USE LITTLE SNITCH SOFTWARE

USE LITTLE SNITCH SOFTWARE

The Mac's Software Update, for example, tells Apple what version of iLife you have so it knows whether to offer you an update. In most cases, an app spills the beans to the mother ship about the version and, sometimes with opt-in, anonymous details of the Mac's configuration to aid the developer. Over time, we get to know our app environment, what each app and process is doing and why. Why do those of us who use Little Snitch, like our John Braun and me, love it? It's because we develop a mind map of what's going on with our Macs. The app installs a kernel extension (kext) that allows the app to monitor and block, if desired, outbound connections initiated by an application. It's been developed by white hat good guys in Austria. Little Snitch from Objective Development provides that function. But, in every day use, we have no way of knowing what's leaving our Macs, outbound information that could compromise our security and privacy. We have firewalls and (hopefully) secure browsers to make sure that what comes into our Macs is safe. One of those rituals is being more aware of what the Mac is doing. That means that for every Mac user, whether a switcher, a newbie to computing, or someone who wants to become more accomplished, there are certain rituals that one must go through. New technologies press us further and further, and whether we like it or not, learning, growth, and adaptability are key to an enlightened, prosperous Mac life. However, I'm siding with John Braun and suggesting that it's an essential app, one that could benefit many users at different levels.

Hamilton pointed out that the app can be confusing and restrictive in its behavior for newbies and needs to be fully understood before it's toyed with.

During Tuesday's Mac Geek Gab #208, Dave Hamilton and John Braun got into a discussion of Little Snitch from Objective Development.

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