Who are the people behind the technology that we love so much? We know the products, the websites, the online personalities but we want to learn more!Â
Every week here at MyMac.com, we will spotlight a company, developer or person that supports Apple users by creating solutions or entertainment for the Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and other platforms we all use and love by asking them to answer seven questions.
This week, we turn our attention to Michael Tsai, Developer of DropDMG, EagleFiler, and SpamSieve
1 – How did you get your start in technology?
As soon as I could walk, I liked to play with vacuum cleaners and other “real” mechanical things. In elementary school, I got started with Logo and BASIC on the Apple II.
2 – What is your favorite computer of all time?
I’m currently using a 2012 Retina MacBook Pro. All things considered, it was probably the best Mac I’ve ever had relative to what was available at the time. It’s served me very well, although it’s getting a bit long in the tooth now, and I hope Apple has an update soon.
3 – Tell us about your latest product
I just finished an update of DropDMG, my utility for creating disk images and archives. This version adds support for creating signed .dmg and .xip files, which is important for Mac developers who want their apps to play well with the new security features in macOS Sierra.
I’m currently working on updates to my e-mail archiver and digital filing cabinet app, EagleFiler, and my spam filter app, SpamSieve.
4 – What was your first job?
Some middle school friends and I started a print Mac magazine in our town. It ran for a year and basically broke even. My first job that actually paid was working as a C++ and Fortran programmer at a science research lab. I was using a PC with Windows 3.1 that seemed to break down every few weeks.
5 – What advice would you give to younger people just getting into technology?
With programming, persistence is key. It’s normal to get stuck now and then, so don’t get discouraged. I think it’s important to experiment in the areas that interest you, self-directed, because the field is constantly changing. More formal, academic study may not seem relevant at first, but it is important in the long run.
6 – Who was your inspiration?Â
The smaller Mac developers in the 90s: Bare Bones, Fog City, Connectix, Paragon Concepts, Peter Lewis, Evan Gross, Greg Landweber, etc.
7 – Where can people follow you online, and what is your website?
Twitter: @mjtsai
Mac blog: http://mjtsai.com/blog/
C-Command Software: http://c-command.com
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