Forum: Author Hangout

Calibre weirdness

Switch Blayde 🚫

I was notified of a typo in Chapter 58 of my novel that I'm also posting on SOL so I made the correction on SOL and the epub for Bookapy. I haven't used Calibre for quite some time so was notified there was a new version. I dowloaded and installed the new version.

But Calibre wouldn't open because it required MacOS 13 and I'm on 12.7.2. But I'm current. There is no version 13. I had to install an older version of Calibre.

Isn't that weird? That Calibre's default download is for a version of MacOS that is not available?

Replies: Michael Loucks NC-Retired Switch Blayde

Michael Loucks 🚫
Updated:

@Switch Blayde

You must be on an older Mac. The current version of OSX is 14.3, aka 'Sonoma', which is running on my MacBook Pro and Mac Mini.

Compatible Macs:

iMac — 2019 and later
Mac Pro — 2019 and later
iMac Pro — 2017
Mac Studio — 2022 and later
MacBook Air — 2018 and later
Mac mini — 2018 and later
MacBook Pro — 2018 and later

See: Sonoma [Apple]

Replies: Lazeez Jiddan (Webmaster) Switch Blayde

Lazeez Jiddan (Webmaster)

@Michael Loucks

The current version of OSX is 14.3, aka 'Sonoma',

That's still in RC. The current version is 14.2.1.

Replies: Michael Loucks

Michael Loucks 🚫

@Lazeez Jiddan (Webmaster)

That's still in RC. The current version is 14.2.1.

I run the betas. So sue me. 😎

Replies: Freyrs_stories

Freyrs_stories 🚫
Updated:

@Michael Loucks

there's a reason they call it "the bleeding edge"

also why Alpha males are so "toxic". especially when you consider Alpha software and all its issues

Switch Blayde 🚫

@Michael Loucks

You must be on an older Mac.

MacBook Pro 2016 (my wife's is a 2015)

Does that mean I'm maxed out on Operating Systems?

Replies: Michael Loucks Gauthier

Michael Loucks 🚫

@Switch Blayde

Does that mean I'm maxed out on Operating Systems?

Yes. See: Compatibility Charts [Otherworld Computing]

Gauthier 🚫

@Switch Blayde

Apple still correct sparingly OSX 12 Major security flaws. But all Apps slowly becomes incompatible as they are updated to work on OSX 14
Your only reasonable options are:

1 Use offline and do not update.

2 Boot to Hackintosh a version designed to run on non Mac Hardware.
See https://www.reddit.com/r/hackintosh/comments/141wnjk/state_of_macos_14_sonoma_on_x86/
But it's a real pain to install and maintain that. And with OSX 15 all x86 Apple are to be trashed anyway (Unless we break the M1 security enclave and manage to boot to an M1 emulator).

3 Boot to Windows (Missing Keys on the Mac keyboard is painful...)

4 Boot to Linux

5 Replace the Hardware.

It's a bit of a let down from Apple to kill off OS upgrade after only 6 years.
Those Apple hardware would still be perfectly able to run OSX 14 if apple allowed it.

Compare it to a i5 750 based 2009 PC purchased With Windows Vista: It is still able to run the latest Windows 10 with no compatibility issues. That's 16 years of support for a 10 EUR upgrade to Windows 8 + 3 years of paid support before having to switch to linux...

Replies: Switch Blayde Michael Loucks amatlinux DBActive

Switch Blayde 🚫

@Gauthier

5 Replace the Hardware.

That's what I will do. I was needing to do it anyway because my keyboard is sometimes repeating keys when I press them. A real pain. I once created a chapter to upload to the SOL Wizard using the cmd/x and cmd/v to get the chapter from the full novel. I ended up with multiple copies of the chapter inside the posted chapter because my keyboard duplicated the "v" key.

The odd thing is, the keyboard isn't as old as the computer. I had problems with it (a key sticking) so they replaced the keyboard while it was under warrantee. Actually, an extended warrantee because of the problem. Being a laptop, replacing the keyboard required replacing something else (maybe the battery or power supply. I don't remember). Then there was a problem doing the replacement so I ended up with a new battery, keyboard, power, and hard drive. Pretty much everything except for the display. And I use an external display. So my MacBook Pro isn't as old as it seems. But the keyboard problem is a doozy. Now I have another reason to buy a new one.

