Applefritter - Announcement

Acceptable Use Policy

Sun, 29 Jan 2006 03:48:25 -0800

[align=center] [hr] [b]1. Rules:[/b] a. You agree, through your use of Applefritter, that you will not post any material which is false, defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, discriminatory, sexually oriented, objectifying, degrading, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, or otherwise in violation of any law. You also agree not to post any copyrighted material unless the copyright is owned by you or you have consent from the owner of the copyrighted material. Discussion of Apple rumors is forbidden, as are links to bootlegged software, even if the software is no longer available for purchase. Spam, flooding, chain letters, pyramid schemes, and solicitations are also inappropriate. Advertisements are only allowed in the Marketplace forums. b. It is impossible for us to confirm the validity of posts on Applefritter. Please remember that we do not actively monitor the posted messages and are not responsible for their content. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information presented. The messages express the views of the author, not anybody else. Anyone who feels that a posted message is objectionable is encouraged to notify an administrator of this forum immediately. We have the right to remove objectionable content if we determine that removal is necessary. This is a manual process, however, so please realize that we may not be able to remove or edit particular messages immediately. This policy applies to member profile information as well. c. You remain solely responsible for the content of your messages, and you agree to indemnify and hold harmless this forum, and any related websites to this forum. We at Applefritter also reserve the right to reveal your identity (or whatever information we have about you) in the event of a complaint or legal action arising from any information posted by you. d. You have the ability, as you register, to choose your username. We advise that you keep the name appropriate. With this user account you are about to register, you agree to never give your password out to another member. You also agree to never use another member's account to post messages or browse this site. e. When you submit any content to Applefritter, you grant Tom Owad the nonexclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, and fully sublicensable right to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, and display such content throughout the world in any media, excluding printed publications. Most significantly, this means we have no obligation to delete all your old posts if you decide to throw a fit and want to make a nuisance of yourself. I also want to emphasize that, as we move to new formats, and especially any post-web formats, we have the right to migrate all content to that new format. [b]2. On etiquette:[/b] a. Proper use of language strengthens everybody's ability to communicate. Make a concerted effort to use proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. If you are a "L33t Haxor," please enroll in an ESL course. If your keyboard lacks punctuation keys, you can simulate these keys by using an onscreen character palette. b. Please use descriptive subjects when you start a new thread. "Look at this!" is not descriptive. c. Keep threads on topic. If the subject starts to wander, start a new thread. d. If you have nothing useful to say, say nothing at all. The painfully obvious is not useful. "Me too" isn't useful, either. If your post begins with "I have no experience with your problem, but," then please, please reconsider. e. If you have a straight-forward technical question, take a moment to search Applefritter. Try a Google search. If you question can be answered with five minutes of research, it doesn't deserve a post. f. Despite popular belief, your number of posts does not increase the amount of respect you get, show how knowledgeable you are, or increase the size of any body part. g. Don't dredge up old topics without good reason. h. Signatures may be no longer than 3 lines when viewed at 800x600 resolution and may not include graphics or advertisements. i. You are a guest here. You have the right to leave. We have the right to throw you out. [b]3. On moderators and administrators:[/b] 1. Respect the decisions of moderators and administrators. 2. Moderators and administrators, like all members, are required to abide by these rules. 3. If you wish to question a moderator or administrator's judgement, please do so via private email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fri, 07 Jul 2006 19:16:04 -0700

