NVMUG eNews 3/20/2001
Last updated 3/20/2001
Hartley Jackson presented TechTools Pro 3.0.3
Stephen Farber presented Norton SystemWorks
Both found minor problems that the other did not find.
During the next couple of months we hope to have programs on digital photography, on editing digital photographs, and on scanning.
1. Midge’s Questions
Midge, our president, would like to know what programs you use the most, and like the most. She would like to know what new programs you are interested in. The purpose, of course, is to plan a schedule of programs and to find people who would like to make presentations at the meeting
Midge would also like to know if you would be interested in having a buy and sell page on our web site where you could list things you would like to buy and sell. Warren wants to know if people would be interested in a review page on our web site with reviews of computer and internet related books.
It only takes a minute with e-mail to let us know what you are interested in, and to help NVMUG be more useful for you. Please take that minute and send your ideas to this newsletter at hartleyj@sover.net or to Midge at nvmug@mac.com.
2. Hartley Presents TechTools Pro 3.0.3
I use TechTool Pro 3.0.3 to maintain and protect my Macintosh Performa 6400, and to trouble shoot and repair problems. Because it has worked so well for me, and because each time I e-mailed a technical question to Micramat’s TechTool Support I received the answer I needed within 24 hours, I recommend it highly. I have no experience with its competitor, Norton SystemWorks.
When you start TechTool Pro 3 you will see a Multitester dialog with two choices, Begin and Options. You will also see a Navigation window. When I first got TechTool Pro 3 I clicked Begin, and the program analyzed my computer’s drives and components, and checked for viruses and for software conflicts.
One of the conflicts that it found had been causing my system to bomb when I used my scanner without turning off extensions. The TechTool Pro 3 told me that the conflict was caused because I was using OS 8.6 instead of the operating system that came with my machine, and one of the programs that came with my machine did not work right with OS 8.6. It also repaired some minor bundle bits, whatever they are.
If I had clicked Options I could have chosen which of the standard multitests I wanted to run, and whether to test all volumes or to be asked whether to test each one.
The Navigation window is there listing the test suites for when you want to chose the ones you want to run. Double clicking on a test suite opens a test panel so you can set the options. For example, you might want to run Volume Structures, then Optimization to defragment and optimize your hard drives, or you might have a problem requiring Data Recovery. TechTool Pro uses a method of optimizing that is so safe that “You can literally unplug your machine during optimization with no ill effect to you drive or data.”
Because Data Recovery can reconstruct many deleted files, the Navigation window includes an option to Wipe Data. Wipe Data can write a pattern of zeros and ones over the data in a file or in a folder to permanently delete it. It can also wipe a disk or volume which in erases the entire contents. This can be used if you have partition ed your hard drive and need to reinitialize just one of the partitions, or volumes, on it.
For the demonstration, I used my TechTool Pro 3.0.3 CD and clicked Begin on Midge’s computer, so I could talk while it was running.
TechTool Pro 3 searches your machine for know conflicts in TechTool’s database. This has the advantage that it finds and identifies conflicts some times before you even know you have them. Conflict Catcher searches to identify the conflict source when you know from the symptoms that you have a conflict. If you should experience a conflict that is not yet in TechTool Pro’s database or search for the conflict using the Extensions Manager that comes on your Mac. Instructions for extension conflict trouble shooting using the Extensions Manager are available at:
http://til.info.apple.com/techinfo.nsf/artnum/n30929
TechTool can be set to automatically run simple diagnostics on startup, or when you want to. It can be set to write a copy of the directory files when and where you want to. This makes it much easier to restore damaged files.
It can be set to run a virus scan when you want to. It can also be set to maintain a Trash Cache which stores files that you have deleted according to your instructions. Trash Cache can also often assist in recovering documents you were working on during a computer crash. These options are set using the TechTool Protection Control Panel
The TechTool Pro 3 manual includes:
- descriptions of the tests and options;
- instructions for troubleshooting using TechTool Pro including some things you should do with or without TechTool Pro;
- a description of problems and their solutions using TechTool Pro, and
- a good Table of Contents, Glossary, and Index.
