John Carter grabs our attention with this information on how to avoid this Amazon virus.
"Here’s a new way to install a virus or tracking cookie on your computer. Just make the email message look like an official note from Amazon and include a zip file to click on to let the curious try to figure out what it’s all about.
The email address in the message wasn't mine. I never order from Amazon using the email address the message used. And if I wanted to verify the order, I would go online and check out the order ID mentioned in this email.
(Remember you can click to enlarge the illustration.)
A Review of Apple's New Router
"Here is a review of Apple's new router," begins Jim Hamm. "It gets good marks with one exception: it is not friendly with PCs, which I think is a huge mistake by Apple. One initially needs a Mac or iOS device to set it up. Afterwards, a PC can connect and use it easily. But Apple is missing a huge chunk of the router market by not designing it to be PC friendly to set it up.
Jim closes with these comments, "For years I've used use the older Apple Extreme router, and both of them have worked flawlessly. Next time I get a router, it will be this new one from Apple."
iPad Fingerpainting Video
"An amazing likeness of Morgan Freeman," Jim Hamm calls it. The 3:45 minute video shows this, and mentions that he uses the app Procreate to do the painting on the iPad. Jim adds, "The Cult of Mac is usually very reliable, so I'm assuming it is true. Take a look . . . " http://www.cultofmac.com/256473/fingerpainting-morgan-freeman/ The app Procreate is listed in the iTunes Store for $5.99.
CPU vs RAM vs SSD: Which Upgrades Should You Get?
If you're in the market for a new Mac don't miss this helpful article forwarded by Jim Hamm. It explains and compares CPU and RAM and SSD.
Yahoo Groups: Upgrades & Changes
"If you are using one of the Yahoo Groups and your Mac is not at the latest OS update, you may find that you can’t upload files/photos to your Yahoo Group anymore," John Carter says. He goes on to explain, "A friend of mine posted this comment:
Yahoo, Google, Microsoft, etc. have all recently made significant "upgrades??" - in their minds, not mine - to include numerous social networking capabilities to their e-mail sites, group sites, etc. They all require significant upgrading of the Mac OS on my primary desktop computer from OS 10.4.11. I cannot upgrade the OS for this computer because it's a PowerPC G5 and I still want to maintain OS 9 Classic for a couple of legacy programs. It appears that the changes Yahoo, Google & Microsoft made to the functioning of their various sites are incompatible with OS 10.4.11. I only get rudimentary e-mail capabilties on my desktop now - barely functional. The sites work perfectly fine on my MacBook Pro OS 10.6.8 - for now."
John explains his conclusion, "So, if you thought that you could continue to use your old OS for years to come, then the changes that are happening with websites are in the direction of what’s happening with the new versions of any OS, be it Mac or Windows, will leave you behind and not able to work with those websites. If upgrading your computer or OS means giving up a legacy app, welcome to the 21st Century! Find the best alternative, if any at all, and move on. And all this just to be able to continue browsing the Internet and using online services!"
Windows 8.1 vs OS X Mavericks
"Here's an interesting comparison between the two subject OSes," Jim Hamm begins. "Although this comparison won't, I suspect, induce anyone to change from one OS to the other, it's interesting to read what one knowledgeable writer has to say. I use both OSes, and both work well for me, especially after installing Classic Shell on Windows 8, which continues to work after the update to 8.1."
Jim winds up his commentary with, "I think Microsoft continues to shoot itself in the foot by trying to force two dissimilar OSes into Windows 8: a 'Metro' style for tablets and a desktop style for Windows. It was confusing to use Windows 8 before the update to 8.1, as so many writers have pointed out."
Verizon's Pay-Per-View
Jim Hamm brings an important controversy to our attention. "You may have already read about the lawsuit Verizon filed against the FCC some time ago. Here is an article that provides additional detail about the lawsuit, and what might happen to the free internet if Verizon should win.
"One aspect, which I hadn't considered, is this problem, in theory, should go away if the FCC would declare ISP's are a 'Common Carrier.' Truck lines, for example, are Common Carriers and can't discriminate against customers and have to haul a legal product for anyone, at the same rate."
Now, Jim puts the question to us, "What do you think? Should the internet be equal and free for all, or can some company, such as Verizon or AT&T, be able to charge a fee depending on what you're doing? If, say, you're streaming Netflix, should you pay more than if you're just checking emails or surfing the net?
"When the lawsuit is decided, I guess we'll learn the answer."
What's New in iOS 7
Take a look at this info just posted to the PMUG site by Mary Ann Clark. It's "What's New in iOS 7" the presentation given by John Carter at the November 23 joint meeting of PCS and PMUG.
"Take a Byte Out of Hunger"
Helping St. Mary's Food Bank down in the Valley, the MacMedia stores in Peoria and Scottsdale are collecting canned food until the end of the year. Their slogan is "Take a Byte Out of Hunger." They're giving discounts on new computer bundles and new iPad bundles. You'll find new and used/refurbished equipment and knowledgeable, friendly help for repairs and advice. Look here: http://archives.subscribermail.com/msg/eb8160aafba34d14bc9feb6f30de375e.htm
Using Siri on iPhone & iPad
Jim Hamm sends along this helpful comment, "I forget about Siri and consequently use this service infrequently, but I'd like to use it more. Here is a helpful article explaining how to use Siri more successfully on your iPhone or iPad."
Google is Fined
" Here is an article describing how Google lied to Safari users on how cookies work in Safari. This is sad when a company like Google actually lies to customers. They paid a fine, but admit no wrongdoing," says Jim Hamm.
(Remember, if you dislike reading white letters on a dark background you can hold these keys to toggle to black print on light background: Control Option Command 8. Repeat to toggle back to the original look.)
Smart Key
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.