Splash of Style...Macs, Photography, Design, and other Passions

Automountd Trying to Connect to Backups.backupdb

I just bought a new 1TB external hard drive yesterday, and my Chronosync backups were still working last night to sync all my files from various hard drives to backups on the new drive.

This morning I noticed a Little Snitch (gotta love this app!) requesting to allow “Automountd” to connect to “Backups.backupdb”

I recognized Backups.backupdb as the location of Leopard’s Time Machine backup, but I was unsure why automountd wanted to connect to the Internet; besides Time Machine is not configured to auto backup. I always click the Time Machine icon in my menu bar for manual backups AND the drive I do use for backups was definitely attached to my Mac overnight.

So I googled “automountd” and found this article. http://installingcats.com/2008/06/01/automountd-backups-backupd/

He received the very same message from Little Snitch. In the article he explains in plain English what is going on. Even though the first time I read it, I was a bit muddled, but when I read it again, I think I understand the answer to the problem, but I still don’t know why automountd was trying to connect in the first place, especially since Time Machine is not set to auto backup.

In the article, another article was referenced. That might contain the answers to automountd, but seriously, I don’t have the time right now to read it. So, I will list the article for future reading reference: http://rajeev.name/blog/2007/11/22/autofs-goodness-in-apples-leopard-105-part-i/

I ended up denying access (until quit) in Little Snitch, and there appears to be no impact on Time Machine’s backup ability. I manually started the backup and it did take a very long time to start the tiny backup (a few mb) but when it was finished, the files looked okay.

I will keep an eye on it.

DNS Poisoning & How To Protect Yourself

Now I am not one to panic about malware on the web. I have always prided myself on smart & safe browsing. But when I first heard about the new DNS Poisoning problem on the Nosillacast podcast a couple of weeks ago, it scared me. This could be a problem affecting everyone, no matter what safety precautions they take while surfing the Internet.

The subject is so complicated, and I won’t pretend to understand it fully, but I think I understand it enough to explain the situation to my family and friends, which is what I am trying to do with this blog article.

Are you vulnerable?

The Security Now podcast lists several links to sites that will “test” your site for the vulnerability: http://www.grc.com/sn/notes-155.htm

I ran the test @ DoxPara and the following message appeared: “Your ISP’s name server, xxxxx, has other protections above and beyond port randomization against the recently discovered DNS flaws. There is no reason to be concerned about the results seen below.”

I have heard that similar messages are appearing for other Comcast users. Since the information I am finding online concerning Comcast is vague and unclear, I am not 100% sure I trust Comcast to deal with this. So, I am taking matters into my own hands until I am sure.

I have read that other ISPs like Time Warner and AT&T have NOT patched, so there are still a lot of people out there that are in trouble!

Good News - Use Open DNS

The good news is, you can bypass your ISP’s DNS computers, and use another. Open DNS is a very secure and highly recommended DNS server that offers use of its servers for FREE! All you need to do is change a couple of settings in your router.

Not using a router? If your computer is attached directly to a high speed modem (ie DSL, Cable, satellite) then you are highly vulnerable to this flaw, as well as many other attacks.

Using a router keeps you safe behind a “hardware” firewall, and that firewall can thwart most attacks…so do yourself a favor and head to Staples, Walmart, Target, or Amazon and buy a Linksys, Netgear, or DLink router. It is an absolutely necessary tool in today’s times!

Change Your Router’s Settings

It is very easy to change your router settings to use Open DNS servers instead of your ISP’s.

Note: Don’t worry, you aren’t changing to a new Internet Service Provider, you will still be using the same ISP, it’s just the DNS computer information that you are changing.

There are detailed instructions on the Open DNS site, but I will walk through the instructions for changing a Linksys router.

First you need to access your router’s settings. Linksys router users can use this link: http://192.168.1.1/.

A password window will appear. The user name is “admin” and unless you previously changed the access password, the default password will be “admin”.

Important note: in the router settings, your password should be changed for extra security. To learn more about configuring your router for better security, please read my prior article.

Once you have logged into your router, you should be on the “Setup” page/tab.

Toward the bottom of the page, there is a setting called “Network Address Server Settings (DHCP)”. Locate “Static DNS 1″ and “Static DNS 2″ and type in Open DNS’s server numbers, which are:

208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220

NOTE: If you have current DNS settings, then write them down just in case you need to revert back.

Once the new DNS numbers have been entered, click the “Save Settings” button. And that is it!

Okay, next, a word or two about Open DNS. Besides free use of their DNS servers, they also offer all sorts of parental controls and other security. I haven’t really delved into their offerings, but from what I gather, it’s all free. How can all this be free? Well to offset their costs, they have advertising revenues. Keep in mind, that whenever you type in a wrong address into your browser, Open DNS will take you to a custom search page, usually with your corrected web site URL on top.

For instance, if you type “ebay” instead of “ebay.com”, your browser will take you to a search page for “ebay”. Some have complained that this isn’t fair, wah wah wah…but who cares. They have to make money somehow. I don’t mind that they make a little on searches.