[align=center] [b]Welcome to the Applefritter FAQ v2.0[/b] This page should help to answer some of the more common questions asked on the forums. Also please read [url=http://macfaq.org/]the pickle's Low-End Mac FAQ[/url] for more general Mac FAQs. I) Hack FAQ II) Software FAQ III) A/UX FAQ [hr] [size=18][b]I) Hack FAQ[/b][/size] [size=10][i]By Blackstealth and Dr. Webster[/i][/size] [hr] [b]Q:[/b] How do I turn this laptop screen into a monitor? [b]A:[/b] Put simply you don't. Whilst it is possible to use a laptop screen as a monitor it takes a large cash investment and a good understanding of electronics. If you are lacking in either of these departments don't bother, buy a cheap LCD with VGA connection on eBay instead. If you really want to know more about using a laptop display on another computer then do a search of the hacks sections with 'holy-grail' as your keyword. You can also try visiting [url=http://www.earthlcd.com/]Earth LCD[/url] for more info regarding the required convertor boards. Here's one of the best explanations of why using a laptop LCD for a monitor is a difficult project I've seen so far, courtesy of Eudimorphodon: [i]Laptop displays simply don't speak the same language as CRT monitors, electrically speaking. It requires a complex wad of electronics to turn output meant for a CRT into input suitable for an LCD, and that wad of electronics is referred to as the 'controller'. You won't find a controller you can salvage in your laptop anywhere, because it 'speaks LCD' directly, and thus doesn't need one. It's not just a matter of pasting wires together, which is what everyone wants to think. Those controllers sell for anywhere from $150 to $300, and for most installations require custom cables and power supplies which may well run you another $150.[/i] [hr] [b]Q:[/b] Lets say I've got this crazy idea into my head to run two LCD screens off one Powerbook - both spliced from the same feed on the motherboard. How might I go about doing that? [b]A:[/b] Once again it's Eudi and Dr. Bob to the rescue: [i]Mirroring two LCDs off a powerbook motherboard is technically an edge case which I don't believe I've seen before... Anyway. In theory, if you had two *identical in every respect* LCDs, you could probably construct buffer circuitry to mirror the same input signal on both of them. The signals you'd have to replicate are low voltage, low power, and extremely timing-critical, so it wouldn't be easy, and it would probably involve parts not available at Radio Shack. If the LCDs you have differ *at all* in the timings they'll accept, then it also won't work. LCD controllers have to be programmed to deal with the idiosyncracies of a given panel, which is why you can't easily just willy-nilly swap screens between laptop motherboards, and why those controller boards you buy seperately to work with eBay LCD panels are so expensive. You would also have to provide an EDID code that would work for both displays to the host controller.[/i] [hr] [b]Q:[/b] 'I want to put my G3 iMac into another case', or 'My G3 iMac PSU died what can I do?' [b]A:[/b] If you're using a revision A - D iMac (All the trayloaders - the ones with a CD tray that slides out of the front) then you're in luck, converting one of these early iMac to use an ATX power supply is a relatively straightforward job - as long as you are happy tinkering with high voltages. A good guide to the conversion can be found [url=http://members.fortunecity.com/tinux1/sites/imac-atx.html]here[/url]. If you're using any of the slot loading flavours of iMac its trickier, but a conversion how-to can be found [url=http://www.cryogenius.com/hardware/imac//]here[/url]. [hr] [b]Q:[/b] Can I overclock my [incredibly old Mac]? [b]A:[/b] Yeah, you probably can, but why? OCing a 68030 from 25 to 33MHz isn't going to do a lot of good, and besides, your system bus will probably be all screwed up from it. Anyway, a guide on what models can be overclocked can be found [url=http://homepage.mac.com/schrier/mhz.html]here[/url]. [hr] [b]Q:[/b] Okay, I replaced the PRAM battery to fix my (insert random problem). It still didn't fix it! [b]A:[/b] Hit the motherboard reset button. [hr] [b]Q:[/b] The what? Where is that? [b]A:[/b] On the motherboard, there's a small pushbutton. Push it. See if your problem went away. [hr] [b]Q:[/b] How do I take apart my computer? [b]A:[/b] Hmm, good one. See those metal things with 'x' or star shapes in the middle of them? They're called "screws". You get a "screwdriver" and turn them in a counterclockwise direction. The screws come out. Then the part that's held in by the screw comes loose. Wow! [hr] [b]Q:[/b] But there aren't any screws! or It's a notebook! [b]A:[/b] You have two choices. 