A New ODwire.org feature Mac Users who are technophobes...

Wait iOS 10 does What?

Apple recently released iOS 10 to the masses. For those whom change is, well challenging, the numerous changes in iOS 10 I'm sure have you longing for iOS 9. As you all should have come accustomed to by now, change is one of the many constants that you should expect from Apple. Here are some of the biggest complaints I've heard (to this point). "I hate that there is a new way to unlock my iPhone!" Next, "All the sudden my family is getting overage charges on our data, why?" Finally, "Why did Apple change the way my email comes in??

I hear your pain, all valid arguments. One of the reasons we love our devices is that we know how to use them. When Apple, or some other developer decides to shake things up and tell us how to use our devices better, WTF? Right? Well, we can sit around and complain about the new features and functionality, or, we can adjust and learn the new ways of our devices. I recommend the later!

Thankfully I have fixes for a few of these changes.

First there is no way to bring back the "Swipe to Open" feature. You can however make the opening of your iPhone a little easier. Here's what to do: 1. Make sure you have enabled Touch ID (setting up 1 or more fingerprints to use as a Passcode). 2. In Settings, go to General > Accessibility> Home Button > enable the Rest Finger to Open setting. This will make opening your iPhone a bit less "painful."




Next, has anyone in your family been hit with crazy data overages since iOS 10 came out? Here's why! Somehow Apple sneaked a new setting into the "Agreement" we all have to agree to when we update. That unknown agreement is in the Cellular setting of your iPhone and is called Wi-Fi Assist. Here's what it does (and it doesn't assist your Wi-Fi!). The setting is defaulted to On. What it does is this. When you are in a Wi-Fi environment, and the Wi-Fi is "weak", it flips you off of Wi-Fi and onto Cellular! That is the assist! It's a sneaky horrible feature needs to be turned off! It should be called Carrier assist, as it does nothing but put money into the Carrier's pockets by taking you off of Wi-Fi.




Finally, Apple decided that when you have a chain of emails, your newest email should now end up on the bottom, instead of the top! Frustrating, but at least there is a way to remedy this unnecessary situation. Go to the Mail setting, slide down to Threading, and enable the Most Recent Message on Top setting.




This should help you "deal" with these frustrating new "features". Hopefully you've found some of the great new features in Messages, Maps and Photos, useful. As well as the new Widgets, which present data from your apps in a quick and useful way.

As always, thanks for reading, and please share with others people who will find this helpful. Until next time, best to you and your devices!

 
A special message from MacMentor...

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Outlook.com and Office 365 & Exchange account users DO NOT UPGRADE to iOS 11 yet

Apple and Microsoft are working to resolve issue.
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Apple is working closely with Microsoft to fix an issue that prevents Outlook.com and Exchange 2016 account holders from sending or replying to emails using Apple's native Mail app in iOS 11

If you use the native Mail on, Please hold off on updating your device to iOS 11 until a fix has been put in place.
Please call or email with your questions/concerns, I'm here to help.

Call us to schedule your session at 847.902.6681 or click the button below

Schedule Your Session
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From MacMentor...

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Hello! Apple today released iOS 11.1 (4 days earlier than expected) to resolve the plethora of issues that have come up with all current versions of iOS 11. I highly recommend updating your devices ASAP. If you haven't updated to iOS 11 yet, nows the time. If you have and are not happy with iOS 11, this update should solve most if not all the issues you've encountered.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out, via email to geoff@themacmentor.com
 
From MacMmentor...

iPhone X first assessment: After spending a few days with the new iPhone, I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I've enjoyed it! The size, which falls between the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, seems perfect...The display is the best I've seen on an iPhone. The X weighs in slightly more than the 7, due to the all glass back (for wireless charging), but it's not heavy.

FaceID has worked better than TouchID. FaceID setup is simple, much easier than TouchID as well. It didn't take long to get used to the fact that there's no home button, I welcome the change as the additional screen size is easily one of my favorite new features.

Not all of the Apps have been modified for the larger screen yet, something to be aware of, it's not the biggest deal, but it is noticeable.

The camera is fantastic! It takes unbelievable pics and I love the portrait mode.

Battery life has been way better than the 7 as well, but the week of use will give a better idea of how much better the battery really is.

All in all, if you welcome change, and you are wondering which iPhone to upgrade to, the X would be my answer for you. Just remember this. You aren't paying $1000 for a phone, it's an incredibly powerful computer that happens to be able to make phone calls...
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:).

Cheers!
 
Emergency fix from MacMentor...

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Hello! If you've updated to iOS 11.1 and are now plagued with the "i" bug, here's a quick fix until Apple release iOS 11.2

You'll set up a Text Replacement for the letter "i" by visiting the Settings app > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement. After tapping the plus button to add a new replacement, in the Phrase field type an uppercase "I", and in Shortcut type a lowercase "i".


