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That New MacPro Looks Like . . .

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        Surprised to see the shape of the new Mac Pro?  Someone took it as a challenge.  He built a "Hackintosh" inside a real bathroom trashcan.  See three photos here.  http://arstechnica.com/apple/2014/01/intrepid-modder-builds-hackintosh-mac-pro-replica-inside-a-real-trashcan/#p3 
        Now see 26 photos here and read the explanation.  http://www.tonymacx86.com/mac-pro-mods/120757-mac-pro-late-2013-replica.html    
        While you're still laughing might as well see this model, made in Japan, for sale at amazon for $79.00.  Humorous comments! 

Here's the Answers

        Saturday you'll hear the answers!  It's time for the Genius Bar at PMUG.  Hopefully, you've already got this event on your Calendar and are planning to come. Bobbie Pastor emailed the members.  Questions have been submitted, ideas are ready to share!  Art Gorski is ready to greet you.  It's 10 am in the Founders' Room at Prescott Public Library. 

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Macs Are Safer

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        David Passell starts off his New Year with, "Here is an article that should make Mac users happy or unhappy depending on which OS they are running:). http://www.zdnet.com/why-mac-users-are-safer-7000024694/?s_cid=e539&ttag=e539  
        Some controversial comments provide food for thought. One person said, “A 10 year old Mac should be safer than the latest Windows 8 with all securty patches, the best anti-virus and malware fighter installed.” 

        Another informs, “the main vulnerability on Mac is the user. . . “
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CopyLess Clipboard Manager

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       " Here is a short blurb about the CopyLess Clipboard Manager," states Jim Hamm.  He goes on with more details, " I've used this app for over a year now and can recommend it if you need/want to keep a history of items you've copied to the clipboard handy for future reference. It is simple to use and takes only about 8MB of memory when it's running. I have it open at startup and leave it running all the time." He found it for $6.99.
        Today iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id416439303?mt=8  has it listed for $1.99. 

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Got a New Apple Product?

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         If you — or a friend of yours — received a new Mac computer or iPad, iPod, iPhone for a holiday gift  (Congratulations!)  you'll want to mark your calendar now. You can learn more and make friends at the Prescott Mac User Group. 
         Bobbie Pastor, PMUG secretary has just reminded us of the January events.  John Carter and Bobbie hold SIGS (Special Interest Groups) on the first and fourth Fridays each month. 
         Our monthly meetings are practical and fun. January 18, 10 am to 12 starts us off.  Prez Art Gorski has plans for the year to announce, and Ginger Carlson, our cookie lady, will have some yum-yums for us.  Other board members, David Rothgery and David Passell will be happy to shake your hand.  And you'll meet the other Chairs, Mary Ann Clark, Ward Stanke, Sharon Lampert, Howard Reider, and Elaine Hardt.  http://pmug.us/about-us/ 
        So come and bring a friend! 

Mobile Phone Magic

        "Did you know -- or even care -- that your mobile phone has two operating systems? I didn't either, but here is an interesting article that explains the two systems," Jim Hamm announces this morning.  He continues with, "The little mobile phone that we use to casually talk to one another, check emails and surf the net, is one complex piece of equipment."  Check out that article from Macworld, "The Hidden Magic: A Look at the Secret Operating System Inside the iPhone." 

Apple Store Coming to San Francisco

Jim Hamm sent us the article about the 27 year-old Mac computer — and he's also sent this info on a snazzy new Apple store coming to San Francisco. (Jim keeps up with the old and the new!)         "Take a look at these renderings of Apple's new store coming in San Francisco. Hope all that glass front doesn't face west where the sun would be an irritant every afternoon. Well, maybe in SF the fog or other tall buildings might block the sun, though. Still, an impressive-looking store."

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Some FREE AntiVirus Programs for Mac

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        Jim Hamm started off with a link http://www.slashgear.com/avg-antivirus-for-mac-launches-with-triple-protection-12308577/ about AVG AntiVirus protection,  but that raised a few questions.  Have you used this?  Will it run on Mac running an earlier system?  Jim obliged with more info,  "I haven't used AVG, but it's been around for a long time and has a good reputation. It will run on Mavericks and Mountain Lion. Here's some more info on AVG."  
        But Jim, what antivirus program are you now using?  "I use Avast AV, which is also free."
        So, there you have it.  Any more questions from anybody?  Any recommendations?  Let's keep up on what works! 

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Secure From Hackers?

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        The headline brought attention to a new hackers' method: http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2013/12/12/computers-can-be-hacked-with-high-frequency-sounds/?intcmp=obnetwork
        Time to get John Carter's opinion of the serious possibilities.  This is what he has to say,  "This technique takes advantage of the audio input/output on the computer. Most notably, the computers mentioned were a Lenovo business computer. Also mentioned was Linux. Now, if Linux computers can be hacked like this, so can a Mac or any smart phone or tablet.

        "The security measure mentioned is to turn off the audio and mic, and this can be done just by muting both the mic and sound. (No, I hadn't heard of this before.)"
        But then John goes on, " Now, if you really want to be afraid of your computer being hacked—even a Mac—look at method #3 in this link.
         "The hackers are teaching each other how to break into any computer by posting their findings on the web."  So, what can we do?  Keep alert to what's going on, so we can take action to avoid these problems. 
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Has Your Password Been Stolen?

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          David Passell informs us, "I tried the program referenced. It didn't detect any problems via any of my e-mail addresses." Look here:  http://www.zdnet.com/how-to-find-out-if-your-password-has-been-stolen-7000023990/?s_cid=e589&ttag=e589   And read down to see the 49 comments of people adding their own experiences and opinions on this subject.