SCO0154 - Fluid - Managing Your WebApps
Fluid comes to the rescue!
Fluid is a Leopard only application that allows you to simply and easily create "Site Specific Browsers" or SSBs.
A "Site Specific Browser" is a completely separate desktop application just for one single WebApp. In effect, it turns the WebApp into a manageble service with a dedicated desktop application that's configured just for that WebApp. Each SSB you create will have its own Menu Bar, Dock Icon and runs completely independently from other SSBs or browser sessions. So now you can launch SSBs at login, switch to them using CMD TAB, basically treat it as a desktop application.
In addition to these features, Fluid also gives you the ability to convert your SSBs into MenuExtra SSBs which reside in your menubar and are accessible at the click of a mouse. If you'd like your SSB permanently displayed as your OS X Desktop, it even supports Embedded SSBs to allow you to do just that!
Along with window customisation, an extendible plugin architecture, support for GreaseKit based Userscripting and most importantly, supported by 1Password, Fluid is a simply must have application.
In this weeks show I cover:
- Installation
- Creating Simple SSBs (Examples: Gmail and Google Docs)
- Window Customisation
- Creating MenuExtra SSBs (Example: Using Hahlo for Twitter access)
- Installing Userscripts
- Creating Embedded SSBs (Example: Using Google Calendars as your OSX Desktop)
- Fluid Plugins
- Finding Fluid Icons via flickr
- Updating Fluid Icons to High Res versions
LInks:
Flickr Fluid Icon Group
Fluid Icons From Chris Ivarson
Hahlo Userscript by YungSang
Discussions: Forum
| Extra! Members Version formats | 1280x720 - Full HD Resolution
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SCO0152 - Evernote for Mac - Part 2
This week I finish off by looking at some additional features of Evernote including:
- Drag and Drop Support
- Using iSight Notes to catalogue and search your business cards
- Evernote Client Views
- Creating And Organising Tags
- Using Attributes
- Creating Saved Searches
- Accessing the Evernote Web Client
- Using Emails to Send Data to Evernote
Evernote Invites? Share yours here or see if there are some spares!
Discussions: Forum
As from this weeks show, there are some changes to the free versions of the show.
- The free version of the show will be released a few days after the members versions of the show - I'll not be releasing the free version of the show (still every other week) until the following Monday. This will mean that Extra! members will still get each show on the Friday, but non-members will have to wait a couple of days to receive the show.
- Changes to the format of the free version of the show - As from this week, I'm going to change the available resolutions from 1280x720 overscan to 960x540 overscan plus iPod resolution for all future free versions of the show
| Extra! Members Version formats | 1280x720 - Full HD Resolution
1280x720 - Full HD Resolution with overscan 960x540 - HD Resolution 640x480 - iPod and iPhone Resolution All versions with embedded chapter markings and available via iTunes, Miro or by direct download from the Extra! members site |
| Free Version Formats | 960x540 - HD with overscan
640x480 - iPod and iPhone Resolution No embedded chapters and only available via iTunes or Miro. |
Become a ScreenCastsOnline Extra! Member
Extra members get access to full versions of the
show in AppleTV (HD), ED and
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Subscribe
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shows delivered to your computer each week by
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Watch a
low resolution version of this show from this web
page by clicking on the video below.
SCO0151 - Evernote for Mac - Part 1 [Extra! Only]
And then as for thinking up ways to organise and label things so that you can find it again - nightmare!
This weeks show is all about Evernote - a personal information manager which seems to address all the requirements I have for my information store.
There's so much to cover, I've had to split this show into two parts, the second part will be released next week.
Evernote is many things!
- Firstly, at its core is a web based service that allows you to access your information via any industry standard web browser.
- Secondly, Evernote has local client applications for both the Mac and Windows that allow you to capture and store information locally and syncronise with the Evernote Web service.
- Thirdly, Evernote has mobile clients, plus an iPhone optimised web interface, so you can access all your information on the move.
Next weeks show will look at some additional features of Evernote including some pretty handy tips on using Evernote with your iPhone.
