No need to read this… this is just for my personal reference. But I do have a little bit of a “new software utility” mentioned down there, as well as a nifty power tip. So if you’re an OSX user, then you may find it useful too.
Back on track?
Got my replacement 200GB drive 4 days ago. The people from the shop were kind enough to give me one of their sale units instead of having to wait for the actual replacement from the manufacturer/distributor. Actually this shouldn’t have been an issue in the first place as far as warranties are concerned… but since this is the Philippines, I’m glad there wasn’t any red-tape involved 😉
DIY: Adobe Creative Suite 2 DVD installer (OS X)
As we all know, the Creative Suite installers are in multiple CD format. Different versions (Volume, Premium, etc.) differ in the number of discs included, but you can basically assume that the core application files are contained in 4 CDs, each approximately 500MB tops apiece.
What does this imply? You can fit the whole thing to a DVD! In OS X, I keep the disc images in a hard disk, and mount them all at the same time to avoid the “insert disk x and press a key to continue” prompt – and have the installer dump all the needed files in one go. I was thinking I could dump the multiple image files in one DVD and do the same, but it would obviously be better to actually slipstream them into one installer DVD.
I’ve searched the net and found a tutorial that does just that, but was a little too vague unless you’re used to working in such an environment. So I decided to rewrite it here in a more-simplified form for those who don’t do this often (and for my personal reference too in case I’ll need it in the future).
In summary, this is a step-by-step process to create a single DVD installation disc out of multiple CDs. Both applicable for purchased and/or “working” copies 😉
Tiger first impressions
Finally installed Tiger (or 10.4, or build 8A428, whichever naming convention you prefer). I must say I’m impressed. Not so much so to be raving about it. While spotlight, and all the other new features are beautiful additions. I’m more inclined to be on the it’s-not-a-breakthrough-since-it should’ve-been-done-from-the-start mentality.
There is something positive to be said however out of all of this. Tiger simply proves that Apple takes its user interface designs seriously. We can see that while all OS manufacturers claim to be in constant pursuit of the best OS experience, it is very telling that Apple actually delivers.
Sure, even Tiger still has a few irritations here and there – but as far as the competition is concerned (Windows, Linux, etc.) I’d have to say that OS X is on the right track.
Le Tiger
I’m in the process of taking the Tiger plunge. Right now I’m taking my time (better safe than sorry) backing everything up.
For those of you who don’t know, Tiger is the latest build of OSX that has been getting all the hype recently – a Longhorn killer so to speak, but I would keep those sentiments on hold until Longhorn actually debuts.
Anyways, my main concern is retaining all my data since I’m planning to do a clean install. So I’m trying to list down (and backup) all folders and files that I may need.
This post may be useful in the future when I plan to upgrade yet again. So I might as well list down the databases/files I usually use.
The easiest way is to backup your whole ~/Library folder (the ~ means user directory) Of course, you may have a bunch of MP3s there (your iTunes library), so I suggest backing that up separately. You may also want to backup /Library (in the root directory) for good measure… you never know if and when you may need it.