Little Green Footballs - Sleek as a Jaguar

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Sleek as a Jaguar

Mon, Nov 18, 2002 at 5:36:09 pm PST

My brother always convinces me that OS upgrades are going to be much less painful than they turn out to be in reality. I started upgrading my Mac to the latest version of OS X (Jaguar) this morning, and now, at last, 6 hours later I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Not to mention my Internet and email connections.

Someone needs to develop a small application that would do for OS X what Conflict Catcher did for OS 9: a “system merge” that lets you merge the stuff the Jaguar installer misses. If you occasionally log in as the “root” user, the installer misses almost all the root preferences. It also misses any sendmail, httpd.conf, or crontab changes, and doesn’t copy the web server folders or any custom installations of PHP. And the tricky part is that a lot of those settings and files are in directories that are invisible to the Finder, and you have to use the Unix Terminal to modify or move them—especially the Apache files, because if you open their folders from the Mac desktop (by using a system mod like Tinker Tool that shows invisible files), the Finder creates a desktop database file in that folder, and Apache gets very unhappy if it sees one of those files in the httpd directory.

Geeked out enough for you?

So I’ve been slowly piecing things back together by hand. And that’s where I’ve been all day, in geek heaven. Or hell. Depending on how you look at it.

Hit the tip jar!

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59 comments

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Elizabeth Mon, Nov 18, 2002 3:46:42pm

What was that again?

NTropy Mon, Nov 18, 2002 3:50:11pm

Charles

I seem to remember that there was a sort of merge (archive and restore) or some such as an option at installation. I've not upgraded to it yet but I've done plenty of reading on it. I'm not sure if that option would have helpd you with your Unix and root pref problems though. I'm also plenty sure you know of all the help sites available although in your links you have missed MacOSX Hints

Jeremiah Mon, Nov 18, 2002 3:53:02pm

Yep. That's what Jaguar Installer does. It wipes out all "non-standard" settings such as .bashrc, etc. If you use FruitMenu, beware!. Get the update for 10.2 otherwise all ctrl-clicks will crash the Finder (the TinkerTool should be updated too).

Jonathan Mon, Nov 18, 2002 4:00:07pm

If you're a complete computer moron like me who doesn't know anything about root preferences or crontabs, then Jaguar can be installed in about 20 minutes (I did a custom install and skipped the 800 printer drivers and 80 language support kits that I don't need).

I haven't gotten home to try it yet, but has anyone tried this http pipelining stuff with Chimera? Does it really speed things up? If you have no idea what I'm talking about, check out:

MacFixIt

and

VersionTracker Description Page

and

Developer's Page (scroll down for English)

Iron Fist Mon, Nov 18, 2002 4:03:23pm

That’s what you get for playing with a Makintoy :-)

At least you have a UNIX terminal.
:>ls

:>cd [PATH]

:>mk (or mkdir) [PATH]

:>mv [PATH] [PATH]

I haven't played with UNIX in half a decade, but that should be close.

man mkdir or mk, ls, cd, mv, etc.

RTFM, and you should be OK.

It is such a fine manual :-)

Meryl Yourish Mon, Nov 18, 2002 4:06:20pm

Ooh, geek talk. Charles, you're talking sexy now.

;-)

John B. Mon, Nov 18, 2002 4:14:15pm

Oh, a Mac user. That explains 6 hours of your life lost.
{ ;^)

Tomo Mon, Nov 18, 2002 4:16:59pm

Is that anything like a Telefunken U47?

NC Mon, Nov 18, 2002 4:23:57pm

My pupils dilated after that second paragraph. Sheesh.

MoIsDaProffit Mon, Nov 18, 2002 4:23:58pm

Hey, Charles. I don't know what you're talking about, don't really get the computer stuff. I'm writing on behalf of myself and some of my multiple personality friends (Holyfield, Lewis, Tyson, Reagan, Cat Stevens and Diamond Dave). We were wondering if you minded us airing our opinions yesterday. It's all part of a group therapy thing we're in. If you arn't cool with it, we'll knock it off. We are all, afterall, fans first. Ron especially, he likes the "Religon of Peace" sections. Gets him all fired up. However, if you would like for the group to voice our opinions elsewhere. Just say the word, and with heavy hearts and bruised egos, we shall be on our merry way.

addison Mon, Nov 18, 2002 4:41:15pm

You and your macintosh. Oh, well. At least the operating system is supposed to be reasonably serious (especially compared to the, um, crap they had before).

mommydoc Mon, Nov 18, 2002 4:41:54pm

Yeah, when I'm ready for a new operating system, I just buy a new computer. So much easier.

