As most iPhone and iPad users know, Apple released its latest iOS update two days ago (Sept. 19). If the update hasn’t been offered to your device, you can trigger the upgrade by going into Settings/General/Software Update. On my phone and iPad Air, the process when smoothly and relatively quickly.… Read More
Author Archives: Tracey Capen
Notes on the 2017 Apple iPhone event
Apple delivered its always much-anticipated announcement of upcoming iPhone, Apple TV, and Apple Watch products, this year at the new Steve Jobs Theater. If you are deep into the Apple ecosystem, you probably watched the show online. But for those who didn’t, here are some thoughts and highlights. After introducing… Read More
Playing with the new iPhone 7
I’m not one who has to have the latest gadget; I usually wait until there’s a good reason to upgrade. That explains why I’ve held onto an iPhone 4 for over six years. It’s worked nearly flawlessly over that time. And it still works; though it’s reached a level of… Read More
Mac Mini saves the day — for a Windows user
I live in a house divided. I use both Mac and Windows, but my spouse is strictly Windows. Recently, I upgraded her aging PC with a new video card for better Windows 10 support. All seemed to go well — until I realized I’d booted the system but not plugged… Read More
New report on OS X anti-malware apps
AV-Comparatives is one of the few independent security organizations that tests software used to defend against viruses, Trojans, and other forms of malicious code. Recently, the company published its report on ten popular anti-malware applications. Any belief that Macs don’t get infections was dispelled by KeRanger (more info), a ransomware… Read More
A most under-rated personal computer
Each week, as I put together the Mac-Forums newsletter, I look over the latest posts — many from folks who are not only new to the forum, but new to Mac. Some of these self-described newbies grew tired of the constant changes and security threats to Windows. And many of… Read More
Mail, Thunderbird, and other email clients
For some time now, the amount of junk mail clogging up my inbox has been ruinous, both in time and missed important communications. There are many methods and tricks for cutting down the junk mail load — the most extreme being setting up a new email address and closing down… Read More
Managing storage with Dropbox synching
Looking though recent Mac-Forums posts, I read through a discussion about local versus cloud storage and how online file storage differs from online backups. The thread was relatively long, and there was still some debate and confusion about the limitations of online storage. The forum member who started the thread… Read More
Turning an iPhone into a landline handset
Like phone booths, home-phone landlines would seem to be headed for extinction, as we shift to cellphones, Skype, texting, and the various other forms of digital communications. But cellphones get drowned in toilets and Internet connections go down at the most inopportune times. So it’s still good to have a… Read More
Extending cellphone range — sort of
Recently, fellow editor Kathleen Atkins sent me a link to a new product that might interest those who visit the backcountry. According to a TechCruch article, tech startup goTenna will sell its communication device exclusively through sports retailer REI. The device is designed to enable cellphone texting when you’re out… Read More