July 2016 - Monthly Mini-Bytes

Welcome to the State of Solid State Spinning Platters Don't Cut It Anymore If you have taken a look at a calendar lately, you may have noticed that it is 2016. And in 2016 if you are considering a new Mac then why would you purchase one with 1990s technology? Your data is important, and getting to it reliably and quickly is paramount. Old-fashioned hard disc drives use spinning platters moving at 7200 RPM just a hair away from powerful magnets. Yes, they work, but compared to modern Solid State Drives (SSDs for the hipsters) they are yesterday's news -- slow, and with moving parts, prone to failure. The good news is that if you purchase a MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or MacPro, they all come standard with SSDs. But if you are in the market for an iMac or Mac Mini, you will need to spec it out with the SSD of your choice. SSDs can be had up to around 1 TB, but they are pricey. If you need a ton of storage then right now you are stuck with the older hard drive options. And those Fusion or Hybrid drives sound attractive, but we've seen a high failure rate with them in the wild -- especially with the first generation. If you do opt for a Fusion drive, make sure that you back up your data with Time Machine. But then again, no matter what type of drive you have you should be backing up with Time Machine anyway.

Fix the Weirdness with Safe Boot Squirreliness Be Gone! Since OS X 10.10 Yosemite, Macs have been very reliable at taken care of their own little background maintenance, but every once and a while your Mac may start to act funny. Funny is a technical term meaning "acting unusual or strange in an unspecific way that may also be defined by a four letter exclamation." The good news is that there is a little maneuver that will force your Mac to clean up its act. It's called Booting Into Safe Boot. Here is how to do it: Restart your Mac while holding down the LEFT SHIFT Key. Keep it held down until you see the progress bar under the Apple, then let go. Your Mac will take longer to boot and you may see funny lines go across the screen. Log in to your Desktop and wait for it to come up completely. At this point you will most likely see some lines or scrolling -- this is normal. No worries. Then restart normally. Believe it or not, this simple maneuver can resolve a lot of annoying issues.

Use the Right Charger for Your Mac  Watts Up, America! If you have a MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air, it is extremely important that you use the correct wattage Apple Charger for your device. We have seen instances where machines get damaged, some irreparably, by either the wrong wattage adapter or a third party unit. Keep in mind that the damage may not immediately be apparent. Only use genuine Apple Chargers for your MacBooks (Pro, Air, etc.). And make sure that you are using the correct one.

June 2016 - Monthly Mini-Bytes

News PDQ from WWDC 2016 iOS, macOS, Siri and Stuff Apple is holding it's World Wide Developer Conference this week bringing programmers from around the world to Northern California to review all that is new and upcoming with Apple hardware and software. And as you would expect there have been announcements about new updates.  OS X is now macOS: The next version of the Mac desktop operating system is called Sierra, but no longer will it be titled OS X. It's now macOS. I guess proper capitalization no longer matters. But hey, Siri comes to the Mac, and that's kind of a big deal for some folks. Click over here for more info: http://www.apple.com/macos/sierra-preview/ iOS 10 will be launching with a vastly expanded Messages app. Some liken it to the Facebook Messaging service. Learn more here:  http://www.apple.com/ios/ios10-preview/ watchOS will come out with a major update to clean up the interface: http://www.apple.com/watchos-preview/ The latest version of the AppleTV (tvOS) will get expanded use of Siri along with a Single Sign On feature. http://www.apple.com/tvos-preview/ If you'd like to watch the full Keynote, it is available on your AppleTV under the WWDC app or link to it here: http://www.apple.com/apple-events/june-2016/

Is Your Machine macOS Sierra Ready? 2007 iMacs Beware With the introduction of e e cummings' ongoing attempt to destroy proper capitalization, macOS Sierra is set to release this fall as Apple's next itteration of OS X... even though it's no longer called OS X. Still, as with all things these days, if you want your iPhone, iPad, and Mac to all work properly together, then staying on the latest operating system is important. But, many older Macs will roll off the supported list and not be able to run the new software. Here is the list of macOS Sierra compatible Macs: MacBook -- late 2009 and later MacBook Air -- 2010 and later MacBook Pro -- 2010 and later iMac -- late 2009 and later Mac Mini -- 2010 and later Mac Pro -- 2010 and later You can see the article from CNET here: http://www.cnet.com/how-to/see-which-macs-will-and-wont-work-with-macos/ If your older machine can run OS X 10.11 El Capitan then that is a good thing, but with updates, security breaches, and new devices coming out fast and furious, there will be a time soon when it will be a good idea to put that 2007 or 2008 iMac out to pasture.

