AdSense : review and alternatives

 
As Google closes AdSense accounts without prior message and blocks all gains in case of incorrects clicks detected (also gains before these), and that claim request does not lead to account restore in most cases (and do not provide any hints, see here), some are reporting doubts on this service (see here), as it happened for accounts that were close to the payment treeshold (that is also higher than initially).
Moreover we can’t open a new account once a previous one has been closed.

We can however find many alternatives (see also here and there).

There is also to note that Google provides free Ad Words gifts, however the user then agrees to pay for additional amount in case of many clicks (above the provided amount).

Mac mini 2010 : HD replacement / SSD

A step by step video about replacing mac mini 2010′s hard disk is available. We can also find a comparative review of most recent SSD.

OSX 10.6.7 update available / flickering

The long awaited MacOSX 10.6.7 update is finally available through Software Update (313 Mb). It notably enhances graphics stability and fixes flickering problems on recent macs when using some external displays.

However it does not fix the grays colors flickering problem on June, 2010 Mac mini (tested at least with a Samsung synchmaster 206BW display, using Apple’s HDMI to DVI). This could be tied with memory speed, as the Nvidia 320M chipset uses the main memory, however it is the same with the stock 2*1 Gb memory modules, or third-party 2*2 Gb and 2*4 Gb ones.

Some users suggest using the mini display port to DVI adapter.

As previously reported, Apple’s mini display port to VGA adapter does not experience flickering, however colors are over-satured, making it useless (with this same Samsung display). Colors seem better when using an Espon projector.  Some people also reported that using a non-Apple mini display port to VGA adapter worked better.

Apple Special Event : Lightpeak

Apple announced a special event that will take place March, 2. We expect the presentation of iPad 2, and the release of new MacBook Pro fitted with Lightpeak transfer technology (renamed Thunderbolt by Apple, and whose connector is similar to mini display port).
Last June mac mini wasn’t then the real/full revolution, and Firewire 800 daisy-chaining problems on Snow Leopard with PLX chipsets (that acquired Oxford) are less likely to be fixed. This would explain why Apple didn’t have used USB3 nor Firewire 3200 in recent macs, and had been waiting to jump directly to the next technology, as they did 12 years ago with Firewire.

Independence 2.5.4 to 3.0 : install and licenses

Here is a detailed procedure to update Yellow Tools Software Suite (Independence Pro, Independence Live, Independence FX) from version 2.5.4 to version 3.0, and to create a new (required) license file for the installed library (Basic or Pro) :

- In the My Account/Products section of the Yellow Tools’s site User Area (once connected), enter the serial number for the new 3.0 version (has been received by email after the free update request email sent to yellow tools support).
Then from My Account/Downloads section download Yellow Tools Software Suite 3.0 and Yellow Tools Independence Basic (or another, required as it contains the updated instrument files – layers – for 3.0 version).

- Launch the installer from Yellow Tools Software Suite 3.0 archive. It replaces the applications from Applications folder by the new 3.0 ones, as well as the YT E-License Manager. The installer also creates a Yellow Tools folder under Library/Appliction Support (system), that contains the applicative part (Independence subfolder), however not yet the licences subfolder stated in the documentation. The Library/Application Support/Yellow Tools/Independence/images files folder contains the common image files (Autoload Sinus, Origami, Special and vinyle noise).

- Create a new folder to store the new layers and images files from the library (can be named Independence Basic config), and create layers and image files subfolders.

Expand the downloaded Yellow Tools Independence Basic.zip, and copy its layers content into the newly created layers folder. Then copy the image files from the old Yellow Tools Root Folder (only the files corresponding to the library, not the common ones) in the new image files folder.

Launch Independence Pro 3.0, and in the Libraries tab from Preferences, click on Add Library button and select the newly created folder for the library (Independence Basic config for example). Click on save preferences and quit Independence.

- Relaunch Independence 3.0 and click on Activate Independence Pro button (if not activated, a message will be displayed in Mapping and Performance tabs, stating that the software does not run in Pro mode, with also a link to register it). The E-Licence Manager then opens and displays a generated product code for Independence Software Suite 3.0. Copy this code in the My Account/Products section of the site, after having clicked on Activate button for Independence Software Suite 3.0 line. Wait a few seconds (if the activation server is down, wait for some minutes and try again, or later). When the page displays a success message, get the response code (has been emailed) and paste it in the E-Licence Manager.

The Library/Application Support/Yellow Tools/licenses subfolder is then created and contains the license (.lic) for Independence Software Suite 3.0.

- Relaunch Independence 3.0 (the Pro features are then available). Load an instrument, which opens the E-License Manager to create a new license file for the ibrary : the displayed/generated product code does not match the one that had been provided during the initial install of the library (2.5.4 version), however we can replace it with the previous product code, and enter the corresponding response code (that had been emailed during the initial install). The license file for the library is then created in Library/Application Support/Yellow Tools/licenses (the previous license file for the library – from the old Yellow Tools Root folder – couldn’t be used). However the license count for the library is left unchanged on the site (one per computer).