Apple is still updating fixes on my version 12 OS. I just did one not long ago.

Replies: Michael Loucks Gauthier

Michael Loucks 🚫

@Switch Blayde

So my MacBook Pro isn't as old as it seems.

'Old' in my parlance means an older processor (e.g. Intel in yours vs Apple silicon in new systems).

Gauthier 🚫

@Switch Blayde

my keyboard is sometimes repeating keys

To cut patent cost Apple from 2015 to 2019/2020 used the butterfly switches (As most Apple users noticed it was a complete disaster...) When most scissors patents expired, in 2019 they returned to 1997 scissors switches design in use since 2004 by everyone.

If you made repair, you qualify for compensation in the Class action lawsuit Apple lost in 2022 about that failed design...

In my opinion, that Class action settlement was lenient. Apple should be forced to replace every butterfly keyboard it ever made.

Replies: Switch Blayde

Switch Blayde 🚫

@Gauthier

If you made repair, you qualify for compensation in the Class action lawsuit Apple lost in 2022

Maybe that's why they replaced the keyboard for free with their "extended" warrantee.

I received a payment for $90-something from Apple. It appeared in my checking account unannounced. I have no idea what it's for or even how Apple got my checking account info to make the ACH deposit. I saw an article the next day on another class action suit Apple lost and that people would be getting paid. That one was for something to do with them not charging iPhone batteries fully so people would buy newer phones. I assumed they paid me for that.

Michael Loucks 🚫

@Gauthier

It's a bit of a let down from Apple to kill off OS upgrade after only 6 years.
Those Apple hardware would still be perfectly able to run OSX 14 if apple allowed it.

Actually, a number of features depend on Apple silicon and more modern graphics chips. At some point, you do have to freeze the old version. And note well, it works just fine, it's the 3rd party app that is the problem.

amatlinux 🚫

@Gauthier

My computer magazine site heise.de just published a German article (behind a pay wall) on OCLP OpenCore Legacy Patcher. A open source program to install new, actual OS versions on older Apple hardware.
It's a project on GitHub.com/dortania/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher . That's definitely not a "push one button" program. Read carefully and make more than one backup in case Time machine can't play it back. It sounds difficult. Perhaps you can find a repair cafe, or an Apple user group with knowledge of this program. It might be an option if you otherwise have to throw the old HW away.
6. OCLP

DBActive 🚫

@Gauthier

Apple still correct sparingly OSX 12

Major security flaws

. But all Apps slowly becomes incompatible as they are updated to work on OSX 14

But the Apple fanboys always say there are no "security flaws" in Apple products.

Replies: Grey Wolf

Grey Wolf 🚫

@DBActive

Nearly every non-trivial system has security flaws. Comes with the territory. The amount of work it takes to fully harden anything is astronomical.

That said, there are relatively few security flaws compared to most other systems. Claiming there are none is foolish, though, and some of the ones that turn up are critical.

One of the things Apple has done is add guardrails which make it harder to manage any long-term exploit of the security flaws which do exist. Their work on that is probably ahead of anyone else in the mass commercial space.

NC-Retired 🚫

@Switch Blayde

MacBooks

I've recently taken on an online job. Does not take too much time, a few hours a week. Doesn't pay too much either, but $300 a month may save my butt from eating canned cat food.

The problem is my MacBook is too old to support upgrading the mac software needed to fully support the new job.

Other World Computing - https://www.owc.com - has been mentioned in this thread.

Apparently they have both used and 2-3 year old NIB MacBooks that are more 'modern' than my 10 year old hardware and will support the needed software.

Any positive or negative experiences?

All help appreciated.

Replies: awnlee jawking Michael Loucks

awnlee jawking 🚫

@NC-Retired

may save my butt from eating canned cat food.

Canned dog food is much better for you. Nowadays it tends to contain a good mix of veg with the meat. And it tastes good too!

AJ

Michael Loucks 🚫

@NC-Retired

Any positive or negative experiences?

You can't go wrong with OWC. I would purchase the most recent, best configured machine that fits your budget. If you can get into the Apple Silicon range, you'll be safe for a decade, roughly.

