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Planning to use dialup? You'll need a modem in your new Mac.

Current Macintosh computers all have wireless built-in (802.11n), but they no longer include an internal modem; instead, Apple offers a tiny external USB modem, and you can order one online for about $50 here:

Apple modem

Cost-versus-benefit, dialup-versus-broadband:: Perceived data "speed" - properly referred to as bandwidth - varies from analog dialup at a maximum 54K bps (bits per second) to digital fiber optic service at the speed of light. Fiber optic isn't available in Nevada County, so the best we can do here is cable TV internet service, digital subscriber line (DSL) over telephone lines, or satellite service with dish and decoder. Collectively, these are known as broadband options.
: For those who only care about email, dialup is cheap and perfectly adequate (typically 28-44K bps in this area). Internet access is possible over dialup, but limited and slow. With all that in mind, here are a few dialup ISPs we recommend followed by all local broadband options:

Dialup Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

Full Spectrum full service local ISP, including dialup and DSL. Special rates may be available when combined with delivery of The Union newspaper: Contact The Union.

BasicISP $6.95/month basic, no-frills dialup (only) service.

Spiral (formerly NCCN) dialup and DSL service provider.: Also see ISP search sites listed on Links page; there are literally thousands of ISPs available who provide local dialup numbers in the 530 area code.

ISPs to AVOID:: Stay away from ISPs who insist on using proprietary software; two prime examples are AOL and NetZero. Their software is of no benefit to you, but may be advantageous to the ISP. Your computer has everything it needs to go online, and no additional software is necessary (despite what these ISPs may tell you). Earthlink is another ISP best avoided.

Broadband providers:

ATT Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
Full Spectrum DSL Full service ISP, DSL, web hosting, domain registration, ISDN and T-1 lines
Comcast cable Broadband access and cable television, tiered rates with service "packages"
Hughes net satellite broadband services
WildBlue satellite broadband services
Smarter Broadband line-of-sight repeaters to "fixed wireless" access points
Suddenlink Colfax, Auburn, south county services

For more information, take a look at Nevada County's Economic Resource Council (ERC) site where a great deal of information and a map may be found:; ERC connectivity

Additional considerations:: Sorry to say, many broadband ISPs still insist on providing software that is both unnecessary and troublesome for Mac users. Your computer has everything it needs built-in; all you have to do is connect an ethernet cable and you're online. It's just that simple. Installing ISP-provided software is completely unnecessary.
: Most broadband providers supply a modem and/or other necessary equipment, sometimes as a free promotion but usually on a lease basis. In the long run, buying your own equipment may be more cost effective than leasing. While DSL modems are interchangeable, cable modems must have their unique MAC address registered with your cable provider.
: In addition, a router - with firewall - is highly recommended for broadband connections. Some routers also incorporate a modem; these are known as gateway devices, or simply a "gateway." DSL gateways and cable gateways, routers and switches, cables and connectors are all available locally. We recommend Apple, Netgear and LinkSys equipment.
: Satellite service providers may also impose tiered rates with data rate caps. Be advised: Software updates can easily exceed download limits under lowest-priced satellite broadband plans, resulting in a penalty from your satellite provider and/or reduced internet access. Read the fine print and choose a plan that will allow you internet access as you may expect. (Software updates may be in the 300-400MB range.)

Wireless options:: All current Macs have wireless AirPort 802.11n cards built-in. (802.11 is a wireless protocol also known as "WiFi.") First protocol was 802.11a, then 802.11b, then came 802.11g (aka "AirPort Extreme") followed by an improved 802.11n on two bands. Later standards can accommodate earlier ones (backwards compatible), and wireless support is built into all Mac Operating Systems from way-back before OSX.
: Does your computer have an AirPort card? Why not ask it: Under the Apple menu, choose "About this Mac" then click "More Info" button. Click AirPort (in left column) and see what it says.

