• Meeting and Q&A with Harry
• "Photo editing and Markup"
Minutes for October 19, 2022
The October meeting of MAGIC was held via Zoom. There were about 28 people in attendance/on line with us.
President Harry Anderson called the meeting to order at 4:00.
BUSINESS MEETING
Our treasurer, Gary McIntyre, reported that we have a balance in our account of $8930.17. Also he just updated our non-profit status for 2023.
Harry reminded everyone to feel free to go to our MAGIC website to make a donation.
Our next meeting will be held on November 16th and the presentation will be Editing Photos by Ron Sharp.
Today is a Question and Answer session. Harry reminded us that If there are follow-up questions, please put them in the Zoom Chat Function. No further questions will be taken.
Note that these minutes will no longer include details of the presentation, as these can be viewed on the MAGIC WEBSITE (http://www.whidbey.com/magicmug/index.html)
Harry reminded the Board that they will will meet at the end of this general meeting to plan future programs and meetings.
Ron reminded everyone that if you look on the website for the minutes, there is an index that you can click on to see topics. (See the article "MAGIC Newsletter Article Index")
ZOOM RULES: Harry asked us all to put ourselves on MUTE for the presentation. Please do not interrupt the speaker, but rather your questions can be sent via CHAT. The rest of the meeting will be recorded. People can block their own video if they do not wish to be recorded.
PRESENTATION
Our presentation this month is a general Q and A session with answers given by Robert Elphick, Gary McIntyre, and RonSharp. Members were asked to send in their questions prior to today so the leaders could prepare some of their answers ahead of time. The questions will be addressed in the order of their receipt. If we do not get through all of our questions in this session, they will get back to us by an email or a one-on-one session. Also some of the questions have answers on our MAGIC website.
Q & A
Watch the recording for today's Q & A.
Harry adjourned the meeting after thanking Robert, Ron and Gary. Board members are asked to stay online for a brief board meeting.
MAGIC Musings
We are approaching the end of another year, with our last meeting scheduled for November 16 at 4 p.m. on Zoom. Ron Sharp is giving us a presentation on how to edit photos, which will come in handy as we take all those snapshots during the holidays.
As I look back over the past two years, I think our group has held together very well in spite of the pandemic and other stresses. Zoom seems to work pretty well for us and we have had some outstanding presentations from Robert, Gary and Ron during those times. And a reminder: You can view the recordings of all those presentations on our MAGIC web site.
Our board has had ongoing discussions recently to plan for the year ahead. We have decided to make a change in the format of our monthly meetings. In October, you will recall, our meeting was all about answering questions that you submitted in advance. It was a wonderful meeting filled with great information, and it was also the best-attended meeting we’ve had in a long time
Future meetings
The board proposed that MAGIC continue to hold ZOOM meeting for the foreseeable future. The board also proposed that we continue with the format of the monthly meeting they way the October meeting was run. Members will be asked to submit questions ahead of time and the wizards will decide; which questions to answer, which require a "mini-presentation", and who will provide the answer (doing background research, if required). You can start sending in your questions right away; please email them to MAGICMUG's email.
In order to allow for social interaction the board also suggested that one month (a summer month? December?) we should hold an in-person meeting so we can admire faces personally, and do some chatting.
Revise Bylaws
The board would like to change the bylaws to provide for two classes of member. This is to prevent outside groups from taking over MAGIC for nefarious purposes or steal our money - Something like this happened to a charitable organisation in south Whidbey Island recently, so this is a protection measure. Also some minor updates are required to keep the bylaws up to date. Proposed changes will be made available to the members via the website with a link to it in the newsletter.
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting will be held during the January 2023 meeting. It will include:
Brief report on 2022 activities and finances
Election of Board of Directors
Approval of the proposed changes of the Bylaws
I hope you will share our enthusiasm for MAGIC in the year ahead. See you on Zoom on Nov. 16.
Note: This Software Update section of the newsletter lists the most relevant Apple updates. Not all updates are listed for all products. Additionally, I'll add other pertinent updates on occasion.