Evernote Invites? Share yours here or see if there are some spares!
Discussions: Forum
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This weeks full show is only available to
ScreenCastsOnline Extra! members. A trailer for
the full show is in preparation.
To View the Trailer
Subscribe
to either the free versions of the shows in
iTunes, and have this show plus subsequent free
shows delivered to your computer each week by
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Watch a
low resolution version of this show from this web
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SCO0150 - TextExpander
It's TextExpander from Smile On My Mac.
On first glance, it looks like a very simple utility to help you save time. It allows you to create small textual abbreviations that, when typed, will expand into words, sentences, paragraphs or even images. It can even trigger AppleScripts, just by typing a few characters or even a single character!
What's really special is that it's a system wide utility so you're not restricted to just your email or word processor, TextExpander works with all the applications on your Mac.
Speed up your typing, use it to auto-correct commonly misspelt words, respond to emails in a flash, generate tons of CSS or HTML code, TextExpander really does give your productivity a boost.
In this weeks show I cover:
- Some common uses of TextExpander
- Creating your own Snippets
- Using Date and Time Variables
- Positioning the cursor in Snippets
- Using text selections to create Snippets
- TextExpander Groups including
- Adding from a File and URL
- Predefined Snippet Groups
- AppleScript Support
http://www.smileonmymac.com/sco
Discussions: Forum
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Download
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Watch a
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SCO0142 - Pages 08
Addressing the major complaints about Pages'06, mainly that it wasn't a "proper" word processor, Apple have completely revised Pages '08 to include a brand new "word processor" mode, in addition to its original page layout mode. To make it even easier to use, Apple have also introduced the context sensitive format bar in line with the other iWork applications to allow for less reliance on the inspector panels and give you control of the common elements right within the application window itself.
Following on from the previous show I did on Pages '06 (nearly two years ago!), this show will bring you up to speed on lots of the new functions and capabilities of this outstanding package!
This weeks show is a free show, but there is an extended show available for ScreenCastsOnline Extra! members with an additional 10 minutes of content and chapter marks. Extra! members will receive the extended show automatically as usual.
The show covers:
- Introduction to Pages '08
- Using the Format Bar
- Paragraph, Character & List Styles
- Page & Section Breaks
- Tracking Changes in Documents
- Working with Images in Pages
- Instant Alpha
- Wrapping Text around images
- Masking Images and Picture Frames
- Text Flow in Page Layout Mode
- Exporting
Extra members get access to
full versions of the show in AppleTV (HD),
ED and iPod
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SCO0140 - ScreenSteps and ScreenSteps Live
Screensteps is cross platform application for both the Mac and Windows, which allows you to create libraries of "lessons", each lesson being a step by step process covering whatever tasks you want to document. Available in both a free version and a pay for version, the application has comprehensive tools built right in for screen capture and image annotation to easily and quickly build up step based documentation. Once you've created your lessons, ScreenSteps also has some powerful export functions that allow you export your lessons in either customised PDF or HTML format (in the pay for version) or even directly to a hosted ScreenSteps Live web service (included in the free version as well as the paid for version).
As well as exporting individual lessons, ScreenSteps allows you to organise your lessons into topics and sections, allowing you to create individual PDF files or HTML output containing an entire Library of lessons complete with a table of contents and easy navigation. The PDF version collates all your lessons into a multi page PDF whilst the HTML output provides all the code you need to upload to your website for online documentation.
If you're not sure about uploading HTML files to your website (or if you don't have a website) be sure to check out Part 2 of this ScreenSteps show where I'll be taking a look at ScreenSteps Live, a free service to host your ScreenSteps lessons. ScreenSteps Free and ScreenSteps Live are tightly integrated and it's really easy to export your lessons directly and automatically to ScreenSteps Live from within ScreenSteps.
As well as the free options, there are Standard and Pro versions of ScreenSteps which allow you to export locally to PDF and HTML so once you've tried the package, you can upgrade to get the full features.
Discussions: Forum
Extra members get access to
full versions of the show in AppleTV (HD),
ED and iPod
resolutions.