1) Find a heavy mallet and bludgeon the item until it comes apart, or 2) Google for the [google=Apple Service Manuals]service manual[/google]. [hr] [b]Q:[/b] I have 'XYZ' Mac, what can I do with it? [b]A:[/b] To quote one of Applefritter's more creative members: "My favorite is always the "yet-to-be-imagined" hack, Thats the one where you come up with a new creative idea that no ones done before - followed up by doing it." If you need inspiration, take a look at AppleDesign (that big book of many typos but cool pictures), [url=http://www.theapplecollection.com/]TheAppleCollection.com[/url], Applefritter's [url=http://www.applefritter.com/hacks/]Hacks[/url] section and if they're still out there ... Damamania's [url=http://www.danamania.com/gallery/vhacks/]vHacks[/url]. If the Mac in question is a Colour Classic, then you may be interested in the [url=http://www.applefritter.com/forum/101]Colour Classic[/url] Forum, and Stuart Bell's [url=http://www.stuartbell.dsl.pipex.com/PowerCC/]Power Colour Classic[/url] page. If it's the case that it's a computer that you you rarely use, try to find a function for it - use it as a server, router, terminal, or even a fish tank. Otherwise dispose of it (properly), unused computers just take up much needed space in most peoples homes. Give it to charity if they'll have it, a number of organisations will take your old computer(s) and redistribute them to the third world to help societies develop and skills grow. [hr] [size=18][b]II) Software FAQ[/b][/size] [size=10][i]By tomlevens and Dr. Webster[/i][/size] [hr] [b]Q:[/b] Where do I find/download [insert program name here] for free? [b]A:[/b] You don't. Applefritter is not a place to discuss software piracy or the distribution of copyrighted software. There are places which tolerate this, such as Russia, Romania, or your local prison… please go there. Topics discussing such matters will not be tolerated and will be locked. [hr] [b]Q:[/b] Can you give me a serial number for [insert program name here]? [b]A:[/b] No. See above. [hr] [b]Q:[/b] The clock on my Mac is always wrong! [b]A:[/b] Replace your PRAM battery. [hr] [b]Q:[/b] AppleTalk keeps reverting to 'Active' and it's screwing up my network settings! [b]A:[/b] Replace your PRAM battery. [hr] [b]Q:[/b] I'm trying to get this incredibly rare and worthless piece of PC hardware that's specifically designed for only one purpose to work on the Mac. Where do I get drivers? [b]A:[/b] Heh. Good luck finding them. [hr] [b]Q:[/b] Where do I find drivers for [piece of hardware]? [b]A:[/b] Have you tried the manufacturer's Web site? [hr] [b]Q:[/b] Okay, I looked there, and they don't have them (or the manufacturer is out of business). Where else? [b]A:[/b] Try [url=http://www.macdrivermuseum.net/]The Mac Driver Museum[/url]. If they are not there then try Googling the hell out of the part name. [hr] [b]Q:[/b] Is there anywhere I can get a copy of an old version of the Mac OS? [b]A:[/b] Yes and no. Apple provides most versions up to System 7.5.5 as a [url=http://www.info.apple.com/support/oldersoftwarelist.html]free download[/url]. Anything newer, however, you have to call Apple and order for an excessively large amount, usually around $100. Why? Apple doesn't really care about its older stuff. It doesn't really even care about its not-so-old hardware, such as early iMacs. They just want you to buy a new Mac. [hr] [b]Q:[/b] Can I install Windows on my PowerPC Mac? [b]A:[/b] Kinda. You can use a Windows emulator, such as [url=http://www.microsoft.com/mac/products/virtualpc/virtualpc.aspx?pid=virtualpc]Virtual PC[/url], but you can't delete your Mac OS installation and install Windows in