Volume Number: 23 (2007)
Issue Number: 06
Column Tag: From the Editor

From the Editor

Influence. The Oxford English dictionary built-in to OS X defines it as, "the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone." (It also has something to say about, "affected by alcoholic drink," but, I didn't really want to veer off there). Who has influence, and why? Has someone in the Macintosh community influenced, inspired changed your course? Woken you up to a topic that now plays an important role in your work? That's what we asked you in March: name three people that you felt have the greatest influence in the Macintosh community. That forms the basis of the MacTech 25, now in its second year. While there are many returnees, the deck has largely been shuffled, and we're seeing many new people as well. In this article you'll find out the background of the people most influencing the Mac landscape today.

We are also very pleased to have the first of many articles from the MacEnterprise group. For those unfamiliar with MacEnterprise, it's a group that dedicates itself to understanding the issues surrounding the deployment of Macs in an enterprise setting. It's comprised of a Steering Committee, a web site, where news articles are posted, and a mailing list, for "real time" discussion of problems and feedback for enterprise environments. Steering committee member Philip Rinehart, from Yale University, brings us this month's article on troubleshooting directory services. It's an issue that affects both new users to the Macintosh and seasoned administrators alike, and is a frequent topic on the MacEnterprise mailing list. You can find out more about MacEnterprise at their web site, http://www.macenterprise.org.

This month, you'll also find articles from two returning authors, Ben Greisler and Mary Norbury, that get into System Administration tools that are ready for use with a little knowledge . Ben's article explains the concept of MCX, or, "Managed Client for OS X." When wielded properly, this powerful tool in a System Administrator's arsenal can make all the difference in effective central management. Mary also discusses a similarly important topic: the use of Open Source tools and applications under OS X, and specifically, X11 (the windowing system). If you've thought of it, someone in the Open Source world most likely has some solution for you. Not a perfect fit? Use an Open Source app as the foundation for your work, and give back! Not a programmer? Work with the author or a third-party to get you going in the right direction.

Allen Hancock brings back his favorite tips for productivity, this time showing you the power of a pasteboard manager, in particular PTHPasteboard. On the automation and scripting front, this month's Mac In the Shell shows ways to integrate shell and GUI apps by controlling AppleScript and Automator from bash.

Finally, our MacTech Spotlight shines on Erik Schwiebert, developer in Microsoft's Mac Business Unit. Imagine working in the Mac division of the company that is perceived as the largest competition to Apple! Check out how Erik gets by in this month's Spotlight.

Of course, this wouldn't be the June 2007 issue without mentioning WWDC. If you're reading this at the show, hello! We're here, too! If you're not, look for coverage (well, of what we can cover) in July's MacTech. Until then, enjoy this month's issue!

Edward Marczak

Executive Editor