08-01-2008, 10:18 AM

Just switched to mac a couple of weeks ago. In looking for two software programs that I really need to run my business. ( A clipboard and macro program) I have been so disappointed in the support. I was encouraged to go to the Iusethis website.
I have downloaded about 8 programs to try. Paid for 3. All have been unstable in my 10.5.4.
I have virtually no response from any of the support emails I have sent. 1 responded once and then disappeared. The ones that have forums are ghost towns and the PTHPasteboard had PORN on it!! yikes!!
Several it appears are still taking the money but the programs are doa.
I am soo frustrated and is leaving a bad taste in my mouth about moving to a mac. I do love the computer!! but if I can't get my business done with speed it does not seem worth the expense and time I have made to change.

Is this normal behavior in the "Macworld".

Thanks for letting me vent and happy to have found this forum. It looks active!!

Janet

08-01-2008, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by Janet7777

Just switched to mac a couple of weeks ago. In looking for two software programs that I really need to run my business. ( A clipboard and macro program) I have been so disappointed in the support. I was encouraged to go to the Iusethis website.
I have downloaded about 8 programs to try. Paid for 3. All have been unstable in my 10.5.4.
I have virtually no response from any of the support emails I have sent. 1 responded once and then disappeared. The ones that have forums are ghost towns and the PTHPasteboard had PORN on it!! yikes!!
Several it appears are still taking the money but the programs are doa.
I am soo frustrated and is leaving a bad taste in my mouth about moving to a mac. I do love the computer!! but if I can't get my business done with speed it does not seem worth the expense and time I have made to change.

Welcome to Mac-Forums, Janet. As with most shareware programs, the degree of support you receive is directly contingent on the developer of the program. Sometimes older software is neglected and in those cases, the developer may not be actively involved with support. The same goes for shareware in Windows. My suggestion is that you stick to commercial software for a better support experience.

Tell us a little bit about the tasks that you're looking to perform and maybe we can suggest some software for you.

Is this normal behavior in the "Macworld".

I think this is a bit of a generalization based on your limited experience with the developer community. For the most part, support for popular shareware applications is very good.

Thanks for letting me vent and happy to have found this forum. It looks active!!

Janet

Absolutely, and we're glad to have you here.

08-01-2008, 12:14 PM

Thanks all for the welcome and the quick response!! it is so refreshing after what I have been experiencing.

I agree it is a "generalization" but having so many in such a short amount of time I could not help but wonder "what is going on?" is it this computer or is the software? It is a brand new computer so I don't think I could of messed it that fast. LOL!! One of the reasons I went mac was that it was so much easier for the novice users. I run a large internet business but I know just enough computer skills to work the website, beyond that I am lost.

I am looking for a cut and paste program. I used clipmate on the pc and loved it. It keeps a record of all that you copy and you can file them in folders.
I have downloaded one from the apple.com site clipboard evolved(he is the only one that answered me) The link is dead on the title bar and will not work. He emailed back that it was working fine on several of his macs and was not sure what my problem is. He has a new version coming out today. I will try that.

The second is a simple text macro system, I repeat the same text over and over so I like to just hit a few keystrokes and have it type the text. I liked snippet monkey, and it was working fine, and then it just disappeared. Spent an hour on the phone with support and they could not find it. All I had done since the last use was update the mac.

I am using typeit4 me today and so far so good, have emailed support but have not heard back, but it has just been a day, after 3 I give up.
My concern is the lack of support from the programmer on the forum board.
That speaks volumes to me of how the programmer is going to respond. I have 30 day trial so I shall see. I just hate to spend hours setting up macros and then have them go "poof" at this point I am paranoid.

Other than the apple.com store where is a good place to hunt for these. The same ones come up on google and so far they have all been duds.

08-01-2008, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by Janet7777

Thanks all for the welcome and the quick response!! it is so refreshing after what I have been experiencing.

I agree it is a "generalization" but having so many in such a short amount of time I could not help but wonder "what is going on?" is it this computer or is the software? It is a brand new computer so I don't think I could of messed it that fast. LOL!! One of the reasons I went mac was that it was so much easier for the novice users. I run a large internet business but I know just enough computer skills to work the website, beyond that I am lost.

