Jim Hamm informs us here's the latest on "Macworld laying off some staff and ending print edition." Thanks, Jim for helping us keep up with the news!
Apple Event in 84 Seconds
"If you'd like a quick overview of the entire Apple event look here," says Jim Hamm. It takes 84 seconds to view.
Protest Net Slowdown
Here is information David Passell wants to share with us. He says it's "gathering momentum to prevent large telecom companies from slowing down the Internet for their benefit and our loss. Anyone with a website can do something here." Today's the day: see here.
Beware of Phishing
After hearing from David Passell posted on 9-3, we all are on alert for the bad stuff. A few days later here comes an email to "editor" of this blog, asking for the password to be reset. Avoiding the obvious, it was time to phone directly to Apple for help from a living person. Finally, a person to talk with! The man agreed that since the return address on the email was from "orders@tunes.co.uk" it was BAD. He directed me to forward that email to reportphishing@icloud.com and so that's that.
Is This Phishing?
"Doesn't this look threatening?" questions David Passell. He passes along a copy of an email which says it's from no-reply@icloud.app.com asking for him to update his account records. He wonders if it's legitimate or not. He says he doesn't buy anything on an Apple Account, at least he hasn't for a long time. He emphasizes "I will not click on the update to my account Link. If I were worried I would go straight to my Apple account with my id and PW."
Did anyone else get this kind of an email?
Buy Stuff & Save Money
Jim Hamm is looking for stuff; look what he found: "I just came across this site today, and know nothing about it, except some good deals on what they say are genuine Apple products. Take a look." You can view a 5 minute video for an overview of this Utah company and their stuff. http://www.yugster.com/faqs
Restore Files with Time Machine
"Here is a helpful article if you should ever need to restore files on your Mac using Time Machine," notes Jim Hamm. Thanks again, Jim, for keeping your PMUG friends in mind.
Health Data Privacy Issues
"Health data that will soon be stored on iOS 8-powered devices could be a gold mine for ad networks, but Apple has made it off limits for now," so begins the article recommended by David Passell. He reiterates, "No, developers will not be allowed to sell your health data for targeted advertising. Read about it here. David adds, "ZDnet includes a 'more' link. This takes you to a lot of other sharing sites and email is at the top. You are not limited to Facebook, Twitter, and 'inShare' (whatever that is).
Startup Issues
Responding to a question John Carter gives two ways to handle Mac login issues. You can picture him smiling as he first suggests this: "Do an Internet search like this: 'mac turn off login items.' And then sift through dozens of similar answers.
"But here’s my answers:
Answer #1: Right click on the item in the Dock, select Options, deselect “Open at login.”
Answer #2: Open System Preferences -> Users & Groups -> Login Items. Select the item and then click the ‘-‘ button at the bottom." (Yes, that's the little minus sign.)
Routers, Switches, Network Hardware
What is a router and what does it do? What difference is there in the WiFi speeds? Why are network hubs no longer needed?
Well, Jim Hamm found this article to explain these to the person with a need to know. "Here's an article explaining how a home network functions," he says.
http://www.howtogeek.com/99001/htg-explains-routers-and-switches/
"Net Neutrality" at Round Two
Jim Hamm continues the earlier discussion, "Are you 'fer or agin' the concept of 'Net Neutrality', or quite possibly don't even care? Following is an article from the Windows Secrets Newsletter that might be of interest regarding this issue."
Note: the end of the 120-day public comment period ends September 15.
Apple Sales & Profits
Keeping up with the latest on Apple sales and profits, David Passell sends this with the comment, "Everyone knows the PC market has been in decline for the past few years. But one segment of that market is doing spectacularly well, and one company has managed to carve out enviable sales and profits by dominating that niche. Guess who?"
Internet Controversy
Here's something to look into: the possible merger of Comcast and Time Warner. David Passell passes on this link. Check out this info and see what you think.
Where's Apple's Chromebook?
According to David Passell there's a need for an Apple that isn't so expensive. He suggests we read this. "I think the Chromebook is going to give Apple a bit more competition than first assumed. Consumers, schools, and businesses are buying Chromebooks instead of more expensive devices. This could put new pressure on Apple to create a cheap device.
With his P.S. David reminds us he still has a 2008 Mini running Snow Leopard, and "I probably don't know what (hassles?) I am missing." He signs off by calling himself the "browsing triceratops."
iPhone Rumors
"What do we know about the anticipated iPhone 6?" asks David Passell. He also wonders if you'll buy the iOS handset. See here.
Happy Birthday, PMUG!
Here's an early "Happy Birthday!" to PMUG, Prescott Mac User Group which officially started twenty-five years ago on August 21, 1989.
At today's meeting new Prez Rob Raess presided, VP Pam Wickstrom encouraged those attending to volunteer to speak to us at some later dates.
We also heard from David Passell, treasurer, and we signed a pretty card to send to Bobbie Pastor, PMUG secretary. Our "cookie lady" Ginger Carlson brought cake for the birthday. Jeff Ian from Think4Ink gave a jolly presentation that informed all of us about printers, ink, and the history of PMUG in Prescott.
Learn Via Video, etc.
Helpful PMUG leader John Carter scores big with this link, www.macmost.com/ and you'll want to take a look at this website. Turns out they have more than 900 FREE video tutorials on how to use your Mac, iPad, iPhone and other Apple Technology.
And here's some very welcome news: They never sell, rent or share your email address. Read details at Policies.
No, we're not listing all 900 of their video tutorials. But look at some of these other helpful categories.
Here's another list of pages you'll want to check out.
And this concludes the August PMUG meeting handout that's not getting handed out tomorrow, August 16; it's just posted here for your convenience. Thanks again to John Carter who keeps an eye out for useful info for us.
by Elaine Hardt.
More on Mail Signatures
"MacMost.com has just announced a new video on using Mail Signatures," John Carter tells us. "This would be a good follow-up on my article (posted August 11) about using Signatures as an e-mail template. See the video here: Watch Video…
Apps: Adobe and Alternatives
"Sometime in the past you installed software from Adobe. When you did this, it scattered a bazillion files all over the place on your Mac. Now you want to delete the Adobe software. Good luck finding all the cruft!" exclaims Past Prez Art Gorski.
He goes on, "Utility programs that claim to be able to uninstall software for you fail miserably when faced with the Adobe challenge. Here’s a good on-line discussion of the involved procedure needed to absolutely clean this stuff off your computer:" http://www.macintouch.com/readerreports/applications/topic3000-026.html#d12aug2014
Fast and Faster!
"Google is again investing in a fiber-optic cable to connect the Far East with the West Coast. I can't quite grasp a speed of 60 terabytes per second, but it sounds faster than what I get at home...(grin)…." says Jim Hamm. Read here.