Activating the library also creates a Yellow Tools folder in the connected user’s Documents folder (its path is setted in User Folders tab of Independence Preferences). It contains a layers folder (without any instruments) and no image files (these are searched again the path specified in Libraries tab of Preferences).

Mac mini : internet sharing for iPhone

By discovering Wifi networks listed in Snow Leopard’s menubar, and after verifying on Apple’s site, it is confirmed that the mac mini includes an Airport card. Then the mac mini’s Ethernet based internet can be shared with an iPhone using Wifi : in Sharing preferences, select Internet Sharing, then choose connection from Ethernet, to computers through Airport, and check the box.

Echo FireStudio 2

Despite the latest MOTU Fastlane’s driver version started as Snow Leopard compatible, it doesn’t send Midi data over the out port (only manages incoming messages from Midi IN). This problem has been confirmed here and there, however MOTU didn’t release an update since early January.

So my initial choice of the Apogee Duet (419 euros, audio only) had to be changed to an audio and Midi interface instead, the Echo FireStudio 2 (184 euros). No latency problem has been encountered, a 128 samples buffer works nice, that is (as reported by Logic) 11,4 ms round trip (recording and playback through the mix), in fact 5-6ms latency when using virtual instruments.

The sound seems more powerful (better dynamic) and more present for bass than with Echo MIA PCI card (that could achieve 256 samples on the G4), despite the later perhaps sounding clearer and more opened/precise (less mudded, less masking) – to be confirmed however. There is to note that the mac mini’s integrated converter sounds very close, and perhaps more pleasant.
Finally the Firestudio doesn’t require any driver.

Mac mini 2010 performance

Under intensive audio work (plugins) the new mac processor load stays very low (a few percents where the MDD G4 was near the limit), and the tasks are well balanced on the cores by Logic. The fan doesn’t run faster and the computer doesn’t turn hot.

The integrated converter sounds warm and with an interesting color, despite probably not being as clear, and not allowing as low latency as a pro audio interface. There is still to compare it with an Apogee Duet to conclude, hoping not experiencing the hiss noise some users did (for most due to a ground loop through the audio wire).

Sometimes the Finder quits without reasons (when opening a disk image), and it also did many times while browsing/opening plist files in user/Library/Preferences (seemed due to two bad preference files whose creation/modification date is 2009 – no hints on their role).

Sometimes the system writes data (more than 600 Mb for a basic use) without obvious reason, and is then more disturbing than the very quiet fan. The resident memory is also huge (700 Mb – was only 150 Mb on the G4), in part due to the shared video memory (256 Mb), however it should be less.

Performance on games was great : Tomb Raider Anniversary demo, Lego Indiana Jones demo, and even Bioshock demo played very smooth in 1680×1050 (default medium graphics details for the later). The rendering was a huge step from the G4′s Radeon 9000 Pro (water textures and effects).

Crossover 9.1 allowed to play old Jedi Knight (DF2) demo perfectly in 1680×1050 (through activating the 3D accelerating in the game options), despite 2D option screens (and cutscenes) not rendering correctly (bad colors, and then close to unreadable text) – no problem for in-game (3D).

However the half back case was very hot (probably more than any macbook or imac) after playing 45 minutes of the most demanding demo. In fact the fan didn’t seem to run faster when playing, and those over-heating could lead to problems.

iTunes : migrate applications

To transfer applications (Mobile Applications) from a mac to a new one, two ways are provided :

The old disk is available (or has been extracted from the old computer if the later is not working anymore) :
- Copy the files iTunes Library, iTunes Library Extras, iTunes Library Genius and iTunes Music Library to the new iTunes folder under user/Music/iTunes.
- Copy Mobiles Applications (that was at the root of iTunes folder under Leopard) to iTunes Media (new subfolder in iTunes folder under Snow Leopard).
- Launch iTunes while pressing Option key: locate then the new iTunes folder for the library.

A message “This computer isn’t allowed anymore to use applications installed on the ‘iPhone, do you want to authorize this computer…” click on Yes –> n computers on 5 registered message.

Applications are now listed on the Applications tab in iTunes (once the iPhone is selected). There isn’t anymore an Applications section in the left pane contrary to iTunes under Leopard.

The disk isn’t accessible (the data are only available on the iPhone ) :

- Through the Store menu list under iTunes, authorize the new computer.
- Right-click on the iPhone (left pane) and choose Transfert purchases.

Kontakt/PLAY : licenses/libraries transfert

Here is the procedure to migrate (keep existing samples install) Kontakt 2, EastWest libraries based on Kompakt, BestService libraries based on Kontakt Player 2 or Intakt, and EastWest PLAY libraries. This also work if the old computer isn’t accessible/does not work anymore. The samples have to be located in an external disk (or if they were on an internal disk on the old computer, extract the disk and install it in an external disk case).

With previous versions of Native Instruments site, a Manage Registrations and Activations link (was also displayed in older Service Center) allowed to deactivate a license for a machine (even if not accessible). Now this option isn’t available, however we just have to click on B) Serial Number Registration, and then Register the serial number here to register again. It seems the site now takes care automatically of deregistering the old computer, and allowing the product to be listed from Service Center on the new machine.

