InformationWeek Stories by Rob Maxwell

InformationWeek Stories by Rob Maxwellhttp://www.informationweek.comInformationWeeken-usCopyright 2012, UBM LLC.2011-08-31T14:42:00ZHow To Disable IPv6 In OS XHere's how to shut off default use of the new Internet Protocol Version 6 if you're not ready to tackle its security issues.http://www.informationweek.com/byte/news/231600212?cid=RSSfeed_IWK_Authors If you're running OS X in a networked environment, then you have an auto-configured IPv6 connection to your network. Unfortunately, IPv6 provides an opening for attackers to compromise your network. If you don't work for a large company that requires it, you can and should shut it off. Here's how to do it. In OS X, open System Preferences, then Network. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/howto/disableipv6osx/1.png"> Select the connection you’d like to modify (you’ll need to do each one in each location), and click Advanced. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/howto/disableipv6osx/2.png"> Next to Configure IPv6, select Off from the drop-down menu. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/howto/disableipv6osx/3.png"> After turning off IPv6, click OK. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/howto/disableipv6osx/4.png"> Then close out of System Preferences. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/howto/disableipv6osx/5.png"> Viola, you’ve mothballed IPv6 until you really need it. If you're a Windows user, check out how to <a href="http://www.informationweek.com/byte/howto/personal-tech/desktop-os/231400022">disable IPv6 in Windows 7</a>. Based in Damascus, MD, Rob is a senior contributor at <a href="http://www.byte.com" target="_blank">BYTE</a>. Follow him <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/lythander" target="_blank">@lythander</a> or email him at <a href="mailto:rob.maxwell@byte.com">Rob.Maxwell@BYTE.com </a>.2011-08-11T16:00:00ZHow To Disable IPv6 On Windows 7 Here’s how to shut off default use of the new Internet Protocol Version 6 if you’re not ready to tackle its security issues.http://www.informationweek.com/byte/news/231400022?cid=RSSfeed_IWK_Authors If you're running Windows 7 in a networked environment, by default you have an auto-configured IPv6 connection to your network. IPv6 is the next-generation addressing system planned for the Internet, necessary because the current addressing scheme, IPv4, has run out of addresses. Unfortunately, IPv6 still has security holes and provides an opening for attackers to compromise your network. For now, most ISPs are using workarounds and still rolling with IPv4. Unless you're working for a large company, you likely don't have to worry about IPv6 yet. If you want to just shut it off, here's how to do it. First, in Windows 7, click Start and type into the search box:control panel Hit Enter. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/howto/disableipv6win/1.png"> Now, from the Control Panel, select Network and Sharing Center. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/howto/disableipv6win/2.png"> On the next screen, click the connection you want to modify. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/howto/disableipv6win/3.png"> A status display for that connection will come up. Select Properties. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/howto/disableipv6win/4.png"> Next, you’ll see a property sheet for the network connection. Uncheck the box next to Internet Protocol Version 6; that is, TCP/IPv6. Click OK. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/howto/disableipv6win/5.png"> Note: You'll need to do this for each network connection on which you're disabling IPv6. And that's all there is to it. If you're a Windows user, check out how to <a href="http://www.informationweek.com/byte/howto/personal-tech/desktop-os/231400022">disable IPv6 in Windows 7</a>. Based in Damascus, MD, Rob Maxwell is a senior editor at <a href="http://www.byte.com" target="_blank">BYTE</a>. Follow him <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/lythander" target="_blank">@lythander</a> or email him at <a href="mailto:rob.maxwell@byte.com">Rob.Maxwell@BYTE.com</a>.2011-08-08T21:06:00ZUse a Quick Key Combo To Get Back Lost Tabs in ChromeHave you ever closed a tab by mistake in Google Chrome?http://www.informationweek.com/news/231000927?cid=RSSfeed_IWK_Authors Have you ever closed a tab by mistake in Google Chrome? You can quickly get it back using the keyboard shortcut [CMD][SHIFT][T] on a Mac keyboard. Or use the key combo [Ctrl][Shift][T] on your PC keyboard. