How To Upgrade BackBlaze

Posted on March 13, 2023March 12, 2023 by Tim Hannon in BackBlaze, Backup

Do you use Backblaze to backup your Mac? It’s a great way to create an off-site backup of your Mac’s data.

Backblaze tends to automatically install minor updates but it won’t install major upgrades on its own. Here are instructions on how to manually install a major upgrade of Backblaze on your Mac, such as upgrading from version 7.x to version 8.x or version 8.x to version 8.5

It’s Time to Try Dictation in iOS 16 and iPadOS 16

Posted on March 12, 2023February 13, 2023 by Tim Hannon in iOS and iPhone/iPad Apps, Software

Apple has long provided a microphone button in the keyboard to invoke dictation on the iPhone and iPad. But, it wasn’t always easy to hit, and you had to switch back to the keyboard to fix the inevitable mistakes. (Apple’s dictation is a huge timesaver but far from perfect, particularly with homonyms and proper nouns.) With iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, Apple made the microphone button larger and repositioned it to make it easier to tap. More importantly, the keyboard remains available while dictation is active, enabling you to work with text manually during dictation. You can fix mistakes, reposition the insertion point, select and delete text, and so on. For instance, if dictation inserts the wrong word, double-tap the word to select it and speak the replacement. Or, if you want to add something, tap in the text to move the insertion point and start speaking again. Dictation can even add punctuation for you, but it’s a little haphazard at that, so you might want to disable that option in Settings > General > Keyboard.

(Featured image by iStock.com/fizkes)

Six Ways of Making It Easier to Browse Your Favorite Websites

Posted on March 5, 2023July 18, 2023 by Tim Hannon in Computer Basics

Everyone—or at least everyone reading this article—knows how to use a Web browser. But just because you can click links, search for websites, and type URLs doesn’t mean that you’re surfing the Web as smoothly and effectively as you could. We all have sites that we visit regularly—a local newspaper, perhaps, or a social media service that’s the only place to connect with far-flung family members. Plus, the rise of Web apps like Google Docs means that we may spend hours every day in a Web browser at a particular site.

Here then are six ways that you can make it easier to use the same sites every day. This list is far from comprehensive, but we hope it gets you thinking about how you can spend less time typing URLs and searching for sites. We’ll focus on Safari here, but similar features are available in most Web browsers.

What Is Google Web & App Activity, and Should You Leave It Enabled?

Posted on February 26, 2023February 13, 2023 by Tim Hannon in Companies, Google, Security/Privacy

Earlier this year, some of my clients received an email from Google reminding them that they have Web & App Activity turned on. Those with a healthy dose of caution were concerned that it might be a phishing attack, but no, it’s legitimate. Their next questions were often, “Wait, what is Web & App Activity, and do I want it enabled?” Here are some answers.

An Amazingly Convenient Way to Scan Documents Using Your iPhone or iPad

Posted on February 19, 2023February 19, 2023 by Tim Hannon in iOS and iPhone/iPad Apps, Scanning, Services, Software

On occasion, we all need to scan a document—an invoice, a recipe, instructions from a book—but far more people have an iPhone or iPad than a hardware scanner. Luckily, Apple has built a scanning capability into iOS, iPadOS, and macOS for some years now. The next time you’re faced with a piece of paper that you need in digital form, follow the instructions below.

Upgrade to macOS Ventura If You’d Like

Posted on February 12, 2023February 14, 2023 by Tim Hannon in macOS (formerly OS X), Software

When upgrading to a new version of macOS, I err on the side of caution, at least in my recommendations. I regularly tell people that you typically don’t want to be the first kid on your block to upgrade to a new version of the Mac operating system (macOS). Upgrading is easy, but if you upgrade too soon, the new macOS version could make key apps inoperable, create workflow interruptions, or cause other negative consequences. On the other hand, waiting too long can cause problems—it’s important to stay in sight of the cutting edge for security reasons and to take advantage of Apple’s advances. Upgrading is not an if question; it’s a when question. Since Apple recently released their second update to macOS 13 Ventura, feel free to upgrade, if you’d like as long as you have a current Time Machine backup and you know your applications are compatible. I discuss both of these topics below.

What Is Advanced Data Protection for iCloud? Should You Enable It?