Apple releases important iOS 15 security patch
by Ed Hardy, cultofmac
iPhone users not on iOS 16.1 can now update their handset to iOS 15.7.1. Apple says it "provides important security updates." It closes almost 20 security holes in the OS.
There's also iPadOS 15.7.1 that does the same for iPad.
iOS 15.7.1 is here for to close security holes
Apple doesn't abandon older versions of its operating systems when new ones come out. It keeps fixing security problems in them for years. It recently patched a dangerous security hole in iOS 12, for example.
iOS 16.1 and iPadOS 16.1 launched this week, but that didn't deter the release of iOS 15.7.1 and the iPad equivalent. They contain no new features, of course, as the official release notes for the iPhone version simply state that, "This update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users."
But the new versions include a lengthy list of security fixes - 17 of them. There are five in the Kernel, and the rest are scattered around the OS, from FaceTime to Wi-Fi.
iOS 15.7.1 is primarily aimed at those still packing an iPhone 6S or iPhone 7 series that can't upgrade past iOS 15.x. Anyone running iOS 16.1 or iPadOS 16.1 already has these fixes.
Get these iOS and iPadOS updates now
iPhone and iPad users can install iOS 15.7.1 or iPadOS 15.7.1 with an over-the-air update.That's accomplished by opening the Settings app and going to General > Software Update. Alternatively, connect the device to a Mac, or to a PC running iTunes.
Install iOS 16.1 to get this vital 0-day security fix
by Oliver Haslam, imore
If you've yet to update to iOS 16.1, now might be a very good time to do so — because it includes an important fix for a zero-day exploit that Apple says may have already been exploited in the wild.
Apple released the latest version of iOS 16 to the public earlier this week along with a list of improvements and features. There's one specific security fix that's worth noting though. Apple says that previous versions of iOS allowed an app with root privileges to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
That, of course, is bad.
Fixed
The exploit could have allowed hackers to run code on affected iPhones, with the so-called zero-day status meaning that it was out in the wild before Apple knew about it, let alone fixed it. That fix is now here, though — and it's one you should probably install as soon as possible if you haven't already.
The exploit itself affected all models of iPhone from iPhone 8 all the way through to the latest best iPhone, the iPhone 14, while a ton of iPads were also afflicted.
Unfortunately, these kinds of exploits are becoming increasingly common. Ars Technica notes that this is at least the eighth of its kind to befall Apple this year alone, and we aren't at the end of it yet.
The iOS 16.1 update is an important one for non-security reasons, too. It's the update that adds support for Live Activities, allowing apps to push persistent and constantly-updating notifications to the iPhone for the first time. It also included support for the Matter smart home standard as well as changes to the iPhone's battery indicator and more.
Apple is already testing iOS 16.2 and it's available for download in beta form, but that isn't expected to be made available to everyone for a few weeks yet.
Apple updates iWork apps with macOS Ventura and iPadOS 16 features
by William Gallagher, appleinsider
Pages, Numbers, and Keynote have been updated to work with Apple's new macOS, iOS, and iPadOS releases, along with new functions in all of them.
Alongside the new updates to video editing apps Final Cut Pro and iMovie, Apple has now released its whole iWork suite to take advantage of features in macOS Ventura, iOS 16, and iPadOS 16.
New features for all apps
All three iWork apps, across both the Mac and iPhone/iPad, have certain new features in common:
A new activity window shows collaboration details
You can now be notified when a collaborator joins or makes changes
Share documents in Messages, and see updates in the conversation
Send a Message or start a FaceTime call from within a document
Work across multiple documents with Stage Manager
Remove the background from images
Watch the Latest from AppleInsider TV
New for Pages
Pages 12.2 for iPad takes advantage of the new customizable toolbar in iPadOS 16. Users can get to favorite tools faster, and also insert images quicker.
For both iPad and Pages for Mac, there's also a new Blank Layout template, as opposed to the familiar Blank Document. it's intended to make it easier to "start documents that let you freely arrange text and graphics."
