Beware Fake MACDefender Antivirus Software

(This MACDefender isn't in any way associated with the German company called MacDefender that runs the MacDefender.org Web site and writes geocaching and other GPS-related software.)

A specific combination of actions needs to occur for MACDefender to be downloaded and installed, including visiting a poisoned Web site, and then entering an admin password in the installer. If this happens, MACDefender adds itself to the login items, displays a menu bar icon, and looks like a real antivirus program. See the Intego security memo for screenshots of what it looks like.

MACDefender's goal appears to be to scam users into paying for the program, and to that end, it claims to find viruses and also opens porn sites in the user's browser every few minutes in an attempt to make the user think they're infected. After paying, the
warnings disappear. Of course, it's entirely likely that the purchase process is designed as much to steal credit card numbers as to make money from purchases, given that the charges can be reversed if the user discovers the scam.

MacDefender is an example of “scareware,” an increasingly popular type of malware that attempts to trick users into thinking they are infected with viruses in order to extort money (and credit card numbers).

For the Switchers (or new to a Mac)

Moving from Windows to OS X means rewiring your muscle memory and learning to do old things in new ways. The basic stuff you do dozens of times a day”” opening and closing programs and files, managing windows””are all done differently on a Mac. Switching can feel like you've been transported to a country where the language sounds vaguely familiar, but is definitely not your native tongue. The "Switching to Mac Super guide" will give you a quick orientation. To get your copy drop Dave an email: dcore@capmac.net.

A BIG Pat on our Back

Again, for the 13th time in a row, Capitol Macintosh has been honored with Apple's Commitment to Excellence award!

The Commitment To Excellence Program recognizes the top AASPs (Apple Authorized Serivce Providers) who have implemented and utilize best practices to maximize their AppleCare Service Excellence (ACSE) scores in the four key metrics: repair turnaround time, turnaround time, first-time fix and parts per repair.

Our continued success, thanks to you our customers, puts Cap Mac in the top 2 % of all Apple service providers in North America

Recharge AND Recycle

Now there's a better, more environmentally friendly way to power your wireless keyboard, Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, or just about anything that requires AA batteries. The Apple Battery Charger kit comes with a sleek, compact charger and six high-performance AA NiMH batteries that are ready to use right out of the box. The reusable batteries are exceptional at holding a charge and last for up to 10 years. Which means you can finally break the cycle of buying and disposing of those single-use alkaline batteries.

Battery Recycling

The Christmas holiday has come and gone. Companies have introduced hot items.Retailers hosted major sales events.Holiday revelers across the country planned parties and held gift exchange parties.While everyone was enjoying the spirit of the season, there is one thing that puts a small damper on holiday cheer: waste.

At Capitol Mac, we're doing our small part by taking in batteries for recycling. Cellphones, computers, power tools: Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd ), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-Ion), Nickel Zinc (Ni-Zn) and Small Sealed Lead (SSLA/Pb).

Please don't trash your batteries - bring them in so we can recycle them. For more information contact Call2REcycle.

How iPads enter the workforce

By Ted Schadler, Forrester Research

iPad has exploded onto the scene. Who could have imagined that a tablet (a category introduced in 2001) would capture the imagination of employees and IT alike? But it did, and it's kicked off an arms race for smart mobile devices. Every day, a new tablet appears: Cisco Cius, Dell Streak, Samsung Galaxy Tab, RIM PlayBook, HP Windows 7 Tablet, the list goes on. These post-PC devices will find a place in your company, but where?
We've had over 200 conversations with IT customers about iPads and other tablets since January. The interest is incredible. And IT is ahead of the curve on this one, determined not to be playing catchup as happened with employee and executive demand for iPhones. We talk to people every day who are deploying iPads in pilots or experiments.

In a new report for Forrester clients, we categorize the ways in which we see tablets entering the workplace:
Displace laptops. This is the classic executive and mobile professional scenario. While it will be some time before tablets replace laptops completely, iPads have proven their value in meeting rooms, on the go, and of course as personal devices. But for now, it means tablets are a third device alongside smartphones and laptops.

Replace clipboards and other paper. This is the scenario for a construction manager using an application by Vela Systems that can now carry an iPad instead of a tube full of construction drawings. It also applies to clinical testing in the pharma industry, facilities inspections by quality assurance pros, and insurance brokers writing business out in the field. New place scenarios where there has been no connected solution previously. This includes doctors using iPads to write orders in surgery or access patient records in the examination room. Also retail floor personnel customizing an order for a new Mercedes or summer warddrobe.

Is iPad for you? Stop in and give it a test drive!

MagSafe Adapters

One of the more common things we see in our store is MagSafe power adapters with damaged wire insulation and/or fraying where the thin cord meets the power brick or where the cord meets the actual MagSafe tip. While many consider this the result of a design flaw (coupled with the fact that Apple does offer free replacement in some situations), the simple fact is that these conditions are completely avoidable.
Most commonly, fraying at the power brick end is the result of wrapping the thin cord too tightly when the adapter isn't in use. Wrap it more loosely, and wrap it such that the cord remains perpendicular to the power brick. This eliminates the strain. The same principle applies for the MagSafe tip end: keep it perpendicular to the computer to eliminate strain, and never pull on the cord to remove the plug from the power port - disconnect it by grabbing the MagSafe tip.
If your computer is still covered by it's one year warranty or an AppleCare plan, and has not been damaged, we can get it replaced for you, at no charge.