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[Mr. Wonderful]

Hope so. I love Mountain Lion, but I am so ready for some 10.9 preview goodness. I forget how it was announced last year. Was there an event or was it just a press release and a page on the site "Coming this Summer"?

IMO they have some work to do with this new version. The Back to the Mac stuff of 10.7 and 10.8 were great, as were some of the big under-the-hood improvements of 10.7 (combined with 10.6), but they're at the point of no excuses when it comes to things like OpenGL 4.2 support, and Windows 8 really raised the bar, as controversial as the OS might be.

 

[Majine]

IMO they have some work to do with this new version. The Back to the Mac stuff of 10.7 and 10.8 were great, as were some of the big under-the-hood improvements of 10.7 (combined with 10.6), but they're at the point of no excuses when it comes to things like OpenGL 4.2 support, andWindows 8 really raised the bar, as controversial as the OS might be.

I don't think it is, but if W8 is where OSX is heading next then I'm jumping off this train.

 

[The Real Abed]

I don't think it is, but if W8 is where OSX is heading next then I'm jumping off this train.

Seriously. Windows 8 is NOT where OS X is heading. Windows 8 is everything Apple actively and purposely avoided when they poured R&D into developing the iPad. Apple will keep touch on tablets and trackpad/mouse with gestures in OS X. Windows 8 is not where OS X should be. At all. In any way, shape or form.

 

[Betta Lines]

Seriously. Windows 8 is NOT where OS X is heading. Windows 8 is everything Apple actively and purposely avoided when they poured R&D into developing the iPad. Apple will keep touch on tablets and trackpad/mouse with gestures in OS X. Windows 8 is not where OS X should be. At all. In any way, shape or form.

Until Apple make a convertible laptop/tablet and 'get it right'.

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

I don't think it is, but if W8 is where OSX is heading next then I'm jumping off this train.

I should have been more clear. Microsoft in their last two iterations have really impressed me as to how much they move their platform forward. They've raised the bar in that respect.

 

[infiniteloop]

I expect 10.9 to be very similar to 10.8 with a couple extra features (Siri, Maps etc.).
2014's version of OS X will be interesting.

 

[Quick]

You think they'll move up and rename it OS XI (11.0) in 2014, or somehow keep it at OS X still?

 

[sc0la]

I feel like we get into this once a month. The X in OS X stopped meaning ten a long time ago.

it doesn't matter if they make the version number 10.11 or 11.0.
It will still be called OS X

 

[Phoenix]

I feel like we get into this once a month. The X in OS X stopped meaning ten a long time ago.

it doesn't matter if they make the version number 10.11 or 11.0.
It will still be called OS X

Indeed. By the time the OS really changes names, it will be making a major move in a different direction from what is currently the OSX desktop (or at least that's the way they'll market it).

 

[Joel Was Right]

Do you guys prefer OSX over Windows, and if so, why?

 

[NinjaMouse]

I don't think it is, but if W8 is where OSX is heading next then I'm jumping off this train.

Don't worry...it's going towards iOS, which is why I'm considering jumping off this train. =\

 

[Particle Physicist]

Until Apple make a convertible laptop/tablet and 'get it right'.

And what happens to the desktop?

There may be a place for touch functionality, but it has to take into account the actual device its on. A direct port of a tablet UI to a desktop computer is not where I would like to see the OS move.

 

[Phoenix]

Do you guys prefer OSX over Windows, and if so, why?

Yes - because I do.

 

[CrudeDiatribe]

Do you guys prefer OSX over Windows, and if so, why?

Yes.

Because it's more powerful and gets out of my way when I'm working and need it not be crufty and intrusive. It natively provides huge time saving UI idioms and shortcuts.

Also, it's an excuse to be smug, and I fucking love being smug.

 

[Majine]

Don't worry...it's going towards iOS, which is why I'm considering jumping off this train. =\

Well, The launchpad was retarded, but I like the notificationcenter and I don't have as many problems with the sudden skeumorphism as others do.

As for the potential Siri, they really have to fucking step it up if I'm going to use that on a mac. Faster and more accurate before anything.

 

[mrkgoo]

Do you guys prefer OSX over Windows, and if so, why?

I highly appreciate low friction. Do stuff with less clicks, less intrusion, stuff just works. I got this (mostly) with osx at the time (2004-5).

Also, I don't like excessive customisation and options. I like just having the right options.

 

[6.8]

Do you guys prefer OSX over Windows, and if so, why?

I like them both.

 

[Danneee]

Do you guys prefer OSX over Windows, and if so, why?

