Messages

151

Tools of the Trade / Re: IM Programs in Rehearsal

« on: Aug 10, 2007, 05:44 pm »

Correct, it was however just an example of how what started as a good idea (we can use IM to send bug reports to the programmers instead of relying on email, that way it is instant) turned into a situation where things became impersonal, or started getting used in the wrong situations (ie when someone was offering to go out and get lunch).

The principals can be applied to SMing too - the wrong situation, IMO being the rehearsal room.

Hey to each their own I guess.  I can definitely see how it can be obnoxious and unnecessary during rehearsals but I can also see the benefits of using it and to discount it as "standard" just because of certain situations doesn't work for me.  IMO there are more things to be gained by using it then by not. 

152

Tools of the Trade / Re: Should I become a Mac-er?

« on: Aug 10, 2007, 05:18 pm »

Digga -

How do you turn off the Vista security questions?  Please fill me in...

• Go to Control Panel and open User Account and Family Settings
• Select Add or Remove User Accounts
• Click on the User Account for which you want to disable UAC
• Click Go to the Main User Accounts Page
• Click Change Security Settings
• Unselect the Use UAC to help protect your computer

There are other methods but this is the simplest to follow.  If you get confused, you can go here and there are images to help guide the way.  Just scroll down to Method 4.

153

The Hardline / Re: LOA and LORT?

« on: Aug 10, 2007, 09:09 am »

INTAR is an LOA-NYC contract which bases it loosely (very loosely) on the Off-Broadway Contract in NYC. 

The salaries are individually contracted between Equity and each Theatre Company when working under an LOA and they're not even close to the Off-Broadway minimums.  As an ASM, expect between $250-$330 per week.  The nice thing about them is they do count towards Health and Pension.

154

Tools of the Trade / Re: Should I become a Mac-er?

« on: Aug 09, 2007, 12:09 am »

It is more "I see no reason to spend 1300 on a PC laptop when my primary needs are served better by a Mac (which is also 1300)."

The only thing is you wouldn't be spending 1300 on a PC laptop - you'd be spending at most about 900. 

155

Tools of the Trade / Re: Should I become a Mac-er?

« on: Aug 09, 2007, 12:07 am »

Note with Vista: ~250mb are taken up by security measures that you CAN'T turn off and serve no purpose. Also, it asks you EVERY FREAKIN' TIME you try to open an application. Macs ftw.

You can turn it off and it will stop asking you.  It's really quite simple actually. 

156

Tools of the Trade / Re: IM Programs in Rehearsal

« on: Aug 09, 2007, 12:06 am »

I use a program called Trillian that controls multiple IM programs.  I've been using IMs in rehearsals for quite some time.  They're a convenient way to convey information back and forth quickly to my ASM and occasionally to the shops (if they use it).  Most of the time I stick with emails as I often don't need an answer immediately.  What's helped is that I'm currently at a theatre where there is no cell phone reception for the whole town.  It's a dead zone smack in the middle of Western Mass. and internet is pretty much my only option for communication. 

I figure it's silly not to make use of the technology that's available.  No it may not be the standard but standards can change.

157

Tools of the Trade / Re: Should I become a Mac-er?

« on: Jul 30, 2007, 08:46 pm »

I really don't understand the point of spending $2000+ on a Mac Laptop only to install Windows on it as soon as you get it.  Seriously, why didn't you just spend half the price and get the Windows laptop?

158

Tools of the Trade / Re: Should I become a Mac-er?

« on: Jul 30, 2007, 09:02 am »

PCs are more susceptible to Viruses if you have no clue what you're doing.  I've been using a PC for 10 years and have never once gotten a Virus.  It's really not that hard.  You get a Virus protection program and you don't go where you shouldn't go. 

As for Vista - there's another thread regarding it somewhere on the forums.  I'll just say I have never had any problems running any software, old or new.  A lot of the hype about Vista having issues comes from the fact that it's new.  Everything has bugs when it's new.  Mac went through, Windows XP went through.  Video Game consoles go through it.  It's the nature of technology.  It's really not as difficult or scary as it sounds.

Wireless problems I've also never had.  Don't know who is claiming that issue.  Some laptops do have better range than others but that goes for PCs and Macs.  That has to do with the antennas that are built in. 

But if you really want to get a Mac go for it.  It's entirely up to you.

159

Tools of the Trade / Re: Vista and Microsoft 2007

« on: Jun 20, 2007, 12:30 am »

Sorry for the long day.

In what way does the Mac beat the AMD hands down?  Now I'm just being curious of course.

And I didn't realize that OSX was based on BSD.  Makes more sense now as to why you brought that up.

160

Tools of the Trade / Re: Vista and Microsoft 2007

« on: Jun 18, 2007, 02:00 pm »

Mac - Just a few statements

1 - I didn't include Linux in the comparison because as of right now, only a complete power-user for computers will use a Unix based system (not to mention even knows what Unix is).  And it is true that too many people use Windows as Administrators that don't know what they're doing, but that's not Windows' fault.  Users don't take enough responsibility for some of their actions.  Also, purchasing a pre-made desktop or laptop, you start with a non-administrator account.  It gives you enough to run things and install things as necessary but not kill your computer.  What most people did with XP though was to just use the administrator account.  Vista took that into account and really has stepped up the usage of "normal" user accounts so that being an administrator on your PC isn't required to simply install a program.  And yes - anyone that gets a virus on any computer, deserves to get said virus. 