OS X 10.7 Lion Roars No More It's Upgrade Time! We've heard from a couple of people who already ran into a problem connecting a new phone or iPad to a machine running 10.7 Lion. The newer versions of iOS for the iPhone and the iPad require the latest version of iTunes, which does not run on OS X Lion. Also, with the release of macOS Sierra, this version of OS X will fall off of support, which means that accessing websites and being 100% confident with system security will be of issue. If you are on 10.9 or earlier and you can update to OS X 10.11 (if your machine supports it), it may be time to do so. Go to the App Store under Updates to see if you Mac supports the latest version of OS X.

May 2016 - Monthly Mini-Bytes

Enable Text Messaging in Messages Text from Anywhere! ;-) Oh boy! Text messaging. Ding! Super fun for some, an electronic annoyance for others, or the only way to communicate with teenagers -- despite what side you are on, the technology is here to stay. So why not recruit your iPad or Mac to join the party, too? The Messages app (formerly iMessage) allows you to easily share messages with other iCloud users, but if you want to be able to text from your Mac or iPad you will need to enable the handoff from your iPhone. It is called Text Message Forwarding, and here is how to set it up: Open Messages on your iPad or Mac On your iPhone: Go into Settings -> Messages Select "Text Message Forwarding" Turn it on for your Mac or iPad You will get a code on your chosen Mac or iPad Enter this code in the Pop-up on the iPhone You are set!

Best Mac for Graduates? What to Choose It's graduation time, and what says Congrats! better than a new Mac. But what to choose? There are so many options. Here are our suggestions to narrow it down: Get a Laptop Students or new college graduates need mobility. They must take their machines to class, work, or coffee shops to write the next great American novel. Desktops are limiting. MacBook or MacBook Pro Our general suggestion is if your graduate needs the ultimate in portability, go with a MacBook. If they need more power, step up to the MacBook Pro. The MacBook Airs are a few years old now, and in lieu of the advancements with the MacBook and the power of the MacBook Pro, it would be better to choose one of the latter. Storage? Don't go less than 256GB Both the MacBook and MacBook Pros come with Flash Storage, but don't go less than 256GB. If your graduate is into photography or video editing, then 512GB would be even better. And don't forget a Backup Drive for Time Machine and to purchase Apple Care with the new MacBook (or Pro).

The iPhone 7  The Latest Rumors With the release of the iPhone SE, many have been asking about the new iPhone 7 that is due to come out. It's all just speculation, but if you are curious, you can read the round up of rumors at MacRumors: http://www.macrumors.com/roundup/iphone-7/

April 2016 - Monthly Mini-Bytes

Ransomware and the Off-Site Backup Another Layer of Defense Ransomware is not really a problem yet for Macs. There was only one reported program out there, and that was related to people accessing illegal content on the internet. But, as with all things, preparation is your best hedge against disaster.  What we have learned from the problem with Ransomware in the Windows PC world is that oftentimes the backup drive is encrypted along with the main hard drive. Victims lose access to their backup and fall into the clutches of the scammers, paying a ransom to unlock their machine and backup.  So, how do you protect from this? Simple: Have an off-site backup. Backing up to the cloud and encrypting that backup yourself gives secure off-site piece of mind. Companies like CrashPlan and iDrive are just two options out there. There are many to choose from depending on your budget and your needs.

What Version of OS X Should You Be On? Keep It Current for Better Browsing We get a lot of questions about whether to upgrade or not. Moving to a new version of OS X means changes that can make things look and feel different. Some don't like change, and that's okay. But with technology, keeping current means keeping safe. Being on a current system allows you to get the latest security updates and offers things from better compatability with your iPhone along with more reliable internet surfing. So, here's the straight scoop: If you are not on at least OS X 10.9 Mavericks, then we strongly recommend heading to the App Store and downloading the latest version of OS X... but make sure you have a current backup of your system first.