If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out, via email to geoff@themacmentor.com
 
A flash news from MacMentor!

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If your Mac is running OS 10.13, please update it ASAP. There was a MAJOR security flaw found yesterday that Apple has released a fix for.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out via email or text.

Best,

Geoff
Chief Mentor, The MacMentor

847.902.6681
 
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Need help with gifting ideas for the holidays?

Let The MacMentor help with your Apple Device purchases. Did you know we get a discount on products and accessories at Apple?
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Call or email today to ensure your gifts arrive on time!
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Call us to discuss your needs at 847.902.6681 or click the button below.

Please note:
There is a small fee for pickup and delivery of products.
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MacMentor wants to help...


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Are excess email's causing you unneeded STRESS??
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Every few minutes (or for some of us even sooner), you hear the dreaded ping on your iPhone, iPad or Mac. Another email has arrived, then another, then before you know it you've got hundreds, even thousands of unread emails! Then before you know it, you've got "email paralysis"!

Let's end your email issues today! Follow these simple steps below and before you know it, you're inbox will be trim, your unread messages will be few, your sanity will have returned, and your email paralysis will be a thing of the past!

1st: Start by spending some time identifying important emails, then creating folders to move items out of your inbox.

2nd: Spend a few hours (or more) unsubscribing and deleting email's you know longer need (then empty your mails trash).

3rd: This will help long term, start doing steps 1 and 2 daily (or multiple times a day).

I know first hand from my hundreds of clients how frustrating your email inbox can become. I can say with a great deal of conviction, that you will feel a LOAD off your shoulders when the number of emails in your inbox(es) are small, and your emails are filed neatly.

Please reach out for help if your simply too overwhelmed, I will happily work with you to get this process started, click the link below (titled, Help me clean my inbox, PLEASE!).

Don't wait to get your inbox clean! Start Today!!
 
MacMentor sent an alert...


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The 5 APP ALERT!

I understand this is a lengthy email, if you've got teenage kids, it's a MUST READ!

It's hard to know and monitor everything our kids our doing on their devices. It takes a great deal of diligence as a parent to help keep our children safe from predators. Knowing about these 5 apps, and letting your kids know as well, can hopefully keep them out of potentially dangerous situations.

1. Yubo (formerly Yellow)
Yubo has been called “Tinder for kids,” and is marketed to 13- to 17-year-olds as a way to make new friends. But it also allows young kids to pretend to be adults and swipe left or right to hook up, Yubo has more than 15 million users worldwide, despite vocal concerns about allowing children to use it.
The police department in Lenexa, Kansas, issued a warning last summer about the app, noting that “it embodies one of the most dangerous aspects of social media: It allows teens the ability to easily meet people (strangers) outside their parent’s sphere of knowledge or control and ... matching [them] with another person geographically near them, facilitating face-to-face meetings.”
The app changed its name in December from Yellow to Yubo and did some rebranding, the developers may have changed the name in order to circumvent the accountability.
Yubo’s creators put in some effort to improve awareness and education on using the app safely, since rebranding in December, Yubo added technology to detect fake profile pictures; hired a child online safety consultant; required that users have a mobile number to register, which is recorded and verified; and added an abuse reporting feature to inform the company of inappropriate activity.
There is still no age verification when you create an account. That means that the door is still open for adult sexual predators who lie about their age and create fake profiles to lure children. Fake profiles on all social media platforms remain a huge problem.

2. Sarahah
Sarahah is an “honesty” app that allows users to send anonymous direct messages to their friends through other apps such Snapchat. It was designed to provide positive encouragement in the workplace, but turned into what Lewis called “the No. 1 cyberbullying app.”
The app was so controversial that it was removed from Apple and Google stores on Feb. 21 because of complaints. A Change.org petition that called for the app’s removal was organized by the mother of a girl who was encouraged to take her own life by a Sarahah user; it garnered 470,000 signatures. But the fact that Sarahah was booted off app stores doesn’t mean that it was taken off anyone’s phone. It just means that people can no longer buy it, which should significantly limit its future spread.
Sarahah was at one point the most popular free download in multiple Apple and Google Play markets around the world, beating out even Facebook, Snapchat, and Netflix. It was introduced in late 2016 by Saudi Arabian developer Zain al-Abidin Tawfiq as a website intended for employees to give anonymous, honest feedback to their employers. After some success in Arabic-speaking countries, Tawfiq rolled out an English version that caught on rapidly with teens worldwide ― and may still be on their phones.

