MacMost: MacMost Now

Learn how to create documents that can only be opened with a password. Documents in Pages and Microsoft Word can have passwords that restrict opening and use. Preview can be used to make copies of PDF files that require a password to open.

Apple announced the iPad 2 today with a faster processor, thinner design and two video cameras. On shelves on March 11, there will also be a new version of iOS that day and major new apps for the iPad 2: Photo Booth, FaceTime, iMovie and GarageBand.

Learn how to select text by character, word, line or paragraph. You can use the Option or Command keys as modifiers in conjunction with the arrow keys. You can also use the mouse to select by character, word, or paragraph with the right number of clicks.

Take a look at Apple's new connection port, Thunderbolt. Now on all MacBook Pros, we'll soon find it on all Macs. You'll be able to use Thunderbolt to connect displays, hard drives, video equipment and other devices.

Learn how to use Snow Leopard's Preview application to cut out backgrounds or objects in images and photos. Preview has a standard Lasso Selection tool, a Smart Lasso tool and an Instant Alpha tool that can be used for this purpose. You can use these semi-transparent images on top of other images, in documents or in iMovie.

Learn how to insert hyperlinks in Pages documents. Links can take readers to web pages, create new email messages or jump to other sections of the Pages document. The links will work in PDF and ePub files exported from Pages.

Learn how to request a refund from the iTunes Store. If you have purchased an app that isn't working or have accidentally bought an app, song or video you can ask Apple for your money back through a series of steps.

You can use Mac OS X's built-in file compression command to create a ZIP archive of a single file or group of files. This comes in handy if you need to send files to someone else or simply want to archive an old project.

If you are a MobileMe user you can turn on iDisk Sync to create a way to share files between your Macs and your iDisk storage. Your iDisk is then treated like a normal local drive and automatically syncs with the server. Other Macs using iDisk Sync with your account will automatically stay in sync as well.

Learn how to capture yourself talking from a webcam while also recording your screen at the same time. You can use software like Screenflow or Wirecast to record from both sources simultaneously. You can also fake it with iMovie's picture-in-picture.

You can quickly build a DVD from a single video file using the OneStep DVD from Movie option in iDVD. You can also make DVDs from several movies and photos using the Magic iDVD option. Magic iDVD projects can also be a starting point for regular customize iDVD projects.

You can type most accent marks on a Mac by simply using an option key combination. Learn how to quickly type the most common accents and also how to find and insert less common accents and symbols.

Learn how Time Machine is different than most backup solutions that simply clone and update the data on a drive. Time Machine saves multiple copies of your files and allows you to access each version as long as it has space.

Learn about the developer tools in Safari. You can view JavaScript error messages, send output to the console, and step through your code using the debugger.

Carriers charge a premium for text messaging bandwidth. But you can send and receive text messages for free using some apps. With a Google Voice account and the Google Voice app, you can send, receive and get notifications of incoming messages even when the app isn't running.

You can add functionality to Gmail using Gmail Labs extensions. Take a look at some of the most useful extensions, like Multiple Inboxes, Superstars, Canned Responses, Inserting Images and Undo Send.

You can use the Track Changes feature of Pages in iWork 09 to edit documents. Suggestions are recorded and can be accepted or rejected later. Multiple writers and editors can work on a document and all changes will be recorded along with the editor and time. Comments can also be added.

Web developers should know that they can edit their Mac's hosts file to supersede DNS and point a domain name to a different web server. This is very useful for testing out sites before launching them or switching DNS.

Learn how to use all four Finder view types: Icons, List, Columns, and Cover Flow. Each has its own uses and options.

You can email a slideshow to a friend by exporting the slideshow from iPhoto as a video and then attaching that file to the message. But there are many good reasons not to use email, but instead share the video online and send a link instead.