Doug Stewart Mon, Nov 18, 2002 4:44:58pm

If you occasionally log in as the “root” user

For shame, Charles. One never logs in as root; one only logs in as a regular user, then su's to root.

Elsewise, things like this happen. *grin*

Apple's just keeping you honest, dontcha know!

Ken Barnes Mon, Nov 18, 2002 5:03:04pm

While we're on the subject, I'd like to suggest the following Mac OS X utilities that I've found useful.

To mount AFP shares at login: AFP Automount (Unfortunately, it breaks in OS 10.2, and they haven't released an update yet.)

To open pesky MIME attachments sent in microsoft-tnef format (used by MS Outlook/Exchange): TNEF's Enough

To merge and compare directories and files: FileMerge.app from the Developer's Tools CD that comes with Mac OS X. They really ought to build this functionality into the Finder as an option. (FileMerge seems to work pretty well, but if you're comparing across a network, it may crash.)

I've really enjoyed Jaguar, but then again, I'm not doing too much that requires UNIX prefs files. Still waiting on that updated version of Fink though...

nafouz Mon, Nov 18, 2002 5:09:36pm

Charles, come to the dark side and switch to Windows.

Jonathan Mon, Nov 18, 2002 5:32:20pm

For those who care, I've now tried Chimera Booster, and it works. (See post #4). Varies from site to site, but most pages load 2-3 seconds faster.

If you're running OS X and you're not using Chimera, you should be.

E. Mon, Nov 18, 2002 6:23:30pm

I've got 9.2.2 installed one disk. Jaguar's on the other. Now, I'm trying to force myself to Make The Move.

Haven't yet...quite.

Argh. -- E

zulubaby Mon, Nov 18, 2002 6:45:53pm

mommydoc (#12)

LOL! That is the funniest post! You and me both babe ;-)

Thanks for the much needed laugh.

Jamie Irons Mon, Nov 18, 2002 6:53:51pm

I've never understood the animus of non-Mac types for Mac OS and Mac users.

I think Mac users are a different species (a nice way of saying we are odd ducks) from Windows and (before OS X) Unix types.

OS X, and "Jaguar" especially, are such a pleasure to use, I think eventually everyone will convert!

(Charles, I converted to Jaguar the minute it became available! Never regretted it.)

Jamie Irons

Jamie Irons Mon, Nov 18, 2002 7:02:26pm

zulubaby (#18)

Where have you been lately?

I have missed your observations and ardent spirit!

Jamie Irons

zulubaby Mon, Nov 18, 2002 7:09:26pm

Jamie Irons,

You are the sweetest man in the world, honestly you are. I've been working hard and don't have very much time to post during the day. I'm always around though, even if I'm not commenting :-)

The other part of it is that things have been getting to me a lot lately, and I run out of strength from time to time. During those times I find it difficult to verbalize what I'm feeling. Things just make me sad, you know? Like 22-year old soldiers being murdered.

But seeing you always cheers me up!

Michael J Mon, Nov 18, 2002 7:09:31pm

I have to agree, Jamie. Jaguar is a real pleasure to use. I'm so glad I finally convinced my brother to upgrade! Since I do tech work all the time, I guess my experiences with upgrades are different, as I actually enjoy the process. How geeked is that?!!?

All the nice little refinements that were included with 10.2 make it a very compelling upgrade. I especially like the fact that it uses the Unix based CUPS print architecture. Using the Gimp print drivers has enabled me to regain many of the additional settings that were missing in the OS X version of the Epson print drivers.

zulubaby Mon, Nov 18, 2002 7:12:39pm

I don't know what the hell you guys are talking about, but I want to drive a Jaguar. But don't let me interrupt. Geeky men are definitely the sexiest ;-)

acuteanger Mon, Nov 18, 2002 7:45:45pm

Well, I gotta stay off the upgrade for now cause my workstation is nice and stable in 9.2.2. Sure this may be 10.2 for the rest of you mac-heads, but for DAW folks this is the FIRST OS X we get to use.

The core audio drivers are finally implemented and it's certainly been pumped as the bomb. But ya know it's the first release, and that never works...

So I got 10.1.5 on an external that I use for games and surfing, but I boot in 9.2.2 to do the work. Talk to me in six months while I go make music.... ProTools, Logic, Cubase, ... We'll see, we'll see...

(Digital Audio Workstation, didja guess right?)

Charles, you rock ... pointin a bunch of my mac-head mates to this thread. Cool info/links all! As usual....

