John Healy's Tech Blog

Tag: Tips

  • 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? If this is the first Mac you’ve ever owned, a hearty congratulations! Your new Mac is easy to use and more powerful than it’s ever been. As easy as the Mac is, doing some things may not be instantly obvious, and you owe it to yourself to make sure you’re getting the most out of your new investment.

  • 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 (June 3, 2021)

    • Use Alexa Hands-Free
    • Set Up User Profiles
    • Bring Up Diagnostic Information (remote buttons trick)

    Well, that tip – about getting diagnostic information via a trick using the remote’s buttons – did not work on my 3rd gen pendant-design Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD (2017). May not work for others as well.

    What did work was downloading (on June 4) the (free) “Developer Tools Menu Shortcut for Fire TV” app from the Amazon Appstore.

    I learned of this app from:

    • Beebom.com > “How to Check the Actual Streaming Resolution on Fire TV Stick” by Arjun Sha (February 6, 2021)

    • AV Forums > Video Streaming Boxes & Services > “Question > Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K – developer tools options” (Jan 22, 2019)

    • Control the Fire TV from Your Phone (app)
    • Restart Your Device from the Remote (buttons trick)
    • Protect Your Privacy (settings)
    • Customize the Home Screen
    • Tune Into Your Ring Video Feed
    • Use Your Echo Speakers for Sound
    • Add a Mouse and Keyboard (Settings > Bluetooth )
    • Browse the Web (hmm …)

  • 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 to hold your iPhone while taking a picture: You need to snap the perfect still photo while your iPhone is on a tripod and don’t want to spoil the shot by jostling it. You’re taking a group photo but also want to be in it. You’re too lazy to lift your finger. …

    • Apple watch’s camera app
    • Voice control (Accessibility)
    • Siri
    • Bluetooth camera shutter remote

  • 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 a Mac that supports the latest macOS – in this case version 11.2 with the moniker “Big Sur,” at some point the upgrade makes sense.

    The first thing after a macOS upgrade is to check that everything looks okay and that you can do what you typically do as before.

    Then, if you’re curious, explore new features.

    • MacWorld > “Uncover macOS Big Sur’s secrets with these 11 tips, tricks, and hidden features” by Roman Loyola, Senior Editor (Mar 22.2021) – Big Sur is a monster release, and there are a bunch of new features you may have missed.

    It’s been a few months now since Apple released macOS 11 Big Sur, and hopefully by now you’ve adjusted to its revamped user interface and the major new features, like the enhanced Messages and Maps apps. But operating systems are huge and there are always a few new features that aren’t obvious and you may have missed. Here are 11 tips, tricks, and hidden features in Big Sur that you need to check out. Give these a look and get the most out of Big Sur.

  • 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 you shouldn’t. Performing just a few simple activities when you first fire it up can help it be safer, faster, and better poised for the future. Here’s how to set up a new laptop or desktop computer the right way, step by step.

    Summary:

    • Run Windows Update on your new PC
    • Install your favorite browser
    • Set up your new PC’s security
    • Clean your computer’s bloatware
    • Fill your new computer with software
    • Back up your new computer
    • Optional: Update your new PC’s drivers
    • Optional: Learn about your new computer
    • Wrap-up