.Mac
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.Mac refers to a group of online services offered by Apple Computer. These include website hosting with preexisting templates, IMAP and web-based email, iDisk online storage via WebDAV, a free copy of McAfee's Virex antivirus software, backup software and other "specials" offered by Apple to subscribers.
Apple previously offered the .Mac service for free under the name iTools, which drew to a close in September of 2002 after .Mac debuted in July, at Macworld Expo New York. Mac users had varied responses to this move. Critics called the .Mac service overpriced at $99 USD and did not appreciate that subscribers of iTools who did not subscribe to .Mac lost their @mac.com email address. Advocates cited the improved services. Apple eventually included a referral program where referrers received 20% off their next year of .Mac for each paid referral.
2 of the 5 iLife applications (iPhoto and iMovie) are integrated with .Mac, allowing .Mac members to share their movies, photos and personal files through the iDisk and .Mac homepages. Apple also includes Backup software for Mac OS X to use with .Mac. iSync is also supported by allowing users to synchronize their address book, calendars, and Safari bookmarks.
On September 29, 2004 .Mac enhanced the service by:
- increasing disk storage space to 250 MB from 100 MB. Users are also able to choose how much of that space is allocated between iDisk and their mailbox.
- adding email aliases. Users can create up to five aliases for their .mac email account.
- maximum size of an email message increased to 10 MB.
- adding spell checker to web-based email
External links
- .Mac Home Page (http://www.mac.com/)it:.Mac