New for Numbers
In Numbers 12.2 for iPad — and also Numbers for Mac — the most significant addition is a series of new functions:
BITAND
BITOR
BITXOR
BITLSHIFT
BITRSHIFT
ISOWEEKNUM
CONCAT
TEXTJOIN
SWITCH
There's also an improved auto-complete feature, which now shows "suggestions based on the contents of other cells in the same column."
New for Keynote
Keynote 12.2 for iPad has added the ability to style charts "with additional controls for colors, lines, and number formats." It's also revised the printing and PDF export features to provide more options.
As well as the ability to remove backgrounds from images, Apple's release notes also say that Keynote 12.2 for Mac can "remove or replace the background of live video for a dramatic effect."
The new versions of the iWork apps require macOS Ventura, iOS 16, and iPadOS 16.
macOS Monterey and macOS Big Sur get security update
by Wesley Hilliard, appleinsider
It isn't just macOS Ventura that got the latest security patches on Monday — macOS Monterey and macOS Big Sur got them too.
Three vulnerabilities found in older macOS versions have been patched for users unable or unwilling to update to macOS Ventura. The macOS Monterey 12.6.1 and macOS Big Sur 11.7.1 updates address issues with the AppleMobileFileIntegrity, Ruby, and Sandbox systems.
macOS 13 Ventura has arrived: Here's everything that's new on your Mac
by Karen Haslam, Macworld
Apple released the first version of macOS Ventura to Mac users on Monday, October 24. Here's what you need to know about the new features, whether they will run on your Mac, and how Apple's apps including Mail and Safari will be changing.
Update 10/24: macOS 13 Ventura is now available for all users.
The Ventura name maintains Apple's recent tradition of giving every version of macOS a name in addition to a version number. As usual, the name is taken from a landmark or area in California as has been the tradition since Mavericks launched in 2013. Prior to that, large cats were used as names for Apple's Mac operating systems (Jaguar, Lion, etc.). This time the version number will be 13 (unlucky for some, but that didn't stop Apple from calling the 2021 iPhone the iPhone 13).
Apple unveiled the features coming to the next version of macOS during the WWDC 2022 keynote on June 6 at 10 a.m. PT. The final version arrived on Monday, October 24. As with previous releases, it became available for download at 10 a.m. PT.
7 key Mac preferences that have new hiding spots in Ventura's System Settings
by Roman Loyola, Macworld
One of the major (and majorly controversial) changes in macOS Ventura is a redesign of System Preferences. It's now called System Settings and it's designed to better resemble the iOS Settings app.
Apple's desire to have more commonality between macOS and iOS is understandable, but the problem is that it's now a chore to find the settings you need. The years of muscle memory developed by Mac users are out the window and it's time to relearn where everything is.
You can find most of the frequently-access preferences up front (Apple ID, Battery, Bluetooth, and Sound, for example). Others have been renamed to match the corresponding iOS setting, such as Security & Privacy, which is now Privacy & Security. But most notably, System Settings now uses a lot of subsections and lists, so the setting you need often isn't where you think it is. With that in mind, here's a list of often-used and important system settings and where to find them.
One important tip before we proceed: System Settings does have a search tool, located at the very top of the left column. It's helpful, but sometimes the search terms you're using don't match what macOS thinks you're looking for.
WIZARD SEZ: This is a "must read" article when you upgrade to Ventura. Wizard also sez, I have been using Ventura for a couple of weeks now and see no problems - It is OK for MAGIC members to use it if you have a new enough Mac.
How to use Stage Manager to organize apps in macOS 13 Ventura
by Roman Loyola, Macworld
Stage Manager is a new feature in macOS 13 Ventura for organizing your windows. If you work in several applications at a time, Stage Manager can be used to easily switch between apps and documents, saving you from the headache of finding the window you need.
It's easy to set up, but it's a big change from what we've been using for decades on the Mac. Here's everything you need to know about the Mac's newest navigation and multitasking method.
5 macOS Ventura features that will actually change the way you use your Mac
by Roman Loyola, Macworld
Apple's next major update to the Mac operating system is here. macOS Ventura arrived on Monday and you might be wondering whether you should upgrade or not-after all, Ventura has a lot of new features to improve your Mac. But let's face it, most of them won't matter much to your workflow. But these five Ventura features that will make a difference every day you use your Mac.
