How-to: Fix iOS6 App Store not loading

Like many others I was not so much excited but very curious to get my hands on Apple's new iOS 6 update.  One feature that I was particularly interested in trying was the Passbook app to keep track of things like boarding passes, loyalty cards, etc.  When I started up the app I was greeted with a button inviting me to go to the App Store (you need to download apps that integrate with Passbook).  Once in App Store I was greeted by an error message telling me that my phone cannot connect to the App Store.  Huh?  How'd Apple let this get out the door?

After playing with the phone a little more I noticed that every time I opened App Store app I got the same message about not being able to connect to the App Store.  Once the app was started I could navigate the Featured, Charts, etc. links but the initial error message always (and annoyingly) popped up.

Turns out this is a common error that people are experiencing and the discussion boards at discussions.apple.com are all atwitter.  While the solution below may seem bizarre it does seem to do the trick.  The nature of the solution suggests to me there is some kind of certificate issue at play but the details of that don't really matter.

1. Go to Settings -> General -> Date and Time and turn OFF "Set Automatically"
2. Set the date 2 or more years into the future
3. Go back into the App Store app where you will get the same error message.  No matter.
4. Go back into Settings -> General -> Date and Time and turn "Set Automatically" back ON

Now you should be able to successfully launch the App Store app without the error message.  You will likely get a message about a certificate not being recognized or being out of date.  Just touch the Continue button when that comes up. 

How-to: Use an external display with an iPad (UPDATE)

In a previous article I described ​how to get your iPad to display on a screen or projector.  The most promising method was to use an Apple TV device to receive your iPad screen output.  However, because the Apple TV does not support WPA2 enterprise, the type of wireless security most often used at corporations and university campuses, this option was off the table for those who might want to most use it.  It occurred to me after writing the original article that one way to get around this limitation is to create your own wireless network using a portable router like Apple's Airport Express or the Asus WL-330N3G. 

At a high level, here's what you need to do.

1. Configure the Airport Express to create your own wireless network ("Air Lecture", for example).  I recommend configuring wireless security as well so select WPA2 (Personal) and enter a password that you will remember.  Now whenever you plug the AirPort express into a wall socket it will create the "Air Lecture" wireless network.
2. The Apple TV and iPad should now see the "Air Lecture" wireless network.  Configure both devices to join "Air Lecture" entering your wireless security password in each device.
3. Now that both the Apple TV and the iPad are on the same wireless network you can use AirPlay (as described previously) to display your video-enabled app or your entire iPad interface (depending on the type of iPad you have).

Once the components are configured you can just plug everything in before you start a meeting or a class and you can wander around presenting your content from your iPad.  Here's what it'll cost you (Canadian $):

1. Apple iPad 16M Wifi base model - $519
2. Airport Express - $99
3. Apple TV - $109

Technical Resumes: Part 4 (Cover Letter)

In the previous post I completed the description of the advice I typically give when I'm asked to review a resume.  In this post, I cover a related topic: the cover letter.  I was going to cover LinkedIn as well but that's a larger topic that deserves it's own space.

Cover Letter

Some people spend considerable effort writing their cover letter.  Having read thousands of resumes (many with cover letters attached) I'm less convinced of their value.  If you've done your homework writing a concise resume with relevant content and a good Overview then a long cover letter is unnecessary.  Many resume reviewers don't even open the cover letter or they shuffle it behind the resume.  That said, there can be some value in a cover letter but just don't agonize over it.  Spend your time on your resume and customizing the Overview.

Like the resume itself, the format of your cover letter is a matter of personal style.  As always, I'm a fan of "less is more" and prefer a simple, traditional business letter layout.  Let your word processing package help you with a format that appeals to you.  I often use a separate font and colour for my name and contact information but everything else is in a simple, sans serif font in black "ink".

I stick to a three paragraph format.  The first and last paragraphs are extremely short.  The first simply states that position or positions I am applying for.  The last paragraph thanks the reader for taking the time to review my qualifications and offers to meet with them to explore the possibility of a mutual fit (don't forget that you're looking for a good employer as much as they are looking for a good employee).

The middle paragraph is a little longer but I still try to keep it to maybe three sentences.  I use this paragraph to draw links between the advertised position(s) and the my experience.  My goal is to peak interest in my experience and maybe offer a hint at my personality.  Unlike the resume, the cover letter gives you an opportunity to put on a personal face.  Address the reader by name (if you know the name of the hiring manager).  Use pronouns like "I".  Express your excitement at the opportunity.

Finally, if you are sending a paper cover letter then always sign the paper with your signature.  I prefer blue ink to set the signature apart from the black text.