Knowledge base

OS X Server: Avoid spaces and long names in network home directory name and path

Posted in Apple Portable Computers

To provide service to all types of clients, the complete pathname of a network home directory must not exceed 89 characters. This affects Apple Filing Protocol (AFP) and Network File System (NFS) home directories, for example.

If the absolute path from the client to the network home directory on the server contains more than 89 characters, certain types of clients cannot connect. For example, a client using automount with an LDAP-based AFP home directory may not be able to access its home directory.

To resolve or avoid the issue, be sure that the full path to the network home directory does not exceed 89 characters. The solidus or "slash" (/) counts as a character.

Spaces in the path

Mac OS X Server v10.5 and later support spaces in the full path unless Portable Home Directories are in use with mobile accounts. Mac OS X Server v10.4 and earlier do not support spaces in the full path.

For Mac OS X Server v10.6 or later

When Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard clients and servers are used exclusively, the path length limit is increased to 250 characters. If any clients or servers in use are running an earlier software version, the path limit for the earlier software version should be observed.

For Mac OS X Server v10.5.x

The mount path changes in Mac OS X Server v10.5, so you have more characters to work with than in earlier versions. The number of characters is calculated by adding these three items:

  • The length of the user's hostname (corresponds to "hostname.domain.dom" in example below)
  • The length of the absolute pathname of the home directory share point ("/Volumes/homeDirectories/share/")
  • The number 17 (for "/Network/Servers/")

This example absolute path is exactly 67 characters:
/Network/Servers/hostname.domain.dom/Volumes/homeDirectories/share/

For Mac OS X Server v10.3.5 through 10.4.x

The mount path in Mac OS X Server v10.3.5 through 10.4.x is shorter than in earlier versions, so you have more characters to work with (but still a maximum of 89). The number of characters is calculated by adding these three items:

  • The length of the user's hostname (corresponds to "hostname.domain.dom" in example below)
  • The length of the absolute pathname of the home directory share point ("/Volumes/homeDirectories/share/")
  • The number 25 (for "/private/Network/Servers/")

This example absolute path is exactly 75 characters:
/private/Network/Servers/hostname.domain.dom/Volumes/homeDirectories/share/

For Mac OS X Server v10.3 through 10.3.4

The number of characters is calculated by adding these three items:

  • The length of the user's hostname (corresponds to "hostname.domain.dom" in example below)
  • The length of the absolute pathname of the home directory share point ("/Volumes/homeDirectories/share/")
  • The number 39 (for "/private/var/automount/Network/Servers/")

This example absolute path is exactly 89 characters:
/private/var/automount/Network/Servers/hostname.domain.dom/Volumes/homeDirectories/share/

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OS X Server: How to use NetBoot across subnets

Posted in Apple Portable Computers

This article discusses how to use the NetBoot service across network subnets.

There are three options: Change your server hardware configuration (A), use a bootpd relay (B), or change your network hardware configuration (C).
 

A. Change server configuration

The most direct solution is to install a network interface card (NIC) for each additional subnet, then configure each new NIC properly for the subnet which it will be connected to.
 

B. Use a bootpd relay

You can set up a bootpd relay to forward requests to another network subnet without altering the network configuration. Refer to the bootpd man page for further details.
 

C. Change your network configuration

Note: Apple does not provide support for configuring network hardware. Refer to the hardware manufacturer for assistance with configuring your router or switch.

This is an advanced method that requires configuring a router or layer 3 switch. For NetBoot to work across subnets with only one NIC, the router or layer 3 switch between the NetBoot Server and clients must be configured to allow BootP data to pass between the subnets.

If you are using an external DHCP Server, make sure broadcast data can pass between the NetBoot Server and the external DHCP Server.

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Opening iWork for iOS and iWork ’09 documents in iWork for iCloud beta

Posted in Apple Portable Computers

Learn what to expect when using iWork for iCloud beta to open a document created in iWork on your Mac or iOS device.

Some features of iWork documents you created on your iOS device or Mac will be removed when you open them in iWork for iCloud beta, and some features will behave differently.

To preserve the original version of your document, select “Open Copy” when you are asked whether you want to open the original version of the file or to create a copy.

The document you open will update back to your other devices, so anything that iWork for iCloud beta removes (see list below) from your document when you open it in iWork for iCloud beta will also be removed when the document is updated on your other devices. 

The following features will be removed from the version of your document that you open in iWork for iCloud beta:

Import from all iWork '09 apps

  • Comments: Comments are removed.