Older Macs used a variety of AirPort cards (which were optional), starting with the first, silver, 802.11b AirPort card shown at right. These cards employ a full-width female pin-array connector upfront and are keyed to computer's internal slot with matching male pin-array connector. A small, square coax antenna connector plugs into back end of this card. If your machine is a G3 or early G4, this is probably the wireless card it uses. A search of eBay for "original airport" should turn up dozens of these cards. The next AirPort card was called AirPort Extreme. This dark gray card operates on the 802.11g wireless standard (backwards compatible with earlier wireless standards). Also optional in many G4 desktop and laptop Macs, these cards use an edge connector (instead of a pin-array), they're a bit smaller than the first AirPort card, but they use the same antenna connector as earlier cards. 2nd generation AirPort Extreme Later model Macs use a variety of cards from a miniaturized version of the Extreme card with an edge connector, to tiny internal cards that combine AirPort 802.11n with Bluetooth (for wireless keyboard, mouse and other devices) on a single tiny card. Largest of the three cards shown here was still optional in some Mac models. Later, smaller cards are standard equipment on all current models.

Looking for something?: In this case, shopping locally includes Roseville mainly because there aren't many sources for tech gizmos in Nevada County. Radio Shack has some essentials, including PRAM batteries, media, cables, iPods and iPod goodies. Staples has cameras, printers, hard drives, routers, modems, cards and cables, but they're totally focused on PCs - for now - and won't know if their products work with Macs unless they bother to look on the box. No software. FireWire? They might've heard about it by now.

Apple Authorized Service Providers (warranty issues):: If your computer is under warranty (one to three years), or you have an issue covered by an Apple Repair Extension Program, you'll need to take your Mac to an authorized service center (usually an Apple store). The nearest Apple store is in Arden Fair Mall, but a better choice might be Core-Care which is also Apple-certified (see links below).

Local Mac User Groups:

Lake Wildwood MUG

Sierra Mousetrap MUG

<lwwcclub@nccn.net>

1st Mon. each mo., 7pm

(unavailable)

(unavailable)

Lake Wild Wood Clubhouse

Madelyn Helling Library
Retail vendors within 50 miles:
Apple Store Sacramento Best Buy Best Buy Best Buy Core-Care Core-Care Refurbished Fry's Roseville store PowerOn Services Radio Shack Radio Shack Staples 1689 Arden Way, Sac 1236 Galleria Blvd, Roseville 6110 Birdcage, Citrus Heights 1901 Arden Way, Sac 2340 Harvard Street, Sac 2340 Harvard St, Sac 180 N. Sunrise, Roseville eBay, used + refurbished 568 Sutton Way, GV 117 McKnight Way, GV 646 Sutton Way, GV (916) 643-0960 (916) 780-5969 (916) 725-1455 (916) 925-1212 (916) 567-1260 (916) 567-1260 (916) 517-1500 Online only (530) 273-9484 (530) 272-9049 (530) 477-6700 2nd floor, Arden Mall near JCP Map from link at left I-80 W to 65 NW Map from link at left Near Arden Fair Mall Map from link at left I-80 W, Eureka E to Sunrise, R PowerOn: eBay store Brunswick, Glenbrook Center McKnight, near K-Mart Brunswick, Glenbrook Center

Be Local, Buy Local?

News of Nevada County's "Be Local, Buy Locally" ad blitz came by way of a visitor and the lapel pin he left behind (right).

