Inexpensive solution for migrating outlook data to iCal, etc

Little Machines:Outlook to Mac$10

macosxhints - 10.4: Limit a Smart Folder search to a specific folder

macosxhints - 10.4: Easily limit a Smart Folder to a specific folder

The solution? First navigate to the folder to which you want to limit the search. Hit Command-F, or in the menu, go to File -> Find. The "tab bar" at the top of the search criteria window now shows the folder you are currently in as one of the options. Select it, and then you can (as always) specify the other search criteria to your liking. Hit the Save button, and you now have a Smart Folder restricted to a specific folder (and its sub-folders).

Google secure access -- and one ring to rule them

So Google finally launched their wireless service. In bloody San Francisco. So what's wrong with the twin cities?

Ok, so that's no surprise. This is the interesting part -- Google Secure Access.

There's a deep problem with current wireless networks. The transmission between a wireless client and wireless access point is only encrypted (can't be read) when the access point handles authentication and security. Problem is there's all kinds of ways to do the encryption and no easy way to provide useful passwords to everyone using an access point -- whether across a city or in a cafe.

So the authentication/encryption has to move from the access point to a central service. Keep the access point stupid and simple. That's what Google is doing. I hope they're using a VPN standard and that it will work with non-Windows machines (Google has a disturbing tendency to only support Windows).

Google secure access, combined with Gmail, is turning Google into a vast identity management service. Next up is providing backup service and Google's PayPal annihilator.

There's no way Google won't be taking out PayPal. eBay must be in panic mode now. I like Google and despise Microsoft, but I hope Microsoft isn't completely zombied by their claustrophobic bureaucracy. We will need a counterbalance to Google someday soon.

Update: Apparently they're using a standard VPN solution that works on the Mac, though it's not flawless.

Automator action downloads from Apple

Apple - Mac OS X Downloads - Automator Actions

I haven't figured out what Automator is good for (I'm warming to Spotlight though) -- but this page might have enough actions to make it useful!

Portraits and prints update via Macintouch -- direct access to iPhoto images

MacInTouch: timely news and tips about the Apple Macintosh: "Portraits & Prints 2.1 can import, adjust, catalog, and print digital images, with captions, support for email and online printing, and integrated template downloads. This release adds direct access to iPhoto images, an editable Photo Information panel, support for iPhoto information in templates, a new Collage set of templates, and other changes. Portraits & Prints is $30 ($50 for the Pro Edition) for Mac OS X 10.2.8 and up."

Interesting ebook from 'take control' series on network security

Take Control of Your Wi-Fi Security

I've been interested in this topic lately. I think I'll buy this one. (PDF, $10). From an email:

... The wireless network security audit is, in fact, the last major section of the ebook, ...discussing common ways of restricting wireless network access that are akin to those bathroom door locks that can be picked with a paperclip ... show you how to encrypt your data in transit to protect it from prying eyes anywhere, which is particularly helpful when you're using insecure hot spots while traveling. Glenn also wrote a great section on securing small office wireless networks, complete with details on choosing VPN hardware and software, and on setting up 802.1X for secure Wi-Fi logins.

You can read more about the ebook, download a free 31-page sample, and place an order at:

<http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/wifi-security.html?14@@!pt=TRK-0023-TCANNOUNCE>

We also just released the 1.2 update to "Take Control of Your AirPort Network," Glenn Fleishman's 161-page ebook about setting up, extending the range of, maintaining, and troubleshooting wireless networks with a focus on Apple's AirPort networking gear.... can save $2.50 by buying with "Take Control of Your Wi-Fi Security."

iTunes 5 - don't upgrade

I noted a Gordon's Tech: iTunes 5.0 Windows bug on import? glitch on a test install and decided to stick with 4.9 on my main library. Sounds like that was wise. Hold off on iTunes 5.0 for now.