Micromat has continuously improved TechTool Pro. Version 3 runs much faster than Versions 2, and 3.0.3 runs faster than 3.0 and includes improved file structure and volume structure tests.
The default run on Midge’s computer checked both of her hard disks. The report, which she saved, found some minor problems with bundle bits, and a number of conflicts between programs. The minor bundle bits problems had been repaired, and the report included recommendations for updating to eliminate the conflicts.
You can get more information about TechTool Pro 3, or place an order for it at:
http://www.micromat.com
3. Stephen Presents Norton SystemWorks
Stephen ran Norton Utilities to show another competitor’s capabilities. He explained that each program had advantages, and that each could find and fix problems the other might miss. Norton found and fixed some file startup and modification dates that TechTool Pro 3 had missed. Stephen also showed Norton’s optimization which looks very similar to TechTool’s. Here are Stephen’s comments:
For my part of the program I wanted to compare and contrast other competitors' utilities. Norton Utilities has recently been upgraded to Norton SystemWorks 1.0, with updated versions of the familiar modules, and incorporated virus detection and protection. Included on this new CD is Dantz Retrospect Express, Aladdin's Spring Cleaning and later versions of Stuffit tools. These new and improved versions are packaged as an alternative to the current TechTool Pro.
There's not a complete overlap of functions and Norton takes a different approach to hard drive repair, utilizing one tool at a time. Norton assumes your computer is connected and functioning correctly and focuses on hard drive maintenance with its FileSaver, virus protection and backup modules.
These programs can be used both on a routine basis or in an emergency situation (lost file, erratic functioning or damaged hard drive). And they provide both easy and advanced repair facilities as the new user becomes more familiar with each module. These different modules establish different standards for optimal performance, hard drive optimization, defragmentation and administrative guidelines than the TechTool Pro application. Norton SystemWorks does not address software conflicts but leaves that to the user and other programs like Conflict Catcher.
For catastrophic or emergency situations as well as optimization of the startup volume, it is essential to be able to startup and run from another drive; the current crop of these utilities come on very robust startup CDs with MOS 9 and will work with most PowerPC CPUs, but if you have an early model, too small RAM memory or a late model with new startup ROM requirements, you must make preparations before the cat is out of the barn door. Make an emergency start up Zip disk or CD with the appropriate tools including Retrospect Express, the latest Disk Firstaid and DriveSetup. The documentation is on the original CD, so if you install Acrobat Reader also you can make reference to the large books of documentation and go step by step through the repair process.
For day to day operation Norton provides FileSaver and NAV extensions
which provide user defined schedules of operation. FileSaver takes a
snapshot
of your hard drive and its files, usually at shutdown, and
uses this information to recover lost or damaged data. The antivirus
extension schedules what and when to scan for virii and removal
options. Once set to your work habits, these provide day to day
protection with little user interference. As insurance for your data
and files Retrospect Express, a light version of the well known
backup utility, is provided and can be configured to your needs and
schedule. Spring Cleaning rounds out the package with several handy
tools to manage your files and iClean is a one button solution
(actually two clicks, the second to confirm your actions) for several
daily chores such as emptying the trash, checking aliases or emptying
web caches.
The SystemWorks provides an extensive collection of good tools to be used individually or automatically whereas the Techtool Pro package is very integrated and allows a more automated approach. I would also consider another product in this discussion, although it doesn't have as many tools and tricks as yet; DiskWarrior and PlusOptimizer from AlSoft work well on a variety of Macs, particularly early non-PowerPCs with MOS 7.5. These are seemingly simpler applications but can very smartly rebuild and manage hard drive directories.
All of these products provide a very good value for the informed Mac user. We did learn several useful things as the meeting wound down. Don't play games on someone else's machine with a locked startup disk (CD) for the preferences and scores will hang up the machine sooner or later. It is essential to rebuild the desktop database after these major directory restructuring for the Finder to realize the improvements (i.e. Option and Command/Apple Keys on Restart.)