I like Win 7 better but that's just because I've grown up with windows and feel that it's easier to work with. OSX is much better than the crapload that it Windows 8 though. I don't think I've tried something so user unfriendly as that OS, it's the one thing that could actually keep me from getting a Windows based computer ever again. Might be better with a touch screen but I have yet to try that.

 

[Quick]

Do you guys prefer OSX over Windows, and if so, why?

I prefer Windows over OS X, but both are great operating systems.

 

[Krelian]

Do you guys prefer OSX over Windows, and if so, why?

Because it's a Unix.

 

[Jubern]

Guys, I need some help. I have a 1Tb external drive formatted in exFAT that I'd like to partition. I need to create a partition with at least 120Gb free. There's currently 500Gb free on that HDD that have not been used.

However, Disk Utility tells me that partitioning means I'll lose all my data on that disk, how come? Is there any way around that (another program?)
I really need to create that second partition (I need a FAT32 partition to backup my PS3 so I can change its hard drive) but I really don't want to lose the 500 or so Gb of data I have on this thing...

Thanks in advance!

 

[Dreams-Visions]

So how long is Apple going to ignore the existence of Windows 8 and continue to not supply proper drivers?

How hard is it really?

 

[CrudeDiatribe]

So how long is Apple going to ignore the existence of Windows 8 and continue to not supply proper drivers?

As long as there seems to be a public opinion that it's like Vista or ME, I think.

 

[Krelian]

Guys, I need some help. I have a 1Tb external drive formatted in exFAT that I'd like to partition. I need to create a partition with at least 120Gb free. There's currently 500Gb free on that HDD that have not been used.

However, Disk Utility tells me that partitioning means I'll lose all my data on that disk, how come? Is there any way around that (another program?)
I really need to create that second partition (I need a FAT32 partition to backup my PS3 so I can change its hard drive) but I really don't want to lose the 500 or so Gb of data I have on this thing...

Thanks in advance!

Unfortunately it's not possible. exFAT doesn't support shrinking the partition, so if you want to create a second partition the first one needs to be re-created too, causing you to lose all data. You have to backup the data somewhere else while you create the second partiton and then copy it back. No other way around it.

 

[Jubern]

Fucking hell.

I simply don't have any device to copy those 500 gigs to (and if I did, I'd just use it to backup the PS3 directly) so I'm fucked...

I'll ask some friends to see if there isn't anyone who'd lend me a hard drive é_è

 

[Jubern]

Wait, considering I don't have any file over 4gigs on that drive, can't I just convert the drive to FAT32?

 

[Krelian]

Wait, considering I don't have any file over 4gigs on that drive, can't I just convert the drive to FAT32?

I believe that's not possible either. With standard Windows tools it's only possible to convert a partition to NTFS and I don't even know if you can do that with an exFAT partition. Not that it would help, but it illustrates that exFAT doesn't even seem well supported under Windows. I haven't heard of any tool that supports the conversion you're looking for.

 

[Jubern]

Welp. Checked various places and indeed, modifying a exFAT partition in anyway just doesn't seem possible.

When I bought the HDD and selected the exFAT option, I remember people saying it was possible to make OSX support NTFS. Does it really work well?
A friend of mine is going to lend me a HDD, so I'm thinking about transferring my stuff on his drive and reformat mine to half-FAT (for the flexibility with all kinds of devices, like my PS3 in this case) and half-NTFS (for the 4+ gig files, which after double-checking, I have several of...) if it is a good option.

 

[The Real Abed]

So how long is Apple going to ignore the existence of Windows 8 and continue to not supply proper drivers?

How hard is it really?

They're probably working on some and will probably put them in a future update or in 10.9.

 

[Emitan]

So how long is Apple going to ignore the existence of Windows 8 and continue to not supply proper drivers?

How hard is it really?

They're ignoring it just like consumers are lol

 

[Joel Was Right]

When I create a new entry, it automatically goes to iCloud. Problem is, my iPhone's reminder is synced to my Hotmail reminder/calender and I have to choose between my Hotmail or iCloud accounts. Is there anyway to link the two on iOS? Or better yet, add a Hotmail calender/reminder account on Mountain Lion so new entries go there instead of iCloud?

 

[Dreams-Visions]

They're probably working on some and will probably put them in a future update or in 10.9.

I'd like to think they could get it done before then. 10.9 is like...summer time, bro.

They're ignoring it just like consumers are lol

;_;

 

[The Real Abed]

I'd like to think they could get it done before then. 10.9 is like...summer time, bro.

how long has it taken for previous versions? When Intel Macs came out XP was already out and it took a few months for someone to come up with BootCamp and sell it to Apple. Did they even have drivers for Vista? How about when 7 came out? How long was the wait then? 8 has only been out for a few months so far. It'll be along when its done. Hopefully.

