May 2019 - Monthly Mini-Bytes

The Mandatory Flexibility Requirement Let's face facts: Technology does not do what we want it to do all the time. It does what it's programmed to do. Tech cannot think on its feet, respond to your needs, and has zero emotional intelligence. It just does what it is created to do in the way it was created to do it. This is a problem for the rest of us as often time we need it to be something else -- do something in a different way, and that's where we get to the whole conversation about flexibility. In order to be a successful user of tech, you must be flexible. This is not something any of us can avoid. Flexibility is the key to effectively wielding technology so that you can be successful. Here are three tips to get you there Begin with the End in Mind You have to start any task with your ultimate goal. The goal and final output is the key. You may want to create a newsletter, or draft an email, or create a photo book. Once you have your goal it is important to adapt to the tools that you are using to get there. The workflow may not be what you want. You may have two clicks instead of three. You may only be able to work on three photos at a time instead of two. Well, get over it. Think about the goal and not focus on the miniutia on the way to the final accomplishment. It wil go a lot faster and smoother. Trust me. Accept that there are No Quick Fixes Since the tech is going to work the way it was programmed, and not necessarily how you want it to, you may need to try different software, change up the way you work, or even employ a workaround. It may take more time than you expected, but if you try to fight against a faceless enemy (the tech) you are only going to delay your progress to your ultimate goal. (See: Begin with the End in Mind) Know When to Ask for Help No one is an island when it comes to technology. We all run into problems where a second set of eyes helps tremendously. If you get stuck it's okay to check the internet, or ask a friend or colleague for assistance. Again, fighting the software will only take up more of your precious time.

Vacation? Your Inkjet Printer will Miss You! Memorial Day weekend is upon us and with it the official kick-off of summer! Whether it means going up North, or a three month stint in California, or, like my Uncle Terry, a long weekend in Ocean City where we lost track of him for 30 years only to find that he now lives in Sri Lanka and works as a coffee merchant. But you don't want to hear about that story. Let's talk about how your vacation will devastate your inkjet printer. Inkjet printers are cheap and effective ways to deplete the Earth's forests with hard copy emails, pictures, and boarding passes. But they have a flaw -- all inkjets will clog if not used regularly. An extended vacation may spell the end of your beloved printer. Here are three ways to keep it alive and ready for your return home: Get Someone to Print on It Each Week If you have someone watching your house, have them print something up at least once a week. Print Before You Leave Run a couple of print jobs before you take off for Antarctica. Clean Upon Return When you get back, try printing. If it all looks good pat yourself on the back. If not, clean the heads. It may take several cleanings to get it working, but if it doesn't, then it's time for a new printer. And one final tip: If you go away a lot, consider investing in a laser printer. They do not clog and tend to last much longer.

Apple's 2019 World Wide Developer Conference WWDC 2019 is right around the corner and it looks like Apple will finally come out with an all new Mac Pro. Other things to expect are the usual iOS and macOS announcements. To learn more, visit Mac Rumors: https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/wwdc/