Washington Apple Pi

A Community of Apple iPad, iPhone and Mac Users

General Meeting: Automator - What is it and what can it do for you?

March 27, 2010, 9:30 a.m., George Mason University

Photos from March 2010 General Meeting

One of the most overlooked applications in the Apple arsenal is Automator. Combined with AppleScript, Automator can be a powerful utility to create workflows, develop folder actions, and even build applications. Pi member Bo Huttinger will undertake to explain the Mac OS X Automator application; he will tell you what it is, and what it can do for you.

If the idea of "developing folder actions" is not something you are familiar with, don’t worry. Bo will explain terms and demystify the Automator for you. Unlike the snake oil salesmen of old, he will credibly demonstrate practical uses of Automator that you will find helpful, whether you are a beginner, or an average or advanced Mac user. If you have ever wanted to unlock more of the potential of Mac OS X, plan to attend this meeting.

Check back closer to the meeting date for any updates or changes to the meeting.

George Mason University Essential Information

The meeting will be held in Enterprise Hall, Room 178.

Address: 4400 University Dr., Fairfax, VA (near Rte 123 and Braddock Road)
Directions and Map: http://www.gmu.edu/welcome/Directions-to-GMU.html

Here is a campus map with annotations (PDF, 2.8 MB). Interactive map of campus: http://eagle.gmu.edu/map/fairfax.php

Important Parking Information: Two Options, Paid and Free

The Sandy Creek Parking Garage is fee-based facility. It is more convenient and closer to the meeting location. The Pi will subsidize the facility's parking fee by providing vouchers for donation request of $3.00.

If using the parking garage, park in Visitor's area; i.e., the lowest level. Take the elevator to the third floor (Campus Level), and exit along the sky bridge.

After the meeting, exit the garage using the exits marked for Validated Tickets. Your parking ticket goes in first. Then the validation ticket goes in next. If you have any problems, there is a speaker box for calling the parking lot attendant at the checkout point.

Free parking in Lot A (see map below)

Park as close to Mattaponi River Lane as possible, then walk north along that road toward the main campus buildings. The sidewalk route takes you directly to the side of Enterprise Hall, on your left. The meeting room is located on the second floor, accessible via outside stairs or via an elevator on your right as soon as you enter the building through the doors behind the outside stairs. We will endeavor to have signs posted to help guide you to the right location. It is at least a five-minute walk from Lot A and up a slight incline. We will be using a golf cart along the route, to offer rides to those who want or need a lift.

Handicapped Parking: There are three handicap parking spaces next to Enterprise Hall that can be used by members, on a first come first served basis. Have your Handicap Sticker showing on the dashboard or on the rear-view mirror.

George Mason Map