 

[Krelian]

When I bought the HDD and selected the exFAT option, I remember people saying it was possible to make OSX support NTFS. Does it really work well?
A friend of mine is going to lend me a HDD, so I'm thinking about transferring my stuff on his drive and reformat mine to half-FAT (for the flexibility with all kinds of devices, like my PS3 in this case) and half-NTFS (for the 4+ gig files, which after double-checking, I have several of...) if it is a good option.

I always use NTFS for external drives in OS X. I've used the free NTFS-3g driver for a long time but eventually bought the faster Tuxera NTFS driver. It's worked very well all this time. The free driver is a little slow but that's the only real problem. Before you format the drive you should install the necessary NTFS driver.

 

[dalVlatko]

Is it possible to make it so mission control is only active on one display?

I have my macbook air hooked up to a tv and I want the tv to always be on the "desktop" even if I'm changing the space on the macbook. Right now if I go to my full screen chrome window on my macbook the tv displays changes to the grey background.

 

[Emitan]

What does everyone use for basic image editing? I use Paint.net in Windows. I've tried gimp but the interface is... well we all know what gimp is like :<

 

[LCfiner]

What does everyone use for basic image editing? I use Paint.net in Windows. I've tried gimp but the interface is... well we all know what gimp is like :<

pixelmator.

acorn is another option.

oh, and Preview can do some basic stuff. color correction, annotations, etc

 

[Emitan]

pixelmator.

Awesome. Downloaded!

 

[Tr4nce]

Please give me some advice GAF. I own an iMac which I bought in 2010. I still haven't upgraded to Mountain Lion, I'm still running Snow Leopard. And to be honest it works fine for me. Not missing any features or new stuff or what so ever.

However, if I decide to upgrade, will it slow my iMac down? Or will there be a noticeable increase speed even?
Thanks!

 

[mrkgoo]

Please give me some advice GAF. I own an iMac which I bought in 2010. I still haven't upgraded to Mountain Lion, I'm still running Snow Leopard. And to be honest it works fine for me. Not missing any features or new stuff or what so ever.

However, if I decide to upgrade, will it slow my iMac down? Or will there be a noticeable increase speed even?
Thanks!

I have an early 2008 MBP. I anecdotally and subjectively felt Snow leopard was fast and snappy. Lion bogged things down. It was stuff like having Mobile Time Machine operating, app resume features and so on. Mountain lion feels like it has tightened things up, but generally I get more hangs of a sort. Like clicking a new window and the machine beach balling for a few seconds. Actual processes seem fast enough and UI is generally good and responsive just tiny little pauses every now and again.

 

[KtSlime]

Please give me some advice GAF. I own an iMac which I bought in 2010. I still haven't upgraded to Mountain Lion, I'm still running Snow Leopard. And to be honest it works fine for me. Not missing any features or new stuff or what so ever.

However, if I decide to upgrade, will it slow my iMac down? Or will there be a noticeable increase speed even?
Thanks!

Going from Snow Leopard to ML can be rough if you don't have at least 4GB or ram. I'd advise anyone against the move unless you have more. 2 is doable, but unpleasant if you like to keep multiple apps open.

 

[Tr4nce]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Will not be making the change anytime soon then. As I said I don't feel like I'm missing out any stuff

 

[victreeb3l]

few questions guys:

1) any way to enable inertial scrolling on my mouse? i have the logitech mx mouse. accessibility options only give me inertial scrolling for the trackpad only.

2) is there a way to make the search in finder, well, usable? it doesnt find a damn thing. im used to typing a query on windows 7 within a folder and itll find anything within that folder and subfolders. but finder doesnt find a damn thing. ive tried both "find on this mac" and "folder name" but it always comes up empty.

i even went inside a folder and typed the file name letter by letter and it still couldnt find it!

 

[Ambitious]

few questions guys:

1) any way to enable inertial scrolling on my mouse? i have the logitech mx mouse. accessibility options only give me inertial scrolling for the trackpad only.

2) is there a way to make the search in finder, well, usable? it doesnt find a damn thing. im used to typing a query on windows 7 within a folder and itll find anything within that folder and subfolders. but finder doesnt find a damn thing. ive tried both "find on this mac" and "folder name" but it always comes up empty.

i even went inside a folder and typed the file name letter by letter and it still couldnt find it!

1) Supposedly you just have to install the Logitech Control Center. I also found Smart Scroll, but that's shareware.

