Computer and internet briefs

Oct 2, 2011, 3:06 GMT

Dynamic desktop on your Mac thanks to GeekTool

Berlin (dpa) - GeekTool is a free app for a Mac that allows users to create a dynamic desktop, displaying different kinds of information. These bits of information are called Geeklets, which are organized into categories according to their function: File plugin to monitor MacOS X activity, shell mode to launch custom scripts or check space left on file systems, or 'uptime' to monitor load on your machine.

There is also an image mode, which allows the user to monitor bandwidth usage and CPU load. However, the dynamic information only appears when the software is running. GeekTool can be downloaded from the Mac App Store.

Treat your notebook battery with tender loving care

Berlin (dpa) - Battery life is one of the main problem areas for notebook users. Lithium-ion batteries only have a limited lifespan of between 500 to 1,000 charge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. There is no need to ensure older batteries are fully charged during each cycle, while lifespan is equally affected whether the battery is constantly fully charged or endures heavy usage through, for example, the playing of 3D games. It is not recommended that notebooks remain constantly connected to the mains but if this isn't possible, batteries should be removed and stored in a cool place with a battery charge status of about 75 per cent.

First aid for the new Mac OS on a USB stick

Berlin (dpa) - The new Mac operating system OS X Lion doesn't come delivered on a CD, meaning it is no longer possible to start the computer using a physical disk drive when there is a problem. Instead, Apple's Lion Recovery Disk Assistant allows the user to create Lion Recovery on an external drive or a 1GB USB key. The Lion Recovery Disk Assistant can reinstall Lion, repair the disk using Disk Utility, restore from a Time Machine backup, or browse the web with Safari.