Monthly Mini-Bytes - July 2021

 

When is an Intel Mac a Better Choice? Oh... what? Yes, let's let the internet melt down for a minute. Why would anyone purchase and Intel Mac over the more powerful and definitely more future-proof M1? What could possibly motivate an individual, or group of individuals to collectively choose to invest in older technology? Well, the answer is simple. It's Windows. Yes... Windows. For better or worse (mainly worse) there is software out there that has only been written for Windows PCs, but fortunately Macs can run Windows software without breaking a sweat using an emulator like Parallels or Apple's Boot Camp. Both macOS and Windows 10 run natively on Intel i-Series Processors. The M1 is all new, and even though there is a beta version of Windows 10 that can run on the new ARM processors, it's the tip of the spear here, meaning stability is in question. So, for those who need the capability of running Windows software, an Intel Mac can be an excellent choice. But to future-proof it so it can compete later on with the M1s, go for at least an i7 processor and 16 GB of RAM. Extra credit is offered for i9s with 32 GB of RAM to keep up with the M1s integrated RAM and video processor. In closing, and as of right now, at this moment and second (July 2021), if you are 100% Mac, the M1 is the only way to go. If you still run Windows only software, opt for a well equipped Intel Mac so that everything stays nice and stable.

Multiple Monitors with DisplayLink? Yes, Please! If you have an M1 Mac or an older Mac and you want to experience the joy of a massive row of displays to intimidate friends and family, you can! It's true Apple limits the number of displays, how they are connected, and don't seem to know what adapters may or may not be needed, but worry no more! With a DisplayLink enabled device you can connect extra displays. There are limitations as DisplayLink technology uses your main processor and a driver rather than the native video card, so gaming and certain video content may not come out as well, but for general use it is a perfect solution. To find out more about DisplayLink and the different docks, cables, and adapters that are needed visit: https://www.displaylink.com

Internet Browser: Beware of Extensions

Internet browser extensions seem like a good idea. They allow you to run little bits of software to clip coupons, remember your passwords, block ads, or even flag questionable content. But that same capability can be turned the other way and voila!, you have spyware. Generally we don't recommend any extensions, but if you use a password manager like 1Password or LastPass, you will need one. To see if you have any extensions in Safari go to the Safari drop-down menu and choose Preferences. You will see an Extensions heading. Choose that to see what Extensions you may be running. If they are checked they are active. In the right-hand window each one will have an uninstall option. For other browsers: In Chrome choose Extensions from the Window drop-down menu.You can also access it from the Preferences menu as in Safari. In Firefox you would choose Preferences from the Firefox drop-down menu. Then select Extensions & Themes to access the list.