its place. [hr] [b]Q:[/b] Why? [b]A:[/b] Because the hardware isn't compatible. [hr] [b]Q:[/b] What about my Intel Mac? [b]A:[/b] Those [i]can[/i] run x86-native operating systems, including Windows. Apple has developed Boot Camp in order to streamline the process of installing Windows on an Intel Mac. You can find more about Boot Camp [url=http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/]here[/url]. [hr] [size=18][b]III) A/UX FAQ[/b][/size] [size=10][i]By Eudimorphodon[/i][/size] [hr] Since this seems to be coming up a lot lately, and most people seem too lazy to read the salient parts of the [url=http://www.faqs.org/faqs/aux-faq]A/UX FAQ[/url], I'm putting this here to clarify a few things: [quote=The A/UX FAQ]A/UX 3.0 works on the MacII (with PMMU _or_ 68030 upgrade with FDHD ROM's installed), IIx, IIcx, IIci, IIfx, SE/30, IIsi (with 68882 chip) and the Quadra 700|900|950 computers. A/UX 3.0.1 (and later) adds support for the Q800 and Centris Machines (the Centrises _must_ have the real 68040 w/FPU - See Q&A #G.03). A/UX will run on the Quadra 610 and 650s (recall that A/UX requires the _real_ 68040 chip!) with a little bit of work: You should make a copy of the A/UX Install Boot floppy and then copy the Enabler for the Q610|650 onto this copy. You then boot up from this floppy and install A/UX as usual. Finally, you'll need to copy the Q610|650 Enabler onto the A/UX MacPartition (or whatever MacOS disk you will use when starting up your Mac and booting A/UX); do this by first booting off a boot floppy or boot CD and then copy the Enabler over. You do _not_ need to make any changes to the A/UX System Folder (i.e. the System Folder used under A/UX). A/UX will NOT run on the PowerMacs, any AV machines, any PowerBooks (or portables), the LCs, the Duos, the ClassicII, the Q605 or on the Quadra 630... It is recommended that you NOT run A/UX 3.1.1 on the II, IIx, IIcx or SE/30 machines, since their MacOS-compatibility is unreliable under 3.1.1. Recall that A/UX _is_ UNIX and thus contains some very hardware specific drivers. It's for this reason (and not Apple not doing things correctly) that A/UX won't work on newly released platforms. To support a new platform, at least _some_ work (and possibly extensive work in some cases) must be done.[/quote] [hr] [b]Q:[/b] But I *want* to run A/UX on my LC! That'd be cool! There's has to be a way to do it! [b]A:[/b] Sure, there is. Get Apple to release the complete kernel source to A/UX and write your own platform support drivers. [hr] [b]Q:[/b] But can't I (insert MacOS-centric suggestion, like using "Wish I Were" or ResEdit) and fool it into running? [b]A:[/b] No. [hr] [b]Q:[/b] Why not? [b]A:[/b] Because A/UX does horrible nasty things directly to the hardware that MacOS doesn't. MacOS does almost everything through the interfaces present in the Macintosh toolbox ROM, so the *substantial* differences you'll find at the hardware level between different Macintosh models don't matter that much. Those Resedit or Wish I Were hacks that work to put some versions of MacOS onto unsupported hardware simply break (fairly arbitrary) software blocks that Apple put in some of their newer OSes to keep them from installing on machines they didn't think were qualified to run them. A/UX, on the other hand, accesses all the hardware in your machine directly, with no help from the toolbox ROM, so if Apple didn't write a driver for your *specific* computer, you're SOL. Period. [hr] [b]Q:[/b] Fine, then. Can I run A/UX on an emulator? [b]A:[/b] If anyone ever writes a cycle-accurate emulator which *exactly* duplicates the hardware in a supported Macintosh model, then yes. However, all the currently available Mac emulators, including BasiliskII, Fusion, and Softmac, don't emulate a complete set of Macintosh hardware. Instead, they take advantage of the ROMcentric nature of MacOS and simply patch the Toolbox ROM to 'fake' most hardware devices. That simplifies the emulator, and lets it run much faster then a full emulation of a MacII would, but it also means there is *zero* chance of A/UX running on it. In conclusion: If your Macintosh isn't on the list in the FAQ, don't ask how to make it work. It won't.