Quick Fix for Printer Problems Three Easy Tips Printers... they're a necessary part of your home and office, but wow do they frustrate us sometimes. When the paper stops flowing, here are a few things that you can do to help resolve printer connectivity issues. 1.) Power Cycle the Printer: Believe it or not, turning it off and then on really helps clear a lot of issues. You may need to restart your computer, too, just to get them to handshake. 2.) Delete and Re-Add: In System Preferences go into Printers & Scanners and from here you can select your troublesome printer. Hit the Minus sign to delete and then the Plus to add it back. Try your job again. 3.) Restart Your Router: If all else fails, and your printer is not directly attached to your computer (using it over Wi-Fi), give your router a restart. It helps clean up the routing table and freshens up the connections. You may need to do steps 1 and 2 again after this.

March 2016 - Monthly Mini-Bytes

The New iPhone SE and iPad Pro Everything old is new again! Apple had another session today where they announced a new iPhone SE and iPad Pro. Let's start with the iPhone. The iPhone SE looks exactly like your iPhone 5 or 5S. It's the same form factor, although they have some nifty new colors. Basically it's the iPhone 5/5S with iPhone 6S guts inside. You get a 12 megapixel camera, 4K video, Apple Pay, and Live Photos. You don't get the iPhone 6S's force touch screen or the promised (theoretically) deletion of the Home button and headphone jack in the iPhone 7 (or whatever they will call it).  Overall, I see it as kind of odd that Apple has taken a 2012 phone design and put 2015 parts in it and calls it new. But, if you need a new iPhone, but want to keep the 5's smaller package, and don't wish to purchase a ton of new accessories, then the iPhone SE may be for you. What this does insinuate is that Apple will be putting all it's emerging technology in the larger 4.7 inch (and above) iPhones. Those who like smaller phones (like myself) appear to need to be satisfied with the hand-me-downs. You can read more about the iPhone SE here: http://www.apple.com/iphone-se/ The new 9.7-inch iPad Pro is basically the standard sized iPad all "Pro-ed" up. So, if you wanted a new iPad, and like the iPad Pro, but not the size, here's one right up your alley. Truth be told, if you are considering a new iPad, then I'd say opt for either of the iPad Pros. http://www.apple.com/ipad-pro/

Ransomware on the Mac It's Why There is a You in User If you've been a regular consumer of Mini-Bytes, then you have no doubt been familiar with my repeated notion that the greatest vulnerability on the Mac is the user at the keyboard. Unlike Windows PCs that pick up viruses easier than a kindergarten class, Macs are much more robust, but it's up to you -- the you-ser. The ransomware that the news has been reporting as being the first to hit the Mac OS is embedded in a program that folks use to access illegal and pirated content. That's right! So if you are surfing the Net, doing your email, and being a responsible Mac owner you can know where not to go and get infected. Now, if you are selling small flightless birds on the deep web... For more info check out CNET: http://www.cnet.com/news/apple-users-beware-first-live-ransomware-targeting-mac-found-in-the-wild/

Freshen Up Your Old iPhone or iPad Get More Life from Your Device I still have an iPhone 5S and an iPad 3. I like them. They work well for me and I don't feel compelled to run out and slap down some Benjamins on the latest and greatest. But having older equipment means trying to get the most out of it in the ever increasing demands of updated software. ZDNet has some tips and tricks to breathe new life into your old device. Check it out here:  http://www.zdnet.com/article/dont-want-to-buy-a-new-iphone-or-ipad-heres-how-to-speed-up-your-old-one/#ftag=RSSbaffb68

February 2016 - Monthly Mini-Bytes

Get a Handle on Malware on the Mac Resources to Note Malware has become a big problem for the Mac. The good news is that good practices on your end can help you avoid it. Begin with these five easy steps: Use a legitimate Search Engine -- we prefer Google Only access reputable websites Do not download or install software that you are not familiar with Be mindful of what is happening when your computer asks for the System (login) password Do not give anyone who you don't know remote access to your computer Now if you have or think you have Malware there are many tools out there that can help. Here are just two: MalwareBytes for Mac: https://www.malwarebytes.org/antimalware/mac/ DetectX: http://sqwarq.com/detectx/ To read more about Malware check out The Safe Mac blog: http://www.thesafemac.com