Replies: NC-Retired NC-Retired

NC-Retired 🚫

@Michael Loucks

Thank you.

NC-Retired 🚫

@Michael Loucks

Feedback.

The MacBook is fine. I bought a M1 processor 16" screen 2 year old used machine. 16 GB memory, 1 TB SSD.

The customer service? That rates a negative 10.

I've been in both email and voice contact trying to resolve issues. I keep getting excuses.

Finally had to buy the needed cords and accessories from Amazon so the new (to me) box would work.

Very disappointed in the CS.

Switch Blayde 🚫

@Switch Blayde

I finally made it to the Apple store to look at the new MacBooks. They only have 3 USB-C ports. My 2016 MacBook Pro has 4. But I'm only using 3 so I guess that will work. Most of my devices are connected to hubs with the old USB.

Apple did away with that nice touch bar at the top of the keyboard. I will miss it.

I have a dumb question. I connect my MacBook to the internet with an ethernet cable. I had always assumed it plugged directly into the cable modem from my computer. But I realized the ethernet cable from the cable modem plugs into my router and the ethernet cable from my MacBook also plugs into the router. So when the router is down, I don't have access to the internet even though I'm connected via ethernet and not WiFi.

I googled it and that's the way it's supposed to be connected. Anyone know why?

Replies: NC-Retired Fra Bartolo Lazeez Jiddan (Webmaster) Michael Loucks

NC-Retired 🚫

@Switch Blayde

Can't answer your why question. Dunno.

But USB ports... I bought this and I can connect all my devices. Works as it should.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08THLZ4K9?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

Replies: Switch Blayde

Switch Blayde 🚫

@NC-Retired

But USB ports

I have a 4-port USB hub with power that plugs into my MacBook's USB-C with an adapter. My two external hard drives are plugged into that hub with USB to USB cables. But for some reason, that little thingie my wireless mouse uses doesn't work in that hub so I have a second hub plugged into it with the mouse thing plugged into the 2nd hub.

My external monitor today plugs into my laptop with a USB to USB-C cable. I don't use the power cord for my MacBook because the external monitor charges it.

Fra Bartolo 🚫

@Switch Blayde

But I realized the ethernet cable from the cable modem plugs into my router and the ethernet cable from my MacBook also plugs into the router. So when the router is down, I don't have access to the internet even though I'm connected via ethernet and not WiFi.

I googled it and that's the way it's supposed to be connected. Anyone know why?

You're likely using older cable tv cable for your linkup? Then the modem probably speaks some form of DOCSIS ("Data over Cable System Interface Specification") on the "cable" side. It'll probably be capable of "talking" with a single IP address on the ethernet side. The router enables you to use more than a single device on your home network by hiding your devices on a private network using a trick called NAT ("Network Address Translation"). If it supports wifi, it'll also act as a bridge between wifi and wired networks, enabling your wireless devices to talk to your wired devices and vice versa.

HTH,
-FB

Replies: Switch Blayde

Switch Blayde 🚫

@Fra Bartolo

Then the modem probably speaks some form of DOCSIS

I don't know what that is. But my cable company recently made me replace my old cable modem with a new one so it's new. The new one is both a cable modem and router, but I have my own router so I don't use the router that's included in the new modem.

All my wireless devices in my house use my router WiFi, but I thought with my ethernet cable I would bypass that. Then one day I reset my router (turned it off and back on) and expected to be able to access the internet while it was booting. I couldn't so I traced the ethernet cable and found it went to the router.

It's no big deal. I was just wondering. I'm hoping my access is faster through the ethernet than my wife's MacBook through WiFi. If not, I'm wasting a usb-C port on my MacBook.

Lazeez Jiddan (Webmaster)

@Switch Blayde

the ethernet cable from my MacBook also plugs into the router. So when the router is down, I don't have access to the internet even though I'm connected via ethernet and not WiFi.

Your Mac is connected to the router and the router is down. How do you expect to get internet via the node your Mac is connected to if the node is down?

Replies: Switch Blayde

Switch Blayde 🚫

@Lazeez Jiddan (Webmaster)

Your Mac is connected to the router and the router is down. How do you expect to get internet via the node your Mac is connected to if the node is down?