Posted on February 5, 2023February 13, 2023 by Tim Hannon in Encryption, iCloud or AppleID, Security/Privacy, Services

In early December, Apple made a surprise announcement: Advanced Data Protection for iCloud. It’s not as though iCloud’s standard data protection is problematic, but it hinges on one architectural decision that makes some iCloud data theoretically vulnerable: Apple holds the encryption keys necessary to decrypt iCloud data. Because Apple controls those encryption keys, an attacker or rogue Apple employee who could gain access to them could theoretically steal iCloud data. (There are many more safeguards; it’s not like there’s a big printout of keys anywhere.) Plus, since Apple has the technical capability to read that data, law enforcement agencies could legally compel Apple to hand it over.

Protect Your Hidden and Recently Deleted Albums in Photos

Posted on January 29, 2023January 18, 2023 by Tim Hannon in Software

Photos has long provided a hidden album you could use to hold images you wanted to keep a little more private. Until this year, however, it was security through obscurity: anyone who knew to reveal the album in Settings > Photos on an iPhone or iPad or by choosing View > Show Hidden Album on the Mac could see its contents. Now you can protect it—and the Recently Deleted album—with Face ID or Touch ID on an iPhone or iPad, or Touch ID or your password on a Mac. You can enable this feature in iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 using Settings > Photos > Use Face ID/Touch ID; in macOS 13 Ventura, choose Photos > Settings > General and select “Use Touch ID or password.” From then on, opening those albums will require authentication.

(Featured image by iStock.com/Kenishirotie)

Master The Photos App On Your iPhone

Posted on January 22, 2023January 21, 2023 by Tim Hannon in Photo

Do you use the Photos app on your iPhone? Would you like to feel more comfortable using it? If so, check out Mirja Heide’s four week class at Edmonds College. Thursdays February 16th — March 9th from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Cost is $99. Register with Edmonds College Continuing Education.

This is a hands-on course. You will have the opportunity to organize your digital photos using your iPhone during class as well as between classes via take-home assignments. Class handouts with step-by-step instructions will be provided.

Apple Released New Mac mini and MacBook Pros With M2 Chips

Posted on January 21, 2023February 13, 2023 by Tim Hannon in Hardware, Macintosh

With a handful of press releases buttressed by a 19-minute video, Apple unveiled its new M2 Pro and M2 Max chips and announced updated Mac mini and MacBook Pro models that rely on the new chips. There are no significant design or feature changes with these updated models, just faster performance, enhanced external display support, and support for the latest wireless connectivity standards. The new Mac mini and MacBook Pro models are available to order now, with units in stores and orders starting to arrive on January 24th.

Then, in another surprise announcement, Apple announced the second-generation HomePod, which updates the full-size smart speaker with a few new features and likely makes it more cost-effective to produce.

How 1Password Is Designed To Keep Your Data Safe, Even In The Event Of A Breach

Posted on January 19, 2023January 19, 2023 by Tim Hannon in Passwords, Security/Privacy

In the wake of LastPass’ security incident in December 2022, clients have asked me how vulnerable their 1Password password vaults would be, if the vault were stolen. The short answer is that the vault would be very secure. For more details please check out 1Password’s recent blog post about how 1Password protects your data. Additionally, check out 1Password’s article about their security model.

Upgrade Past macOS 10.15 Catalina to Keep Getting Microsoft Office Updates

Posted on January 15, 2023January 9, 2023 by Tim Hannon in Software, Spreadsheets, Word Processing

We aren’t quite ready to recommend that everyone upgrade to macOS 13 Ventura, but if you use Microsoft Office with macOS 10.15 Catalina, you should start planning for an upgrade. Microsoft has announced that current versions of its productivity suite—Office for Mac 2019, Office for Mac 2021, and Microsoft 365—will receive updates only if your Mac is running macOS 11 Big Sur, macOS 12 Monterey, or macOS 13 Ventura. If you keep using Catalina, your Office apps will continue to work, but they won’t receive enhancements, bug fixes, or security updates past October’s 16.66 updates. Contact us if you have questions about appropriate upgrade paths.

(Featured image based on an original by iStock.com/jewhyte)

LastPass Security Breach: Here’s What to Do

Posted on January 9, 2023January 9, 2023 by Tim Hannon in Passwords, Security/Privacy

Do you use LastPass‘ password manager? If so, here’s what you need to know about the two recent data breaches. Password management company LastPass has announced that it suffered a security breach in which attackers stole both unencrypted customer account data (which is bad) and customer vaults containing encrypted usernames and passwords (which is much, much worse). On the positive side, the data of users who abided by LastPass’s defaults and created master passwords of at least 12 characters in length will likely resist cracking attempts.