Aaron Mon, Nov 18, 2002 7:57:54pm

RTFM, and you should be OK.

You haven't seen a new Mac come out of the box in the last five years or so, have you? The "manual" is a fold-out pamphlet that tells you which hole to plug the power cord in and where the power button is.

Charles, do what I do: When a major upgrade comes out, just buy a new Mac. Jaguar is way easier to deal with when it's already installed.

mommydoc Mon, Nov 18, 2002 7:59:33pm

I'm on the dark side with nafouz. I think Mac users fall into 2 categories: either totally computer-inept, so that they never need to figure out how the system works at all, or total geeks, who can figure out the byzantine system.

Then there are the middle-of -the roaders, like nafouz and me. Know just enough to be dangerous to a Mac, but can find our way around the Windows system when forced to.

I'm with zulubaby as far as driving the Jag, though. The sporty little XKR convertible. Call me Doc. Mommy Doc.

Freebourne, Secularia Mon, Nov 18, 2002 8:12:20pm

It is early mornin' here and I am still fiddling with Jaguar and trying to "import" everything into Entourage. Anyone know how to move the calendar or do I have to get it off the PDA?

Oh, the Titanium is like a Jaguar (only more useful). ;-)

Michael J Mon, Nov 18, 2002 8:17:10pm

zulubaby:

Now you've got me wondering what you would look like behind the wheel of your Jaguar sporting a lovely LGF wife-beater...

John DeSola Mon, Nov 18, 2002 8:20:10pm

Charles, you've left all us idiots behind, but we stil love you. Rock on.

Michael J Mon, Nov 18, 2002 8:20:44pm

Freebourne:

What are you importing from? There are several Apple scripts and utilities to help with import/export functions in Entourage...

zulubaby Mon, Nov 18, 2002 8:22:10pm

Michael J,

LOL!

John Mon, Nov 18, 2002 8:25:36pm

You're simple story reminds me why I prefer development on my WinXP pro machine with IIS 5.1.

No hidden file nonsense.

No crazy dos-like prompts (oh yeah, Unix is the way! Not!)

Keep the loyalty to mac though, Charles, without them Microsoft would run out of ideas :)

Jim Mon, Nov 18, 2002 8:33:59pm

I hope you have some cold Heinekens' in the fridge. You'll need one.

The last time I touched a Mac was in the early 90's when the Quadra's were popular.

Love the site and wish you the best of luck.

DocJeff Mon, Nov 18, 2002 8:35:04pm

Just started up Chimera on my new Mac (running Jaguar beautifully, I might add) and it is blazingly fast. I use WinXP at work and constantly have problems. This new OS is rock solid-stable and gorgeous to boot. Thanks for the browser suggestion; I couldn't be more impressed.

wordwarp Mon, Nov 18, 2002 8:40:24pm

speaking of nerd heaven, here's the coolest java music app. i've ever seen. complete phillip glass canon, searchable, playable in five axes:

Glass Engine

SA Mon, Nov 18, 2002 8:41:35pm

Has anyone read Jimmy Swaggart's views on Islam?

[Link: abcnews.go.com...]

Vicarious Mon, Nov 18, 2002 8:51:24pm

#13 Doug Stewart

If you occasionally log in as the “root” user

For shame, Charles. One never logs in as root; one only logs in as a regular user, then su's to root.

Elsewise, things like this happen. *grin*

Apple's just keeping you honest, dontcha know!

LOL.

Speaking as an old, grizzled NeXT veteran :-) Doug knows of what he speaks :-)

Charles, you're the first person to get a copy of the new Cocoa app we're writing for Mac OS X! Please consider it my tip in the tip jar! Hope you like it!

Regards,
Vicarious

Frank Veracity Mon, Nov 18, 2002 10:03:55pm

Well, I guess Apple won't be using you in any of their "MAC is easy" commercials, will they?

NTropy Mon, Nov 18, 2002 10:11:18pm

I'll chime back in on Chimera - it's replaced IE for almost everything and even then I usually try to go either Mozilla or Netscape 7 first.

#3 Jeremiah
Thanks for the heads up on FruitMenu and TinkerTool. Two more things to watch out for. I already had to update the firmware on my Powerbook.

For those dogging the Mac - leave it on the ZDNet boards ;->. They love those flamewars.

And to be honest Charles, I'm surprised you moved to X. Maybe it's because your a web developer and designer. Most print people I know are so beholden to Quark they won't upgrade til they do despite having a great replacement in InDesign.