Mail: Better search and unsending messages
As I did my research for this article, I remembered an email with info that might help. So I searched for it and eventually found it, but it took a while. Experiences like this make email a burden, even though it's an important way to communicate.
Help is on the way, however. Apple is finally updating the search function in Mail to make it easier to find the email you need. In macOS Ventura, Mail's search field now displays recent emails, attachments, links, photos, and more. It should make it easier to find that one particular email.
That's just one of the several new Mail features. There's also Follow-up, which places emails at the top of your inbox, and the ability to schedule when you want an email to be sent. Reminders can be set to make an opened email resurface so you can attend to it at a later time. And Mail will have an Unsend feature, where you'll have 10 seconds to take back a message. In all, Mail takes a huge step towards making email less of a burden and easier to use to communicate.
What would you prefer - clicking/downloading a picture or manually jotting down everything? While the first option is more lucrative, clipping text from images can be typical. Or is it? You can easily select, copy, paste, translate, save, share, and do so much more with the text in any picture, thanks to Live Text. How? Let me show you how to use Live Text on Mac running macOS Monterey.
But before we move on to the simple steps of using Live Text, let's first understand a bit more about the feature and what it could do.
I just replaced my 2015 Mac with a new 24" desktop. The first problem was that all the sockets on the back are different to the ones on the old computer. The USB standard has evolved and the plugs and sockets are different. Also the speeds and capabilities have changed. So I had to purchase several different adapters to allow me to use my old peripherals, and I have had to dump peripherals that used Firewire which has now gone away.
New Apple computers use USB 3.0 type C (or USB-C) and Apple Lightning sockets. and so you need peripherals or adapters that can connect to these.
A full article explaining all the current types can be found at this location.
M2 iPad Pro vs M1 iPad Pro: The only reason to upgrade isn't the chip
by Roman Loyola, macworld
The new iPad Pro has been upgraded to the M2 processor, but that's not why you should buy one.
Apple has updated the iPad Pro, its high-end tablet targeted toward professional users. For the most part, it's the same tablet that was released in 2021, but it has a couple of key new features. Let's take a look at how the iPad Pro 2022 compares to what it replaced, the iPad Pro 2021.
iPad Pro (M2): Design
Apple didn't change anything about the iPad Pro's construction with the 2022 update. The company still offers two sizes: 11-inches and 12.9-inches. The 2022 and 2021 iPad Pros have the exact same dimensions, the same bezels, the same buttons, speakers, and microphone, and the same Silver and Space Gray color options. As with the old model, the iPad Pro does not support Touch ID in the power button. Instead, it is the only iPad to use Face ID.
For your reference, here are the measurements for the iPad Pro:
12.9-inch iPad Pro: 11.04 x 8.4 6 x 0.25 inches (280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 millimeters); 1.5 pounds (682 grams) Wi-Fi model; 1.51 pounds (685 grams) WiFi + Cellular
11-inch iPad Pro: 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.23 inches (247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 millimeters); 1.03 pounds (466 grams) Wi-Fi model; 1.04 pounds (470 grams) WiFi + Cellular
The iPad Pro is now in its fourth generation with the same design, which was introduced in 2018 at a special event in Brooklyn, N.Y. Apple did make one cosmetic change: the 2022 iPad Pro now has an "iPad Pro" label on the back. Previous models had only "iPad."
iPad Pro (M2): Performance and features
Like the design, a lot of the features between the 2021 and 2022 iPad Pros are the same, but there are a couple of major updates in the new model.
Processor
This biggest upgrade in the new iPad Pro is the chip: the 2022 model has an M2 processor, which replaces the M1 that was used in the 2021 model. It's the first tablet to have an M2 chip (the iPad Air still has an M1), and one of two Macs, the MacBook Air and the 13-inch MacBook Pro. The M2 is a powerful chip, with eight CPU cores divided into four performance cores and four efficiency cores. In our testing, the M2 is roughly 15 percent faster than the M1.
