Prez Art Gorski informs us, "I try to submit articles to the newsletter that I think are of use for our members. No conspiracy theories, unconfirmed rumors, and ultra-geeky stuff from me. So here's something to put on your Christmas list to ask for yourself or buy for your favorite Apple user."
What's New for iPhone, iPad? Come Tomorrow & Find Out
Having trouble figuring out the iOS 7 update for your iPhone and/or iPad? Be sure to attend this meeting to learn what’s new, what’s hot, and what’s not. We’ll also cover some really great photo apps for iOS 7.
This is a joint PMUG & PC meeting at Prescott Public Library tomorrow from 1-3 pm. Come and learn some helpful info.
Failure Rate of Laptops
"Here is an article listing the failure rates of laptops during the first three years of usage," Jim Hamm writes. " I was surprised at how high the percentage failures were. I would have guessed a low, one-digit percent. Apple laptops are about in the middle which, again, surprised me. If one buys, for example, a HP laptop you're got a one in four chance of a failure during the first three years. Way too high, in my opinion — as all the percentages are."
Jim concludes, "From a tech support rating, though, Apple is way ahead of all other computer manufacturers. When support is needed, it's so nice to talk to a person in this country. Fortunately, I haven't needed to do so for quite some time — but I still purchase Apple Care, just in case."
Exploding Batteries
This article on exploding computer batteries grabbed David Passell's attention. The writer claims, "Apple is approaching its tenth year of exploding laptop batteries …" http://www.zdnet.com/apple-macbook-battery-exploded-7000023425/ The article is dated today, and is followed by 97 comments on this serious issue. If you find any more information let us know. We need to be informed.
Read About the Genius
Jim Hamm informs us, "You may be aware of a new book that is now available: Jony Ive - The Genius Behind Apple's Products by Leander Kahney. I asked the Scottsdale Library System if they would consider purchasing the book. They agreed, and it is on order. You can now place a hold on it if you're interested in reading it.
"I don't know if libraries in the Valley have inter-library loan agreements if you're not a member of the Scottsdale Library, but you could check if interested in the book.
"I know the Prescott Library is a member of an inter-library loan arrangement. Recently I was interested in reading an older book they didn't have. The library placed an order for me and one day it showed up at the library, and the book was from the library in San Antonio, Texas! I was amazed, and didn't realize the Prescott Library even had this type of arrangement."
Jim closes with, "Anyway, it will be interesting to read about Jony's contributions to Apple's success."
Finding Incompatible Software
PMUG Prez Art Gorski sends this helpful info, "It turns out that newer versions of Mac OS X protect you from running old incompatible software. These apps are moved to a folder named "Incompatible Software" at the top level of your hard drive. If you have such a folder on your Mac, look in there for the apps that you should update to newer versions." http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3258?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US
Look Inside Apple's Spaceship Headquarters
See 24 all-new renderings of Apple's "spaceship" headquarters. "Here is an article with drawings of Apple's new headquarters," says Jim Hamm, and then he comments, " It's amazing what $5 billion can buy. I must admit, that seems like a lot of money for a corporate headquarters." http://www.wired.com/design/2013/11/a-glimpse-into-apples-crazy-new-spaceship-headquarters/
Time Machine Basics
John Carter's "Time Machine Basics" eleven page article has been posted on the PMUG site, http://pmug.us/benefits/tips-n-tricks/
Lost Your iPhone?
"Here's a good article you may want to keep for possibe future reference. It describes options you have if you should ever lose your iPhone or iPad." Jim Hamm sends this helpful message.
27 Tips & Tricks for iPad Air and 30 for iOS 7
Here Jim Hamm found these 27 tips and tricks to get the most out of iPad Air . And here's 30 helpful tips and tricks for iOS 7. http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/ios-7-helpful-tips-and-tricks/
More on Apple's New Headquarters
Adding to what we already posted for you on October 29, Jim Hamm sends this link, "Here's a sneak preview of what Apple's new headquarters will look like. Do you think you could work in a place such as this?...(grin)." Scroll back to "First-ever Look Inside Apple Campus 2" article to review those earlier details.
iPad Air Explodes
"As a new owner of the iPad Air reading this article makes me a bit cautious when plugging the Air in to charge. I'm guessing perhaps it might be a defective battery (shorted out) because I can't think of anything else inside that would explode. When Apple completes their investigation we'll hear more, I would hope," Jim Hamm says.
How to Synchronize Keychain on Mavericks
John Carter's been at it again: figuring it out and then showing us. Here's his information on how to deal with keychain on Mavericks:
Setting up the Keychain Access to share between devices got to be a bit of a chore today. I had to go online to resolve a serious problem.