Kontakt2 migrating

- Install Kontakt 2 from the original DVD (Rosetta will launch) : enter the serial (from DVD cover), and do not install the library.
- launch the Kontakt 2.2.4 (UB) update
- launch service center : click on Activate for Kontakt 2 product
- Replace the Content.plist file (located at user/Library/Preferences) by the one provided by on Native Instruments site (contains the list of libraries that will be considered by Kontakt2 – not required when using Kontakt 4).

The Kontakt 2 library still cannot be used from Kontakt 4 Player, even after clicking on Add or having added the path in Database tab. We have then to keep Kontakt 2.2.4 also.

Some other tricks are provided here.

Migrating libraries based on Kompakt or Intakt

- Launch the installer on the original DVD (Symphonic Orchestra, Symphonic Choirs, Colossus, Artist Complete, etc.), and force quit it when asking for library destination.
- At NI site, once connected, click on B) Serial Number Registration, and then Register the serial number here to enter the serial number again.
- Launch Service Center on the mac, the product will then being displayed, and can be activated.
- The library is now accessible from Kontakt 2 (direct access to the instruments files, or browsing after a Database rebuild). The provided Content.plist file at NI forums have to be copied into user/Library/Preferences before.
- To add the library in Kontakt 4 Player, just click Add and locate the samples library folder.

Note : Kompakt also works through Rosetta (have to be launched twice however for the library to be considered registered).

Migrate libraries based on Kontakt Player 2

The procedure is the same, except we have to do a custom Install to only install Kontakt Player 2. However the library isn’t considered registered from Kontakt Player 2 and Kontakt 2, even after registering on the site and having activated it through Service Center (message about encrypted library – is tied with the previous machine). In fact the library can be loaded from Kontakt 4 Player, by clicking Add (works for Strings Essentials 2 and Ethno World 4).

If we prefer using the original Kontakt Player 2 or Kontakt 2, we have to install the whole library again before activating it through Service Center : http://www.native-instruments.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74253.

Reuse of PLAY libraries installs

Thanks to iLok authorization key, no step is required to transfer an EastWest Play product license from a computer to another :
- Install (optional) the Play application from the original DVD by doing a custom Install and uncheking Library. An error appears at the end, it isn’t a problem and is known by EastWest.
- Install the latest Play update (downloaded at soundsonline.com). By default the update selects the previously installed products (step 1) for the update (if not, choose Custom Install and select the products).
- Launch Play, and then open the Browser window, and Ctrl+click on the (empty) area under the Favorites button : through the contextual menu, go to Add Another Product Library, choose the submenu corresponding to the installed product (QL Ministry of Rock, etc.), and locate the library folder. This has to be done for each product.

Mac mini 2010 : flickering display

The mac mini 2010 produces flickering image on my Samsung SyncMaster 206BW monitor (plugged using the provided HDMI to DVI adapter) : it isn’t obvious overall, however it really shows on some dark gray colors (left side of this site, up and left panes in Garageband). It’s like an old CRT monitor with too low refresh rate. It was ok with the MDD G4 on the same monitor, whatever refresh rate (60 and 70Hz).

Snow Leopard only allows 60Hz on the mac mini (should be ok as it isn’t CRT), and I’m not confident using 3rd party utilities to try to add 70Hz option (some have experienced stability issues or out of range – that requires rebooting in safe mode).
I plugged the power cord on another plug, and also put the LCD display farther, to check for interference problem, however it didn’t help. I also put the original 2×1 Gb ram without success.

I wonder if this is a defect with the Nvidia 320M chipset (or with the added ram, used by the chipset). Usually it comes from a voltage tuning problem when manufacturing the display, and can be detected through inversion test. it was also noticed on some mac book pro. The integrated chipset may so enhance an existing problem.

Update : it seems many people are experiencing flickering problem with the mac mini (varies from monitor vendor, Samsung’s are reported to work bad with the mini). A workaround with previous minis (without HDMI) was to connect to the monitor using VGA (through mini DVI to VGA adapter)… Replacing the mac mini/motherboard many times didn’t work for these people, so they are implying the problem comes from Apple’s driver software (and thus could/should be fixed in a later update) :

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=989930

http://www.ehmac.ca/mac-ipod-help-troubleshooting/80230-flickering-mac-mini-lcd.html

The Samsung 206BW doesn’t seem to allow refresh rate above 60hz at 1680×1050, however some have had good result (with other monitors) using 58 or 57hz (using a third party utility). I tested lower resolutions through Apple’s monitors preferences pane, and some provide additional refresh rates (70 and/or 75hz) : for most, switching the refresh rate higher didn’t fix the flickering issue. Moreover, the 1024×768 resolution didn’t experience flickering, even at 60hz, while the “1024×768 (stretched)” (in fact both modes display stretched image) did flicker whatever refresh rate !

Dragon’s Lair not working with iOS4

Dragon’s Lair does not work anymore since iOS4 update (no controls displayed). We can find a related thread here at EA forums.