Our visitor came to the shop wanting to purchase some sort of adapter. When I explained that the MacShack is a service and support shop - not a retail business - and offered to help him find the adapter he needed online, he tossed his pin at me and left in a huff. Gosh, sorry if we don't have the wherewithal for retail. This is California; we're being taxed to death as it is.
Local area links:
2Wire Battery Warehouse Citizens Bank Downs Art Full Spectrum Internet KNCO Radio KVMR Zen Tech Radio Mackey Real Estate National Hotel Northstar Design Guy Stokley Creative The Union Newspaper Tourist Info Networking gizmos Cell Phone Batteries What's a bank doing here? R. Downs Illustration Local ISP 830 AM radio 89.5 FM radio <info@mackeyre.com> circa 1854 (haunted?) Metal art, craftsmanship Web design, graphic arts Local news, ads Obligatory website (unavailable) 800-300-9993 478-6000 470-0435 272-4020 272-3424 265-9555 265-6934 265-4551 265-WELD 265-3333 273-9561 (no contact) 350 Crown Pt Circle #225, GV P.O. Box 453 Chicago Park 305 Railroad Avenue, NC <r_downs@sbcglobal.net> 175 Joerschke Drive #B, GV 1255 E. Main Street #A, GV Somewhere on Spring St, NC 206 Main Street, NC 211 Broad Street, NC We don't know Jack... (Unavailable) 464 Sutton Way, GV (no address)

Good-bye to Frank's Pizza Pan...: After nearly 50 years in business, owners Jack Davis and Pat Wright made the difficult decision to retire (this time, for good). Frank's closed its doors on a cold, rainy Sunday night, December 30th, 2007, leaving a void that will never be filled. Famous for serving the best pizza anywhere, at any price, Frank's was a local landmark and everybody's favorite gathering place. When word of Frank's pending demise got out, the normal 45-minute wait turned into hours, and the restaurant was swamped.; "They didn't just come to say good-bye," quipped Patty, "they wanna bury us!"; A hand-lettered cardboard sign on the door read, "no more orders tonight, sorry." Frank's front windows were opaque with steam, and the place was so packed with well-wishers that Patty and Jack had to barricade themselves inside the kitchen just to keep working. We miss you guys.


What's a Realtor doing here?

Well, aside from being great friends and pillars of the community, Jim Mackey and company are as honest, helpful and professional as they could possibly be. Their logo and location may have changed, but their character remains intact. If real estate is in your future, do yourself a favor and call Jim ASAP.
Local artists blend technologies with style.

Artist and illustrator Richard Downs may not be a household name just yet, but odds are good that you've seen his work. He and fellow artist Gwyn Stramler have lent their expertise to everything from computer games to fine art galleries, beer commercials to print and video production. All from right here in Nevada City. Among other projects, Richard and Gwyn also participate in Nevada County's Open Studio Tour hosted by The Center For the Arts in Grass Valley.

The one-and-only Annual Nevada County Food and Toy Run:
Always a great time and the very essence of Christmas, this year's Toy Run took place on a bright, sunny day (unlike the 2006 photo at right - that's Arlo, by the way). At precisely 12-noon, a procession of nearly 2000 motorcycles begin a ride thru Nevada City and Grass Valley that takes about an hour. The tradition is well supported by local law enforcement and applauded by all, except possibly an unlucky few caught in the resulting gridlock. (Look for letters to The Union suggesting we should take the freeway.) Photo by Maggie Celestina from Toy Run photo gallery.
Welder and artisan Jack McCloud of Northstar Designs.

Responsible for quite a few projects around here, Jack has been more than generous with his expertise and talent regarding all things metal. Many examples of his handiwork grace the MacShack, including our signs and the now-famous cat walk (which also kept Kirk Johnson busy for a time).

Contribute your 2¢ worth of wisdom!

We welcome your input and will be happy to post any commentary here that fits the following criteria. This "experiment" may or may not be a good idea - we'll see how it goes. Naturally, we reserve the right to accept or reject submissions as we see fit. Shameless plugs for local artists, musicians and struggling businesses are fine, as are any stories you'd care to share. Keep it short, sweet and succinct, and bear in mind that anything posted here will enter the public domain.

Your editorial must be related to the Nevada County area in some way.
No copyright infringements, minimal time-sensitive material (please).
Images and video submissions are limited to 200-pixel width, maximum.
Keep it clean and concise; obscene language and images are not allowed.

Please send submissions to <webnoid@ncitymacs.com> for consideration. We'll post and/or reply within two business days. Thank you!

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