3. Reddit
Reddit apps that easily enable kids to access inappropriate material should be monitored by parents. Anyone with the official Reddit app can go to the popular subreddit “Reddit Gone Wild” and find a ton of NSFW images and even straight-up porn. Users ― including underage ones ― must click a button saying they’re 18 years old in order to access it, but there’s no verification. And Reddit rules don’t prohibit nude selfies from appearing, as long as they are voluntarily posted by the selfie-taker.
In addition to labeling the app as for ages 18 and up, there are warnings on the Apple Store download page that mention sexual content, nudity and frequent/intense mature/suggestive themes. It’s hard to tell if that stops anyone or just makes it that much more tantalizing to lie about your age to use the app.
There is nothing to stop a minor from clicking that button saying they are 18 ― except maybe a parent.

4. Vora
Vora is a fasting app that teens with eating disorders are using and abusing. The app blew up at the end of 2017, when “water fasting” — a diet in which followers consume nothing but water, against medical advice ― became a fad. Vice reports water fasters logged their fasts using Vora, sharing their results on Instagram.
While intermittent fasting may have some health benefits, those living with an eating disorder are using the app to celebrate and promote anorexia, said Lewis. They created a community within the app, sharing usernames on “pro-ana” forums to motivate and encourage each other to fast for longer.
Vora isn’t the only health and fitness app being abused. On pro-ana forums, people with eating disorders regularly swap information about their favorite apps, including MyFitnessPal, Eating Thin, Toilet Tracker, CalorieKing, Plant Nanny, Chronometer, and Carrot Fit (an app that encourages weight loss by hurling abuse at users and electrocuting an obese avatar when diet goals aren’t met).

5. Omegle
Omegle is a livestreaming video and chat app that exists solely so that strangers can talk to one another. Yes, strangers. It also has a website that can be accessed on a mobile device and is a platform that parents should have on their radar. It’s been around since 2008, and remains not so well-known amongst adults, but is popular with teens and preteens.
Here’s the app’s description on the Omegle website: “Omegle (oh·meg·ull) is a great way to meet new friends. When you use Omegle, we pick someone else at random and let you talk one-on-one. To help you stay safe, chats are anonymous unless you tell someone who you are (not suggested!), and you can stop a chat at any time. Predators have been known to use Omegle, so please be careful.
Most parents will go on high alert over that last sentence. And should.




Please call or email with your questions/concerns, I'm here to help.

Call us to schedule your session at 847.902.6681 or click the button below

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Advice from Mac Mentor...


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You need to check your Facebook's privacy settings, ASAP!

Do you know if your data is being viewed by your friends, friends of your friends, or everyone? If not, you need to check

Have you ever checked your privacy settings within Facebook? If not, I think you'll be SHOCKED to find out just how much of your information is getting shared with other apps, as well as the general public.
PLEASE go to Facebook account and check to see what data is currently being shared. Here's your quick steps to do this:
  1. On your computer, open your browser of choice and go to Facebook.com
  2. Once Facebook is open, you'll see at the top the Facebook.com page, a search box, your name, Home and 5 other icons. Click the down arrow (the last icon on the right) > then click Settings (the 2nd to last choice).
  3. On the left toolbar, click Privacy.
  4. Go thru each of these settings, see how your personal data is being shared, if you don't like how its set, CHANGE IT!
  5. Next, click Face Recognition (4 settings below Privacy). I HIGHLY recommend turning this off, for personal safety reasons.
  6. Lastly, you'll want to click the App settings (4 below the Face Recognition setting). See which apps you've given access to your information, as well as how this data is shared. Very important!
Given how sadly Lax Facebook was with our information, it's up to us to know how to protect ourselves! If you would like help doing this, PLEASE don't hesitate to reach out, I've helped numerous clients this week alone with their Facebook settings.


Please call or email with your questions/concerns, I'm here to help.

Call us to schedule your session at 847.902.6681 or click the button below
Schedule Your Session
 
Learn about "Finder" from MacMentor"...



Hello! Are you like most Mac users in that you've heard of Finder, or you kinda use Finder, but you're not really sure how to get the most out of Finder? My latest blog, covering Six useful tips and tricks for Finder, will help you get more comfortable using Finder which will in turn help you get more out of your Mac!

You can quickly visit our blog by clicking the "Visit our Blog" button below!



If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out, via email to geoff@themacmentor.com
 
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An announcement from macmentor...



Hello! Apple has released a new update for your iPhone and iPad! iOS 11.4 has some great new features and some much anticipated bug fixes. Some of the highlights are:
  • HomePod can now play stereo thru AirPlay 2
  • HomePod has gained calendar support using Siri
  • Messages can now be stored in iCloud freeing up valuable space on your iPhone (or iPad).
  • Bug Fixes, where your messages may appear out of order, and your Apps appear out of order.

Highly recommend you this update for all, especially you HomePod owners. Make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi and if you are less than 50% charged, make sure you are plugged in.



If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out, via email to geoff@themacmentor.com

Email us
 
An update from MacMentor...

