Category: Apple

Posted on

Show the User Library Directory in Mac OS X 10.7 Lion

OSX defaults to hiding the users Library directory within the file system in order to protect it from accidental deletion. Power users and hacker-types often find they need access to the Library in order to modify system preferences.

Un-hide the User /~Library folder

Launch the ‘Terminal’ from Spotlight or the Launchpad then enter the following command to unhide the directory:

chflags nohidden ~/Library/

Re-hide the User /~Library folder

Launch the ‘Terminal’ from Spotlight or the Launchpad then enter the following command to unhide the directory:

chflags hidden ~/Library

Posted on

How to uninstall Tunnelblick

As with most Mac software, Tunnelblick lacks a “clean and easy” uninstall process.

To simplify the process, I’ve outlined the six recommended steps, below –

1. Drag the Tunnelblick program from your Applications folder to your Trash.

2. Click your hard disk icon on your desktop (or open your Finder).

3. Click on Library->Application Support, and Delete/Trash the “Tunnelblick” folder if it exists.

4. Click on Library->Preferences, and Delete/Trash the “com.tunnelblick.Tunnelblick.plist” file if it exists.

5. Empty your Trash.

6. Restart your computer.

For more information on Tunnelblick configuration and install/uninstall processes visit: http://code.google.com/p/tunnelblick/wiki/UsingTunnelblick

Posted on

Running KeePass 2.x on OSX using MacPack

There is no native OSX installer for KeePass. An alternative is running KeePassX but the the 2.0 password safe database format is not cross-compatible with KeePass on Windows. For those of us who keep KeePass databases syncronized between our Windows machines, Apple iPhone’s and Linux desktops, standard file format is important.

One option is to run KeePass under Mono in OSX but this can be a hassle to setup and maintain. The best solution is to install the Mono framework then use MacPack to compile a native OSX APP, as follows:

  1. Install Mono Framework
  2. Download latest version of KeePass 2.x and unpack it
  3. Open Terminal and navigate to unpacked KeePass folder
  4. Run the following command:

    macpack -o:. -m:winforms -r:/Library/Frameworks/Mono.framework/Versions/Current/lib/ libCocoaSharpGlue.dylib -r:KeePass.chm -r:KeePass.XmlSerializers.dll -r:KeePassLibC32.dll -r:KeePassLibC64.dll -r:License.txt -r:ShinstUtil.exe -r:./XSL -n:KeePass -a:KeePass.exe

  5. Confirm the file is built and no errors occur.

This will create a KeePass.app file that you can drag into your \Applications folder or desktop.

Posted on

15 steps to secure your iPhone / iPad

There has been a lot of controversy in the media regarding the security of Apple iPhone and iPad devices. Whilst both ship with a natively secure operating system, the majority (~60%) of iPhone and iPad users have jail broken their devices which makes them blatantly insecure!

Jailbreaking is a process that allows iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch users to install homebrew applications on their devices by unlocking the operating system and allowing the user root access. Once jailbroken, iDevice users are able to download many extensions and themes previously unavailable through the App Store via unofficial installers such as Cydia. A jailbroken iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch is still able to use the App Store and iTunes.

Jailbreaking is different from SIM unlocking, which, once completed, means that the mobile phone will accept any SIM without restriction on, for example, the country or network operator of origin. Jailbreaking, according to Apple, can void Apple’s warranty on the device,[1] although this is quickly remedied by restoring the device in iTunes.

This article will address some of the security issues with jailbroken iPhone and iPad devices and how you can secure your unit.

1. SSH Passwords

By default, jailbroken devices are vulnerable to being hacked into using SSH. If you have jailbroken your device and installed Cydia it is vital that you change your phones mobile and root account passwords. The default password is ‘alpine’ which means that if you connect to a wireless access point using your device, rogue individuals can gain un-authorized access to your device. Continue reading “15 steps to secure your iPhone / iPad”

Posted on

Apple Boot Camp: Windows XP displays “Disk Error” message during initial setup

Symptoms

If you attempt to install Microsoft Windows XP without first formatting a partition using the Windows installer, this message may appear in Windows XP:

“Press any key to boot from CD. Disk Error. Press any key to restart.”

Products Affected

Boot Camp, Mac OS X 10.5, Microsoft Windows XP

Resolution

  1. Restart the computer.
  2. Hold down the Option key during restart to run Startup Manager.
  3. Once Startup Manager appears, select a Mac OS X volume.
  4. Launch Boot Camp Assistant.
  5. Select Create or Remove a Windows Partition and click Restore.
  6. Launch Boot Camp Assistant again and create a Windows partition of the desired size.
  7. Insert Windows install disc and start installation.
  8. Format the Windows partition named ‘BOOTCAMP’ before continuing with the rest of the Windows XP setup process.

Important:  Do not use the “Leave the current file system intact (no changes)” or “Convert the partition to NTFS” options.