NetworkLocation - change settings based on your network

NetworkLocation is a handy utility that allows you to create templates of actio and settings based on (you gue ed it) your network location. Like WiLMa and Location X before it, NetworkLocation can set up batches of settings to a ly, a to open and scripts to run, and keep them all acce ible at the click of a mouse. It comes with preset actio , such as loading a ecific iTunes playlist, setting system volume and co ecting to a server, but it can also run A leScripts, leaving the po ibilities wide open. NetworkLocation does all this with a very slick and flashy UI; in fact, it might be too over-the-top for those who just want to get at the meat of automating their system. In fact, the UI is so glammed up that John Gruber had a hard time figuring out how to quit the a . Here's a tip if you're in the same boat, as there are two ways to do it: click on its menubar item, then click on the timer in the window that po up, and then click the power button that slides out. You can also simply use cmd-q when that timer window comes in to focus. See what I mean about a funky UI?

Getting back to this concept of automating all forms of system settings - it's a great one, and I was first turned on to it by Location X (recently Universal-ized), which is still my favorite primarily because it handles all these tasks automatically in the background, based on which network(s) you co ect to. There's no need to pop up a window and chose a location - you simply set up your batches of settings, and it gracefully performs your tasks automatically as you move between your home, work and favorite coffee shop's network.

But I digre (again) - this is a post about NetworkLocation, as it looks like a capable (though flashy) a roach to network-based Mac automation. A demo is available, and a lice e costs $15.