Click here
for more details
on becoming a ScreenCastsOnline Extra! member
Part 1 - ScreenSteps Desktop Application
Part 2 - ScreenSteps Live
SCO0137 - Bento - Database Application - Part 2 [Extra Only]
As mentioned in the previous show, Bento is a very powerful application that harnesses the power of database creation and sophisticated data manipulation in a very stylish and easy to use package - the epitome of a mac application!
As well as allowing you to create your own databases (or libraries in Bento terminology) from scratch or via imported data, Bento also gives you direct access to your Address book data, along with your iCal tasks and events to design your own forms to view and manipulate your data. Eye candy is plentiful with the use of pre designed themes and the ability to create your own special views of your data via easily customisable forms. Even if you don't feel the need to dabble with a database, Bento allows you to access, view and amend your Address Book and iCal data with a great new interface, straight out of the box.
In this final show I take you through some of the more advanced aspects of using Bento to manage your personal data including:
- iCal Event and Task Integration
- How you might use iCal integration
- Additional Bento Fields
- Printing Tables and Forms
- Creating Mailing Labels
- How to import Data into Bento
- Backing up Your Data
Discussions: Forum
Extra members get access to
full versions of the show in AppleTV (HD),
ED and iPod
resolutions.
Click here
for more details
on becoming a ScreenCastsOnline Extra! member
SCO0135 - Bento - Database Application - Part 1 [Extra Only]
It's a very powerful application that harnesses the power of database creation and sophisticated data manipulation in a very stylish and easy to use package - the epitome of a mac application!
As well as allowing you to create your own databases (or libraries in Bento terminology) from scratch or via imported data, Bento also gives you direct access to your Address book data, along with your iCal tasks and events to design your own forms to view and manipulate your data. Eye candy is plentiful with the use of pre designed themes and the ability to create your own special views of your data via easily customisable forms.
This weeks show takes you through the basics of Bento and even if you've no database experience, should give you enough information to start creating your own databases with ease. The show is an Extra members show and covers:
- Introduction to Bento
- The Bento Interface
- Core Concepts - Libraries and Collections
- Address Book Integration
- Records & Table View
- Form Views
- Creating a Library
- Adding Fields
- Form Customisation
- Themes
- Advanced Find
- Smart Collections
More than enough to get you started! This is the first of a two part show on Bento and we'll look at some of the more advanced features in part two.
Discussions: Forum
Extra members get access to
full versions of the show in AppleTV (HD),
ED and iPod
resolutions.
Click here
for more details
on becoming a ScreenCastsOnline Extra! member
SCO0118 - iWork '08 - Keynote Update [Extra! Only]
Keynote 3 was great but Apple have added in some additional features that really take Keynote to the next level. It's one of those applications that make you thankful you're a Mac user and might even just make those business users sitting on the fence make the final leap!
There is already a full ScreenCastsOnline tutorial on Keynote 3 covering some of the basic functionality so this week's show focusses on the new and improved elements within Keynote 08. The show also takes a more advanced approach on how you can configure the new features to create even more sophisticated and impressive effects!
This weeks show includes:
- Introduction & New Effects
- Smart Builds
- Integrating Smart Builds with Bullet Points
- Instant Alpha
- Creating Animations
- Presenters Display Setup & Usage
- Adding an Audio Narration
- Exporting & Printing
This weeks show is an Extra Members show and is available in Apple TV HD format (1280x720), Enhanced Desktop ED Format (960x540) and iPhone/iPod resolution (640x360). For full details on how easy it is to become an Extra! member and get this show along with the next six months worth of weekly shows PLUS access to over 110+ Mac based tutorials, just follow this link.
Discussions: Forum
Extra members get access to
full versions of the show in AppleTV (HD),
ED and iPod
resolutions.
The free show (or trailer) is at a much lower
resolution.