The M2 chip in the iPad Pro also has 10 GPU cores, an increase over the 8 GPU cores in the M1. In benchmarks, the M2 has about 30 percent better graphics performance improvement over the M1. The M2 also has an improved media engine that includes acceleration for ProRes video, and Apple says the M2 can transcode ProRes video three times faster than the M1. Apple also says the M2's 16-core Neural Engine is 40 percent faster, and the 100Gbps of unified memory bandwidth provides a 50 percent boost.
The iPad Pro's memory configuration has not changed. On models with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage, you get 8GB of unified memory, while the 1TB and 2TB models come with 16GB.
Apple has new firmware for AirPods Pro 2 as soon as these wireless earbuds reach customers Friday. The description is vague, but the update is still recommended. All other AirPods models have a small "bug fix" update available, too.
The AirPods update process is indirect, but we can steer you through it.
Get your AirPods firmware update
AirPods aren't a "set it and forget it" product. Apple periodically brings out new firmware with improvements and bug fixes. It doesn't announce these, but has started offering release notes so users know what's changed.
Apple released firmware version 5A374 on Thursday just for the latest model. The release notes say it "added features and capabilities to support the new AirPods Pro (2nd generation)"
AirPods 2, AirPods Max and AirPods Pro are all on firmware 4E71. This was first introduced in May but Apple released tweak for it on September 22. The release notes for this says it includes "bug fixes and other improvements."
How to update AirPods to 5A374 or 4E71 firmware
AirPods updates happen on the down-low. You can't tell them to update. And Apple's wireless earbuds don't make it easy for you to know if a new firmware version has been installed.
The best you can do to request an update is put your AirPods in their case, with the case getting power. And the iPhone that they are paired with needs to be close by. Then wait.
Realistically, this is a problem only for people who get antsy about controlling firmware updates, and who want the latest as soon as they can get it. For everyone else, just keep using your AirPods. The update will happen without you having to do a thing.
Find out if new AirPods firmware is installed
You can find out if/when a new AirPods firmware update has been installed only by digging around in the Settings app. To do this, you need an active connection to the headphones, so open the lid of the charging case. Or put the earbuds on. Whichever you prefer.
Then, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap in the blue i with a circle around it next to the name of your AirPods. If Version says 4E71 or 5A374 (depending on your model), you're golden.
Always-On display is a key new feature of the iPhone 14 Pro series. To ensure the feature does not consume a lot of battery power, Apple even added a dedicated co-processor to the A16 Bionic chip that powers the smartphone.
The Always-On display comes enabled by default on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, which many users might find annoying. It apparently looks a bit too bright for some folks. It makes your iPhone battery drain more quickly. And some folks just don't like the new functionality because it makes them think they've got a new notification, even when they don't.
If you find yourself in the same boat, here's how you can disable Always-On display on your new iPhone 14 Pro.
How to translate text using the camera on your iPad with iPadOS 16
by Filipe Espósito, 9to5mac
With iPadOS 15, Apple added its Translate app to the iPad for the first time. Now with iPadOS 16, which was released to the public in October, the company has introduced even more translation-related features to the iPad operating system. Read on as we detail how you can use the camera on your iPad with iPadOS 16 to translate text.
What's new in the Translate app with iPadOS 16
As previously mentioned, Apple's Translate app was added to the iPad with iPadOS 15, although the app was first released for iPhone with iOS 14. This year, iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 came with improvements to the app. These include support for more languages and the ability to translate text using the device's camera.
For those unfamiliar, the app works pretty much the same way as competing apps like Google Translate. Users can type text in one language and quickly translate it into another. Apple Translate also offers a "Conversation" feature that uses the device's microphone to detect and translate a conversation into two languages.
But let's focus on the new translation feature using the camera.
Your HomePod is a lot more than a simple speaker — it's a whole computer. And like any computer it has an operating system that needs occasional updates.
Here's how to make sure your Apple smart speaker has the latest software version. There's a new version out that adds support for the Matter home-automation standard, and you don't want to miss out.
A bit of background on HomePod Software
Apple offers macOS, iOS, tvOS and more. You might think the operating system for HomePod has a similar name, like maybe homepodOS. Nope. It's called "HomePod Software."
