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Dave Hamilton

Dave Hamilton co-founded both The Mac Observer and <a href="https://www.backbeatmedia.com" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank">BackBeat Media</a>, and he is producer and co-host of the <a href="https://www.macgeekgab.com" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank">Mac Geek Gab Podcast</a>. He has worked in the computer industry since the early 1990s, doing time as a consultant, trainer, network engineer, webmaster, and programmer. He has worked on the Mac, all the various Windows flavors, BeOS, a few brands of Unix, and it is rumored he once saw an OS/2 machine in action. Before that he ran some of the earliest Bulletin Board Systems, but most of the charges have since been dropped, and not even the FBI requests that he check in more than twice a year. Dave's reachable for paid consulting at <a href="https://www.davethenerd.com" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">DaveTheNerd.com</a> and you can find links to him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+ here, too.

Get In Touch:

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #105: Upgrades, Audio, Networking, and Spotlight

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For Monday, May 28th, 2007 Direct Links: MP3 Version or AAC Enhanced Version (coming soon courtesy of eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%6a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%40%6d%61%63%6f%62%73%65%72%76%65%72%2e%63%6f%6d%3e%4d%69%63%68%61%65%6c%20%4a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29’))Michael Johnston). Dave and John in front of one mic today talk about tweaking spotlight and network preferences, audio geekiness, and what upgrade paths make sense for you. Enjoy!…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #104: AirPort/Extreme, Digital Audio, FileMaker, and More!

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For Monday, May 20th, 2007 Direct Links: MP3 Version or AAC Enhanced Version (courtesy of eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%6a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%40%6d%61%63%6f%62%73%65%72%76%65%72%2e%63%6f%6d%3e%4d%69%63%68%61%65%6c%20%4a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29’))Michael Johnston). Dave and John are back, discussing and answering your comments about Airport/Extreme, Digital Audio, FileMaker, and more! Sponsor: BBEdit: BBEdit is the leading professional-strength HTML and text editor for…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #103: All About FileMaker

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For Monday, May 14th, 2007 Direct Links: MP3 Version (no AAC Enhanced Version this week, the MP3 is in both feeds). Dave — uber FileMaker geek — chats with Ryan Rosenberg and Kevin Mallon of FileMaker about some of the geekier things that can be done…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #102: Why Is There A Red Light In My Speaker Jack?

&idShow notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For Monday, May 7th, 2007 Direct Links: MP3 Version or AAC Enhanced Version (coming soon courtesy of eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%6a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%40%6d%61%63%6f%62%73%65%72%76%65%72%2e%63%6f%6d%3e%4d%69%63%68%61%65%6c%20%4a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29’))Michael Johnston). Optical audio, keyboard shortcuts, DVD regions, and MIME types all factor into today’s discussion as John and Dave share your tips and answer your questions. Sponsor: Audible:…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #101: Printing, Prefs, Routers, and Rips (and Surround Sound!)

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For Monday, April 30, 2007 Direct Links: MP3 Version or AAC Enhanced Version (courtesy of eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%6a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%40%6d%61%63%6f%62%73%65%72%76%65%72%2e%63%6f%6d%3e%4d%69%63%68%61%65%6c%20%4a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29’))Michael Johnston). Lots of listener feedback answered after the week off, including Printing Defaults, Surround Sound, Ripping DVDs, and mail servers. Don’t miss it! Sponsor: Audio Engine: Audioengine 5 — Real…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #99: Sending Mail From Remote, Resetting Routers, Home Wiring

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For Tuesday, April 9, 2007 Direct Links: MP3 Version or AAC Enhanced Version (coming soon courtesy of eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%6a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%40%6d%61%63%6f%62%73%65%72%76%65%72%2e%63%6f%6d%3e%4d%69%63%68%61%65%6c%20%4a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29’))Michael Johnston). 99 episodes later, John and Dave are still at it, answering your questions and bantering away about all things Mac. Today, the geeks get into sending e-mail…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #98: Tips on Security, Audio, Cleaning Up Your Mac, and More

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For Tuesday, April 3, 2007 Direct Links: MP3 Version or AAC Enhanced Version (courtesy of eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%6a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%40%6d%61%63%6f%62%73%65%72%76%65%72%2e%63%6f%6d%3e%4d%69%63%68%61%65%6c%20%4a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29’))Michael Johnston). Lots of tips this week, including Mac OS X keychain settings, relaying audio across the Internet, networking using your power lines, Controlling podcasts, and more. Sponsor: Audible: Get a…

EMI/Apple Conference Live Coverage

EMI CEO Eric Nicoli and Apple CEO Steve Jobs are making a joint announcement in London this morning. Check here for the highlights live as it happens. All times listed EDT 8:15am – Nicoli says this furthers their quest to provide consumers with “the best possible digital music experience.” Then straight into two tunes (thus…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #96: AirPort, Networking, and Vinyl... Yum!