To learn more about Open DNS and all their offerings, check out the Typical Mac User podcast for a special 3 part series on all the details.

Personal Computer Patches

Besides your ISP computers, personal home computers, as well as business computers also need to be patched.

As far as I can tell, Microsoft issued a security patch a week or two ago, so make sure you are 100% up to date with all your Vista or XP critical patches.

As for Mac users, there was a patch issued, but it looks like it doesn’t fix everything, so when I am out from behind my router, I think I am still vulnerable if I connect to an open wifi spot. I am still a bit foggy on that issue, so more research is needed.

More Questions

Since I am still learning about this vulnerability, I still have additional questions that I haven’t found answers to.

For example, are cell phones that connect to the Internet still vulnerable? What about if you use a VPN (virtual private network)? What about web based email like gmail?

There is also a problem with routers being vulnerable too, but the issue isn’t as dire, because they would only be attacking your small network. Initially, I think routers will be okay, and the bigger networks like ISPs will be attacked first. I would like to find out more about the router issues, and whether firmware patches will be issued.

Hopefully I can find the answers online soon.

Helpful sites if you want to learn more about the DNS Flaw:

• Bart Busschots blog
• Nosillacast Show #163
• Security Now Episode #155

Macbook Pro LCD Calibration Problems

Regarding my first post, I was initially very happy w/ the calibration. I had purchased an X-rite Eye-One Display LT from Adorama.

I was disappointed because the Eye-One Display came highly recommended on various sources online.

So, I tried the calibration again, same pink hue. It doesn’t look bad at first, until you really start to look at it. It really shows up when looking at a white background.

I was leaving on vacation, so I had to wait to contact anyone. On my return, I had a miserable cold, and I didn’t feel like thinking, much less speaking to anyone to try to trouble shoot the problem.

Finally, yesterday I called X-rite’s customer service department to see if they could help me. Well, the person I spoke to (Kevin) was no help at all. He didn’t seem knowledgeable about the product and his advice in the end was to make sure my Mac’s gamma was 2.2 and not 1.8. I didn’t think this would have any impact on the pink hues, but alas, I did try to calibrate one last time. Nope, the same pink hue, but it just looked “darker” w/ the 2.2 gamma set.

I was fed up.

The good news is that I spoke to Adorama this morning to ask about a return, and after I explained myself, they generously agreed to the return even though it was slightly beyond the 14 day return period. Yay for Adorama!

Canon Printer Error Message-"more than one ink installed"

I have a Canon Pixma MP500 all-in-one printer, and I have been receiving sporadic error messages. Either an ink is missing or “Error Number : 1681 More than one ink tank of the following color is installed. Magenta [8] Use only one ink tank per color at a time.” - both errors point to the Magenta ink tank.

It is temporarily repaired by removing the magenta ink, and seating it back into place. The printer works again, and a few days later, the error appears.

Today, it was particularly stubborn. I reseated the magenta ink tank several times, and when it wouldn’t work, I turned to google. It appears that a lot of others are having the same issue with Canon printers.

I decided to call the Canon technical support. sigh. A lot of good that did. Because the printer was almost two years old (purchased in Aug 2006), they would have to charge me $10 to troubleshoot the problem. Oh but the good news is, he wouldn’t charge me if he couldn’t fix it. Well, of course it would probably be TEMPORARILY fixed, but that wouldn’t help in the long term.

I hung up with tech support and opened the ink compartment again. This time, I reseated all the ink cartridges, and that seemed to fix it for now.

After reading some of the other problems others were having, it appears a lot were using refilled or 3rd party ink. I learned my lesson with the Epson, and will only buy official Canon ink.

I think it just may be time for a new printer. Shameful really. I guess 2 years is long enough for printers to last. sigh. Oh well, those new Kodak printers with cheap ink look tempting. I will look into them!

Macbook Pro LCD Calibration

whoo-hoo. I calibrated my Macbook Pro display for the first time! I was nervous (not sure why, it wasn’t like it was going to blow it up if I made an error).

The colors look very nice. My eyes feel like they need adjusting, and I have a tiny slight headache, so I turned my brightness down for now. I hope I get used to it.

Anyway, I purchased an “Eye-One Display LT” calibrator from x-rite. You can find them on Amazon as sold by Adorama. I have purchased from Adorama twice now, and they are very good.

The instructions that came w/ the product are a bit scarce, but if you take your time, it isn’t very difficult to accomplish the process. I guess the deal is you need to calibrate regularly, like once a week. The software will supposedly remind me.

The reason I chose the Eye-One LT is because the price was inexpensive @ $140. Yes, there were other calibrators that were less expensive, like the Spyder 2 Express, but for a little more money, I could get a “semi-pro” level tool.

Plus, the reviews for the Eye-One Display LT were very good.

The x-rite website is packed with lots of information; I am going to have to sit down and read over all their tutorials and articles soon.

File Recovery on Windows Bootcamp Partition

I did something stupid this morning. I have no one to blame but myself, even though I would like to blame Apple for making me have such crazy problems w/ my Macbook Pro.