A prompt popped up asking me for the keychain 'Local Items' password, and then it wouldn’t accept anything I put in.
The solution is (found online here) :
Malware Locks Your File, Unless You Pay Ransom
Startling new information comes to light in this article from Today Money, dated today. A new, nasty piece of malicious software, CryptoLocker, is infecting computers around the world — encrypting important files, even your photos —and demanding a ransom to unlock them. It says a typical extortion payment is $300. One business received an email attachment that looked like a shipping invoice from U.S. Postal Service.
Anti-virus software can not undo the damage, according to the NBC news writer. Backing up is the only way to reduce the risk of losing your files forever, however he also warns your backup device should be disconnected from your computer until the next time you need to access it. The article gives more details.
Net Neutrality
"Here is an article about net neutrality that doesn't bode well for us if a judge rules the wrong way. The lawsuit was filed by Verizon, and you can bet it wasn't filed in our best interest," Jim Hamm cautions. There's a lot of details to consider.
Apple Coming to Arizona: Here's More
Running Windows on a Mac
"Here's a good article (here) on comparing all the available resources for running Windows on a Mac," states John Carter. He explains, "The comparison includes Dual Booting, Running Windows in a Virtual Machine, and Running Windows Apps Directly in Mac OS X — Without Windows. There is even a link for Choosing the Right Windows 8 For Your Mac.
John goes on to explain his viewpoint, "Personally, my choice is to use Parallels Desktop for Mac. I’ve tried all the other resources and this one has the fewest problems. I’ve been using Parallels for a several years and I have no regrets using it. Occasionally, I’ll try out VMWare, VirtualBox, and CodeWeavers only to be disappointed by them."
Adobe Security Breach
"The recent hacking of passwords stored by Adobe seems to have expanded," declares Jim Hamm. He goes on to say, "Take a read on this article. This is one reason why I haven't stored any passwords in the 'Cloud" -- I'm concerned about security breaches such as this. I like to keep my passwords close to me."
More Tips for Mavericks
"If you've upgraded to Mavericks, there are a few more tips that might be helpful," Jim Hamm tells us. See here.
About the iPad Air
Jim Hamm is now the "proud owner of a new iPad Air." And he goes on to give us some interesting details.
"I got to the Apple Store in Scottsdale about 7:45 am this morning (Friday, the first day of sale), and got at the end of the line -- about 30 people were ahead of me. Soon, more gathered behind me. At two minutes before 8 all the employes of the store came out and ran down the 'gauntlet' line, hollering and giving us high-fives.
"Then, we were paired up with an Apple Associate to start the purchase. Once that was consummated we were assigned to another 'set-up' person who helped us get everything set up on the new 'Pad.' It all went quickly, except I had a problem switching over my cellular plan with AT&T from my iPad 2 to my new iPad Air. AT&T actually had a representative in the store and she finally got the issue resolved.
"Once I returned to our condo all my app icons were on my new iPad, but they all had to be downloaded and installed again -- all 102 of them. OK, got that done. Connected the iPad to my MacBook Air and copied 2,284 songs from iTunes to the new iPad. Again, didn't take long. Couple more tweaks in settings and I'm finally ready to start using the iPad Air."
Well, Jim, how's it going now?
"First impression? I like it, and the big noticeable difference is the lighter weight than my iPad 2. I bought Apple's new leather case for it and like it. It is nice leather, soft to the touch, and thin, in keeping with the weight loss of the iPad Air.
"For a while I compared the iPad Air with my iPad 2 side by side. Compared the screens, how fast websites would load in each, etc. Conclusion? Not a significant difference between the two. Nominally, the iPad Air has a faster processor, but in actual use I couldn't tell an appreciable difference. But I suspect loading of apps and transferring songs probably went quicker due to the faster processor. The sound quality of the speakers on the iPad Air are much better, and actually have a pleasant sound. I like listening to music so this is a plus."
"For a while I compared the iPad Air with my iPad 2 side by side. Compared the screens, how fast websites would load in each, etc. Conclusion? Not a significant difference between the two. Nominally, the iPad Air has a faster processor, but in actual use I couldn't tell an appreciable difference. But I suspect loading of apps and transferring songs probably went quicker due to the faster processor. The sound quality of the speakers on the iPad Air are much better, and actually have a pleasant sound. I like listening to music so this is a plus."
And Jim closes with this, "If someone has the iPad 2, 3 or 4 and asked me if they should upgrade to the new iPad Air? I'd say probably not. The lighter weight is nice, but hard to tell a difference in everything else. Do I regret upgrading? No, I'm pleased with it and like exploring new devices and programs. As I use it more and find anything worth commenting on, I'll mention it in a later post."