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/tips/CmdShiftTChrome_Maxwell/chrome452.png"> 2011-08-05T16:33:00ZTrust Issues? Secure Your Own Cloud DataDo-it-yourself encryption with TrueCrypt provides peace of mind before you send your sensitive files into the ether.http://www.informationweek.com/byte/news/231001225?cid=RSSfeed_IWK_Authors Recent <a href="http://www.informationweek.com/news/security/vulnerabilities/231000111">events</a> surrounding cloud storage/sync provider Dropbox makes you question the security and privacy of the data in the cloud. Some providers have encryption algorithms built into their product. But for individual users, figuring out how to use them quickly turns into a time-consuming guessing game. So I have an easier solution. Encrypt the data yourself. Placing your sensitive data in an encrypted container--a file, basically--lets you store that container on your cloud storage provider of choice with confidence. This comes with some overhead. Good crypto takes a few CPU cycles. But it's worth your time for the really sensitive information you have out there. You might not want to bother with encrypting family photos, videos, music or other files that aren't very private, especially if you want to be able to share these files with other users. But if you have your copy of the next big screenplay, your tax information, or other items which are valuable and private in the cloud, you need to employ serious protection. Today's recommended tool for doing this is <a href="http://www.truecrypt.org">TrueCrypt</a>. It allows you to create a file in the size of your choosing to contain your sensitive documents, and encrypt the container using a password (or better, passphrase) of your choosing. Once created, it goes on the cloud service. When you need to access it, simply mount (open) the container using TrueCrypt and your password/phrase. TrueCrypt will mount the container as a folder or drive on your system. Just place your documents there and you're good to go. Make sure to unmount your container when you're not using it. <img src="http://twimgs.com/informationweek/byte/BLOGS/Maxwell_Rob/blogtcrm.png"/> For a TrueCrypt walkthrough, check out how to <a href="http://www.informationweek.com/byte/howto/personal-tech/desktop-apps/231000250">encrypt documents with TrueCrypt</a>. Based in Damascus, MD, Rob is a senior contributor at <a href="http://www.byte.com" target="_blank">BYTE</a>. Follow him <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/lythander" target="_blank">@lythander</a> or email him at <a href="mailto:rob.maxwell@byte.com">Rob.Maxwell@BYTE.com </a>.2011-07-28T13:02:00ZHow To Upgrade OS X Snow Leopard To OS X LionHow to upgrade from OS X Snow Leopard to OS X 107 Lion.http://www.informationweek.com/byte/news/231002703?cid=RSSfeed_IWK_Authors Upgrading from a Mac with OS X Snow Leopard to OS X 10.7 Lion is a snap. But before you start, make sure your Mac is <a href="http://www.informationweek.com/byte/howto/personal-tech/desktop-os/231001728">prepared for the upgrade</a>. Your Mac will also need an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, or Xeon processor. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/howto/upgrade2lion/1.png"> Once it's ready, open the Mac App Store, find OS X Lion, purchase it, and start the download. The file is just over 4 GB and the amount of time it takes will vary. Count on at least an hour or more. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/howto/upgrade2lion/2.png"> Once the download is complete, the OS X Lion installer app will be located in the Dock or Applications folder. Close any other open programs, and launch the Installer. Click Install. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/howto/upgrade2lion/3.png"> Next, you must agree to Apple’s Software License Agreement twice. They want to know you really mean it! <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/howto/upgrade2lion/4.png"> Now verify the drive you want OS X 10.7 Lion to install upon. This should be the same drive to which you have OS X Snow Leopard installed. Typically, this is your local boot drive--Apple calls it the Macintosh HD. Click Install. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/howto/upgrade2lion/5.png"> The system will ask for your credentials to verify the upgrade. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/howto/upgrade2lion/6.png"> The system will prepare for the installation. The preparations only takes a couple of minutes. Then you'll have to reboot. When your Mac is back up, the installer will automatically start. It will take between 30-45 minutes to complete. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/howto/upgrade2lion/7.png"> Once finished, your Mac will reboot itself into OS X Lion. You'll see the fancy new Finder desktop with the Andromeda Galaxy background. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/howto/upgrade2lion/8.png"> If you're loading OS X Lion on a Mac with a built-in trackpad or an attached Magic Trackpad, a tutorial will then launch explaining how scrolling works. Don’t ignore it. Scrolling defaults to the paradigm used in iOS, a startling change for Mac users. Up is down and down is now up. It takes some getting used to. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/howto/upgrade2lion/9.png"> All done. Welcome to your OS X 10.7 Lion. Play around and check out its new features like Launchpad and <a href="http://www.informationweek.com/byte/news/personal-tech/desktop-os/231001357">Mission Control</a>. For more on the new features in OS X Lion, check out our <a href="http://www.informationweek.com/byte/reviews/personal-tech/desktop-os/231001740">in-depth review</a>. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/howto/upgrade2lion/10.png"> <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/howto/upgrade2lion/11.png"> Based in Damascus, MD, Rob is a senior editor at <a href="http://www.byte.com" target="_blank">BYTE</a>. Follow him <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/lythander" target="_blank">@lythander</a> or email him at <a href="mailto:rob.maxwell@byte.com">Rob.Maxwell@BYTE.com </a>.2011-07-18T16:00:00ZOS X Lion First Look: iCalOS X 10.7 Lion's iCal includes new features and UI facelift.http://www.informationweek.com/byte/news/231001947?cid=RSSfeed_IWK_Authors Apple gives iCal some usability upgrades in OS X Lion along with a bit of a facelift. Here's our first look at iCal in OS X 10.7 Lion. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/ical/1.png"> iCal along with Mail and Address Book now share a preference pane for configuration just as they do in iOS. This removes some of the configuration pain of setting up the same service on several apps. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/ical/2.png"> If you're familiar with the iPad or iPhone calendar setup, you'll feel right at home. Apple has built in profiles for MobileMe, Gmail, Exchange, Yahoo and Aol. Just attach iCal to any standard CalDAV account or OS X Server under the "Other" tab. Or open Preferences in iCal and hit the Accounts tab. You'll get basically the same set of options you would see in the Preferences panel mentioned above. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/ical/3.png"> Once iCal is configured you'll find it to be intuitive and pretty much the same as iCAL previous version in OS X Snow Leopard. There is, though, a new Day view that gives you a closer look at the today's agenda. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/ical/4.png"> The new Quick Add functionality allows appointment additions you enter in plain English. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/ical/5.png"> Enter the basic meeting information and iCal opens a dialog box to complete the more complicated details of the appointment, such as repetition, attachments, invitees, and so on. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/ical/6.png"> iCal is viewable as a full-screen app now. This allows quicker month-to-month navigation and the full-year view has my favorite new feature: a heat map. The more appointments you have on a given day, the "hotter" the day is colored. I'm aiming on getting "cooler" days in my future. <img src="http://i.techweb.com/infoweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/ical/7.png"> Apple's updates to iCal aren't among the best new features in OS X Lion, but at least they should be useful. We think that the Quick Add and heat map features will be especially attractive to those who really make use of iCal. Based in Damascus, MD, Rob is a senior editor at <a href="http://www.byte.com" target="_blank">BYTE</a>. Follow him <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/lythander" target="_blank">@lythander</a> or email him at <a href="mailto:rob.maxwell@byte.com">Rob.Maxwell@BYTE.com </a>. 2011-07-17T05:00:00ZOS X Lion First Look: FaceTimeHere's a first look at FaceTime in Mac OS X Lion.http://www.informationweek.com/byte/news/231001380?cid=RSSfeed_IWK_Authors BYTE -- In OS X 10.7 Lion, FaceTime is now fully integrated. Previously, it was available only as a downloadable beta for Snow Leopard and via the Mac App Store. FaceTime is a video chat client that allows you to make calls to other Macs running FaceTime, as well as iOS devices with front-facing cameras. That means the iPad 2, iPhone 4 or iPod touch. It keeps a list of recent calls, including missed calls, just like the iPhone 4 does. <img src="http://twimgs.com/informationweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/FaceTime/05-FacetimeFirstLook.png"width="452"> If FaceTime isn't running when you receive calls, the icon in the dock notifies you with how many calls you missed. FaceTime will follow you anywhere -- to any Mac you log onto, even if it doesn't have FaceTime running. There is a setting in FaceTime