It's apparently a variation of Apple TV's tvOS that's been specially modified for this smart speaker. This makes sense — both are focused on multimedia playback, support Siri, and don't have to worry about cellular-wireless connections.
And new HomePod Software versions generally come out when Apple TV is updated. iPhone and iPad updates are usually introduced at the same time. And all of the version numbers are in lockstep.
Apple Watch Crash Detection saves life of man just a week after buying it
by Oliver Haslam, imore
He'd only had it a week before it saved his life.
(Image credit: Apple)
The Apple Watch's new Crash Detection feature appears to have saved a life, and it only took a week to do it.
The Indianapolis man says he only bought the Apple Watch on a whim at his local Best Buy just a week before he found himself hurt in a crash. His car rammed into a telephone pole at around 70 mph, with his Apple Watch calling for help once the dust settled.
The man says that he was strapped into his seat and trying to stay conscious when he realized that his Apple Watch had called emergency services for him.
A close shave
"If it weren't for this watch, who knows how long it would have been for help to get to me," the driver said in an interview with ABC World News Now. The first responders were with him in around five minutes thanks to his Apple Watch.
Thankfully the man was recovered from his wrecked car and taken to the hospital, and beyond needing corrective glasses, he's expected to recover fully.
After emailing Apple CEO Tim Cook to tell him the news, the man received a response from Cook saying that it's stories like these that are the reason Crash Detection was developed.
Crash Detection is available on the new Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch Series 8, and refreshed Apple Watch SE and is perhaps the best Apple Watch feature we all hope we never have to use.
Crash Detection is also available on Apple's latest iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Some reports suggest that the technology still requires work, with Apple already asking for feedback. But there's no doubt it worked exactly as advertised for this lucky man.
Apple Watch Ultra gains a 60-hour battery with just a software update. Other Apple Watches benefit, too.
by Oliver Haslam, imore
(Image credit: Bryan M. Wolfe / iMore)
Apple Watch Ultra owners can now get longer than ever out of a single charge thanks to a software update. The watchOS 9.1 update adds a new setting that means Apple Watch Ultra wearers can expect a full 60 hours of battery life, even when hiking.
While this feature makes the biggest difference on Apple's fanciest watch, it isn't the only one that benefits. Both the new Apple Watch Series 8 and refreshed Apple Watch SE also gain additional battery life, too.
Power up
The new feature is actually a single toggle called "Fewer GPS and heart rate readings." When toggled on, newer Apple Watches will take fewer heart rate and GPS readings during Outdoor Walking, Running, and Hiking workouts, Apple says. When it does that, it'll save battery life — to the tune of 60 hours if you're using that Apple Watch Ultra.
How far does Apple cut back on the readings? With this setting enabled heart rate readings are slashed to one per minute, while GPS readings are cut to one every two minutes.
The result is that your heart rate and GPS mapping data might not be as accurate as before, but Apple does at least have some new algorithms to deal with the latter one. It says it'll use map data and information from Apple Watch's sensors to try and deal with the fewer data points when plotting your route and how far you've traveled, for example. Don't worry, it says you'll still get the full credit you deserve for any workout done while in this new ultra-low-power mode.
There's little doubt that this is now a top notch upgrade for the best Apple Watch for the ultra-outdoorsy, especially anyone who feared that even the beefy Apple Watch Ultra's battery wouldn't be sufficient for days out and about.
We highly recommend that all MAGIC users download the Personal Safety User Guide
for Apple devices from Apple, save it, and read it. It is in pdf format and is about 6 Mbytes in size. There will be a quiz at the end of the next MAGIC meeting!
Malware Examples
by Ron Sharp and Robert Elphick, MAGIC *
Never click on anything with a false purchase in it. This is a commonly used scam to get your data. DO NOT CLICK!
This is a SCAM DO NOT CLICK! Does anyone use FAX any more?
DO NOT CALL! Someone is pretending to be Norton again. This is fishing - note the From Address.
DO NOT CLICK! If it looks even a little bit suspicious - Watch out! Check out the From address - this one is weird.
Internet Crime
Any one bothered by internet criminal activity should report it to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at this web page. This includes phishing, malware, spoofing, any demand for money.