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For March 19, 2007 Direct Links: MP3 Version or AAC Enhanced Version (courtesy of eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%6a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%40%6d%61%63%6f%62%73%65%72%76%65%72%2e%63%6f%6d%3e%4d%69%63%68%61%65%6c%20%4a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29’))Michael Johnston). John and Dave answer AirPort questions, delve into the finer points of Networking, help you transfer your vinyl to iTunes, and more! Sponsor: Audible: Get a 14-Day FREE Trial of…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #95: Syncing, Recording, Networking, and Small Business software

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For March 12, 2007 Direct Links: MP3 Version or AAC Enhanced Version (courtesy of eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%6a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%40%6d%61%63%6f%62%73%65%72%76%65%72%2e%63%6f%6d%3e%4d%69%63%68%61%65%6c%20%4a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29’))Michael Johnston). Today’s mailbag episode includes topics like Syncing, Recording, Networking, and Small Business software, including an impromptu rave about FileMaker by Dave. Don’t miss it! Sponsor: Yojimbo: Your effortless, reliable information…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #93: John and Dave Answer Your Questions

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For February 25, 2007 Direct Links: MP3 Version or AAC Enhanced Version (courtesy of eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%6a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%40%6d%61%63%6f%62%73%65%72%76%65%72%2e%63%6f%6d%3e%4d%69%63%68%61%65%6c%20%4a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29’))Michael Johnston). AirPort, VNC, Music Syncing, and auto-searching are just some of the topics covered by Dave, John, and the listeners in this edition of The Mac Geek Gab Podcast! Sponsor: Audio…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #92: Mailbag Goodies Galore With Your Questions Answered

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For February 19, 2007 Direct Links: MP3 Version or AAC Enhanced Version (courtesy of eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%6a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%40%6d%61%63%6f%62%73%65%72%76%65%72%2e%63%6f%6d%3e%4d%69%63%68%61%65%6c%20%4a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29’))Michael Johnston). No audio comments today, folks… It’s all John and Dave, all the time, reading messages from the mailbag and solving your problems! Sponsor: TeachMac If you’re using iTunes to download…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #91: Home Networking Dissected and Explained

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For February 12, 2007 Direct Links: MP3 Version or AAC Enhanced Version (courtesy of eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%6a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%40%6d%61%63%6f%62%73%65%72%76%65%72%2e%63%6f%6d%3e%4d%69%63%68%61%65%6c%20%4a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29’))Michael Johnston). Dave and John dig into what it takes to create — and keep running — a network of Macs in your home… and maybe some Windows machines, too! Sponsor: Yojimbo:…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #90: From Geek Speak to Human For You

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For January 22nd, 2007 Direct Links: MP3 Version or AAC Enhanced Version (courtesy of eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%6a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%40%6d%61%63%6f%62%73%65%72%76%65%72%2e%63%6f%6d%3e%4d%69%63%68%61%65%6c%20%4a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29’))Michael Johnston). ARD, WEP, 802.11n — sound geeky? It is, but John and Dave translate it all into human language for your listening pleasure! Sponsor: TeachMac If you’re using iTunes to download…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #89: Bulging Capacitors, Syncing iTunes, and ATA Busses Demystified

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For January 22nd, 2007 Direct Links: MP3 Version or AAC Enhanced Version (courtesy of eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%6a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%40%6d%61%63%6f%62%73%65%72%76%65%72%2e%63%6f%6d%3e%4d%69%63%68%61%65%6c%20%4a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29’))Michael Johnston). Bulging capacitors, syncing and sharing iTunes, and ATA busses are just a few of the topics covered in today’s show. Listen as John and Dave demistify the geekier side of…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #88: Backup, Shutdown, Syncing and Storing