Stephen Farber
Strictly Freelance
4. Other Discussion
There is no way that anyone could capture all of the other discussions that go on at a NVMUG meeting, and probably no one would want to. But, I do pick up l lot of useful information that it not related to the presentations.
Stephen Farber showed Graphic Converter’s Acquire command to get images from most scanners, for editing, display, or whatever.
Geof Gonter uses SimpleText often when he wants a simple word processor that takes almost no memory, such as when he wants to drag part of a web page or e-mail to text editor to save it.
Stephen said that throwing away the Finder Preference File can resolve problems, but don’t throw away the whole Preference File.
Someone recommended the Borderbond Living Book Series
for children ages 3 to 10.
Two people said they found Mac for Dummies
very helpful.
For shareware or software updates, check http://www.versiontracker.com
Someone talked about finding music to download, and Geof asked if I had used NewsWatcher lately. He told me about two other news servers, news2.sover.net and news1.com.
Later that evening I spent an hour and half exploring news2.sover.net and found references to music available for download on the web from a tavern in the Netherlands called the Crow. I spent another hour and a half finding and downloading, but the download may have been to large for my browser. It bombed just after the music started to play, and I lost it. I am wondering if I wouldn’t be better off, if I want to get “free” music, to record on my computer directly from my FM receiver.
There is a lot of information available on news servers with a chance to “talk” with others as we did in the old days on bulletin boards, but there is also a lot more information than I have time to access on the web.
5. Photoshop Elements
Adobe is announcing Photoshop Elements which is a powerful photo editing tool for amateurs which will be available for $99, a lot less expensive and hopefully easier to learn than their more powerful professional Photoshop. It requires a minimum of 64 meg to run, and I only have 48. Here is part of their announcement:
Photoshop Elements is packed with tools to enable users to transform photos captured with digital cameras and scanners into high-impact
images and prepare those images for print, e-mail, or posting on the Web.
When the application is launched, the Quick Start screen lets you quickly open or create a file, acquire an image from a scanner or digital camera, and more. A Hints palette provides context-sensitive illustrations and tips that explain how to use Elements' tools. The Recipes palette interactively shows you how to perform a variety of multi-step tasks, such as adding gradient effects, yet still gives you full control throughout each task. The File Browser lets you find photos simply by viewing thumbnails.
Elements sports a variety of color correction and image retouching tools. The Variations command automatically generates multiple color-adjusted versions of an image and displays them side-by-side so you can easily identify the best color adjustment to make, Connor said. The Red Eye Brush Tool lets you remove the red eyes that result from camera flashes.
Levels and other controls enhance color and dynamic range without sacrificing picture detail, Connor said. Color Cast Correction provides numeric and slider-bar adjustment controls over the entire color range.
We wanted to provide ease-of-use and flexibility in terms of getting images in and offering output options,
Connor said. Elements has the color management engine from Photoshop 6 so users can get accurate color when outputting to a desktop printer, but we've simplified the color settings dialog.
Photographs are often scanned at a slight angle accidentally and frequently need to be cropped. Photoshop Elements lets you automatically straighten and crop scanned images with one command.
With a few mouse clicks, Photoshop Elements software can correct common photography problems caused by improper lighting, according to Connor. The Back Light command lets you darken images to correct for the kind of overexposure typically caused by a camera flash, while Fill Flash instantly lightens images that suffer from inadequate exposure.
Tools such as Dodge, Burn, and Sponge simulate traditional darkroom techniques and let you adjust the tone of specific areas in a photo. And the application's Photomerge technology automatically resizes, skews, and blends portions of multiple images into panoramas.
The layering in Elements is fairly sophisticated, Connor said. You can drag and drop an object (including text and images) from one file to another to create composite images. Because these objects exist on separate layers, you have the flexibility to move or modify the objects without affecting the rest of the image. Similarly, you can adjust and store color correction choices in editable layers without altering your original image layer. And you can specify layer settings such as drop shadows and bevels and save them.