Import from Keynote '09

  • Recored audio (voiceover narration) is removed.
  • Soundtrack (audio set to play for the duration of the slideshow) is removed.
  • The “automatically play upon open” setting is removed.
  • The “restart show if idle” setting is removed.
  • “Require password to exit show” isn’t supported in iWork for iCloud beta.
  • Obsolete transitions are converted to Dissolve.

Import from Pages for iOS and Pages ’09

  • Changes tracked in the original document are automatically accepted in the imported document. 

Import from Pages '09

  • Page Layout documents are converted to Word Processing documents, which means a body text area is added to the document.
  • Linked text boxes are unlinked.
  • Objects in table cells are removed.

Import from Numbers '09

  • Table categories: Table categories are removed. Tables remain organized and category names are retained as static text.
  • Spreadsheet headers and footers are removed.

 

The following features will behave differently in iWork for iCloud beta, but will not change in the original copy of your document:

Import from all iWork for iOS apps and all iWork ’09 apps

  • Charts: You can view charts, but you can’t edit them.
  • Movies and audio: You can view a movie’s poster frame and view an icon that represents an audio file, but you can’t play or edit movies or audio files.
  • Connection lines: You can view connection lines, but you can’t edit them.

Import from Keynote for iOS and Keynote ’09

  • Tables: You can view tables, but you can’t edit them.
  • Builds: You can’t view or edit builds, but they remain in the document and are visible and editable in iWork ’09 and iWork for iOS.
  • Transitions not yet supported in Keynote for iCloud beta appear as Dissolve. The original transitions remain in the document and are visible and editable in Keynote ’09 and Keynote for iOS. See Using Keynote for iCloud beta with Internet Explorer for more information.
  • Links to other slides aren’t active in Keynote for iCloud beta. They remain in the document and will be active if you open it in Keynote ’09 or Keynote for iOS.

Import from Pages for iOS and Pages ’09

  • Tables: You can view tables, but you can’t edit them.
  • Inline and anchored objects: You can view inline and anchored objects, but you can’t edit them.

Import from Pages '09

  • MathType equations don’t display in Pages for iCloud beta, but they remain in the document and display if the document is opened in Pages ’09.

Import from Numbers for iOS

  • Forms: Forms in a Numbers for iOS spreadsheet are hidden when you open the spreadsheet in Numbers for iCloud beta. However, in Numbers for iCloud beta you can edit a table linked to a form, and those edits appear in the form when you open the spreadsheet in Numbers for iOS. In Numbers for iCloud beta, deleting a table linked to a form clears the form, and merging cells in a table linked to a form may clear the form.

Import from Numbers ’09

  • Table Filters: Tables appear unfiltered, and you can’t view or edit the filtering rules. However, the filtering rules are retained. You can edit them in Numbers ’09, and turn them on or off in Numbers for iOS.
  • Conditional Formatting: You can’t view conditional formatting, but it is retained. You can view and edit it in Numbers ’09, and view it in Numbers for iOS.

 

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How to update proof-of-purchase information

Posted in Apple Portable Computers

If you notice incorrect information about your Apple product or AppleCare agreement (such as the AppleCare Protection Plan) while using Apple's online tools, you can update your records.

Update your information online  

To update Apple hardware product information, you will need to send Apple a copy of the original sales receipt. Visit Apple's coverage checker, enter your serial number, then click "Submit your proof of purchase online", and upload your documents. 

To update AppleCare agreement information, you will need a copy of the original sales receipt for both the AppleCare agreement and the Apple hardware product. Sign in to the AppleCare Agreement tool with your preferred Apple ID, click "Update Agreement Information" below the AppleCare agreement you want to correct, and upload your documents.
 

If necessary, contact Agreement Administration for help

Contact AppleCare Agreement Administration by telephone if you are unable to update your information online or you prefer to speak to an Advisor. To facilitate your call, please tell the Advisor that you need help with an AppleCare agreement and you do not need technical support. Please be prepared to provide the required registration number, serial number, and proof-of-purchase information, as indicated previously.

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Compressor 4: Troubleshooting Basics

Posted in Apple Portable Computers

Important note: First back up your Compressor custom Settings and Layouts

Prior to performing steps in this article, ensure that you have a current backup of your Compressor custom Settings and Layouts. These items are located in ~/Library/Application Support/Compressor. Custom Settings are located in the Settings folder and custom Layouts are in the Layouts folder. 

 

Collapse All Sections | Expand All Sections

Troubleshooting

1. Restart your computer

This is the simplest thing you can do to troubleshoot Compressor issues. Restarting your computer resets Compressor related system resources.