Hello! Apple has released a new update for your iPhone and iPad! iOS 11.4.1. This update has no major new features, but contains bug fixes and security enhancements.
  • The biggest change is USB restricted Mode, which makes your iPhone and iPad immune to hacking techniques by law enforcement agencies and other malicious entities to gain entry to your device thru USB connections.

Highly recommend you this update for all, especially you HomePod owners. Make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi and if you are less than 50% charged, make sure you are plugged in.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out, via email to geoff@themacmentor.com
 
An Alert from MacMentor...

Insider News from The MacMentor
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Mac App Adware ALERT!

If you have downloaded the app Adware Doctor on your Mac, please delete it immediately!

The number one top-selling paid Utilities app on the Mac App Store in the United States has been found to steal the browser history of anyone who downloads it!

Adware Doctor withdraws sensitive user data -- predominantly any website you've searched for and browsed on -- and sends it to servers in China run by the app's makers.

To check if you have the app, open Finder > Applications If you have Adware Doctor it will be towards the top of the application list. If so, highlight it and delete it.

If you don't see the app, you don't have to worry.

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If you have any questions, click the button below shoot me an email.
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Email The MacMentor
 
Another update...


Hello! Apple has released a new update for your iPhone(s)/iPad(s) iOS 12. This update has some new features, and functionality, as well as performance enhancements for your devices.
  • For all the iPhone X owners, you now have me-mojis! You can create a virtual self to use for texting and other apps.
  • A great new feature is the new Screen Time setting. It provides weekly activity reports on how much time you are spending on your iOS device, including how much time you spend in each app. There are new app limits (great for parents), to limit how much screen time you can spend on a particular app, there are also new parental controls as well.
  • The News, Stock and Voice Memo apps have all been redesigned, and the Photos app has some great new features as well.
  • Lastly, there is a cool new app called Measure, which uses Augmented Reality to take measurements of objects, lines and rectangles. Very helpful when measuring a room, a wall or anything else that may need measuring...:).

This is a great upgrade from iOS 11, and I highly recommend to download and install today.


If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out, via email to geoff@themacmentor.com or text/call me at 847.902.6681
 
Heads up from MacMentor!

Hello! Apple has released a new Major new update for your Mac Computers! macOS Mojave (10.14).

This upgrade is not ready for prime time as a Major Security Flaw was found just hours after it's release.

For now, do NOT upgrade your Mac. Apple should be releasing a fix soon, it will be better to update then.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out, via email to geoff@themacmentor.com or text/call me at 847.902.6681

Email us
 
Browse the Web?

Some advice from the Macmentor...

Hello! Browsing the web is something we do everyday (usually multiple times, using many different devices). In the early days of the web, browsing was simple and your searches were not used as a "commodity" for search engines or Internet providers. Now, the story is COMPLETELY different. Everything you do online has become a "commodity", and an unsafe "commodity" at that. Never fear, The MacMentor is here to help! If you read one blog today or this week, make it my updated blog, "How to browse the web anonymously", which I've updated to include new, important information. Here's the link, How to browse the web anonymously

You are NOT required to share any of your personal information, your device information, or anything for that matter with search engines or your Internet provider. So take your privacy into your own hands and help yourself today!


Please reach out with any questions or if you'd like help setting a VPN up for you and your family, email geoff@themacmentor.com or text/call me at 847.902.6681
 
An update...

Hello! Apple has fixed the security hole in Mojave, and today released the first major update, 10.14.1 which is ready to download and install!

There are many other great features in Mojave, including FaceTime with up to 32 people!?! To update, go to the AppStore, and locate the Mojave download page, download and install.

Happy computing!

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out, via email to geoff@themacmentor.com or text/call me at 847.902.6681
 
Does your Apple product which is aging need a tune up?

A special offer which can be accomplished by phone...

For Cyber Weekend 2018 we have an incredible offer for you!!

Take 20% off hourly sessions.

This is an amazing offer for yourself, or as a Holiday gift for that special someone!


Email request MUST be received no later than 8pm Monday November 26, 2018. Sessions will be booked on a first come basis and must occur between December 1, 2018 and February 28, 2019. Payment must be received by Friday November 30, 2018.


To schedule your session(s) click the "Start Saving Now!" link below.

Payment can be in the form of Venmo, Zelle, Cash, Check, Credit Card.

Start Saving Now!
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A FaceTime update from MacMentor...

Insider News from The MacMentor
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FACETIME has been FIXED!!!

Apple has fixed the FaceTime bug with the release of iOS 12.1.4. Once you've updated your devices, you can safely turn FaceTime back on.

On your iPhone/iPad go into Settings > FaceTime > turn on (flip switch to green). On your Mac, Open FaceTime > Click the FaceTime menu option (next to the Apple) > click preferences > Turn on FaceTime.d

If you have any friends or family who are not on my email list, please feel free to forward this on to them.