That's how I discovered the ethernet cable from my MacBook went to the router. I had thought it went directly to the cable modem.

Replies: Lazeez Jiddan (Webmaster)

Lazeez Jiddan (Webmaster)
Updated:

@Switch Blayde

That's how I discovered the ethernet cable from my MacBook went to the router. I had thought it went directly to the cable modem.

I depends on the configuration of the router and the modem.

Internet service modems come in different varieties and have different configurations. Your modem could be only a modem (modulator/demodulator) and be a pass-thru configuration where it doesn't do anything other than convert the network signals into IP packets and then you would need a router configured with your username and possibly a password to give you the service you paid for.

Most of the time though these days, the modem itself has a router built in (or more accurately a router with a built-in modem). That router/modem would contain the account configuration and has a built-in DHCP server to provide network configuration to connected devices.

If your internet provider gave you a modem AND a router, then the modem is pass-thru and the router is required for the authentication and network communications with your Mac or any other devices that you may connect to the router.

If you got a router on your own, separately from your internet provider and you plugged it in without any specific configuration, then you could connect your Mac directly to the modem.

Although, if you really want to, you could connect your Mac to a pass-thru modem, but you'll have to configure the Mac with the PPP software required by your internet provider depending on their protocols. Most users can't do this and would require a technician from the internet company to come and configure your Mac to connect to the internet.

When I was living in Canada, I had both types of services at my house. A fiber optic modem/router/wifi combo for the family from Bell. It was connected to the fiberoptic cable and the electrical outlet and everybody connected by wifi. It had 4 ethernet ports that could be used. I also had a second internet line with a pass-thru modem for a service with a static IP address. I had my own router that I purchased which had enterprise level services like private VPN, and that was connected via ethernet to my desktop Mac. Let me tell you, it was a bitch to configure that router to get optimum speed, down to the packet/chunk size.

Replies: Michael Loucks Joe Long

Michael Loucks 🚫

@Lazeez Jiddan (Webmaster)

Although, if you really want to, you could connect your Mac to a pass-thru modem, but you'll have to configure the Mac with the PPP software required by your internet provider depending on their protocols. Most users can't do this and would require a technician from the internet company to come and configure your Mac to connect to the internet.

Here in Chicagoland, Comcast allows a direct connection to the cable modem without configuring PPP or any other protocol. That's actually how you perform a self-install.

Joe Long 🚫

@Lazeez Jiddan (Webmaster)

My previous cable modem had ports for 4 ethernet connections but the new one they provided only has one. I preferred to hardwire my pc instead of using wifi to max the speed. Now that I'm working from home and have two pc's in my office I had to pick which ethernet I wanted to plug in as I could no longer do both.

Replies: Lazeez Jiddan (Webmaster)

Lazeez Jiddan (Webmaster)

@Joe Long

Now that I'm working from home and have two pc's in my office I had to pick which ethernet I wanted to plug in as I could no longer do both.

The solution is cheap. All you need is an unmanaged ethernet switch, like This one

Michael Loucks 🚫
Updated:

@Switch Blayde

Apple did away with that nice touch bar at the top of the keyboard. I will miss it.

The Touch Bar always drove me nuts. I prefer function keys.

I have a dumb question. I connect my MacBook to the internet with an ethernet cable.

Most cable modems have only one ethernet port, and are assigned only one IP address (this is up to your ISP). You plug in a router to allow you to connect more than one device. Lazeez provided a more detailed answer, so I'll leave that to him.

Replies: doctor_wing_nut

doctor_wing_nut 🚫

@Michael Loucks

Most cable modems have only one ethernet port

My Comcast modem has 4 ethernet ports (PC,TV, Roku and DVD player all hard-wired). Wifi for the laptops, phones, bedroom TV, old backup PC and tablet.

Replies: Michael Loucks

Michael Loucks 🚫

@doctor_wing_nut

My Comcast modem has 4 ethernet ports (PC,TV, Roku and DVD player all hard-wired). Wifi for the laptops, phones, bedroom TV, old backup PC and tablet.

I strongly suspect that's not a pure cable modem (i.e one that does not have WiFi or an ethernet switch and which supplies DHCP).

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Forum: Author Hangout

Calibre weirdness

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