Apple USB-C Charging Cable Replacement Program For You New MacBook Users If you purchased one of the new MacBooks with the fancy USB-C charger, please note that Apple is replacing some of the earlier ones as they found a flaw that causes them not to effectively charge the MacBook. If you have a MacBook, click on this link from Apple to see all the details and what you need to do: https://www.apple.com/support/usbc-chargecable/

Apple ID Authentication Problem?  It May Be Your Network As we discussed earlier this year, the Internet is going through a transition -- changing it's old IPv4 addressing to the new IPv6. Well, it seems there is a new network hiccup that has developed that is a little odd, but easily fixed. Here's the scenario: You need to enter your Apple ID password, but it won't be accepted. It comes up saying it's wrong. You double check your password sheet, your notes, and you swear it's correct, but Apple just kicks it back. What gives? Believe it or not, it could be your network connection. We can only theorize to why this is happening, but one thing that we do know is that Apple is leaning toward IPv6 vs. the old IPv4. So, if the routing gets messed up between the two systems, it may explain the problem -- or not. It may even be the conspiracy of small flightless birds. We can only wonder -- it's a bit of a mystery. How to fix it: If the problem is on your iPad or iPhone, simply disable Wi-Fi on your device so that you may connect over the cellular network. Then try again. Chances are it will work. If this is the case, a reboot of your modem and router will fix it for your local network. If you don't have the option of going on the cellular network, that same restart of your modem and router should get you rolling again. If you have authentication issues with other sites (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, banking, etc.) the same solution may apply.

January 2016 Edition - Monthly Mini-Bytes

OS X 10.11 El Capitan It's a good update! I've gotten a lot of questions lately whether or not it's okay to update to OS X 10.11 El Capitan. Well, the answer is Yes! If you have been using OS X 10.10 Yosemite, you will not notice much difference in the look and feel of El Capitan. Most of the enhancements are under the hood, although the Notes app gets a huge upgrade. If you have been a user of Evernote, the new Notes app and it's integration with iCloud may make you a convert. You will need to be running iOS 9 on your iPhone/iPad to use the new Notes. Here are the details: http://www.macworld.com/article/2947866/ios/meet-the-new-notes-ios-9s-feature-packed-evernote-rival.html If you are ready to update to OS X 10.11 El Capitan it is available at the App Store for free! Just make sure that you have a backup before you proceed.

iPhone 6c Rumors A Replacement for the iPhone 5s Wendy and I still have the iPhone 5s, not because we don't like the 6 or 6s, it's just the iPhone 5s works really well, has all the features we need, and is a good size for us to carry around. It doesn't have Apple Pay, but we use our Apple Watches for that anyway. Many folks love the 4.7 inch screen size of the 6 and 6s, but many of us, me included, appreciate something a bit smaller. Well, Apple is said to be prepping a new 4 inch phone to replace the 5s called the iPhone 6c. It looks right up my alley! You may like it, too. Here is a link to the latest rumors from Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/amitchowdhry/2016/01/13/iphone-6c-rumors/

Is it time to upgrade your Modem? Get ready for the new IPv6 If you have a cable modem, you probably don't think much about it. But they do have a lifespan, and now things on the internet are changing, so it's best to get ready. As you may have read in our previous update, the internet is running out of addresses. The old scheme is IPv4 and the new is IPv6. What happened to IPv5? The same thing I guess that happened to Windows 9. Anyway... if your modem is more than three years old, it may be up for a replacement. The old standard DOCSIS 2.0 models as a rule may not support the new internet addressing. The current standard is DOCSIS 3.0. BTW, DOCSIS stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification. Use that at your next party or trivia night! Or not... We recommend that you stay away from integrated modem/routers and just go with a straight up modem. Here are two that we really like. They are Motorola/Arris DOCSIS 3.0 units: Arris SURFBoard Model SB6141: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/arris-surfboard-docsis-3-0-high-speed-cable-modem-silver/7534146.p?id=1218849840013&skuId=7534146 (We've seen this one at Costco, too!) Arris SURFBoard 600 Series Model SB6183: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/arris-surfboard-600-series-docsis-3-0-cable-modem-white/9082019.p?id=1219389047410&skuId=9082019