Until next time...Cheers!
 
Housekeeping tip on your Apple from MacMentor...


Insider News from The MacMentor

Is your Mac slow because you are hoarding files, and don't realize it?

Hoarding possessions makes your home a less livable space. It’s difficult to find what you’re looking for and to navigate rooms, which ultimately slows you down.

Hoarding files on your Mac is similar. Storing unnecessary emails, photos, movies, apps and other files takes up valuable space and disrupts your Mac’s processing speed. There’s nothing more frustrating than Safari taking forever to open a new window or experiencing a lag when launching an app.

Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method--the state of mind that sparks joy in one’s life by appreciating belongings before letting them go--is all the rage because it teaches people to optimize their spaces for better functionality.
Similarly, your Mac is a valuable space that performs more effectively when you tidy it up.

Contact me today to learn how to make your Mac work better and faster!


Call me at 847.902.6681.
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Introducing a wireless charger...

I've been waiting for an excellent, eco-friendly wireless charger, that charges multiple devices to hit the market, the wait is finally over!
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I'm excited to tell you about about a new company called GoNimble that has wireless charging pads as well as portable wireless chargers. I recently ordered the wireless charging pad that supports 2 products.

There are a couple of reasons for loving these products and this company. First, the products are Eco-Friendly! Made of fully recyclable aluminum, plant based plastics and NO chemical adhesives. The fabric of the GoNimber devices is made from Hemp, and recycled plastic bottles. Another reason to love this company, they include a bag, with pre-paid shipping, with each purchase for you to recycle old electronics.

I'm excited to introduce you all to these great new products, you can get a discount by using the following link: http://nimble.refr.cc/geoffh.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. I've been using the dual charger for a few weeks now and it works great!


After your purchase, let me know your thoughts!
Happy Wireless, Eco-Friendly charging!
 
Update from Mac Mentor...


It's safe to upgrade to iOS 13.1!
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Less than a week after releasing iOS 13, today Apple released iOS 13.1 for your iPhone and iPad. It is safe to upgrade, you may run into some minor glitches with third party keyboards, but if you don't use them, no worries. If you don't want to wait for you device to update automatically, go to the Settings app > General > Software Update to do the update manually.

Have a great evening, and as always, if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out.


email me with questions or concerns by click this button.
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Heads up from MacMentor...

Apple released macOS Catalina (10.15) today. For many reasons I urge you to hold off on updating at this time. The key reason, you very likely are still running 32-Bit applications, those applications will NOT run in macOS 10.15. Please schedule a session prior to upgrading to avoid any major issues with your Mac.

You can quickly email me below, to set up a session to check your Mac for 32-Bit applications.
 
Insider News from The MacMentor

AT&T has quietly updated their data plans, and they will change yours without asking you!

I came home today to an interesting email from my carrier, AT&T. It stated that my previous data plan of 15GB/month was being upgraded to 30GB/month for only $10 extra. Curious, I click the link (I made sure it was from AT&T before clicking). When the AT&T page opened, I was SHOCKED to find out that my bill was going from $198/mo to $276/mo!

I immediately called AT&T to see if this was in fact correct, and 38 minutes later, the kind AT&T service person profusely apologized, but said "yes, this is correct, we have gotten rid of the plan you were previously on and moved you to the higher GB/mo plan".

I immediately put myself on the 9GB/mo plan, which ended up reducing my bill.

Please check your bill, AT&T should not be making this decision for you! You have a voice and a choice. Don't let AT&T charge you more than you need to be paying.

I can't speak to the other carriers, but if AT&T is doing this, I'd be shocked if the others weren't as well, they usually follow each other.

If you need help navigating your carrier bill, contact me I will happily go over it with you and make sure you're not paying more than you need to.

I look forward to seeing you soon!

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Click the button below to shoot me an email, or call me at 847.902.6681.

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Of interest if you use Apple products...


We've got a brand new website! Same web address, www.themacmentor.com, brand new look and feel!


I'm super excited to let you know our new website, www.themacmentor.com is live!

Please click the link above, as I welcome your feedback, and I would also welcome your testimonial. If you'd like, you could send them to me directly, or you could go to Google, search for The MacMentor and provide the review right there! They make it very easy.


If you're ready for your first session of 2020, please give us a call at 847.902.6681, or email us at geoff@themacmentor.com.

Thanks in advance for checking it out, I look forward to seeing you soon.



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MacMentor addresses COVID-19...

Did you realize using Apple Pay could actually help you from catching COVID-19?

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Apple Pay is not only a safe secure method to conduct transactions, as it anonymizes you to the terminal and processing bank, it could be the healthiest way to pay for things as well!

