iCloud is the latest iteration of Apple's cloud-based services, and while it can be accessed from any Web browser, it requires at least OS X 10.7 to integrate into the Mac OS. Unfortunately this means that if you are on an older Mac system running Snow Leopard that you either don't want to or can't upgrade, then Apple no longer supports accessing its iCloud services.

Recently MacFixIt reader Brandon wrote in wondering about the options for people with these setups:

At WWDC, Scott Forstall, Apple's senior vice president of iOS, promised that iOS 6 would bring 200 new features, including tighter Facebook integration, an empowered Siri voice assistant, and the capability to make FaceTime calls over a cellular network (Read what we've learned so far of iOS 6). Just three months later, we expect to hear the official launch date for iOS 6 at the Apple event tomorrow. Like every Apple event, it's tough to predict the timing, but it's safe to say iOS 6 will be coming out in the very near future.

The question … Read more

Depending on which version of Android you're running, there might be a Bugdroid or gender-neutral silhouette that appears for each contact that is missing a custom photo. While seeing these instead of a contact's photo isn't too big of a deal, it's always nice to see the faces of your family and friends that are calling you. This is especially useful if you're at a location where the volume of your device needs to be turned off and you can see who is calling with just a quick glance.

While this method is a bit … Read more

OS X will automatically attempt to mount an attached volume when the system is started, and if successful the volume will appear in the Finder either in the sidebar or on your desktop if you have these options enabled. However, there may be instances such as in multi-boot environments when you might want a specific volume to remain unmounted.

With multiple boot volumes in a system, when loaded in one operating system it is relatively easy to access and edit important files on the boot disk of other operating systems. Therefore, keeping the unused boot drive unmounted may be a … Read more

Matching the colors on larger items you can't tote into stores or around town can sometimes be difficult -- especially when it's something like your walls or furnishings. If you love color matching and coordination, then SwatchMatic is the app for you.

All you need to get started is an Android device with a camera and a copy of the SwatchMatic app. Once installed, simply point the app at an object to start matching the color. When you see a color tab in the wheel that looks like an exact match, or at least something close, tap … Read more

RetailMeNot is a deal site that enables you to find coupons and discounts at tens of thousands of nationwide stores. Whether you're looking for deals on clothes, accessories, furniture or food, its slogan is "Save when you want, where you want," and its mobile app delivers it all.

You can search by specific store, popular items, or just by category, and then the results will be sorted by online and in-store. In-store coupons can be used by showing your screen to the cashier so he or she can scan the bar code. Coupons can be … Read more

If you've only got a 1 or 2GB plan, adding a data-saving app like Onavo Extend might be a step in the right direction. You may remember my post about Onavo Count, an app for calculating your data usage, which is very similar to this one. The big difference between the two is that Extend takes saving data a step further by using its servers to compress data you request before it gets sent to you.

This app does come with a couple of caveats, though. First, it's not ideal for large file downloads, as it will reduce … Read more

Back in July, Dropbox usernames and passwords were compromised via third-party Web sites. As a result, Dropbox said it would work on adding more security features to help keep accounts safe. Almost a month later, the company's delivered an extra feature that you'll need to enable on your own: two-step verification.

For each new device you use to access the Dropbox Web site or service, you'll need to enter your current password and a security code using this new method. This code can be sent to you via SMS or be generated by a mobile authenticator app. … Read more

One common method of sharing files is to e-mail them as attachments. This can be done in OS X Mail by clicking the Attach toolbar button (or by pressing Shift-Command-A) in a new message and then selecting the files to attach. However, as OS X has developed, Apple has added options that have made this far more convenient, though each has its benefits and drawbacks.

Drag and drop There is a basic drag-and-drop attachment-handling option, where you can select a file or group of files in the Finder and drag them to an e-mail message you are composing. This option … Read more