Mark Robinson

Just about every morning I start my day by refreshing my iTunes podcast subscriptions and then sync my iPhone. I decided today to automate that process, so that I just have to grab my iPhone in the morning before heading out to work.

I automated the process by using two Applescripts that are run each day by a reoccurring event in iCal.

Step 1 - Start the Apple script editor
Step 2 - Create a file called updatePodcasts (I saved the scripts in a folder called applescripts in my documents folder)
Step 3 - Put in the following command in the file: tell application “iTunes” to updateAllPodcasts
Step 4 - Save the file
Step 5 - Create a file called updateiPhone (You can do something similar for iPods)
Step 6 - Put the following command in the file: tell application “iTunes” to update “phonename” (replace phonename with actual name of your iPhone or iPod)
Step 7 - Save the file
Step 8 - Create a new calendar in iCal called Automation (I choose to hide this calendar from view to reduce clutter after I added the events)
Step 9 - Select the Automation Calendar
Step 10 - Create a new event at the time you want to refresh your podcasts, set the event to reoccur everyday, set the alarm with an action of Run Script selecting the updatePodcasts script that you created
Step 11 - Create a new event at the time you want to sync your iPhone/iPod, set the event to reoccur everyday, set the alarm with an action of Run Script selecting the updateiPhone script that you created

Your Mac will now automatically refresh your podcasts and sync your iPhone/iPod each day assuming that it’s not asleep.

I have used the NetNewsWire RSS feed reader software since I switched to the Macintosh platform. It offers great functionality for managing, reading and archiving RSS news stories. The software also integrates nicely with their online reader which also happens to have a great interface for the iPhone.The company that makes the software has recently announced that all of their products including clients for Macintosh, PC and the online reader are now being made available for free. I would highly recommend that you visit their website and give NetNewsWire a space on your dock for keeping up with your RSS feeds. 

If you own a Macintosh computer the people behind MacHeist are back this year with a great bundle of software including 1Password, CSSEdit, SnapX Pro and Pixelmator worth over $400 for $49. The deal lasts through January 23rd.If you are interested in buying the bundle, please consider sending me an email so I can forward you an invite link that will help me get bonus software.

I have only been using the 1Password software on my Mac for a few days, but I would already highly recommend the application. It is a password management utility that has great integration with your web browsers.They have teamed up with Maczot to offer a 40% discount today.https://agilewebsolutions.com/store?d=ChristmasEveZot2007