For your new iPhone (or revisiting settings on your current one), some tips for some settings. • Mac World > “Why you should start 2022 by changing these 10 iPhone settings” by Tamara Palmer (Jan 1, 2022) – Your iPhone is great out of the box, but there are lots of little things that can… Continue reading iPhone settings tips 2022
The new year 2022
Setting up a new PC – 2021
Another annual article by PC World – advice for setting up a new PC. • PC World > “How to set up your new computer” by Brad Chacos, Executive editor (Dec 24, 2021) – Set up antivirus, clear out bloatware, and perform other tasks to keep your PC humming well into the future. Summary: Run… Continue reading Setting up a new PC – 2021
New Mac setup tips – 10 things
Mac World’s annual tips (updated from 2015’s article) for your new holiday Mac. • MacWorld > “Got a new Mac? Do these 10 things first” by Macworld Staff (Dec 25, 2021) – Get started down the path towards being a power Mac user with these essential tips. Got a new M1 Mac this holiday season?… Continue reading New Mac setup tips – 10 things
VR spacewalk – ISS walking tour premiere
At my 2019 college reunion, there was an exhibit room which celebrated physicist Richard Feynman’s life and work: “The Mind’s Eye: Richard Feynman in Word and Image.” In a small area of that room, there were a dozen or so chairs for viewing a multimedia presentation by donning a VR headset. Well, this latest space… Continue reading VR spacewalk – ISS walking tour premiere
Merry Christmas!
Even Santa’s facing supply chain challenges: shipping clutter, Earth port congestion, unloading delays, sleigh-reindeer shortages 😉
VR in the house? – consumer’s FAQ by PC Guide
One of my last technology research projects years ago at Hughes was focused on visualization [1]. Visualization, among other things, included applications using virtual reality (VR). Since then, as noted elsewhere, I’ve followed the topic casually for commercial, industrial and consumer uses. But I’ve not invested in any consumer gear as yet. I’ve wondered, for… Continue reading VR in the house? – consumer’s FAQ by PC Guide
iPhone system updates – 2021 iOS flurry
Are you getting annoyed at the constant nags to update your iPhone? Is it worth all the time it takes to process – to download-check-install and reboot your device? If you’re getting notices the last month or so that yet another iOS update is available for your iPhone, then you’re not alone. I was getting… Continue reading iPhone system updates – 2021 iOS flurry
Fire TV tips – beyond the default experience
Here’s a useful summary of extra features for Fire TV devices. I’ve wondered about frame rates when my video stream goes fuzzy. Also, what to do (besides cycling power) when the device crashes – becomes unresponsive. • Gizmodo > “11 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do on Your Amazon Fire TV” by David Nield… Continue reading Fire TV tips – beyond the default experience
Remotely triggering your iPhone’s camera shutter
This MacWorld article is an excellent summary of all the ways to trigger the shutter remotely in your iPhone’s camera app. • MacWorld > “How to remotely control your iPhone’s camera” by Lance Whitney (May 13, 2021) – Take a photo without touching your phone. (quote) There are several reasons why you might not want… Continue reading Remotely triggering your iPhone’s camera shutter
TV streaming services – visual preview like a set-top box?
This TechHive article (below) is a useful roundup of OTT services. One thing that’s predictable is price increases (not discussed in article). The typical monthly cost stands near $70, which reminds me of my cable bill years ago (and paying for so many channels that I’m not interested in or dropping channels that I do… Continue reading TV streaming services – visual preview like a set-top box?
iPhone update for your new AirTags
Lots of media buzz recently about Apple’s new AirTag. The latest iOS version enables you to use them with your iPhone. • Mac World > “iOS 14.5 is out now with lots of new features and improvements” by Jason Cross, Staff Writer (April 26, 2021) – The update adds AirTags support, App Tracking Transparency, unlock… Continue reading iPhone update for your new AirTags
Samsung Galaxy S21 customization
I’ve never owned a Samsung smartphone. Their phones are really popular, yes. Lots of models. Lots of deals. I finished reading the book Samsung Rising in March. Really interesting. Quite a saga to get to its success, like with the latest S21. I’ve been satisfied with a Pixel 2. Late last year a Google Store… Continue reading Samsung Galaxy S21 customization
macOS “Big Sur” tips
While keeping your Mac up-to-date with the latest macOS system software generally is easier (and more reliable) for “mere mortals” than keeping up with all the Windows 10 updates on a PC, it’s still a chore. For some there’s no practical benefit for a new release (other than any security patches). But if you’ve got… Continue reading macOS “Big Sur” tips
The new year
Setting up a new PC
PC World’s annual advice on setting up a new PC. • PC World > “How to set up your new computer” by Brad Chacos, Senior Editor (Dec 25, 2020) … a new PC isn’t like a new car; you can’t just turn a key and put the pedal to the metal. Okay, maybe you can—but… Continue reading Setting up a new PC
Tips for setting up a new iPhone
If you recently got a new iPhone 12, or are planning to get one, this MacWorld article has tips on making a smooth transition from your old phone. If you typically get a new one every few years, then these tips are a helpful review. • MacWorld > “Did you just get your iPhone 12… Continue reading Tips for setting up a new iPhone
Multiple monitors for work-at-home
What with stay-at-home and work-from-home, I found this PC World article interesting. I talked with a friend over the weekend about using an external monitor with his notebook PC. He’d brought a 27″ monitor home from his employer’s office, and wanted to place multiple Office documents on separate screens. Note that the article considers 2K… Continue reading Multiple monitors for work-at-home
The chips that power your personal computer – Intel’s overview
Holy electron beams, Batman! Chips on a reel, eh. Ever wonder about how computer chips (microprocessors) that power your personal computer are made? Well, if you’re curious for a high level overview, this PC World article includes a YouTube video by Intel (below) and some additional manufacturing videos for other products. PC World > “This… Continue reading The chips that power your personal computer – Intel’s overview
Is Windows 10’s built-in security all the free you need?
Here’s an update to a topic discussed in my January 31, 2019, post “Best PC anti-virus — free or not” and whether Microsoft Windows 10’s built-in Windows Defender is adequate for many PC users. PC World > “Windows Security review: There are better options, but not for the ‘price’” – Windows Security (nee Windows Defender)… Continue reading Is Windows 10’s built-in security all the free you need?