I am looking for a cut and paste program. I used clipmate on the pc and loved it. It keeps a record of all that you copy and you can file them in folders.
I have downloaded one from the apple.com site clipboard evolved(he is the only one that answered me) The link is dead on the title bar and will not work. He emailed back that it was working fine on several of his macs and was not sure what my problem is. He has a new version coming out today. I will try that.

I'm not familiar with that particular application - but not sure if you're aware of this:

One of the cool things that Mac OS can do is this - highlight a bunch of text in a browser window. Then click and drag the text over to an open Finder window (or even the desktop). Release the mouse button and you'll find that Mac OS has created a text file with the content you just dragged. The same goes for images on webpages.

The second is a simple text macro system, I repeat the same text over and over so I like to just hit a few keystrokes and have it type the text. I liked snippet monkey, and it was working fine, and then it just disappeared. Spent an hour on the phone with support and they could not find it. All I had done since the last use was update the mac.

I'm not sure if this is precisely what you're looking for, but have you seen Automator? Automator is kind of like a Macro program, but it can automate frequently performed actions for a whole host of different programs. It should be in your Applications folder. A good tutorial is available here.

I am using typeit4 me today and so far so good, have emailed support but have not heard back, but it has just been a day, after 3 I give up.
My concern is the lack of support from the programmer on the forum board.
That speaks volumes to me of how the programmer is going to respond. I have 30 day trial so I shall see. I just hate to spend hours setting up macros and then have them go "poof" at this point I am paranoid.

I'm surprised as that is one of the more popular apps out there.

Other than the apple.com store where is a good place to hunt for these. The same ones come up on google and so far they have all been duds.

Well, I switched in December of '06 - and I have to say that most of the good programs I've found have come from here - you'll be surprised at what you can find just by doing a quick search. I'd also recommend Macworld magazine. Macworld also has a "Mac Gems" newsletter that they send out that often profiles their favorite bits of Mac free and shareware.

08-01-2008, 01:00 PM

Thanks again!!
Great ideas & tips!!, I am going to love this place.

As for typeit4me, I really like the program and am hoping he will email me. I really have not given him enough time yet to respond. I just noticed in perusing the forum on his site that many went unanswered or took a month or two to get a response. I have my fingers crossed it will work!!

I ordered macworld and am anxiously awaiting the first issue.

I just heard back from clipboard evolved and I figured out the mouse settings were the problems with that one! easy fix! I think it may very well be the answer to what I am looking for and the programmers seems genuinely concerned.

Thanks again! I look forward to spending much time here.

Janet

08-01-2008, 01:02 PM

Awesome - glad I could help. Might I also suggest this book? It helped me tremendously and is a great reference. It covers Mac OS and the iLife suite too, quite handy.

Again, welcome Janet - and don't be afraid to continue to update this thread as you have more questions pop up. You've found the right place.

08-02-2008, 12:54 AM

For your text macro program, take a look at TextExpander from www.smileonmymac.com. I have used it since I switched to mac 3 years ago after nearly 20 years working on pc's as a software developer and network engineer.

In the process of warming up to your new "home", you will find this site invaluable, with friendly people, terrific advice, and a place to get those puzzing questions only us switchers seem to ask.

Good luck with your quest.

08-02-2008, 02:17 AM

Originally Posted by cwa107

Awesome - glad I could help. Might I also suggest this book? It helped me tremendously and is a great reference. It covers Mac OS and the iLife suite too, quite handy.

Again, welcome Janet - and don't be afraid to continue to update this thread as you have more questions pop up. You've found the right place.

great book! A friend from work who made the switch around the same time I did recommended a book from this series. Superb information in plain language. I purchased the "switching to the mac" and would recommend it to anyone making the switch.

08-03-2008, 07:58 AM

Thanks for all the added information. I ordered the book plus a few others!
I still have not heard back from the typeit4me support. Sent off another email sigh....
I will check into these others. I have not yet paid for this one, I like it but there are several questions I have for them before I buy.

Thanks for the warm welcome!!

Hugs,
Janet

08-03-2008, 09:41 AM

Janet7777, Welcome to the Mac...

I would like to second the TextExpander recommendation.

If you don't already know about Versiontracker.com, you might also visit that site to find programs that interest you.