Juliette Tue, Nov 19, 2002 12:30:13am

I remain in antiquity with 8.6

dennisw Tue, Nov 19, 2002 1:14:35am

Windows is much more fun. I can build my own computer with a nice Athlon XP and a nice Asus or K7S5A board and load win2000 or 98 on it. I also have XP if I want it. Sorry but windows computers are cheaper to make than buying apple and the new MS OSs are stable. Plus can always put Linux on too.

Doug Stewart Tue, Nov 19, 2002 1:37:50am

To John and dennisw:
I'd like to see you graciously handle an upgrade of a Win98, WinME or Win2000 box to WinXP and not face hurdles such as those Charles is currently facing. I don't believe your blatant Micro$erf proselytizing is appropriate here.

And dennisw, Linux isn't just limited to x86 machines. It runs on PowerPC, but then, you already knew that, didn't you? (We won't even mention the Alpha, Sparc, Power4, XScale, Itanium or x86-64 ports...)

-Graciously posted from my RedHat 8.0 box

T. Jefferson Tue, Nov 19, 2002 3:19:33am

#26
Martinis... Shaken, not stirred

Annelid[deleted] Tue, Nov 19, 2002 3:43:40am

Ken Barnes Tue, Nov 19, 2002 3:50:09am

#26, mommydoc:

Byzantine system? They're about even now. Classic Mac OS was traditionally much simpler to troubleshoot than Windows.

Remember the pre-NT Windows (9x/ME), "a 32-bit extension to a 16-bit patch to an 8-bit operating system originally coded for a 4-bit microprocessor which was written by a two-bit company that can't stand one bit of competition"?

Now it's really the descendants of VMS (Windows NT/2000/XP) and BSD UNIX (OpenStep/Mac OS X) that are the survivors, alongside the other UNIX flavors and Linux.

And VMS still sucks... :)

Doug Stewart Tue, Nov 19, 2002 3:57:54am

Yes, but without VMS, what would the VAX have run? And then, where would we get our VAXBar from? Hmmmm?

Still not as cool as the Caffeine Machine, though.

T. Jefferson Tue, Nov 19, 2002 4:05:21am

OT
Egyptian rights group rebukes state television over Protocols show

In the first domestic criticism of its kind, an Egyptian rights group has rebuked the state television service for broadcasting a series based in part on the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, an anti-Semitic work known to be a forgery.
The series "Horseman Without a Horse" has been appearing nightly on Egyptian television for the past two weeks, provoking condemnation from the United States, Israel and Jewish groups for its ties to the Protocols, which describe a Jewish conspiracy to take over the world.

....

Zzed Tue, Nov 19, 2002 4:11:02am

i wondered how long it would take before some dimwit started jabbering on about terrorism again.

Linux will rule.

Tyler Patterson Tue, Nov 19, 2002 4:52:48am

I can't believe this thread! I am in Mac hell right now.

I bought Jaguar last night at a Mac store. I also needed to buy system 9.1 to load first, since I am still on 8.6

Well, the Mac store doesn't carry system 9 anymore.

So I call the 800 number. They will sell it to me for $99, but if I go to apple.com there is a special for $20.

So I go to the website. Get this, you cannot order it online, you have to print a PDF file and MAIL IT IN!!!! So now I wait.

I love Apple products. I am Mac-only for 12 years now and have never owned a Windows machine. The prodcuts are top notch, but they still don't run a tight business ship!

dennisw Tue, Nov 19, 2002 5:08:29am

#42 Doug
_________

I am no fan of M$ and their biz practices. Win 2000 w/service pack 3 is good enough for me though. I will be putting Red Hat 8.0 on a (dual boot) computer when I get a chance. My previous bouts with Linux have not gone well. I must admit I don't even know what half of CH. upgrade problems are. Like I said I don't like the high cost of Apple and Apple software.

As far as I know, the networking capabilities of Linux are fantastic but as a consumer desktop it falls short. But not to worry..... I will be trying RH #8 when I get some time. Sort of an IQ test for me.

Jamie Irons Tue, Nov 19, 2002 5:13:18am

zulubaby,

Sorry to reply after such a long interval. Went to bed right after my post so I could get up for the Leonids. (Spectacular even with the full moon!)

Your praise is too kind.

(If you only knew the real me...)

;-)

Try to keep your spirits up. I too get discouraged at times with all that's happening. But I still believe that good will win out.

Jamie Irons

selmer Tue, Nov 19, 2002 6:05:42am

I can't wait to make the switch, but I'm scared! Still running Mac OS 9.2.2. All the new bells/whistles on Jaguar do sound enticing, though!

