terminals

Running an Internet cafe isn't just a matter of setting up a few computers and inviting customers to use them. You have to have a way to monitor and charge for the amount of time that customers use. Internet Cafe Management Software, or IncaMS, is a simple program that lets you do just that. It's not particularly sophisticated, but if you need a basic way to track computer usage and ring up transactions, it could be exactly what you're looking for.

IncaMS includes both client and server software, and we installed both without any issues. The program … Read more

For people who manage remote servers, the use of the secure shell (ssh) Terminal command is quite common, and is very often the only command people use when opening a Terminal window. While you can enter each of your ssh connections (usernames, server, and arguments) for every new Terminal session, this can be a burden if you need to connect to many servers. While Apple's Terminal application has a connection manager option where you can store the addresses of the servers you access, even this can be a bit cumbersome to continually access. One option instead is to implement … Read more

Our utilities update report is a column on updates for Mac utilities that have been released in the past week. Though a utility can be any tool that helps you perform a routine task (including image manipulation and synchronization), our focus in this column is on bringing you those tools that help in troubleshooting Mac hardware and software problems. This week there were updates for one maintenance tool, some file management tools, and a terminal emulator.

Maintenance

The maintenance utility Cocktail has been updated to add OS X 10.6.8 compatibility. The tool is used for running maintenance routines … Read more

When attempting to access hidden folders in OS X, you can use a tool like TinkerTool or MacPilot to reveal hidden items in the Finder and then navigate to the desired folder, or if you know exactly where you want to go then you can use the Finder's "Go to Folder" option that is available in the "Go" menu. This option brings up a window where you can enter the full path to the desired folder which will then open in the Finder when you click "Go," but to use this, the full … Read more

Motorola Mobility has launched a new device that can bring HDTV to a household of basic cable subscribers.

The new High Definition Digital Terminal Adapter (HD-DTA) is a small adapter that's able to convert a regular digital signal into one that's high-definition without the need for a pricey set-top box, according to Motorola.

Complete with a digital tuner, HDMI interface, and RF (radio frequency) outputs, the HD-DTA itself is a small set-top device that can be placed out of sight and send the HD signal to multiple outlets throughout the house. A remote control lets TV watchers control the device without relying on line of sight.

Beyond offering cable consumers high-definition content, the device is designed to trim expenses for cable companies and other operators that no longer would have to deal with expensive set-top boxes.

"Service providers continue to look for options that deliver HD content to their customers while reducing their overall costs," Larry Robinson, vice president of Home Devices, Motorola Mobility, said in a statement. "The Motorola HD-DTA is an ideal solution for basic subscriber households."

Being demoed at the Cable Show in Chicago this week, the Motorola HD-DTA is expected to debut later this year.… Read more

The OS X terminal is a powerful interface with your computer that can be used to script tasks, run under-the-hood routines on your system, remotely control other systems, and perform a number of other detailed and specific actions. While getting familiar with the Terminal may seem like a daunting and unnecessary task, there are a few useful terminal commands for troubleshooting the system that can be run easily without needing to know much about the Terminal.

uptime

The uptime command shows the time that has elapsed since the system was last restarted. While not directly useful, it can provide you … Read more

On Call runs every two weeks, alternating between answering reader questions and discussing hot topics in the cell phone world.

Last month, a CNET reader named Greg told me in an e-mail that the coverage map currently on Sprint's Web site shows a dramatically changed voice and data network than a similar map from a couple of years earlier. Since carrier maps are never reliable, I didn't think much of it at first. But as this Sprint user forum shows, Greg wasn't exaggerating. Sprint's home coverage area (look for the green areas) on the newer map … Read more

The filesystem in OS X is relatively clean by default when viewed through the Finder. The only folders you see are the system folder, applications folder, user home directories, and a few others that might be useful when configuring the system for your needs. In reality there are a number of hidden files and folders that help govern the behavior of OS X, and occasionally when configuring software packages you have to interact with these items.

Recently in the Apple Support Communities forum user "uwes98" had difficulties after uninstalling the technical computing application Matlab and removing the hidden &… Read more

Every company can be hacked, but we didn't expect Sony to tell us that an additional 24 millions users and over 12,000 credit cards were acquired. It's not looking good for you guys.Microsoft and RIM are new BFFs in the mobile space and they need each other, plus new iMacs! Just like we predicted.