2) Check your Spotlight exclusions (System settings -> Spotlight -> Privacy). Is the folder or a parent folder in there? If not, reset the Spotlight cache by adding the whole disk to the exclusion list and removing it again.

 

[mrkgoo]

So I'm browsing around the finder, and I notice a "lost+found" directory in the root folder.

According to time machine it has been there for a couple months. It's a folder that dumps lost files during maintenance routines (probably when I did a verify disk via cmd+r - like it does some fsck thing).

Inside is a huge 4.35 GB inode file. Opening mounts ... The mountain lion installer! The file is an exact byte match for the installESD.dmg.

I imagine it was meant to be deleted during the install, but never was, and has lost it's pointer or something, retaining only it's inode number?

I went ahead and deleted the file and the lost+found folder. Hope it was ok to do so.

 

[The Real Abed]

So I'm browsing around the finder, and I notice a "lost+found" directory in the root folder.

According to time machine it has been there for a couple months. It's a folder that dumps lost files during maintenance routines (probably when I did a verify disk via cmd+r - like it does some fsck thing).

Inside is a huge 4.35 GB inode file. Opening mounts ... The mountain lion installer! The file is an exact byte match for the installESD.dmg.

I imagine it was meant to be deleted during the install, but never was, and has lost it's pointer or something, retaining only it's inode number?

I went ahead and deleted the file and the lost+found folder. Hope it was ok to do so.

Don't worry. Anything placed in lost+found is okay to be deleted. As long as you check to make sure there's nothing in there you don't have a duplicate of elsewhere, you can throw it away with no problem. It's the same as a "Previous System" folder or "Windows.old" folder. Just stuff the system doesn't need anymore, but might have something important. If the OS doesn't know if it should be deleted, it will put it there just in case.

 

[mrkgoo]

Don't worry. Anything placed in lost+found is okay to be deleted. As long as you check to make sure there's nothing in there you don't have a duplicate of elsewhere, you can throw it away with no problem. It's the same as a "Previous System" folder or "Windows.old" folder. Just stuff the system doesn't need anymore, but might have something important. If the OS doesn't know if it should be deleted, it will put it there just in case.

Yeah I'm pretty sure I've deleted the folder before.

It's just this time it was an inode file (basically a reference number for the list file). But yeah thanks, it's always good to be reassured!

 

[The Real Abed]

This is a weird thing I've wondered for a while now.

What kind of data does OS X store in an Alias file? And why is an Alias invariably much larger in file size than a Symlink, which looks and acts pretty much the same way as an Alias with a few differences.

For instance, I did this test...

In the image above you see an Alias and a Symlink. Both point to the same folder. There is no custom icon. Yet the Alias file is almost 6MB while the Symlink is a few bytes. A Symlink is basically just a link, i.e. a string of text telling the system where it's pointing to. But what the hell is in an Alias that would make it 6MB?

Obviously there's metadata Aliases can have attached to them, but the size seems to vary. Sometimes an Alias will be 1MB. Sometimes a few KB. And for some reason in this case 6MB.

An Alias can have a colored label attached to it while a Symlink cannot. But this wouldn't add a lot of information to the file at all as colored labels don't really do anything except tell the Finder what color to make the text. It would be a single byte at most telling the Finder a number between 0 and 7 if anything.

I can't see what would make a link to another location take up that much space unless it's a lot of filler. So weird.

 

[Ambitious]

This is a weird thing I've wondered for a while now.

What kind of data does OS X store in an Alias file? And why is an Alias invariably much larger in file size than a Symlink, which looks and acts pretty much the same way as an Alias with a few differences.

For instance, I did this test...



In the image above you see an Alias and a Symlink. Both point to the same folder. There is no custom icon. Yet the Alias file is almost 6MB while the Symlink is a few bytes. A Symlink is basically just a link, i.e. a string of text telling the system where it's pointing to. But what the hell is in an Alias that would make it 6MB?

Obviously there's metadata Aliases can have attached to them, but the size seems to vary. Sometimes an Alias will be 1MB. Sometimes a few KB. And for some reason in this case 6MB.

An Alias can have a colored label attached to it while a Symlink cannot. But this wouldn't add a lot of information to the file at all as colored labels don't really do anything except tell the Finder what color to make the text. It would be a single byte at most telling the Finder a number between 0 and 7 if anything.

I can't see what would make a link to another location take up that much space unless it's a lot of filler. So weird.

That's interesting, I didn't notice they were that big. I found this explanation: http://superuser.com/questions/210666/why-are-mac-os-x-alias-files-so-large

 

[Ken Masters]

anyone know what is new with 10.8.3?