2. Review Compressor 4 documentation

In order to verify that Compressor 4 is working as expected, it's always a good idea to review the documentation to ensure that you clearly understand the expected behavior of what you're trying to do. Following this step thoroughly could save a lot of time.

For information on how to access the Compressor 4 User Guide, see Final Cut Pro X, Motion 5, Compressor 4: User guides

3. Verify that your computer meets the system requirements for Compressor 4

See Compressor 4 - Technical Specifications.

Ensure that your computer meets the OpenCL-capable graphics card or Intel HD Graphics 3000 or later system requirement. For more information, see Final Cut Pro X, Motion 5, Compressor 4: Graphics card compatibility

4. Ensure Compressor 4 is up to date

Note: If you are actively working on a transcoding project, avoid updating or upgrading Compressor 4 until you are finished with the project. Either complete the project in the version of Compressor 4 you are currently working in, or ensure that you have a current backup of your Compressor custom Settings and Layouts and a backup of Compressor 4. This is so you can revert to the previous state that your Settings, Layouts, and the application were in if updating or upgrading to the latest version of Compressor 4 does not address your issue. 

For more information see:

5. Verify that the ProApps QuickTime Codecs are installed

6. Make sure you're following the tips for importing source media into Compressor 4

For more information see Compressor 4: Importing overview.

7. Check third-party compatibility

If you use any third-party software (plug-ins, tools, or content) with Compressor 4, contact the developer to ensure that the version of third-party software you have installed is compatible with the version of Compressor 4 you're using.

8. Isolate the issue by using another user account

9. Remove the Apple Qmaster folder

Removing the Apple Qmaster folder will allow it to be recreated the next time Compressor is launched.

  1. If Compressor 4 is running, quit Compressor by choosing Compressor > Quit Compressor.
  2. In the Finder, hold down the Option key and choose Library from the Go menu.
  3. In the Library folder that opens, open the Application Support folder. Move the Apple Qmaster folder to the Trash.
  4. Restart your computer.

10. Reset Compressor 4 preferences

Important note before you begin:
Before resetting user preferences, be sure to first review your Compressor 4 preferences as they are currently configured, and note any specific settings you've chosen. When resetting the Compressor 4 preferences, your preferences will be returned to default settings the next time you open Compressor 4.

Also, verify that you have a current backup of your Compressor custom Settings and Layouts. These items are located in ~/Library/Application Support/Compressor. Custom Settings are located in the Settings folder and custom Layouts are in the Layouts folder.

These articles are helpful for understanding the different preferences:

OS X v10.8 Mountain Lion

  1. Create a new folder on the Desktop. Name the folder with a descriptive name you'll remember. For example, something like "Compressor 4 Preferences."
  2. In Finder, hold down the Option key and choose Library from the Go menu.
  3. In the Library folder that opens, open the Application Support folder. Move the Apple Qmaster and Compressor folders to the folder created in step 1.
  4. Return to the Library folder and open the Preferences folder. Move the following files to the folder created in step 1:

    5. com.apple.Compressor.plist
    com.apple.Compressor.plist.lockfile

    com.apple.Compressor.LSSharedFileList.plist
    com.apple.Compressor.LSSharedFileList.plist.lockfile

    Note: The .lockfile item may not be present on your system.

OS X v10.7 Lion

  1. Create a new folder on the Desktop. Name the folder with a descriptive name you'll remember. For example, something like "Compressor 4 Preferences."
  2. In Finder, hold down the Option key and choose Library from the Go menu.
  3. In the Library folder that opens, open the Application Support folder. Move the Apple Qmaster and Compressor folders to the folder created in step 1.
  4. Return to the Library folder and open the Preferences folder. Move the following files to the folder created in step 1:

    5. com.apple.Compressor.plist
    com.apple.Compressor.plist.lockfile

    com.apple.Compressor.LSSharedFileList.plist
    com.apple.Compressor.LSSharedFileList.plist.lockfile


    Note: The .lockfile item may not be present on your system.

Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard

  1. Create a new folder on the Desktop. Name the folder with a descriptive name you'll remember. For example, something like "Compressor 4 Preferences."
  2. In the Finder, choose Home from the Go menu.
  3. In the Home folder that opens, open the Library folder. Then, In the Library folder that opens, open the Application Support folder. Move the Apple Qmaster and Compressor folders to the folder created in step 1.
  4. Return to the Library folder and open the Preferences folder. Move the following files to the folder created in step 1.