Click here
for more details
on becoming a ScreenCastsOnline Extra! member
SCO0112 - iWork'08 - Numbers [Extra! Only]
This weeks show covers all the bases including:
- Introduction to Numbers
- Data Entry and Formatting
- Charts, Text and Shapes
- Images, Masking & Instant Alpha
- Printing
- Exporting to iWeb
I'm really pleased how this weeks show turned out and judging by some of the comments on the ScreenCastsOnline forum, I'm not the only one....
"I just
don't know how you do this; it is brilliant.
I probably got my iLife a day earlier than
yours (I have a son who is a director in Apple!!)
and I have spent a couple of hours with it but
your skill in absorbing a brand new product and
communicating its essence is really something
special. You have just saved me 'hours' of
work!! .....
Again Don, just a wonderful show and an abolute
eye-opener in Numbers.....
Great app, great show!! many thanks."
Ron - A ScreenCastsOnline
Extra! Member
This weeks show is an Extra Members show
and is available in Apple TV HD format
(1280x720), Enhanced Desktop ED Format (960x540)
and iPhone/iPod resolution (640x360). For full
details on how easy it is to become an Extra!
member and get this show along with the next six
months worth of weekly shows PLUS access to over
110+ Mac based tutorials, just follow this
link.
Discussions:
Forum
Extra members get
access to full versions of the show in
AppleTV (HD),
ED and iPod
resolutions.
The free show (or trailer) is at a much lower
resolution.
Click here
for more details
on becoming a ScreenCastsOnline Extra!
member
SCO0100 - The 100th Show - Elgato turbo.264 & OmniPlan
Thanks for all the support and good wishes from everyone which has made reaching this milestone possible!
This week is a double episode covering two very distinctly different product areas.
Elgato turbo.264 Video Encoder - The first is the new hardware based H.264 video encoder from Elgato. This innocuous and inexpensive piece of kit plugs into a spare USB 2 port on your Mac and turbocharges your H.264 video encoding with amazing results. If you do any amount of video encoding for your iPod or Apple TV you must watch this screencast!
You'll be amazed at how cheaply you can double, treble or even quadruple your video encoding speed, even on an older Mac!
Product Link
OmniPlan is another of those Omni Group applications that just works and make planning on the Mac a pleasure!
The screencast covers the basic UI and functions of OmniPlan and leads you through making a simple project plan. I also cover some of the exporting features on OmniPlan.
As mentioned in the screencast, you can get a 10% discount of the usual price of OmniPlan by using the coupon code SCREENCASTPLAN when buying via the online store (valid up to 15th July 2007.
Product Link
As mentioned in the show, as a celebration of the 100th episode, I'm releasing both the Hi Definition version (1280x720) and the Enhanced Definition (960x540) for freedownload together with a time limited offer of a discounted Extra! membership offer. Please follow this link to download the HD shows and check out the details of the discounted membership offer.
Discussions: Forum
SCO0097 - Using Wordpress - Free Blogging Software
However, this weeks show is an Extra! members only show (there is one every month) so if you're not an Extra! member you'll only get edited highlights of the full 30 minute show. Extra! members get the full show in a choice of three super resolutions including HD (1280x70 - perfect for the Apple TV), Enhanced Definition (960x540) and iPod (640x360). Extra! members also get access to over 100+ screencasts on all sorts of subjects as soon as they sign up for a 6 month, low cost membership. Check out the details here to get immediate access to this and all the other shows.
This weeks full show includes sections on:
Installation Recap
Using the Administration Panel
Downloading and Installing Templates
Downloading and Installing Plugins
Wordpress Widgets
Installing and Configuring Wordpress Widgets
Tiger Administration Plugin for Wordpress
Wordpress Options
Once you've mastered Wordpress, you're on your way to creating your very own blog with this amazing free software.
Some links mentioned in this weeks show:
SCO0055 - Wordpress Part 1
SCO0071 - Using an Internet Hosting Provider - SiteGround
SiteGround Affiliate Link
SCO0085 - Speed Download - Part 1
SCO0086 - Speed Download - Part 2
Anaconda Theme
WordPress
WordPress Widgets Blog
MarsEdit
My Own Reality - My Personal WordPress Blog
Discussions: Forum