Volume Number: 25
Issue Number: 10
Column Tag: Editorial

From the Editor, October 2009

Welcome to MacTech Magazine's Snow Leopard issue. We're really excited about Snow Leopard and this issue pulls together great content showing the diverse new features of Apple's new release. While Apple is reporting large sales of the new OS, we don't know that many people who have actually committed to it as a production OS. But we're sure of two things: Apple will ship new hardware that only runs 10.6. Additionally, for those with an existing machine, or machines, there will be some compelling reason to upgrade at some point.

Developers: look to Dave Dribin's Road to Code column to begin to understand the changes that Apple offers the programmer. Developers will certainly be driving people to upgrade, as some of the new 10.6-only features are too compelling to ignore.

Mike Hjörleifsson brings us part 1 of a look at the new Podcast Producer version 2. Frankly, even I hadn't had the chance to dig into the newest version shipping with Snow Leopard. Mike's intro made me want to get a closer look, and if you need to process any media, you'll be excited by the possibilities, too. Let Mike get you started with Podcast Producer in Snow Leopard.

MacEnterprise follows up on last month's launchd recipes with updates to launchd in 10.6. This is a must read for Sys Admins and everyone that uses launchd (so, this means you). We're also running a MacEnterprise article that deals with best practices in creating packages for distribution – this touches on Sys Admin and developer topics, so, this is another must read.

This month's Mac in the Shell gets back to its roots: what changes to the shell environment has Snow Leopard brought? Well, it's more than first meets the eye. "Snow Leopard in the Shell" has more.

Ben Waldie returns to illustrate the many changes Apple has brought to AppleScript in 10.6. It was a bit surprising to learn of the new inclusions to the language and what is going away. Ben's deep AppleScript experience informs this article and helps you to not get caught unaware.

There's also more our popular columns that aren't 10.6-specific, like Kool Tools, Michael Göbel and Oliver Pospisil's Inspired by Life series and more.

This month's MacTech Spotlight features Jesse Grosjean of Hog Bay Software. You'll find wonderfully simple, clearly thought out software at Hog Bay. Get a glimpse of the person behind the product.

Our Snow Leopard issue has been really enjoyable to produce—we hope you enjoy it too and that it clears the path for you. If you have topics that need clearing up, let us know: letters@mactech.com. Until next month, enjoy!

Edward Marczak,

Executive Editor