    5. com.apple.Compressor.plist
    com.apple.Compressor.LSSharedFileList.plist

After resetting preferences by moving the above file(s), perform the same steps that caused the issue to occur originally. If the issue no longer occurs, move the folder you created on the Desktop in the steps above, to the Trash. Empty the Trash to delete them from your computer.

11. Remove and reinstall Compressor 4

Important note before you begin:
Before reinstalling, be sure to first review your Compressor 4 preferences as they are currently configured, and note any specific settings you've chosen. When resetting the Compressor 4 preferences, your preferences will be returned to default settings the next time you open Compressor 4.

Also, verify that you have a current backup of your Compressor custom Settings and Layouts. These items are located in ~/Library/Application Support/Compressor. Custom Settings are located in the Settings folder and custom Layouts are in the Layouts folder.

Removing Compressor 4
Follow the steps below for the version of Mac OS X that you are using.

OS X v10.8 Mountain Lion

  1. In Finder, choose Applications from the Go menu.
  2. Locate the Compressor application and drag it to the Trash.
  3. In Finder, hold down the Option key and choose Library from the Go menu.
  4. In the Library folder that opens, open the Application Support folder. Move the Apple Qmaster and Compressor folders to the Trash.
  5. Return to the Library folder and open the Preferences folder. Move the following files to the Trash:

    6. com.apple.Compressor.plist
    com.apple.Compressor.plist.lockfile

    Note: The .lockfile item may not be present on your system.

OS X v10.7 Lion

  1. In Finder, choose Applications from the Go menu.
  2. Locate the Compressor application and drag it to the Trash.
  3. In Finder, hold down the Option key and choose Library from the Go menu.
  4. In the Library folder that opens, open the Application Support folder. Move the Apple Qmaster and Compressor folders to the Trash.
  5. Return to the Library folder and open the Preferences folder. Move the following files to the Trash:

    com.apple.Compressorapp.plist
    com.apple.Compressorapp.plist.lockfile

    Note: The .lockfile item may not be present on your system.

Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard

  1. In Finder, choose Applications from the Go menu.
  2. Locate the Compressor application and drag it to the Trash.
  3. In Finder, choose Home from the Go menu.
  4. In the Home folder that opens, In the Library folder that opens, open the Application Support folder. Move the Apple Qmaster and Compressor folders to the Trash.
  5. Return to the Library folder and open the Preferences folder. Move the following file to the Trash:

    com.apple.Compressorapp.plist

Reinstalling Compressor 4

  • From the Mac App Store
    1. Follow the steps from earlier in this article to remove Compressor 4.
    2. Open the Mac App Store.
    3. Click the Purchases button in the Mac App Store toolbar.
    4. Sign in to the Mac App Store using the Apple ID you first used to purchase Compressor 4.
    5. Look for Compressor in the list of purchased applications in the App Store. If you don't see Compressor in the list, make sure that it's not hidden. See Mac App Store: Hiding and unhiding purchases for more information.
    6. Click Install to download and install Compressor 4.
  • From a backup
    If you are reinstalling (restoring) a copy of Compressor 4 from a backup, you have two options. Choose one of the following:
    1. Simply drag the application back from its storage location to your Applications folder.
      Or
    2. If you use Time Machine to back up your computer, follow the steps for restoring data from Time Machine backups.

    • When you open the restored application for the first time, you may be required to sign in with the Apple ID account that you used to purchase the application.

 

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Logic Pro X: Importing split stereo audio files

Posted in Apple Portable Computers

Logic Pro X handles importing split stereo audio files somewhat differently than previous versions. Depending on how you import the files, they may either be converted to interleaved stereo or left as split stereo.

If you want to convert split stereo audio files to interleaved stereo when you add them to a project, do one of the following:
  • Open the Project Audio window and choose Audio File > Add Audio File.
  • Click the Browsers button in the Main window, then click the Project tab. Choose Audio File > Add Audio File.
 
If you want the leave the stereo format as split, then any of the following import methods will work:
  • Drag the audio file directly into the Tracks area from the Finder.
  • Add the audio file to an Audio track in the Tracks area by clicking with the Pencil tool.
  • Drag the audio file into the Project Audio window from the Finder.
  • Drag the audio file into the Browsers > Project Audio tab from the Finder.
 
Note that split stereo SDII files are never converted to interleaved stereo during import. If you want to convert them to interleaved, you can use the Project Audio Audio File > Copy/Convert File(s) command to convert them to AIFF, WAV, or CAF files with an interleaved stereo format after you have imported them.

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