The open source MAMP project is a great idea from Web Edition Software. In essence, this package allows a one-click install of most everything needed to have a functional web hosting server. Their description of the project is:
MAMP is a compilation of Apache, Mysql, PHP, Turck MMCache and phpMyAdmin for Macintosh OS X. It includes an easy to use cocoa program to start and stop the servers. Everything will be installed in one folder, so it is very easy to uninstall. MAMP’s Apache server runs on different ports than the Apache which is shipped with OS X, so you can run the OS X Apache and the MAMP Apache at the same time. MAMP does not require a root account, it can be run under a normal user account.
The Pre-Release 1.0.a2 (english) will install the following versions:
Apache 2.0.50
PHP 4.3.8
MySQL 4.0.20
Although all of these can be easily installed/enabled on OS X as it ships, this package greatly simplifies the process for those who want the functionality without getting their hands dirty. With the Apache/PHP/MySQL combo, you can install virtually any CMS around (WordPress, MovableType, etc.).
Via What Do I Know (via Ars Technica) comes this great tip for OS X users:
If you’re using a Cocoa app (Mail, Safari, TextEdit, etc) and aren’t quite sure how to spell a word, type the first few characters and press F5 (or Option-Esc). An inline drop-down form will appear with suggested words for you to choose from. A huge timesaver.
I have just encountered one of the more impressive free services I have found of late. RedLightGreen is a service that allows you to search over 120 million book references, create a bibliography, and have it automatically output according to APA, MLA, Chicago or Turabian style. Additionally, you can set your local library and have a one-click search of your local library for any title that you are referencing. Quite a mature service, and for free!
It would appear that Google is opting for the inclusion of authenticated Atom feeds as an option for keeping up with recent email messages to a Gmail account. Quite an interesting idea, and I’m sure it will come in handy.
I’ve recently begun to use Gmail much more, since I’ve hacked out a method of checking my Gmail through Mail.app (though it would work with any pop3 enabled email application). Ahh, the power of open-source…. thanks libgmail. The only down-side to this has occurred since Gmail implemented the “random” picture authentication procedure when logging in. This causes me to receive an error in Mail, so I am have to take that account offline for awhile. Despite this small inconvenience, it is certainly handy to be able to check Gmail through a pop3 application on OS X.
Note: It looks like someone else has already packaged a little application that appears to accomplish the same purpose (checking Gmail through Mail.app) as my AppleScript hack accomplishes.