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For January 16th, 2007 Direct Links: MP3 Version or AAC Enhanced Version (courtesy of eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%6a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%40%6d%61%63%6f%62%73%65%72%76%65%72%2e%63%6f%6d%3e%4d%69%63%68%61%65%6c%20%4a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29’))Michael Johnston). Back from Macworld Expo, Dave and John dig into the mailbag to answer your questions and solve your problems. Sponsor: TeachMac If you’re using iTunes to download and listen to…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #87: Show Floor Reflections

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For January 12th, 2007 Direct Links: MP3 Version (no AAC for the Macworld Expo Podcasts). John and Dave share their reactions from the show floor, the show vibe, and products noticed while at Macworld Expo. Sponsor: Yojimbo: Your effortless, reliable information organizer for Mac OS X.…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #86: Reactions from the Keynote

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For January 9th, 2007 Direct Links: MP3 Version (no AAC for Macworld Expo podcasts). At Macworld Expo, Dave and John share their reactions from the keynote speech. If you’re using iTunes to download and listen to podcasts, subscribe to the AAC Enhanced iTunes Feed. Note: Shownotes…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #85: Windows on a Mac and More!

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For January 2nd, 2007 Direct Links: MP3 Version or AAC Enhanced Version (courtesy of eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%6a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%40%6d%61%63%6f%62%73%65%72%76%65%72%2e%63%6f%6d%3e%4d%69%63%68%61%65%6c%20%4a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29’))Michael Johnston). Dave and John talk about running Windows (and Windows-based apps) on your Mac, talking through all the options and giving you advice and direction. If you’re using iTunes to download…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #84: Listener Questions Answered, DVD Mounting Problems, and Sharing Files Locally

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For December 26th, 2006 Direct Links: MP3 Version or AAC Enhanced Version (courtesy of eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%6a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%40%6d%61%63%6f%62%73%65%72%76%65%72%2e%63%6f%6d%3e%4d%69%63%68%61%65%6c%20%4a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29’))Michael Johnston). John and Dave take time today to answer your questions, talk about DVD Mounting Problems, and continue to explore the issue of sharing files with other local users on your…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #83: iPod Shuffle Reviewed, Remote Control

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For December 19th, 2006 Direct Links: MP3 Version or AAC Enhanced Version (courtesy of eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%6a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%40%6d%61%63%6f%62%73%65%72%76%65%72%2e%63%6f%6d%3e%4d%69%63%68%61%65%6c%20%4a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29’))Michael Johnston). First up is a review of the new iPod shuffle, and then John and Dave answer your questions about all things Mac… and beyond! Show Sponsor: TeachMac – Visit them…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #82: IR Remotes, Batteries, Freezing Macs, and More!

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For December 11th, 2006 Direct Links: MP3 Version or AAC Enhanced Version (courtesy of eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%6a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%40%6d%61%63%6f%62%73%65%72%76%65%72%2e%63%6f%6d%3e%4d%69%63%68%61%65%6c%20%4a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29’))Michael Johnston). After a week-long hiatus, Dave and John are back in full swing, answering your questions and playing your comments about remote controls, iChat nicknames, freezing Macs, and more! If you’re…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #79: iPod Batteries, Securing Your Files, and More!

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For November 20th, 2006 Direct Links: MP3 Version or AAC Enhanced Version (courtesy of eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%6a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%40%6d%61%63%6f%62%73%65%72%76%65%72%2e%63%6f%6d%3e%4d%69%63%68%61%65%6c%20%4a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29’))Michael Johnston). Dave and John talk through replacing your iPod battery, locking and securing files and folders, reformatting your Mac, and more. Plus, here more about their plans for Macworld Expo… you…

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #78: Sorting Downloads, Easy VPN, and Troubleshooting From The Pros

Show notes for TMO To Go: Mac Geek Gab For November 13th, 2006 Direct Links: MP3 Version or AAC Enhanced Version (courtesy of eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%6a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%40%6d%61%63%6f%62%73%65%72%76%65%72%2e%63%6f%6d%3e%4d%69%63%68%61%65%6c%20%4a%6f%68%6e%73%74%6f%6e%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29’))Michael Johnston). Want to be sure you’re sorting your downloads by the date you downloaded it? Perhaps you need to set up a quick and easy VPN? Or maybe you just want…