• Mac OS X,  Mac OS X Server

    AppleScript and Paths

    When you’re using Applescript to script some events, you’ll need to use a path. For example, if you’re opening an application, you can use the launch application option. When you do so, you’ll need to swap out slashes (/) with colons (:). So, let’s look at Mail.app. The following command in bash would open Mail: open /Applications/Mail.app But to run in Applescript, use the following command: launch application ":Applications:TextEdit.app" or tell application ":Applications:TextEdit.app" to launch Enjoy

  • Xsan

    Just Some Notes On Xsan Planning

    Planning an Xsan is perhaps the most complicated part of any deployment. First, start with one of two objectives, speed or size (or both). How big does the SAN need to be and what speeds does the SAN (aggregate speed of all clients) need to be able sustain? That becomes the primary design consideration. Beyond that, you’ll also want to plan how it will get backed up and when, the makeup of the clients (Mac, PC, Linux), how permissions will get handled for new files written to the SAN, etc. Metadata Xsan needs an out-of-band metadata network. This network is used to transfer information, or metadata on files being written…

  • FileMaker

    Biometrics in Rapid Application Development

    I originally posted this at http://www.318.com/TechJournal Biometric systems measure the physical traits of users to offer a high level of security. As part of their nature biometric security requires users be present in order to log into the systems they protect. Biometric systems typically rely on the combination of a biometric trait and a password. They can also rely on the use of an access card, resulting in a situation where there are three forms of security present to access a system. Biometrics measure physical traits such as hand geometry, retinal patterns, facial scans, fingerprints or voice patterns. The use of biometrics has a potential in a number of situations…

  • personal

    Dungeons and Dragons

    I walked into my office and caught people playing Dungeons and Dragons.  It brought a smile to my face.  I haven’t played since I was in the 8th grade (or 7th) but I remember those days fondly, with Rob, Jason, Steve, etc.  And seeing that my office is as geeky as it should made me very happy.  It was on a Saturday, btw, so they weren’t playing D&D instead of working.  🙂