My MBP has been running badly, since my upgrade to Leopard. After setting up at least two prior Applestore Genius appointments, then canceling, I needed to have my MBP looked over once and for all.

Long story short, since I had a Windows Bootcamp installation, I figured I better delete a few of my personal Microsoft Money files from the Windows partition. I emptied the trash, and as soon as I did, I realized that I hadn’t backed up from the last time I worked in Windows.

Oh no! Crap! I took at look at the backup I did have, and it was from over a month ago in May. I worked for 3 or 4 hours about a week ago updating my Microsoft Money files. Oh no! This was bad!

I rescheduled my Apple Genius appointment to tomorrow, and started googling to find a suitable Mac Data Recovery program.

I found Data Rescue II. I downloaded the free demo, and let it scan my Windows partition. Unfortunately didn’t find any .mny Microsoft money files. Data Rescue is $100.

I found another program called Boomerang, and that was priced even higher at $200. I figured that I would install the demo and let it search the partition. Lo and behold, it did find my file, located in /1 Fat32/.Trashes/501/ folder.

Well, okay, this is giving me hope.

Granted, the file wasn’t important enough to pay $100+ but if I could now just somehow restore it using a freeware app, it would save me from having to enter all that data in again.

I launch Onyx so I could change my settings to display all hidden files. Maybe just maybe it would show up as a hidden file on the partition. Nope! I did see the folders .Trashes/501/ but they were empty. Darn!

Let’s think this through. I didn’t want to just willy nilly install a freeware Windows app on the Bootcamp partition for fear that it would overwrite the file I needed to recover.

Then, I had a delightful idea of booting into my old Dell desktop, and attaching my Macbook Pro by USB to see if maybe I could “see” the Windows partition, and therefore run a free recovery program from the Dell. But alas, I didn’t have a USB to USB connector. (note to self: buy a new connector cable from Amazon soon)

Finally, I came upon my solution! Searching for “portable usb data recovery“, I found Recuva - a portable application that could be installed right on a USB key.

And guess what, it worked!

I downloaded the file, saved it on a USB key, then booted into my Windows partition. Once Windows launched, I double-clicked Recuva, and went through the installation process, making sure I installed directly on the USB key.

Then I double-clicked the program to launch, and voila! It found my file in excellent shape, and it recovered it easy as pie!

I am keeping this handy dandy app saved on a USB key just in case it’s needed in the future! whoo-hooo! I am a happy girl!

Upgrading MacBook Pro to Leopard

I think it is time. I am ready for the Mac OS X upgrade from Tiger to Leopard. I have my personal files backed up; I have a list of all the applications I need to re-install and the corresponding serial numbers ready to go.

I am excited, and I hope it all goes well. Wish me luck!

Helpful Web Resources:

• associatedcontent.com/
• List of apps not compatible w/ Leopard (MacRumors)

Extra 2gb of Ram for MBP

Oh joy, the 2gb stick of ram I ordered from OWC (MacSales) arrived yesterday. I installed it into my MacBook Pro last night. Installing ram is a tad different than the Powerbook, but still very easy.

Take out battery, remove screws, remove face plate, take out old ram stick, insert new ram stick.

I only had one little glitch. After I installed, I rebooted, and nothing. The light on the front of the Macbook Pro was just sort of flashing three times then pausing. I didn’t panic (not too much) and I hoped it was just badly seated ram. So, I opened the case again, and reseated.

Phew, this time it booted fine.

So, is my Mac faster now, with 3 gb of ram? OH YEAH!!!!~~~

I admit, I haven’t put the MBP through its paces yet, but I can tell you that apps launch so much faster now! I am happy Mac now.

Here is a photo of my old Apple ram.

Even though some people sell their old ram on Ebay, I am keeping mine, just in case I need it. Ya never know if the new ram will fail, and also if I need to bring the MBP in for service, I might need the old ram installed.

MacBook Pro - New Ram

I decided I needed more ram, so I just ordered a new 2 gb Ram stick from OWC (Mac Sales) - I checked a few other online stores, and OWC had the best price. Plus I have ordered ram (and other products) from them before, and was very satisfied.

So, I will be sure to post my findings after working with my MBP with 3gb of Ram.

Epson Class Action Suite Payment

For those interested parties, the class action suite against Epson has finally been settled and benefits have been sent.

There were many comments posted on the prior article I wrote, and lots of frustrated Epson users were waiting for results.

Today, I finally received my settlement benefit document, which included a check payment for $25 and a $20 store credit code to be used at http://www.Epsonstore.com.

For those that opted for just the store credit, you should be receiving a full credit of $45. For those that opted for a check and credit, don’t throw away the check stub, it also includes the store credit code.

I just briefly browsed the Epsonstore web site, and nothing jumps out at me; I will probably choose the bright white paper and some photo stickers. I don’t think the credit will affect the shipping charge, only the merchandise charges.

Important to note: The store credit is not active until June 20th.

Related web resources:

• http://splashofstyle.com
• EpsonSettlement.com
• EpsonStore.com

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