Using Apple Pay now while at retail establishments can now protect you from having to touch those terminals, which could save you from not only COVID-19, but other viruses as well, even the common cold!

As I'm sure you've heard or read, COVID-19 can live for days on surfaces, including retail payment terminals. By using Apple Pay, you can not only help protect yourself, but your loved ones and those around you as well.

We would be happy to assist you with setup, either in person or via the phone.


Call today, 847.902.6681, or email us by simply clicking the blue button below(Email The MacMentor)

If you have any questions, click the button below shoot me an email.
Email The MacMentor
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MacMentor assists helping fill your forced stay at home hours usefully.


Let's get your Photo Library in shape!

You know you have to do it, you dread going through it. Now is a FANTASTIC time to get your Photo library in shape!

Here are your steps!

First go through your library and delete photos that you don't need, or are duplicates.

Next, create albums for your photos so they are easy to find.

Then, create books, or print your photos from one of these great apps, Motif or Mimeo Photos (both available in the App Store on your Mac). You can also use online sources like Shutterfly.

As always, we are here to help. We can set up a Screen share session.

As a Bonus for the week of March 30th, screen share will be $100/hr. Act quickly as the slots will fill fast!


Call today, 847.902.6681, or email us by simply clicking the blue button below(Email The MacMentor)

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If you have any questions, click the button below shoot me an email.
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Email The MacMentor
 
More advice from the MacMentor...

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Do you close the websites you visit on your iPhone and iPad? You should!


Browsing the internet on your iPhone and iPad is super easy and safe using Apple's Safari web browser. However, many of us forget or don't realize that it's important to close out of the websites that we visit. There are 2 main reasons to do this. First, if you regularly use Safari, and visit many websites a day, but don't close those webpages, you are slowing your iPhone/iPad down, and more importantly wasting it's resources. Second, by leaving websites/pages open, you are leaving your iPhone/iPad vulnerable to outside attacks from hackers.

Here's your quick and easy fix. It's the same on both the iPhone and iPad: Go to the Settings App > Click Safari > Scroll down to the Close Tabs setting > choose After One Day. This will close all your websites for you auto-magically...:).

Next, (Still within the Safari setting), scroll down to Clear History and Website Data. Simply tap that setting, you'll get a pop up window that says in bold, Clear History and Data, Click the Clear option (will be in Red). Once you've done that the words, Clear History and Website Data will be greyed out (because there is nothing to clear).

This is a simple task that will help your devices run better and help you stay safer as well!


Any questions, don't hesitate to reach out, you can call today, 847.902.6681, or email us by simply clicking the blue button below(Email The MacMentor)

I hope you and your family are staying safe through this difficult time.

All the best,
Geoff
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If you have any questions, click the button below shoot me an email.
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Email The MacMentor
 
The MacMentor assists in housekeeping...

Our next project is...Removing apps from your devices that you don't use!


The topic of today's email is one you've no doubt heard me talk about before, deleting apps off your device that you no longer use.

Ok, raise your hand if a friend, family member or colleague has ever told you about this great app that you have to download. Whether that app is a game, some utility, or the latest fad app that you use for a day, a week, or perhaps a month but get bored with and then it sits in App Purgatory?! Well now is the time to clean those apps up! Remember the less clutter you have on your iPhone, iPad, Mac and even Apple Watch, the better and more efficient those devices will be.

Let's start with your iPhone and iPad. Go to the Settings app, click General, then click iPhone/iPad storage. This presents you with all the apps on your device. It tells you the size of the app, and the date it was last used. Tap on an app, and you can delete it right there! Simple and easy.

Now let's go to the Mac. This is a bit trickier as there are apps that come with the Mac that you either can't delete or shouldn't. If you are not sure if you can or should delete an app, reach out to me and I'll let you know. For the apps you know you've downloaded and no longer use, highlight and then either drag to your trash can (on your dock), or click the Delete icon on the Finder toolbar.


This is a quick and easy way to clean up and free up valuable storage on your devices.

I hope you find this tip useful and that you put it to use. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out, you can call today, 847.902.6681, or email us by simply clicking the blue button below(Email The MacMentor)

I hope you and your family are staying safe through this difficult time.

All the best,
Geoff
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If you have any questions, click the button below shoot me an email.
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Email The MacMentor
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Heads up from MacMentor...


Wunderlist is discontinuing service on May 6th, 2020


I'm very sad to announce that one of the staples of my App recommendations since 2013 has been sold and is discontinuing service.

Wunderlist has been purchased by Microsoft and their wonderful stand alone app will be making the move to the App Hall of Fame. If you are one of the millions of users of this terrific free app, you'll need to adjust quickly.

I will be on the prowl for the next great "Wunderlist" and will be sharing my thoughts prior to May 6th.