2 - I'll concede that software companies aren't required to update their software to be usable with the newest operating systems.  But with some of the bigger companies like Creative there is just no excuse.  But I was really referring to User Subscriptions on products like Virus protection when it came to updating.  I should have been more clear.

3 - Yes OSX is optimized to run on its own systems.  Makes perfect sense since they built it.  But in that regard, Dell does the same thing with PCs and again to get a comparable system, it's still far cheaper to get a PC than a Mac.  What I like about the PCs is that they are more customizable than Macs but I also like building computers so I'm biased.  And I don't agree with anything that Intel put out as far as specs from that far back.  For the longest time, Intel had a reputation among the PC community for bloating their numbers to make it look better than AMD.  It was the era of speed being considered the best and 1.8GHz looks better than 800MHz.  Comparing the G4 and the AMD chips would have given you a better comparison and AMD has always been cheaper than both Mac and Intel.  It wasn't until recently (the past 2 years or so) that Intel finally started to actually beat AMD with it's processing power and no longer relied on higher numbers to make sales.

161

Tools of the Trade / Re: Vista and Microsoft 2007

« on: Jun 16, 2007, 04:02 am »

First - people who believe there are no Viruses for Macs are sorely mistaken and I welcome them to freely open emails and what not from people they don't know.  Macs weren't targeted by hackers and virus makers for so long because no one owned them.  Now that they're becoming slightly more prevalent in the world, the viruses have appeared.  Don't be fooled into thinking that buying a Mac will prevent your computer from getting a virus.  You're just setting yourself up for a big fall.

Second, I agree that all software should be updated to be used with Vista by now.  Every developer has had a copy of Vista for the past 2 years at least and there's no reason why working updates shouldn't be found.  However, if your Virus software isn't working, it's entirely possible because they want you to buy a new one.  When you're protection expires, you can't just reinstall it, you have to buy a new subscription.  Oftentimes, it costs the same to update to the newest version of the software so you might as well do it.  Yes there are free versions of Ant-Virus (like AVG) out there but use them at your own risk.  I find that paying for the protection gives me some sort of comfort and I know what I'm doing with computers.  I recommend PC-Cillin personally as it has the least amount of BS programs attached to it and isn't as much of a resource hog as McAfee and Norton.

Third, as for using the same features of the Mac, what's so wrong about it?  Everyone copies everyone else when it comes to technology.  Sometimes they improve upon it, sometimes they don't but it's a business.  If one thing is working, there's no reason not to use it.  Apple does it just as much as Microsoft does.  Apple's just pissed because Microsoft has better marketing and a stronger user base than the Mac and that'll be the case for many years to come still.

Fourth, one of my biggest gripes with the Mac is that they are completely overpriced for what they are.  You get a PC with similar specs or better and you pay 1/2 the price.  So feel free to consider it when you are in the market for a new computer, just know that when you pay $2000 for that shiny white laptop, you could have paid about $700 for with Vista and it all works the same.

162

Tools of the Trade / Re: Vista and Microsoft 2007

« on: Jun 10, 2007, 03:55 am »

Funny that those and my AOL instant messenger program (I dumped actual AOL a while ago, still using the free messenger) are about the only programs that ever crash on me...

You don't need the AIM software to IM on OSX, iChat is compatible with your AIM screen name.

And I use Trillian to keep track of my AIM, Yahoo, and MSN IM chats.  One program for 3 accounts makes it much easier.  I don't deal with the real programs anymore and Trillian is Freeware which makes it very nice.

163

Tools of the Trade / Re: Vista and Microsoft 2007

« on: Apr 25, 2007, 10:44 pm »

If you really don't like Microsoft - use Open Office.  It's free and will open any office document as well as edit them.  Works with PC, Mac, and Linux.

164

Tools of the Trade / Re: Vista and Microsoft 2007

« on: Apr 16, 2007, 09:04 pm »

I've been using Vista for about 2 months now and love it.  It can get annoying at times (that UAC can be a serious pita for the first week) but there are ways around it.  UAC can be disabled (though I don't recommend it if you aren't an advanced user).

As for Office 2007, I haven't tried it yet.  I hear it's got a lot of great features, especially with Outlook but 2003 still works fine for me and I don't have the money to shell out for it all over again.

Let me know if you come across any problems with Vista.

165

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Dressing For The Part?

« on: Apr 10, 2007, 11:53 pm »

I got away from the blacks once I wasn't going onstage anymore.  If I'm in a booth I may tend to wear a black top or at least a darker top but that depends on how close the booth is to the audience as well.  While calling from backstage - as long as I'm not in indiglo I'm fine wearing whatever.

As for type of clothes, I stick to jeans or cargo pants and t-shirts.  I may get dressed up for opening but I want to be comfortable while in rehearsals and calling a show.  Sneakers are a must for me.  Spent 3 years at a company where you basically stood to call the show at a podium.  The really-tall barstool could be used on occasion but it wasn't all that much fun.