Now paying for stories

Sat, 15 Jan 2005 20:07:36 -0800

This program has been discontinued. - Tom

Have fun, gain prestige, make a little money.

In association with PowerMax, I’m very happy to announce a new program intended to thank Applefritter contributors for all their hard work. Starting today, June 10, writers will receive a commission for every story they submit. The commission will be paid annually in the form of a gift certificate to PowerMax.

This program applies to Hacks, Projects, Guides, Reviews, Documentaries, and Computer Specs.

It is thanks to PowerMax’s generosity that this program is possible. As such, I’d like to publicly thank them for their support of the Applefritter community. Take a moment to browse PowerMax’s website, and you’ll be impressed by the breadth of their inventory. Look closer, and you’ll be amazed by the quality of their support. PowerMax will build a system to your specifications, tests every Mac before it ships out, and is still able to beat any mail order price. We're happy we have the opportunity to work with them.

Writers will be paid $1 for every 2,500 people (unique IPs) to look at their article (that's about $40 for a good slashdotting - if the server stays up!). This amount is based on what I project Applefritter will be able to afford, given the volatility of advertising income. Come December, we will look at advertising and I sincerely hope to increase the amount paid. The writer continues to receive payment for each article on Applefritter so long as this program exists, no matter when the article was written. You won’t get rich writing stories for Applefritter. What you will get is a little extra money to put towards your next computer or software purchase.

Understand that this program will not result in an over-commercialization. You will never see a flashing banner on Applefritter. This program is merely intended to share what money is made and to increase article submissions. Contributors even maintain copyright of the articles they submit. You just grant Applefritter the right to use it.

List your stories in the "My pages on Applefritter" field of your profile. From the navigation bar on the left, go to my account->edit account. In the aforementioned field, list your stories one per line, in the format, [node:#], where '#' is the node id of your story.

The first payment period is June 10 to December 31, 2004. For detailed instructions on contributing a story, read Submitting content to Applefritter. Once your story is listed on Applefritter, be sure to promote it to any relevant news sites.

Applefritter IRC - Tonight!

Wed, 19 May 2004 18:59:30 -0700

Join us for the Grand Opening of [url=node/view/2602]Applefritter IRC[/url] tonight at 9:00 EST. Participate in a friendly technical discussion and hear a number of exciting announcements about our plans for both Applefritter IRC and Applefritter in general. If you want to get involved, be sure to come! Be sure to follow the [url=event/2004/05]Calendar of Events[/url].

Applefritter IRC

Sun, 23 Oct 2005 15:48:49 -0700

[h1]About #Applefritter[/h1] #Applefritter is always open, but busiest on weekday evenings and Saturdays. We use the [url=http://freenode.net/]Freenode[/url] network. A [url=http://freenode.net/irc_servers.shtml]list of servers[/url] is available, but irc.freenode.net, port 6667 is recommended. We have only one rule for use of Applefritter IRC: [b]Be gracious.[/b] If you wouldn't say it in Applefritter Forums, don't say it in IRC. In addition to scheduled chats, I tend to be on #applefritter whenever making changes to the website. If you want to know what's happening, #applefritter is the place to be. [h1]New to IRC?[/h1] Read [url=node/view/2601]How to Use IRC[/url].

Upgrading...

Fri, 02 Apr 2004 15:58:24 -0800

Your patience is appreciated as we upgrade to the latest version of Drupal.

New vHacks!

Fri, 02 Apr 2004 21:13:00 -0800

Thanks to the hard work of [url=?q=user/view/1709]danamania[/url], Applefritter now has a gallery for vHacks! A [i]vHack[/i] is a "virtual hack" - a hack that exists only in Photoshop and in the imagination of the artist. Here are a few of Dana's: [center][thumb:1987] [thumb:2012] [thumb:2020][/center] [center][h2][url=?q=image/tid/83]Visit the vHacks Gallery[/url][/h2][/center] All are welcome to submit their vHacks to the gallery. Simply go [url=?q=node/add/image]here[/url], and: [list][*]Give your hack a title. [*]Select "vHacks" from the "Images" field. [*]Choose the file to upload. [*]Provide a description, if desired. [*]Make sure "personal" is disabled. [*]Then click Submit! [/list]

Welcome Back!

Tue, 30 Mar 2004 13:53:52 -0800

The new Applefritter server is up. Thanks to everybody for being so patient. The new Server is a 2.4GHz Pentium IV with 2 GB RAM and a 180 GB hard disk, running Slackware Linux 9.1 Compared to the old server, that's about 5x the processing speed, 8x the RAM, and 4x the disk space. And we ditched Red Hat for Slackware. :) [center][thumb:1965] [thumb:1967] [thumb:1966][/center] [center][img]http://www.slackware.org/~msimons/slackware/grfx/shared/pwrdtuxSW.jpg[/img][/center]

Server trouble

Tue, 23 Mar 2004 08:45:29 -0800

The server is not inclined to stay up. We've been experiencing extremely high load the last couple of evenings, combined with hardware trouble (it looks like the IDE controller is on its last leg). The replacement server was mailed out today. If the high load continues, we may keep crashing until the new one is up and running, so please be patient (and quit hitting reload!). Tom Owad

Order Hardware Hacking

Thu, 29 Jan 2004 11:33:49 -0800

Pre-Order your copy of Hardware Hacking now! We expect orders to begin shipping in about two weeks.