Although 1Password is the most popular password manager for Apple users, and it’s the one that we use and recommend, LastPass is an alternative. Here’s what happened and how LastPass users should react. For those who don’t use LastPass, we also discuss ways your organization can improve its online security by learning from LastPass’s mistakes and misfortunes.

Organize Your Photos Class

Posted on September 22, 2022September 21, 2022 by Tim Hannon in Computer Basics, Getting Organized, Photo

Are your digital photos a mess? Do you feel overwhelmed when you think about trying to organize them? Do you spend too much time looking for specific images? Do you wonder if your photos are backed up? If you answered “yes” to these questions, then consider this 4-week digital photo organizing class being taught by Mirja Heide at Edmonds College. The class costs $99. It is every Thursday from 6:00-8:00 PM from September 29th – October 20th.

In this hands-on class you’ll use the Photos application on your Mac computer. You’ll learn how to consolidate your photos and videos into one main photo collection, remove duplicates, utilize tools and methods for curating images, and keep your photo library organized.

This class covers essential tools, tips and shortcuts you can apply immediately. You will have the opportunity to organize your digital photos using your Mac computer during class as well as between classes via take-home assignments. Class handouts with step-by-step instructions will be provided.

If you can’t make this in-person class don’t fret. Mirja periodically offers online photo organizing classes. For a list of her in-person and online classes, check out Mirja’s Classes and Workshops page.

Find Your Cursor Using Simple Mouse Locator

Posted on September 14, 2022September 16, 2022 by Tim Hannon in Aging Eyes, Computer Basics

Have you ever struggled to find your Mac’s cursor? Do you have a really large monitor or multiple monitors? If so, it’s easy to lose track of your cursor. Here are two ways to help you locate it.

Starting with OS X 10.11 El Capitan, in 2015, the Mac operating system (macOS) will temporarily increase the size of your cursor if you quickly wiggle your mouse back and forth. If your Mac has a trackpad, then wiggle your finger back and forth on the trackpad. The enlarged cursor should make it easier for your eyes to find it. This feature should be on by default on your Mac. If not, use the directions in one of the following two articles to turn it on. Use HowToGeek’s article if your Mac is using macOS 11 Big Sur or newer. Use OS X Daily’s article if your Mac is using macOS 10.15 Catalina or older.

Alternatively, consider buying Simple Mouse Locator. As of late 2022, the price was a few dollars. This application puts a colored ring around the cursor to help your eyes locate it. You can configure when the ring is displayed and for how long. You can also turn on the ring permanently.

Learn To Use The Photos App On Your Mac

Posted on June 10, 2022June 12, 2022 by Tim Hannon in Photo

Online Photo Organizing Classes via Zoom

Do you use the Photos app on your Mac? Would you like to feel more comfortable using it? If so, consider joining Mirja Heide, a professional photo organizer, for one of her hour-long Wednesday Workout classes this summer. Learn more about Mirja at Refresh Fotos. She is offering 4 Zoom classes on Wednesdays in June, July and August. Each class costs $35. Pre-registration is required. If you’re unable to attend the Zoom classes live, you should still register since class recordings can be watched for up to 10 days after the class.

Organize Your Photos With Mirja Heide

Posted on March 22, 2022September 21, 2022 by Tim Hannon in Computer Basics, Getting Organized, Photo

Organize Your Photos On Your Mac Computer Course

Are your digital photos a mess? Do you spend too much time looking for specific images? Are you looking for a way to get rid of duplicates in your photo collection? Then you should consider hiring a photo organizer such as Mirja Heide of RefreshFotos.

How To View Passwords Saved in Chrome

Posted on March 3, 2022March 2, 2022 by Tim Hannon in Passwords, Security/Privacy, Software, Web Browsing

Do you use Google Chrome on your Mac? Do you let Chrome save some of your web site passwords? Did you know that you can view a list of all saved passwords as well as the passwords themselves? Use these instructions to learn how to view web site login passwords saved by Chrome.

How To View Passwords Saved in Firefox

Posted on March 2, 2022March 1, 2022 by Tim Hannon in Passwords, Security/Privacy, Software, Web Browsing

Do you use Firefox on your Mac? Do you let Firefox save some of your web site passwords? Did you know that you can view a list of all saved passwords as well as the passwords themselves? Use these instructions to learn how to view web site login passwords saved by Firefox.