General

Apr 25 2013

WWDC 2013 Sells Out in 2 Minutes

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WWDC, Apple’s World Wide Developers Conference, has sold out their entire allotment of tickets in a matter of two minutes.   In previous years, tickets were still available until a few weeks before the conference, however, as the popularity of the Mac has increased, the conference has been a more desirable destination.   This record sellout is not likely to change next year either unless Apple increases the number of available tickets.

For more information about WWDC or the availability of the conferences sessions on Video, check out the WWDC web page at:

https://developer.apple.com/wwdc/tickets/

By • Apple Computing, Apple Inc., Developer Program, Events, Events, General, WWDC • 0 • Tags: , , , ,

Apr 22 2013

A trio of reviews

The first is more of an update than a review. Ubuntu 13.4 is out. For those into running Linux this has been a fairly successful update. Although I haven’t tried it there does not appear to be many complaints. Mint 15 (derived from this version of Ubuntu) should be out toward the end of May.

The second is a program called Simutrans found at http://freecode.com. Alternatively it is available in the repositories if there is access to a Debian based system (such as Ubuntu). It is an open source simulation similar to Transport Tycoon. It is also cross-platform with source code provided. This means it should run on just about any computer. I haven’t played the original game so I can’t say how close it is to the original. The program runs well on my Linux system. I don’t know much about game play but it appears to be doing what it is supposed to do. The other thing to be aware of is a graphics pack will need to be downloaded. Two are downloaded via the repositories but adding others should be simple.

Third is a free Minecraft server called Craftbukkit (or Bukkit for short). There are plenty of videos on Youtube and links in Google to give people an idea of what it can do. They have recently updated to version 1.5.1 to match the Minecraft client and Mojangs Vanilla server. The main advantage to running Bukkit as opposed to Vanilla is the features. There are more things which can be done out of the box. Plugins (server modifications) are incredibly easy. Plus Bukkit is quite a bit more stable. Again it is cross-platform and will run on Windows, OS X, and Linux. My preference is to run it in a bare bones text mode Linux virtual machine for speed. Installing it is as simple as downloading a single file, unpacking it, running the binary once (assuming this is the first time) to set things up, then run it again to run the server. I have set up a series of scripts to make life easier. Connecting to the internet requires some router magic but there are plenty of references to help out. If anyone is into creating their own plugins or running a world, this is the way to go.

By • Columns, Cross Platform, Emulation, Games, General, Review, Software, Updates • 0

Mar 27 2013

Kansasfest Apple II Convention Registration Opens

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KansasFest, the 25th annual convention dedicated to the Apple II computer, is now open for registration. Users, programmers, hobbyists, and retrocomputing enthusiasts are invited to Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri, from Tuesday, July 23, through Sunday, July 28, for six days and five nights of sessions, demos, announcements, contests, and camaraderie.

The week kicks off with keynote speaker Randy Wigginton, Apple employee #6, who worked on the Disk ][ disk drive, Apple DOS, and Applesoft BASIC.  Wigginton will be available immediately afterward for a Q&A and autograph session.

The week then offers a variety of presentations and workshops, including but not limited to:

  • Teaching kids to program with Matthew Hellinger
  • Disk ][ theory of design with Tony Diaz
  • Hardware hacking with Stephen Buggie
  • How to build an arcade machine using MESS and MAME emulation with Carrington Vanston
  • Disk copy de-protection with Martin Haye
  • HackFest, an annual programming challenge open to coders of all skill levels
  • A vendor fair and exhibit hall for attendees and the general public to show off, play with, and buy and sell new or unusual hardware and software

Attendees are encouraged to share their knowledge by presenting their own hardware and software sessions, especially of the Apple II but including Macintosh, Windows, Linux, iOS, and others. All KansasFest sessions are presented by the attendees, who are known for unscheduled events and debuts, too. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look at new software, preorder opportunities for new hardware, a live-action text adventure, a podcast recording session, GShisen and Dueltris tournaments, or an athletic round of Bite the Bag, there are experiences to be had and memories made at KansasFest that aren’t possible except in the company of surprising, brilliant, diehard Apple II fans.

Register before June 1 to guarantee a price of $375 for a double room or $445 for a single, which includes admission to all sessions as well as most meals. Official KansasFest shirts are extra and optional and must be ordered by May 31; registration for staying on-site closes July 8. Veterans of the event are invited to bring a first-time attendee; if each indicates the other’s name on the registration form, both will receive a $25 referral rebate at the event. To register, please visit the official Web site at http://www.kansasfest.org/.

KansasFest sponsor 16 Sector invites any and all Apple II users, fans, and friends to attend the world’s only annual Apple II conference. Please browse our Web site for photos, videos, schedules, and presentations from past year’s events and for our email list.

 

By • Apple ][, Events, General, KFest, Vintage • 0 • Tags: , , , ,

Mar 9 2013

Posting to Facebook from an Apple //e

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Darren Crawford has managed to do what no one ever considered possible:  Post a Facebook posting from an Apple //e computer.   In what is a first ever event, Darren posted his message using a combination of Lynx and the mobile version of the  Facebook website.

It wasn’t just an instant success, but instead was a work of some trial and error.   In discussions in the A2C.Chat channel of A2Central’s IRC, much of the discussion was about issues with character loss and echoing characters.  However, after correcting an initially incorrect jumper setting, the posting was on.