$39.95 + $5 shipping

To order, send an email to owad@applefritter.com. Include the following data:

PayPal Address
Number of copies (limit: 3*)
Any notes

Once your order is received, you will receive a "money request" via PayPal confirming it. You have 48 hours to send payment or you will have to place an order again. Only 128 copies are available. Books will be sold in order. As of this posting, all are available, so if you want a low number, hurry!

I apologize for the awkward setup. Hopefully the PayPal store will be up and running in a week or two.

* Each additional book is an extra $3 shipping.

Shipping on foreign orders:

Canada: $16
United Kingdom: $23
Other: upon request

These shipping amounts are for Economy Parcel Post. If anybody knows a cheaper way, please let me know!

Hardware Hacking: Limited Edition!

Wed, 28 Jan 2004 19:41:20 -0800

[center][h1]Hardware Hacking[/h1] [image:557][/center] [center][b]Autographed Applefritter Limited Edition of 128 copies![/b][/center] Co-authored by Applefritter's own Bobby Kinstle (alias "Dr. Bob") and Tom Owad. Support Applefritter - [url=node/view/562]Order Now![/url] Each copy ordered from this website is numbered between 0 and 127, labeled "Applefritter Limited Edition", and signed by Bobby and Tom. Your purchase keeps Applefritter going. [i]This book has something for everyone---from the beginner hobbyist with no electronics or coding experience to the self-proclaimed "gadget geek." Take an ordinary piece of equipment and turn it into a personal work of art. Build upon an existing idea to create something better. Have fun while voiding your warranty![/i] By Applefritter's Forums Administrator, Bobby Kinstle: [list] [*][b]Build a FireWire terabyte hard drive and custom case.[/b] (26 pages) [*][b]Adding Colored Skins to the G4 Cube.[/b] (5 pages) [*][i]Detailed instructions![/i] [/list] By Applefritter's owner and webmaster, Tom Owad: [list] [*][b]Build the Compubrick SE out of Mega Bloks.[/b] (20 pages) [*][b]Modify a standard Apple USB Mouse into a glowing UFO Mouse[/b]. (8 pages) [*][i]Detailed instructions![/i] [/list] Some hardware hacks by others: [list] [*][b]Don't toss your iPod away when the battery dies![/b] Don't pay Apple the $99 to replace it! Install a new iPod battery yourself without Apple's "help". [*][b]Have you played Atari today?[/b] Create an arcade-style Atari 5200 paddle controller for your favorite retro videogames or transform the Atari 2600 joystick into one that can be used by left-handed players. [*][b]Modern game systems, too![/b] Hack your PlayStation 2 to boot code from the memory card or modify your PlayStation 2 for homebrew game development. [*][b]Videophiles unite![/b] Design, build, and configure your own Windows- or Linux-based Home Theater PC. [*][b]Ride the airwaves![/b] Modify a wireless PCMCIA NIC to include an external antenna connector or load Linux onto your Access Point. [*][b]Stick it to The Man! [/b] Remove the proprietary barcode encoding from your CueCat and turn it into a regular barcode reader. [*][b]Hack your Palm![/b] Upgrade the available RAM on your Palm m505 from 8MB to 16MB. [/list] ...Many more hacks and modifications inside! Download the [url=http://www.applefritter.com/?q=filestore/download/561]Table of Contents[/url]. (pdf) Full-sized cover: [thumb:559] [i]Hardware Hacking: Have Fun While Voiding Your Warranty[/i] Technical Editor: Joe Grand Authors: Lee Barken, Marcus R. Brown, Job de Haas, Deborah Kaplan, Bobby Kinstle, Tom Owad, Ryan Russell, Albert Yarusso ISBN: 1-932266-83-6

Announcement here

Tue, 20 Jan 2004 07:57:50 -0800

New story of the taxonomy "announcement".