After my last post on the live blog stream of the "Let's talk iPhone" I haven't really had a chance downloading and updating my iPhone to iOS 5.

What really bugged me was the headlines of Apple's servers not being sufficient for the update. Well lets see… Steve passed away (R.I.P), this was a real revelation for the iOS and they were releasing a new iPhone on Friday so obviously it would be swamped. 

The official release for Lion is drawing closer and closer. After developers received an email on Monday asking them to send through their Lion Apps for testing at Apple. Which you can find a snapshot of it below.

Yes I got my hands on a Golden Master build of the Mac OS X Lion that is predicted to be released on the 6th (Today) or 19th July 2011. The Golden Master was released on the 1st July 2011.

Just a few hours ago, Apple made iTunes 10.3 available for downloading. Which you can find here. I have done a Software Update check but it's not showing the new iTunes so I downloaded it and installed it manually.

A post and update on Apple's website gives confirmation that Apple is now taking action against the virus that hit the web and Macs a few weeks ago.

In the beginning Apple briefly explains and gives information on the virus. And gives a statement that they will now develop a Software Update to remove the virus if it has been installed. This brings in some hope for Mac users.

Apple then gives detailed instructions on stopping the installation of the virus as well as removing it:

If your like me and have a spare monitor lying around after putting it away due to making an investment in a Mac then here's a way of making it useful.

Why extend your display?

Well I don't know if you are like me but I tend to use a lot of Finder windows besides my other Apps that I use such as Adobe CS, Microsoft Outlook, Safari, Firefox, iTunes, Mac App Store, Stuffit Expander and many more.

And this just clusters on my desktop. With having an extended display you can put all those Finder windows or specific Apps on the new monitor with out it being drowned by the other windows.

Unfortunately I cannot do it over Wifi like I can with my iPhone via AirDisplay so I will have to get the adapter.

Where do I start?

Well you need to find out what connection your Mac takes for external viewing. If you have one of Apple's MacBooks, you can probably take the DVI or Mini DisplayPort. And the same for the iMacs.

Then you need to find out what connection your other monitor can take. It can be HDMI, VGA, DVI, DisplayPort, MiniDisplayPort, Component Video etc.
I have a iMac 27 inch with Mini DisplayPort and my HP 21 inch monitor has VGA or DVI.
Go to Apple Stores Displays and Graphics page here. And you will find the various adapters for extending your Mac display.

You can get these adapters from any Apple Resellers such as the iStores or Select Incredible Connection stores or just search for it on bidorbuy.co.za

If you want it for HDMI or Component Video I suggest Google it and you will come across 3rd party manufacturers who make them but I don't know if it is worth it, it might be bad for video quality etc.
DVI or VGA?

A lot of reviewers have found that DVI video quality is exactly the same as HDMI(Not the audio). So DVI is the best bet. Unfortunately they didn't have it in stock when I went through so I got the VGA. I'll probably get the DVI next week or so.
Price?

R300 - R400

Installation

1. The adapter is really tiny. One end will have the Mini DisplayPort male end and the other will have the female VGA end.

You need a VGA cable(Male to Male) which you can get from any computer shop for R100 or less or more depending on the length you want. 

After my last post on the 10 Apps for the iPhone, I thought i'd do the same for Mac. These will be arranged by category and have the prices for them. There are thousands of Apps for Mac, this is the list of Mac Apps that I use frequently and I think every Mac should have them, read on to find out why…

So after my last post on getting an iTunes account outside of South Africa's iTunes Store, I thought I'd share another exciting guide on getting a Spotify account.

What is Spotify?

It's a European network where users can stream music from millions of popular or not so popular artists. Now when I first used the Spotify App on my Mac, as soon as I double clicked the song, it played immediately, which is amazing!

Why can't I get an account?

Well Spotify has not yet expanded outside of Europe as yet. But they alert on their website, that they intend to in the near future. It will kick you out if your IP address does not correspond with the country in Europe. Now it's not available all over Europe, but in select European countries. You can use a proxy switcher to change your IP to one of the European countries or do what I did, go to a website that changes your IP for you. But the Spotify website will run within that website!

Requirements

1. Internet Browser (I am not too sure if the website needs a specific browser with a specific version but get the latest to ensure it)

2. Internet Connection

How to get a Spotify account

1. Open up your browser and go to this address http://www.proxy4free.com/
This site lists top proxy websites in the world that is confirmed to work.