This stealthy little app loves to do your dirty work. Sidekick configures laptop settings for people on the move!
Version 4.2.8
What is Sidekick?
Sidekick is an application that automatically updates your laptop settings based on where you are. Just install the app, configure the places that you frequent, (home, work, a coffee shop, etc.) and never fuss with your settings again!
What does Sidekick do?
Sidekick has the power to auto-adjust various laptop system preferences and application settings. Here are just a few of the things that Sidekick can control:
Open and close applications
Change the Default Printer
Connect to Server
And much more...
What are “actions”?
Sidekick performs different actions each time you move your laptop to a new location. You can set up all kinds of actions such as adjusting your volume, or configuring your default printer.
The following actions are built into Sidekick and can be triggered in any place.
Actions
Open a URL
Example: Launch your favourite news website at work; launch Google Reader when you’re at home.
Change SMTP Servers
Example: Having a hard time getting your email out on different networks? Sidekick can make sure you’re using the right outgoing mail server wherever you are.
Change Mail Checking Frequency
Example: To stay on top of things at work, get Sidekick to increase how often Mail checks for new messages.
Change iChat Status
Example: Customize a different status for when you’re at work, home, school, wherever!
Open an Application
Example: Automatically open GarageBand at home; open your accounting software at work.
Close an Application
Example: Automatically close your chat program when you arrive at work so you can focus on the task at hand.
Play an iTunes Playlist
Example: When you get home from a long day, open up your laptop and relax to your favourite playlist.
Run a Command in Terminal
Example: Run shell scripts automatically when you start your work day.
Change the Default Web Browser
Example: If you prefer a specific browser at home, but another at work, Sidekick can switch this automatically for you.
Control iTunes Equalizer
Example: Configure your equalizer to change to “Bass-reducer” at work, and “Electronic” when you’re at home, plugged
into your living room speakers.
Change the System Location
Example: Automatically switch between networks and automate changes to proxies, DNS, network devices and more.
Connect to a Server
Example: Handy for the work setting, this action will automatically connect your laptop to a specified server.
Change the Default Printer
Example: Use your Lexmark printer at home, but at work, use the Cannon next to that cute intern’s desk.
Change the Screensaver Settings
Example: When you’re away from home, Sidekick can turn on your screensaver password to keep your work safe.
Lock the Keychain
Example: Get Sidekick to automatically lock your keychain when using your laptop in a public place.
Change the Desktop Picture
Example: Have Sidekick change your desktop background to suit your surroundings.
Control Spaces
Example: Enable or disable spaces based on your location.
Start Time Machine Backup
Example: Switch off your Time Machine when you’re at the neighbourhood cafe; start a backup as soon as you get home.
Change Time Zone
Set your computer to the right time zone to match your location.
What are “places”?
Places represent the different computing environments in your life. Sidekick understands that the way you use your laptop at home is different than at work, school, on an airplane, or in a coffee shop. Sidekick recognizes your location and configures your laptop accordingly!
Plugins!
Sidekick is even more configurable with a variety of free plugins for your favourite apps. You can even build your own plugins.
After downloading a plugin, double click the .skplugin file to install it. The file can be deleted afterwards.
Plugins
HES Sidekick Plugin
Toggle which email accounts are active, Connect to VPNs, and Unmount network drives. Developed by Henrik Engman.
rooSwitch Plugin
rooSwitch exists to make it easy for you to create different profiles of almost any application's data. Switch rooSwitch profiles along with your location with this plugin.
Meerkat Plugin
An easy to use SSH tunnel manager built specifically for the Mac. Activate Meerkat SSH tunnels in any place with this plugin.
1Password Plugin
1Password is a premier password manager for Mac that features unique browser integration and anti-phishing technology. Lock your 1Password keychain, and set autolock settings for your 1Password Agile keychain.
Arq Plugin
Triggers an Arq backup. Developed by Jonathon Mah.
Adium Plugin
A free instant messaging application for Mac OS X that can connect to AIM, MSN, Jabber, Yahoo, and more. Change your Adium account status and display name with this plugin.
Microsoft Outlook & Entourage Plugin
Microsoft Outlook enables you to consolidate your e-mail and tasks into your Mac inbox, unifying your work and home messages, contacts, calendars, etc. Change Outlook or Microsoft Entourage account settings with actions.
Dialectic Plugin
Scriptable Dialer & System-Wide Address Book Menu. Switch Dialectic locations with this plugin.
ExpanDrive Plugin
ExpanDrive connects to FTP/SFTP/S3 just like a USB drive. Access remote files from within Finder or your favorite editor. Connect or eject single or multiple drives in ExpanDrive.
Caffeine Plugin
Turn Caffeine on and off, preventing your Mac from going to sleep and displaying the screen saver.
Scripts
VPN Connect
Automatically connects a VPN connection. Requires some manual configuration.
Gather Windows
Moves all application windows to your main display.