I don't like having to share this news, and do apologize for the short notice, but I just found out myself this morning.


I will be in touch soon with a substitute, and perhaps even better option, so don't fret!.

I hope you and your family are staying safe .

All the best,

Geoff

If you have any questions, click the button below shoot me an email...
Email The MacMentor
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From Mac Mentor ...Limited participation

Happy Monday!

I'm planning a Zoom workshop this Friday, May 22nd to help you secure your iPhone/iPad.
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Aren't my devices already secure? What will your workshop cover that I don't already know?


There are a large number of settings that you should be adjusting to ensure your iPhone/iPad are as safe as possible, I wanted to share them with you
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Awesome! Thanks MacMentor, I appreciate you always looking out for me and my devices.

Your device safety is my priority! Happy to help. To sign up, please email us at geoff@themacmentor.com or text us at 847.902.6681.
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How will we get the Zoom meeting info, and is there a fee?

I will send you the Zoom meeting information by end of day Thursday the 21st. There is a small $25 fee, payable via Zelle or Venmo. I look forward to seeing you this Friday!
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Working and Learning from home?

A message from MacMentor...



This email is longer than my usual ones, but I recommend you to read through it, especially if your current home WiFi system is three to five years old more. It could make the difference between a really great fall for you and your kids, and constant complaining because, your home wi-fi sadly, is not equipped to handle your needs, and that would simply suck!
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With the coming school year and the requirement for e-learning, along with the growing necessity of parents working from home, it's in your best interest to examine your internet and WiFi setup.

There are a number of things to take into account. First and foremost, whichever internet provider you use, do you have the most current Modem they provide? To check, simply call your provider and ask. If your modem has not been replaced in 3-5 years, it's time for a new one. If you use your own modem, how old is it? If it's 3-5 years old, you should consider replacing it as well.

Next, and this is crucial, how much bandwidth are you paying for? (again if you are not sure, call your provider and find out. Simply ask the question "How many Megabytes Per Second, or MBPS am I paying for?") There are options, you could be paying for 25 MBPS, 100 MBPS, 300 MBPS, ask your provider what the top speed for you home is, and if that falls in your budget, I would absolutely upgrade to it.

The more Megabytes Per Second you can get, the smoother everyone experience will be. I promise you, you don't want to wait for school to start and realize you don't have the bandwidth you need, because by that time, everyone who hasn't done this will be doing it, and it will be imminently harder to get an appointment to get your home WiFi where it needs to be, so everyone can do their work efficiently.

Once you've got your internet speed where you can work and your kids can learn efficiently, if you need new WiFi routers, I recommend theses two. The Eero home mesh WiFi system, or the Linksys Velop mesh WiFi system. Both are easy to set up, both have easy to use apps. I'm happy to assist with either of these should you require help. I can get either system at a discount for you as well.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.

I hope you and your family are safe and well, and I look forward to helping you and seeing you soon (mask and all).

As always, you can reach me via email at geoff@themacmentor.com, or phone at 847.902.6681.

Best,
Geoff
 
Beware of new phone (phishing) scam, where the number that comes up on your phone reads Apple.


Yesterday, a client of mine sadly got scammed, when they got a phone call. The number that came up on their iPhone read, Apple.

This is a relatively new scam, and please beware, the scammers are very, very good, as they claim to be from Apple. Sadly, they got a ton of personal information including Social Security number, passwords to their 1Password account, which housed all their important account information and personal information.

Please note, Apple will NEVERcall you and ask for ANYpersonal information, NEVEREVER!

So please, please, please be diligent about not only the phone calls you accept, but the texts and emails as well. If you have questions about a text or email, send them to me and I'll let you know. Chances are, if you question the communication, it's bogus!

When you need me, reach out via phone (847.902.6681) or email (geoff@themacmentor.com).

Stay safe, and keep your personal information safe as well.

Best,
Geoff
 
A communication from Mac Mentor.

A reason why every wage earner must have Accident and Health insurance!

MacMentor out of commission for a few weeks

After having brain surgery to remove a tumor that caused a major seizure I’ll be out of commission for at least the next 4 to 6 weeks, I may still be able to assist via screen share but won’t be driving for a bit. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. And appreciate your understanding during this Challenging time. If you have purchased a new Mac I will get that set up for you in my home office and it will get delivered to you so no fear thereI will have my beautiful assistant Erika will Be in touch with you and will make sure you get your new machine promptly. Again we appreciate your understanding during this challenging time for the MacMentor I will be OK soon enough

After having brain surgery to remove a tumor that caused a major seizure I’ll be out of commission for at least the next 4 to 6 weeks, I may still be able to assist via screen share but won’t be driving for a bit. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. And appreciate your understanding during thisChallenging time. If you have purchased a new Mac I will get that set up for you in my home office and it will get delivered to you so no fear thereI will have my beautiful assistant Erika Be in touch with you and will make sure you get your new machine promptly. Again we appreciate your understanding during this challenging time for the MacMentor I will be OK soon enough


 
MacMentor has had a remarkable recovery and is back in action!