Preferences that will allow you to turn this feature off so you appear unavailable. It would have been nice if FaceTime included an answering machine feature. <img src="http://twimgs.com/informationweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/FaceTime/07-FacetimeFirstLook.png"width="452"> FaceTime connects to your OS X Lion Address Book. So there's no need to re-enter your contacts. If you're calling Mac to Mac, FaceTime supports up to 720p HD video calls. On OS X Lion, it functions natively as a full-screen app, similar to the view you would see on an iPhone 4, iPad 2, or iPod touch. <img src="http://twimgs.com/informationweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/FaceTime/03-FacetimeFirstLook.png"width="452"> FaceTime on the Mac plays nicely with the iPad and iPhone by recognizing shifts in screen orientation depending on the portrait or landscape orientation of the iOS device. <img src="http://twimgs.com/informationweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/FaceTime/02-FacetimeFirstLook.png"width="452"> FaceTime on the Mac displays the output of either camera sent from an iPad or iPhone, depending on the one you decide to use. <img src="http://twimgs.com/informationweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/FaceTime/04-FacetimeFirstLook.png"width="452"> The version of FaceTime shipping with Mac OS X Lion appears stable and effective, so far demonstrating excellent connectivity with mobile FaceTime users and users on other Macs. Based in Damascus, MD, Rob is a senior contributor at <a href="http://www.byte.com" target="_blank">BYTE</a>. Follow him <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/lythander" target="_blank">@lythander</a> or email him at <a href="mailto:byte_rob@weathercloset.com">rob.maxwell@BYTE.com</a>. 2011-07-13T00:30:00ZOS X Lion First Look: iChatHere's our first look at iChat for Mac OS X Lion.http://www.informationweek.com/byte/news/231001382?cid=RSSfeed_IWK_Authors BYTE -- iChat in OS X Lion brings a lot to Apple’s messaging client. In addition to support for Jabber, Google Talk, AIM, me.com and Mac.com, Lion adds connectivity to Yahoo! Chat. <img src="http://twimgs.com/informationweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/iChat/08-iChatFirstLook.png"width="452"> If you’re the organized type, arrange the tabbed buddy list. It's unified across all messaging systems, as is your status. The buddy list is also searchable. Easily import photos from iPhoto to associate with your buddies. Chats also function within tabs, and can be consolidated into a single window or dragged out, much like browser tabs are today. <img src="http://twimgs.com/informationweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/iChat/22.png"> Given all the network configurations and chat protocols, OS X Lion includes a handy diagnostic utility. <img src="http://twimgs.com/informationweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/iChat/11-iChatFirstLook.png"width="452"> <img src="http://twimgs.com/informationweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/iChat/13-iChatFirstLook.png"width="452"> iChat Theater allows sharing of files, webpages and iPhoto content within a video chat. Or just share the whole screen. <img src="http://twimgs.com/informationweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/iChat/09-iChatFirstLook.png"width="452"> Share a webpage or the whole screen. Sharing looks like this. <img src="http://twimgs.com/informationweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/iChat/15-iChatFirstLook.png"width="452"> Video chat includes five pages worth of clever video effects. <img src="http://twimgs.com/informationweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/iChat/04-iChatFirstLook.png"width="452"> <img src="http://twimgs.com/informationweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/iChat/02-iChatFirstLook.png"width="452"> This effect makes even my blurry companion look like she was just brained with a frying pan. <img src="http://twimgs.com/informationweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/iChat/07-iChatFirstLook.png"width="452"> And here, check out my audition for my role as a space alien. It's pretty entertaining. <img src="http://twimgs.com/informationweek/byte/LION_FirstLooks/iChat/16-iChatFirstLook.png"width="452"> OS X 10.7 Lion includes a service plug-in system for developers who want to extend iChat's capabilities to new messaging systems. It's a competent new update for this old tool in OS X Lion. Based in Damascus, MD, Rob is a senior editor at <a href="http://www.byte.com" target="_blank">BYTE</a>. Follow him <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/lythander" target="_blank">@lythander</a> or email him at <a href="mailto:byte_rob@weathercloset.com">rob.maxwell@BYTE.com </a>.