@brainspiral.com http://brainspiral.com w: 413-458-5755 c: 413-281-4918
On Apr 5, 2010, at 9:03 AM, Heather wrote:
> Hunter > > My Moms computer is running real slow and really needs to be cleaned > up is that something you generally do and if so how much do you > charge for that service? > > >
Mac CD Drive Won’t open
Yes. Turn off the computer. Turn the computer back on and hold down the mouse key. That should eject it.
On Mar 30, 2010, at 11:50 AM, Al wrote:
> Hunter.. my CD / DVD drive won’t open when i press the key to open > it. There is a DVD in it currently. Any mechanism that can skirt > around the DVD key? > > — > Al
TV Picture Formatting
Oh yeah. Everything is fine. I didn’t realize you guys were out of the country. Hope you’re having a great time over there!
I just wanted to inform you about my findings when I stopped by your house the other day.
I’m pretty sure there’s nothing wrong with the picture formatting on either the TV or the Blu-Ray player. One of the Blu-Ray movies was actually Standard (4:3 aspect ratio). I have never seen a Blu-Ray movie in this ratio, but apparently they exist. because the TV is 16:9 aspect ratio, the 4:3 aspect ratio is displayed in the center and the left and right sides are left black. This is actually a technique called letterbox – whereby one ratio is ‘formatted’ to fit another screen size. The TV *can* fill the screen, but then image cropping and stretching would be required, distorting the original image on the disc.
The other movie, District 9 I believe it was, was actually formatted Panavision Widescreen. This is a common format especially for movie theatres. But since the ratio is actually wider than the TV (2.35:1), we now get a letterbox effect on the top and bottom instead of the left and right. This is normal and the expected behavior.
Does that make sense?
Best,
hunter greene Brainspiral Technologies, Inc. ————————————————————————————- hunter@brainspiral.com http://brainspiral.com w: 413-458-5755 c: 413-281-4918
On Mar 29, 2010, at 5:10 PM, Karen wrote:
> Hey, > > Bob told me you called the other night. > > Everything okay? > > Thanks, > K > > > >
MoviesCapital.com
Hi Lisa -
No, I haven’t heard of them. Their site seems suspicious though. I also wonder what kind of selection they have. The movies they are showcasing are hardly even mainstream.
Netflix is definitely the most popular and offers the greatest selection of movies for instant streaming.
Best,
hunter greene Brainspiral Technologies, Inc. ————————————————————————————- hunter@brainspiral.com http://brainspiral.com w: 413-458-5755 c: 413-281-4918
On Mar 23, 2010, at 9:55 PM, Lisa wrote:
> Hello Hunter, > > Hope all is well with you. Wondering if you have heard of Movies Capital something like netflix but you are able to download moves for a one time fee. I’m thinking of getting that for Jonathan. Any thoughts or comments are appreciated. > > Thanks, > > Lisa >
NAS – Buffalo Terrastations
Hi Jay -
We use them here & there and have had very good luck with them.
They tend to be a bit cheaper than some of the other NAS devices out there.
We use them often to replace tape backup drives, but choosing the right software for backups is critical as some products, even BackupExec, don’t handle re-connecting and re-mounting the backup volumes well. We also use them on occasion for cheap network storage or to put off upgrading a server’s storage capacity. They certainly aren’t as flexible configuration-wise as a Windows of Mac OS Server, but in the right environment they work well enough. The ‘Pro’ series can connect to an existing AD Domain. Managing shares & permissions is a bit clumsy, at least compared to doing the same within Windows Server.
We have moved many of our clients to an off-site internet-based backup solution hosted by Brainspiral in our Bennington and Lanesboro data centers. Many of our clients don’t have much data, so it’s faster, safer & cheaper than trying to maintain something in-house.
Hope that information helps.
Best,
hunter greene Brainspiral Technologies, Inc. ————————————————————————————- hunter@brainspiral.com http://brainspiral.com w: 413-458-5755 c: 413-281-4918
On Mar 19, 2010, at 1:17 PM, Jay wrote:
> Hey Hunter, > > I was wondering if you are using the Terrastations extensively for storage and what your thoughts are on them? I have primarily been using snap servers for storage and Overland Reo’s for backups. I am thinking about trying the terrastations for NAS as the snap servers are a little flaky. > > Jay
Reset Brother 2040 Toner Count
Sure:
1.) Turn the printer off. 2.) Hold the ‘go’ button while turning the printer on. All panel lights should be on. 3.) Release the ‘go’ button once all lights are off. 4. )Press the ‘go’ button 2 times. 5.) Pause. 6.) Press the ‘go’ button 5 times. 7.) The toner light should be off. 8.) The paper light should be on. 9.) Close cover. The ready light should be the only light on. Once all steps are successfully completed your “low toner” light should be fixed.
Best,
hunter greene Brainspiral Technologies, Inc. ————————————————————————————- hunter@brainspiral.com http://www.brainspiral.com
On Mar 15, 2010, at 12:56 PM, carolyn wrote:
> Hi Hunter > > Did you sent me the instructions for the printer? I got the Lexmark > printer working. > Carolyn
Another AVG/Anti-Virus Question
Hi Lynne -
While AVG is a good product, we have found that the newer versions are bulky and clumsy and are encouraging everyone to remove AVG and install Microsoft Security Essentials.
Security Essentials is a free anti-virus, anti-spyware security solution developed by Microsoft specifically for Microsoft products.
It’s available here:
http://microsoft.com/security_essentials
Your new PC probably already has it on there – we never deploy a machine without some sort of security software. Or at least try not to forget!
Glad you’re liking the new Lenovo. We like them, too.
Best,
hunter greene Brainspiral Technologies, Inc. ————————————————————————————- hunter@brainspiral.com http://www.brainspiral.com
On Mar 10, 2010, at 7:47 PM, Lynne wrote:
> Hi Hunter, > I’m getting a renewal message from AVG ( my email for my old > PC)….Let me know if, with Windows 7 on my Lenovo ThinkCentre > (which I LOVE!)….I need to think about AVG? > > Thanks > — > > > Lynne >