You can check out the Facebook posting in the Apple II Enthusiasts group at:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/5251478676/

By • Apple ][, communications, Facebook, General, Other Companies, Vintage • 0 • Tags: , , ,

Jan 11 2013

Brother Mac OS X Printer Drivers Updated by Apple

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Apple has released updated printer drivers for the Brother series of printers.  Version 2.10 of the Mac OS X printer driver was posted last night on the Apple Support website and is now available for download.   The driver coversMac OS X Mountain Lion, Lion and Leopard

You can download the new driver from the Apple support page for Brother printers at:

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL894

By • Brother, General, Mac OS X Lion, Mac OS X Mountain Lion, Mac OS X Snow Leopard, Macintosh, OS X, Other Companies • 0 • Tags: , , , ,

Jan 11 2013

Apple Releases HP Printer Drivers Version 2.12

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Apple has updated their printer drivers for the HP series printers.  Version 2.12 (listed as 2.13 on the apple support page) is now available for download and covers Mac OS X Mountain Lion and Lion, as well as Leopard (Mac OS X 10.6)

You can download the drivers from the Apple HP Printer support page at:

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL907

By • Apple Computing, Hewlett Packard (HP), Mac OS X Lion, Mac OS X Mountain Lion, Mac OS X Snow Leopard, Macintosh, OS X • 0 • Tags: , , , ,

Nov 6 2012

KansasFest 2013 set for July 23-28

The KansasFest comittee has announced that the 2013 rendition of KansasFest will be held from July 23 to July 28.  KansasFest or Kfest as it is known,  is the only remaining Apple II specific convention and draws programmers and hobbyists from around the globe.  This year will mark the 25th year of the event and is expected to be one of the largest in more than a decade.

For more information, check out the KansasFest 2013 page at:

http://www.kansasfest.org/2012/11/kansasfest-2013-scheduled-for-july-23-28/

By • Events, General, KFest • 0 • Tags: , ,

Oct 31 2012

Minecraft notes:

Minecraft is an on-line game where the players run around mining for certain minerals, build structures, combat monsters as well as each other. and generally explore an expanding world. It is divided into two components. Namely on-line servers as well as clients to access the servers. Both components are free however to make full use of the capabilities of the client, a non-free (premium) account must be used. The game components are available for the “big three” operating systems (Linux, OS X, and Windows) and may run on systems with up to date JAVA installed.

Installation is simple but a lot of people have experiencing problems with getting the free accounts running. The simple solutions to most of the problems are pretty standard. Make sure the client is updated (if possible). Make sure at least JAVA 6 is installed. Make sure opengl is also installed and current. Sometimes deleting the bin folder in the .minecraft folder helps (depending on the problem the entire folder may not need to be deleted).

Here are some of the problems I encountered along the way.

- Initially I had the “Done Loading” error on all my machines. After trying all the common solutions suggested on the web I found I had to create an account (free) and tell the client to play from the web browser (a link on their web page). This fixed the problem for me. I was able to get in and play the demo. Apparently the other way is to sign in with a premium account.

- Some Windows computers don’t have up to date opengl drivers. I was able to login with a Dell SX 280 only to get a black screen. After looking at some error messages I determined I had to go and get the latest drivers from Dell. No joy there. The XP drivers stopped being updated around 2009. Since it is a borrowed machine (to be used in a different demo for a computer club) I didn’t want to spend a lot of time on it anyhow.

- The free account uses a built-in server apparently and will not connect to other servers even on the same box. All the player can access is the same demo world. There is a time limit of about 100 minutes, but the player can start over at the end. I was thinking it would be nice to allow the player unlimited access to their own server (on their own machine). Connecting to 127.0.0.1 without restriction would help people who want to be game developers/programmers and don’t wish to buy a premium account.

Other than that it is pretty much a matter of downloading the programs and running them. I personally wouldn’t go out and get a premium account but for those who would I can see where it would be a fun game.

By • Games, General, Macintosh, OS X, Software • 0 • Tags: , , ,

Oct 26 2012

MacHeist Bundle Now 21 Apps for $29, Adds Three Days to Heist

The group behind the MacHeist Charity sale have added a total of 6 more apps to the heist over  the past ten days and now have extended the heist another three days.  While the apps list has grown, the price of the bundle remains a paltry $29.00 for the entire bundle of Mac applications.

The current rendition of MacHeist, the fourth major one in the groups history, has reached 33,000 bundles sold and has raised nearly 240,000 USD for charity.  MacHeist donates 25% of all proceeds to charity and to date has raised over two million USD for a variety of US charities during past heists.

For more information or to purchase the current MacHeist 4 bundle, go to the MacHeist website at:

http://macheist.com/

By • Apple Computing, Events, General, MacHeist, Macintosh • 0 • Tags: ,

Oct 16 2012

MacHeist Announces new Bundle of 15 Apps for $29

The folks behind one of the most successful charitable application bundles, MacHeist, have announced a new grouping of 15 applications.  MacHeist 4 includes 15 applications for the Mac, priced at $29.00 USD for the entire bundle.   MacHeist donates 25 percent of all sales to charities specified by the purchaser. Past MacHeist events have raised over two million dollars for a variety of charities.

The last three apps of the bundle will be unlocked for all users as a specified number of bundles being sold, with the first one set to open at 25,000 bundles.  The “Heist” lasts for 10 days and can be purchased by going to the MacHeist website at:

www.macheist.com

By • Apple Computing, Apps, Events, General, MacHeist, Macintosh, Software • 0 • Tags: ,

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