Freebourne, Secularia Tue, Nov 19, 2002 8:39:46am

Back in the 80s I was into Unix. Guess I need to brush up. ;-)

I LOVE the stability and the look of Jaguar—beautiful! FYI the Logos for Entourage, Word, Excel and Power Point look almost like Hebrew letters!

After having owned numerous PCs and Macs I shall stick with the later.

#30 Michael J 11/18/2002 10:20PM PST
"Freebourne:

What are you importing from? There are several Apple scripts and utilities to help with import/export functions in Entourage... "

I know that, Michael thanks. I have used the scripts to import the address book, for example. However, I am having some problems because I have two drives and 4 MS "User Data" folders (don't ask) and several versions of Office (about to be retired). So the scripts cannot import from the "old" data bases. At least it is not worth the time to do it. I shall simply move the archived folders. That is much faster.

But, the calendar (which cannot be archived by dragging) is a pain! I imagine that the easiest way would be to use the PDA and synchronize.

I can't play with this c*&p all day. I need to get back to work. ;-)

#41 dennisw "Windows is much more fun. I can build my own computer with a nice Athlon XP and a nice Asus or K7S5A board and load win2000 or 98 on it. I also have XP if I want it. Sorry but windows computers are cheaper to make than buying apple and the new MS OSs are stable. Plus can always put Linux on too."

By the time one gets finished "building" a PC one has paid as much or more than a Mac. As for "fun" that is why I own 4 Macs. I work on PCs, but won't spend any more money than necessary for Mr. Gates. The Financial Times just had an article the the profit margin on Windoze is 85%!!! Hello!

#44 Annelid "I have a imac DV+ with over 300 mbs of ram and am currently using os X ( the pre jaguar release ). Is it worth upgrading to the Jag ?"

I am not sure that this system is compatible. Check with apple:
[Link: www.apple.com...]

You will have to get more memory, Annelid if you want to have several programs open at the same time—especially heavy users such as Photoshop because Jaguar alone uses 128megs. One would have to have 9.2 anyway, unless you want to upgrade all of your programs. I have maxed out the Titanium at 1 gig. It just is not worth it to me to continue to add memory, piecemeal, on down the road. Memory is cheap right now.

#49 Tyler Patterson "I can't believe this thread! I am in Mac hell right now.

I bought Jaguar last night at a Mac store. I also needed to buy system 9.1 to load"

You need 9.2 (the "terminal" classic OS) Tyler NOT 9.1. My Titanium came with both. So, why don't you call apple and make some noise? The mac stores are the worst! Best to go to a manager in customer service.

NTropy Tue, Nov 19, 2002 10:12:39am

As I understand it, Jaguar comes with classic (9.2.2), just not as a stand-alone or on a separate disk. You should thus be able to do what you need to do, including anything in Classic (except for those things requiring direct control of hardware i.e. scanning - then you need to reboot into 9). Even then you have drives like VueScan which can be used in place of the scanner's included drivers.

Another way is to partition your drive and simply use X sans classic. For any classic needs reboot to the other partition, either by changing your startup disk or by holding the option key down and selecting the boot drive when it comes up.

Scott Janssens Tue, Nov 19, 2002 11:13:43am

#42 Doug:

When I upgraded from Win2K to WinXP, I ploped the CD in the drive, told it to go and 20 minutes later it was done and running. Had to change out of that butt ugly, we want to out-Mac the Mac default interface, but after that two minutes I was wasting time on the web instead of working.

Doug Stewart Tue, Nov 19, 2002 11:44:53am

Scott:
How many of your settings/data were you able to maintain in said upgrade process?

tomas Tue, Nov 19, 2002 12:22:09pm

"By the time one gets finished "building" a PC one has paid as much or more than a Mac."

Eh, no. Usually that saves you money.

Freebourne, Secularia Tue, Nov 19, 2002 3:02:14pm

#57 tomas 11/19/2002 02:22PM PST
" "By the time one gets finished "building" a PC one has paid as much or more than a Mac."

Eh, no. Usually that saves you money."

Time to check your math, tomas. :-) Besides, you cannot take it with you.

Regardless, having worked on both extensively, I prefer the Mac. Sue me! ;-)

NTropy Tue, Nov 19, 2002 3:24:27pm

I love the idea of building my own computer. A dual boot Win/Linux box would be a great complement to my Macs. In this day and age isn't it rather silly to argue one over another when most people who are ready for a new computer could get the other brand? As long as my Mac is up to date I would love to know more about the guts of a PC.