Time to check your iCloud connected devices


Periodically I’ll send emails reminding you to check your list of “active Apple devices”…This is your reminder, and here’s all you need to do: On your iPhone/iPad, go to the Settings App > Tap the 1st setting (where you’ll see your name) > Next scroll down to where you see a list of your devices. What we are trying to accomplish here is that if you have a device (old iPhone, iPad or Mac) that you are no longer using, or no longer own, it should be deleted from the list. The way to do this is by tapping said device, then scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll see (in Red) Remove from Account, tap that, it will prompt you with two options, Remove and Cancel, choose Remove for any device you no longer own/use. This is a safety precaution for your iCloud information.

Just another helpful hint from your Friendly neighborhood MacMentor. Hope you and your family are safe and well.


If you have any questions, or simply want me to walk you through this, You can reach me via phone (847.902.6681) or email (geoff@themacmentor.com).

Stay safe, and I look forward to hearing from you, and seeing you soon.

Best,
Geoff

If you have any questions, click the button below shoot me an email.

Email The MacMentor
847.902.6681
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An important message from Apple Users from MacMentor...


Today Apple is releasing updates for all hardware, please update your devices!


April 20, 2021

Apple is finally giving consumers a chance to fight App tracking, across ALL it's hardware. From the Mac, iPhone/iPad even the AppleTV and Watch.

Advertisers have been able to track and send you ads, without your permission since the inception of the internet. It got really bad for consumers when devices like the iPhone/iPad were released, as not only were advertisers allowed to follow you on your computer web browsers, now they could follow you wherever you went.

Today, Apple is taking a BIG step to reduce even eliminate tracking by allowing you to opt in or out on each app you use. On your Mac you'll be able to opt in or out on whatever website you visit as well as whatever App you download and install. Same holds true for the iPhone/iPad, Apple TV and Watch.

I'm highly recommending you update your devices ASAP and allow yourselves newfound privacy.

Yes your information is out there already but now you can stop it from getting out there in the future.

You should be able to see the updates by 1pm CST. As always, make sure your devices have been backed up prior to doing the upgrades.

Just another helpful hint from your Friendly neighborhood MacMentor. Hope you and your family are safe and well.


If you have any questions, or simply want me to walk you through this, You can reach me via phone (847.902.6681) or email (geoff@themacmentor.com).

Stay safe, and I look forward to hearing from you, and seeing you soon.

Best,
Geoff
 
Of special interest to routine users of Facebook...

MacMentor writes...

Safer communication options than Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp

You may have heard rumblings regarding the lack of privacy and security within Facebook and it’s subsidiaries, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.

If not, let me fill you in...

Facebook, Messenger and WhatsApp captures, uses and sells information about you. Everything from your location, the device(s) you use, to what you wear, eat etc.

Sadly people either don’t realize this, don’t care or think “well they know so much about me already, why should I care?” You should ABSOLUTELY care, it’s a total abuse of power and there are other safer alternatives that don’t sell your information.

Additionally, here’s a great article that Facebook DOES NOT want you to see/read, https:// www.macrumors.com/2021/05/05/signal-instagram-targeted-ads-banned/

Please don’t disregard this warning. You have a right to your privacy on line, regardless of what Facebook thinks or says.


Editor's note: if you are part of an on line community that uses A free Facebook platform check for privacy. There are no free lunches.
 
No E mail for 24 hours...a personal story.

Mac Mentor has been offering advice to Apple users for over 8 years on ODwireorg.org.

For the occasional computer breakdown, I turned to our tech guru Adam Farkas,MD,MBA.

Usually with click of a few buttons and and placing the blame on my incompetence and technophobia, he solved the problem. ODwire.org continued without breaking a step.

Last night for some unexplained reason, my Email stopped on my computer but continued on my I phone. I turned to Adam who was puzzled and too busy to assist. In desperation, I turned to MacMentor located two thousand miles a way.

What a pleasure. Geoff spoke slowly and patiently to try to talk me through the problem. Within 15 minutes he realized he would have to take over my computer. Within another 15 minutes, my e mail was up and running.

So the question...

When there is a need to either repair or upgrade your software, do you calling's an expert who can resolve your problems in minutes or do it yourself?

When it's accounting, legal questions ,marketing or computer maintenance are you not better off paying a professional fee to get the job done quickly and accurately?

Any Computer problems or questions go to...

Geoff Horwitz
Chief Mentor, The MacMentor

847.902.6681
geoff@themacmentor.com
www.themacmentor.com

Mention my name and ODwire.org