Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-1-2019: Uganda

26th January, 2019.

Hmmm … 

I have to admit, I do like my Apple products.

Really.

I’ve been quite the loyal one for some eighteen or so years.

Right at the moment, though, I have to admit to being one that’s mildly annoyed.

I’ve installed a recent set of updates: serious, security, ones that I discuss here.

The downside to those updates … ?

Simply put?

Is that, since installing those updates, my copy of iMovie is behaving distinctly badly: causing system hangs that only seem to clear up, if I force a restart, switching my machine on and off again.

Frankly?

As someone who relies on that app, I’m not exactly what you call happy.

~≈§≈~

Star Trek Discovery — Series 2 Episode 2: New Eden — A Review

25th January, 2019.

Yes: I’ve officially had my lower jaws done.

Jaws?

JAW!

Cleaned, if you must know.

What made things … interesting … ?

Was the fact I thought I’d made the appointment for 11AM.

Turns out I was wrong.

Turns out it was for 2PM: which meant going into Brentwood High Street, twice!

Boy, I was embarrassed.

Still … 

I did managed to get to have a natter with one of the hygienists about the shiny new MacBookPro she was using … 

~≈§≈~

As I was able to let her know I’d got a notification, this morning, via MacWorld: turned out there were some quite serious security updates.

You can find the details, here.

Now, while I’m not sure or all the exact details … I’m fairly sure of something.

For starters, the updates have caused issues.

I know I’ve just rendered the intro for this piece: and had to shut down my Mac, a couple of times.

As rendering it in 1080p slowed iMovie down to a crawl, and made using switching between alternative desktops VERY crappy.

On the other hand … ?

I noticed that a number of the security updates listed on that page?

Were aimed at macOS’s kernel.

The underlying code that forms the operating system’s heart.

One was aimed at the hypervisor.   Which, if I’ve understood it correctly?   Is some of the heavyweight hardware control software that’s part of a modern operating system.

It is — if I’ve understood the Wikipedia entry correctly — controls a lot of a computer’s hardware.

On top of that … !

On top of that, Apple’s page thanked workers from Google’s Project Zero a lot of help on the kernel updates.

Project Zero are the Google researchers who find zero-day exploits: previously unknown security flaws.

And that, therefore, need treating rather urgently.

Frankly?



I’m grateful: that means my machine’s better protected.

I’m just going to have to wait for Apple to update iMovie, and Mojave.

I’m grateful for the protection.

But would like the rendering speed back.

~≈§≈~

Now, I have to admit: that’s NOT why I started this post.

Yes, you guessed it: it’s Friday.

And yes: right at the mo, that means it’s time for the new episode of … 

second series … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th September, 2018: Well Met By Midnight.

29th September, 2018.

Yep.

I’ve got Mojave installed on my iMac: as I’m sure you’re possible aware, by now.

And have to admit, the overall speed things is nice: I think that’s a result of more apps having been re-written as 64 bit.

But, me being me … ?

I’m caught by the eye-candy.

I’ve managed to change all the highlights to a subtle shade of green.

I’m easily impressed.

~≈§≈~

Just as a quick thought … ?

Do you use Facebook?

I do: as do many people I know.

It’s helpful, sometimes: especially the messaging app.

However?

It seems there’s been a security breach.

I’m not sure I completely understand the technical side.

But I was one of those who had to log back in, yesterday.

As soon as I’ve time?

I’ll need to change my password … 

~≈§≈~

One LAST thing … ?

Tomorrow’s sees Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar’s tenth birthday.

Yes: there’s a teaser about it.

~≈§≈~

Nik Oak’s Daily Teaser — 26th September, 2018

26th September, 2018.

Hmmm … 

I think I’m having a bad few days.

I’ve found out my shifts, next week: and I’ve got one.

Between you and me?

I’m not happy.

And will probably seeking advice.

I’ve certainly sent my agency a word, I’ve sent round the usual email to see if co workers need Shifts covered*, I’ve had a conversation with serious management … 

And I’m seriously thinking of a word with the Job Centre, the Citizen’s Advise Bureau, and ACAS.

If readers could send encouraging thoughts, I’d be thankful.

~≈§≈~

There’s upsides to the time off.

For starters, I’ve been able to at least talk to people about the work situation.

But have also managed to update my iMac.

It’s now running macOS Mojave: 10.14, if you want the numbers.

So far … ?

I’m not totally convinced by the new Finder layout … 

The side bar on the right hand side’s seems useless, but that’s after one day’s use.

Dark Mode’s a bit odd.

But the speed everything’s operating at … ?

Is noticeably improved.

I think that’s the 64-bit features, I think.

Oh, and the sand dune, dynamic wallpaper?

Slowly switches from a day or night view, depending on the time of day.

I’m actually looking forward to this.

~≈§≈~