Secure your Mac’s infrared port against random Apple Remotes

If you have a MacBook with an infrared receiver, did you know your Mac could be open to other people controlling your computer?  By default, Mac OS will recognize the signal of any Apple Remote.  Although the effect is relatively harmless (they will probably be able to randomly play some tracks on iTunes), it can range from being annoying if you were studying in the library and your friend happened to prank you, to embarrassing if you happened to be doing a presentation. Most people do not need to allow any Apple Remote to control their computer.  Why would you Continue Reading

App Remote – Unleashing the Apple Remote

I’ve been using Sofa Control for my Apple Remote since I bought my Mac in 2009.  I use Sofa Control pretty much every week when I volunteer with the youth ministry at my church.  The Apple Remote by itself only works with certain programs that are designed to handle its input and it lacked support for other programs we were using such as OpenSong, which we use for song lyrics.  So I bought a license for Sofa Control. Recently Sofa Control’s move to the App Store required all existing customers to repurchase the license.  I didn’t want to shell out another Continue Reading