The Newsletter Article Index is a really helpful page of the MAGIC website. If you remember reading an article but can't remember the details or if you just want to look up a product or procedure, it's easy to find with this Index page. You simply go to the MAGIC website, click on the Newsletter button and in the first sentence is the Article Index link. When you go to that page you'll see all the article headings. You can scroll through them, or even easier, use the "Find" feature in the "Edit" menu, (or use the keyboard shortcut Command F) and type a subject word to search. You'll quickly locate helpful information. The Find feature shows how many instances of your search word are found and you can click the little arrows next to the search box to step through each location.
Since there was a question about web browsers and search engines sent in for our October Q & A meeting I thought I'd put some information in writing for everyone, including those who didn't join the Zoom meeting.
Safari is Apple's web browser. The browser is the application that displays a webpage on your computer. It displays the correct font and size, it displays images of all web formats, it handles videos and stores your browsing history and bookmarks. It even keeps track of the passwords that you choose to save. But when you type a search subject in the search box, the browser uses a helper app called the search engine. That would be Google, or Bing or Yahoo, or DuckDuckGo. Those apps search the web for data that matches your search subject and returns the information to the browser. The browser displays those webpages in a list for you.
The three most popular browsers are Apple's Safari, Google's Chrome, and Mozilla's Firefox. Firefox and Chrome are both good browsers but they do consume more computer resources than Safari.
Google makes its money via advertising and attach many features to their Chrome browser that are unnecessary. The Google search tracks every web page you visit to get information on your purchasing habits. Apple makes most their money on their products. They are starting to get involved in some advertising, but usually have permission options for you to choose.
Firefox is created by a group of worldwide developers that offer the browser, called Open Source software.
The DuckDuckGo search engine claims they do not track you, they do not store or sell your information.
My recommendation, is the Safari browser and set it to use the DuckDuckGo search engine. You're using Apple hardware, so their software is going to work best on their products. If you happen to use a website that some function doesn't work correctly, then another browser comes in handy for that site, but don't set it as your default browser.
You can set your search engine preference in the Safari Preferences. I like to set Safari to open with the DuckDuckGo webpage. Chromes preference settings are a bit more confusing but you can set your search engine preference with any browser.
Along with the iOS 16.1 Apple released the new Mac operating system, Mac OS Ventura 13.0. There are some major changes to this update and I'll mention a few of the obvious ones since it will take more time to observe the full ball of wax!
The first thing I noticed is that the "About This Mac" info window is all new. And System Preferences is now System Settings and along with the name change, the whole menu looks more like iOS Settings on the iPhone & iPad. I approve of the changes that match up Mac OS with iOS, not that anyone is listening!
There are some changes to the Photos app I think everyone will appreciate. There is now a Duplicates folder. It automatically finds duplicates, yeh! There is also password protection added to the Hidden Folder and the Recently Deleted folder. Another new option is to create a shared Photo Library to share all you photos with family or whoever. I'm not sure how much that will be used. Who wants to share their whole library? However, I suppose it's just an easier way to set up shared albums.
The Mail app now has the option to schedule an email to send later. Also, the Messages app will let you unsend a Message recently sent and you can make quick edits by clicking the message while holding the Control key. Then click "Edit" and make your changes.
There is also a change to Safari that is a step in reducing passwords. When you need to set up a password for a website you can just use your fingerprint and Safari will create a secure password certificate. It sounds great to me, my only concern is if you want to log into one of your accounts from a different computer. Then what?
Another feature is called "Stage Manager." Just another way to access your apps. It might be convenient to some. I hesitate to mention this, but I'm happy to stick with the way things are. Some of the changes are great, and why did it take so long to implement them. But others are just different ways to do the same things that don't … hah!
MAGIC, the Macintosh Appreciation Group of Island County, serves people who use Macintosh computers, software and peripherals. Our goal is to share information and get answers to questions to make us more productive with our use of technology. Our monthly meetings give us a chance to discuss computer problems and share ideas with other Mac users, feature speakers on specific topics, and to keep apprised of Apple news.
