log

Managing large log files taking up disk space

If you usually keep a known amount of hard-drive space clear, and suddenly find your system running low on space, a problem with the way the system handles log files may be to blame. You can use a tool like DaisyDisk or GrandPerspective to check the relative file sizes on disk, and if the problem is because of large log files then you may see these programs report one or two files using a large proportion of the hard drive. Many times a random increase in disk usage can be attributed to a problem with OS X's log management … Read more

Q&A: MacFixIt Answers

MacFixIt Answers is a feature in which we answer e-mailed questions from our readers. This week there were questions on maintaining iCal syncing on older versions of OS X, options to prevent batteries from expanding, using a hybrid drive in a Macbook Pro, and concerns about performance impacts of "Throttling Respawn" messages in the system console. We continually answer e-mail questions, and though we present a few answers here, we certainly welcome alternative approaches and views from readers and encourage you to post your suggestions in the comments.

Question: Maintaining iCal syncing on older Macs

MacFixIt reader "… Read more

iPad LogMeIn app gets File Manager, Wake on LAN

If you have been using the LogMeIn Ignition application as a cool way to run Windows 7 on the iPad, you now can do even more with it.

LogMeIn revealed today that it has just finished an update to the LogMeIn Ignition app for the iPad that adds a major new feature called File Manager.

Basically, now, in addition to allowing you to control a remote computer over the Internet using an iPad, the app also enables you to view and transfer files back and forth between the iPad and the remote computer.

I tried out the new version of … Read more

Yahoo informs MyBlogLog users of shutdown

Users of MyBlogLog, a start-up that Yahoo acquired in 2007 for about $10 million, received an e-mail early today announcing the service's demise.

The announcement is not exactly a surprise. MyBlogLog was one of the Yahoo services listed on a leaked presentation screenshot from December as a property that would likely be sold or shut down as the troubled Yahoo cuts costs.

Ahead of its time in a sense, MyBlogLog built widgets that site owners could install to show which MyBlogLog members read their blogs--the same philosophy that now powers, for example, widgets displaying Facebook members who have "… Read more

Angry Birds of love

Links from Monday's episode of Loaded:

The FCC is fighting challenges to new Net neutrality rules

Amazon.com may soon launch a Netflix competitor that will stream movies to Amazon Prime customers at no extra charge.

Amazon has experienced some sign-in flaws that expose accounts by logging into a variation of the correct password

New research shows that Android is the most popular mobile operating system in the world

New versions of Angry Birds will be based on the animated film "Rio" and on the holiday of love we know as Valentine's Day

How to read OS X system messages without the Console utility

The OS X Console utility provides a very useful window into the ongoing messages and log entries that applications and system processes output as they perform various tasks. This information can be invaluable when troubleshooting problems with numerous aspects of the system, but if the Console utility is not available or is broken and not loading then you may have a difficult time reading the logs and console entries.

The Console utility is essentially a viewer for a collection of log files, which are just basic text files that can be opened in any text editor. These are located in … Read more

Web watcher

HTTPWatch Basic Edition is a free browser plug-in that collects and displays information about Web sites. It's a trial edition of HTTPWatch Professional, with which it shares many features, albeit with limitations, mostly for Web sites with nonproprietary log files. The Basic version also displays a logo banner on printouts. Both work with Microsoft Internet Explorer as well as Mozilla Firefox. You can save the information HTTPWatch Basic Edition collects as a log file and view it with an included utility, HTTP Studio.

We downloaded and installed HTTPWatch Basic for Internet Explorer. During the process, we allowed the plug-in'… Read more

Great, now Apple is invading my intestines

Of all the culture shocks to my system during my 1999 semester abroad in Moscow, the one I remember best was the toilet. On the surface, it looked normal, like any American toilet I've ever had the pleasure of spending quality time on. But upon opening the lid, I was faced with a high ledge at the back designed to catch solid waste; only after the flush--and my, what a large flush--could I pretend the stuff had never existed.

My host family told me it was a brilliant design, one that enabled us all to more closely inspect the … Read more

Console error message: 'Throttling respawn: Will start in 10 seconds'

After running your system for a while and using various applications, you may receive an error stating, "Throttling Respawn: Will start in 10 seconds," over and over again. These messages are usually associated with a plist file and will repeat every 10 seconds for as long as the system is booted.

12/30/09 9:20:13 AM com.apple.launchd.peruser.50186 (com.akamai.client.plist) Throttling respawn: Will start in 10 seconds 12/30/09 9:20:23 AM com.apple.launchd.peruser.50186 (com.akamai.client.plist) Throttling respawn: Will start in 10 seconds 12/… Read more

Ghost hunter

Marvel Illusions specializes in software optimized for paranormal investigations. Their ParaTracker Ultimate is a modular package designed to give field investigators a comprehensive yet easy-to-use tool for recording, compiling, and analyzing paranormal investigations. It has searchable Documents and Research Notes databases for collecting data entered on a variety of preconfigured forms. It also packs an image, video, and sound recorder; witness statement module; and reporting and printing options, including PDF and Excel.

We've tested some unusual software, but a ghost-hunting utility sets a new standard. Or maybe "ghostbusting," since ParaTracker's job is to collect and manage … Read more