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

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?

Best Mac anti-virus program?

MacWorld > Best antivirus for Mac: Protect yourself from malicious software by Glenn Fleishman, Senior Contributor, Macworld (Nov 12, 2019) If you’re concerned about protection against malware on your Apple Mac computer, here’re some notes from MacWorld’s latest reviews. Summary Best overall antivirus software – Sophos Home Premium for Mac Best free antivirus software – Avast… Continue reading Best Mac anti-virus program?

Best antivirus protection for Windows 10

UPDATE OCTOBER 19, 2019: “The best antivirus protection of 2019 for Windows 10 – Your PC needs protection against malware, and free antivirus software may be enough. Here’s the best antivirus protection to get for Windows 10, and what’s worth paying extra for” by Clifford Colby (October 19, 2019). CNET’s “best” recommendations stand from last… Continue reading Best antivirus protection for Windows 10

Best PC anti-virus — free or not

I’ve written previously about PC anti-virus / PC security programs. Annual PC World reports. Both free and paid (subscription) products. The best? Well, this recent PC World article “Recent antivirus tests are bad news for paid security suites” (January 30, 2019) has an interesting take on the question and the status of free options. Paid… Continue reading Best PC anti-virus — free or not

Lookalike web page addresses

Ever mistype a Web page address? Mistype the URL? Like typing “Gogle” instead of “Google.” Ever click a result from a Google search that looked like the site you wanted but took you to something else? With maybe some scary ads? Well, these two articles (links below) are a reminder about this common way criminals… Continue reading Lookalike web page addresses

macOS 10.14 — mountains to the desert — High Sierra to Mojave

Today Apple officially released a new version of its macOS. The name of the new system — “Mojave” — celebrates the desert rather than the mountains of the High Sierra, and updates to version 10.14 from 10.13.6. Available on your Mac from the Apple Menu > App Store > Featured > Mac App Store, Apple… Continue reading macOS 10.14 — mountains to the desert — High Sierra to Mojave

iOS 12 — what’s new in Apple’s iPhone system upgrade

It’s that time of year again. New Apple devices. New iPhones and watches, and new versions of the stuff that makes them work. MacWorld highlights the best new features in iOS 12 in this article: “How to use the coolest new features in iOS 12” (September 17, 2018). At last, iOS 12 is here, bringing… Continue reading iOS 12 — what’s new in Apple’s iPhone system upgrade

Google privacy settings — check how you’re tracked

Another go at this topic, this time by PC World. The Google ecosytem is impressive, with devices and services which we use on a daily basis. Lots of services: search, contacts, calendar, web browsing, etc. Google Assistant, the digital personal assistant (butler). Lots of Google apps on our Android-powered smartphones. Google programs on our notebook… Continue reading Google privacy settings — check how you’re tracked

Best PC anti-virus program?

An annual review by PC World: “Best antivirus: Keep your Windows PC safe from spyware, Trojans, malware, and more” (updated August 27, 2018): Antivirus software is nearly as crucial as a PC’s operating system. Even if you’re well aware of potential threats and practice extreme caution, some threats just can’t be prevented without the extra… Continue reading Best PC anti-virus program?