Using Apple's iTools: another follow-up
Using Apple's iTools: another follow-up
iTools for older Macs Last time, we noted how Macs running Mac OS 8.6 could use most iTools features. If you want to use iTools with system software prior to Mac OS 9, check this web page for a wealth of details. For example, it explains how even 68K Macs running 7.5.5 can take advantage of iDisk.
Mainly confirming what we posted last time, another reader offers this assessment: "All iTools features with the exception of KidSafe can be accessed with OS 8.5/8.6 after an iTools account is set up with OS 9. The rest of the features can be accessed from OS 8.5/8.6 by going directly to the below login page."
Sending mail I finally got around to installing iTools on my Mac running Mac OS 9, including setting up an email account. It worked without a hitch. I did notice that, unlike some other web-based email systems, Apple's email provides no direct support for sending mail (you need the SMTP server info from another ISP to do this). This makes it a bit less competitive, but maybe Apple will add this feature in time.
Pascal Robert points out that this restriction was probably made to avoid people trying to use mac.com to send out spam.
iDisk and Keychain Regarding our previous note that iTools passwords cannot be added to the Keychain, Jeremy Reichman notes that this is probably a deliberately set AppleShare option (see TIL article #60511). Both Jeremy and Steve Gold described the same work-around that allows you to add your password for iDisk access to the keychain. Here's what to do:
- Mount your iDisk via the normal Chooser procedure.
- Open the Keychain Access control panel and unlock your keychain.
- Drag the iDisk icon onto the Keychain Access panel's list. You will get a dialog asking you for your iDisk userid and password. Enter them. Close the Keychain Access CP.
- Make an alias of the iDisk (select the iDisk icon on your desktop, then Command-M). From now on, you can mount your iDisk by simply clicking on the alias. No need to go into Chooser or a browser.
Update: Marc Bizer replies: "I've found that even saving a key for the iDisk in the Keychain does not eliminate the need to type a password when the alias to the iDisk is double-clicked, which is presumably the function of the Keychain." I have to agree; same thing happened to me when I tried it.
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