Photoshop Elements software offers a variety of ways to get creative with your images, Connor said. You can add graphic elements to photos or create Web buttons and banners by choosing from a library of shapes and symbols and applying effects to them. Select from a variety of brush libraries to add paint strokes or use the Impressionist tool to give photos the look of a painting. You can add and change text, fonts, and type effects (such as warping) without having to use restrictive dialog boxes.
The Filter Browser lets you visually scan the 95-plus special-effects filters. You can then drag and drop the desired filter onto an image to apply it. Previews let you immediately see the effect of a filter on an image.
Elements' History palette lets you quickly view your most recent editing operations and use multiple undo levels to correct mistakes and experiment without worry. The Background Eraser lets you remove the background of a photo without affecting the foreground.
The Liquify filter lets you distort an image by interactively twisting and pulling it as if it were made of putty. You can use Liquify as a touch-up tool to make enhancements as well. And you can import or create GIF animations using layers and interactively preview the results before saving.
Photoshop Elements software provides flexible image capture and output options, Connor said. The Save for Web command compresses files for posting on the Web, using interactive compression options that let you preview and tweak the results before you save. And Web Photo Gallery lets you produce photo Web pages automatically without having to learn HTML, said Connor.
As far as printing goes, the Picture Package feature automatically generates multiple copies of a photo in different sizes on a single page to maximize the use of photo-quality paper. You can create and print a contact sheet of your images for easy reference. And there's built-in Adobe color management to ensure the colors you see on screen match what you get in print, Connor said. You can open, save, and print all major graphics file formats, including layered Photoshop files.
Photoshop Elements is due in the second quarter of the year in the US, Europe and Japan at a street price of US$99. However, there'll be a $30 mail-in rebate for registered users of Photoshop LE, PhotoDeluxe or competitive digital imaging software products. Mac system requirements are a Power Mac running Mac OS 8.6 or higher, 64MB of RAM (with Virtual Memory on), 150MB of available hard-disk space, a color monitor with 800x600 or greater resolution, and a CD-ROM drive.
We'll be doing a pretty big push for Elements as a retail product, as well as offering it in bundling offerings,
Connor said. We're packaging it the same way we currently do Photoshop LE, including both the Mac and Windows version in the same box.
Since it's based on Photoshop 6, Elements isn't a Carbonized application. However, it should run just fine in the Classic mode of Mac OS X, Connor said.
We've announced our intent to do a version of Photoshop for Mac OS X, but we haven't released any details or a timetable,
he added. However, an X version of Elements should follow the same timetable as that of Photoshop.
6. WorldText and OS X
Apple's WorldText is a new basic word processor included with the Mac OS 9.1 CD (but not with the download able update). WorldText's Typography Palette allows you to do some very cool things - things we have never seen in a word processor before. This includes changing the size of text in real time via a slider (just move the slider and watch the size get larger or smaller until it is the way you want!). With compatible fonts (look at Geneva and Palatino fonts for starters), you can also make case changes: for example, just select some text and click the radio button for All Upper Case
and presto!, the text changes instantly. Unselect the button and the text returns to its previous state. For font freaks, you can also make ligature changes, mathematical changes (e.g, asterisk to multiplication symbol), and more.
OS X
Small Dog will have OS X in stock in time for the launch on March 24th. They are offering a coupon for a free pint of Vermont's finest Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream with your purchase of OS X. OS X will ship with a full version of the latest classic Mac OS: 9.1. Mac OS X with Mac OS 9.1 and a FREE Pint of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream - $119
To order: http://www.smalldog.com/?wag=5
For information about OS X, see
7. A Last Thought
Ain’t nothin’ never just right to do when you wants to do it. So you best just go ahead and do it anyways.
From I Fish, Therefore I Am by Patrick F. McManus in Never Sniff a Gift Fish
