Tips

Backing up your iPhone without iCloud requires plugging the device into a PC or Mac and then using iTunes or Finder, respectively. The computer stores the iPhone backup on its local hard drive. Hi, I’m Andrew, a former Mac administrator, and I’ll cover both of these...

Your photos might fail to upload to iCloud for various reasons, including low iCloud storage, low battery, or a spotty internet connection. Never fear; I’ll detail these reasons and more and guide you on how to fix the problem. I’m Andrew, a former Mac administrator....

The process for canceling your iCloud storage plan varies by platform. To cancel your iCloud storage subscription on an iPhone, tap Change Storage Plan, then Downgrade Options in the iCloud pane of the Settings app. Hi, I’m Andrew, a former Mac administrator, and in...

Nothing is more frustrating than your MacBook restarting randomly while you are working on something. While this can be annoying, it can also point to more significant issues. So what do you do when your MacBook keeps restarting? My name is Tyler, and I am an Apple...

When your mouse cursor disappears on Mac, it can lead to a lot of frustration and headaches. But there are several possible causes and solutions to this issue. So how can you get your mouse cursor to show up again? My name is Tyler, and I am an Apple computer expert....

Likely because of internet connectivity issues, but it could also be Google service issues.  Google Drive, like Apple’s iCloud or Microsoft Azure, is a powerful productivity and storage tool. It lets you access your files anywhere you have an internet connection....

Yes, but you’re going to need additional equipment. Fortunately, it’s very straightforward to set up Zoom on your Smart TV. If you’ve used Zoom on a computer, you can use it on a TV! Hi, I’m Aaron. I love working with technology and turned my passion for it into a...

There are many factors that can impact your internet speed. Some of those issues can temporarily manifest on your local computer, on your switch or router, or even with your ISP.  I’m Aaron, a technologist and attorney with almost two decades of experience...

Currently, no major web browser supports Flash. There’s a good reason for that: Flash is a security nightmare. In fact, it was intentionally deprecated in favor of HTML5 multimedia delivery. What led to Flash’s downfall and why can’t you use it anymore? I’m Aaron and...

Yes! Sort of. When FreeSync first launched, it was only compatible with AMD GPUs. Since then, it’s been opened up–or rather Nvidia opened up its technology to be compatible with FreeSync.  Hi, I’m Aaron. I love technology and I’ve turned that love into a career...

Maybe, but probably not. This was a much bigger problem a decade ago, for reasons I’ll highlight below, but time and experience have resulted in patches for most email content-based threats.  Hi, I’m Aaron! I’ve been in cybersecurity and technology for the better...

Short answer: you can’t! Not without taking to some other communication method to confirm your suspicion that your email is blocked. Hi, I’m Aaron. I’ve worked in and around technology for the better part of two decades. I also used to be a lawyer! Let’s dig into why...

If your iCloud storage is filling up, you might have the temptation to delete your iPhone’s iCloud backup. After all, those files are taking up quite a bit of space. But is it safe to delete the iCloud backup? Will you lose contacts? Photos? Losing your ability to...

If you have synced your contacts to Apple’s cloud service, you might wonder how to get those contacts from iCloud. Whether you want to download your address book on a new device or want to back it up, retrieving your contacts from iCloud is easy. To download contacts...

Downloading text messages from iCloud can seem like a convoluted process. Nevertheless, because Apple provides limited options for message download, the methods are pretty straightforward. One method allows you to retrieve your messages on a new device. Say, for...

Yes, it is possible to recover deleted messages on iPhone without using iCloud in many scenarios. But successful recovery depends on a variety of factors. The best solution is to use the Show Recently Deleted option from the Edit menu in the Messages app. What if your...

Although you can sync and back up your messages to iCloud, you can only view conversations on an Apple device using the Messages app. To view text messages on iCloud from an iPhone, tap the Sync this iPhone switch in the Messages pane of iCloud settings. After doing...

To turn off iCloud Music Library on your iPhone, toggle the Sync Library switch to the off position in the Music screen of the Settings app. Hi, I’m Andrew, a former Mac administrator. Keep reading for more details, screenshots, and instructions for disabling iCloud...

To change your iCloud email address, sign in to appleid.apple.com and click “Apple ID.” Enter your new email address and then enter the verification code sent to the email. Hello, I’m Andrew, a former Mac administrator, and iOS expert. In this article, I’ll expand...

If your iCloud is low on storage, you could upgrade to iCloud+ to increase your storage. However, you are kicking the can down the road. If you use iCloud long enough, eventually, your storage will run out. Therefore, you need to know the best way to free up space. To...

Macs have a snipping tool that makes capturing and recording your Mac’s screen a breeze. The snipping feature is easy to use; you just need to press Command + Shift + 4 simultaneously and then drag a box around the section of the screen you want to capture.  I’m...

Although accessing your photos on your iCloud is convenient, there may come a time when you want to download the images to your Mac.  Moving pictures from iCloud to your Mac is simple, and there are a few ways you can do it, including using Safari and your Mac’s...

If your new MacBook has slowed to a crawl already, it can be very frustrating. A slow computer gets in the way of everything we need to do. So, why is your new MacBook so slow? And what can you do to fix it? My name is Tyler, and I am a Mac repair technician with more...

If your Mac suddenly displays a blinking question mark folder, it can interrupt your whole workflow and mean potential data loss. So, how can you fix the issue and get your Mac running like new again? My name is Tyler, and I am a Mac technician with more than 10 years...

If you want to know where screenshots go on your Mac for editing or organizing your files, it can help to know their location. So, where do screenshots go on Mac? And what if you want to change their location? My name is Tyler, and I am an expert in Apple computers...

If your Mac gives you a “your startup disk is almost full” error message, you should fix it immediately. If you run out of space, you won’t be able to save files, and your Mac may run poorly. So, how can you clear up your startup disk and get storage space back? My...

One of the most important aspects of any book design project is selecting the final size of your book. Also known as the “trim size”, choosing the correct size for your book can make a huge difference in its page count - and its success.  Larger book sizes are...

Most of the time it’s your computer (or phone, or tablet), but it might be Google services.  There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to upload something to your Google drive and it doesn’t work immediately. There are a few reasons that may happen and some...

You can’t, at least not directly. There are ways you can create folder-like items which are password protected and you can password protect individual files, but you can’t password protect Google Drive folders. You may not need to, though. Hi, I’m Aaron! I’m a...

The quick answer is: You’ll have to pay for it or use an educational account.  Google Drive is a great way to access your files anywhere you go, so long as there’s an internet connection. Google even built a technology infrastructure around it via Chromebooks –...

It’s quick and easy to download pictures from Google Drive and Google Photos. Knowing how to do so can also be used to download other content from Google Drive and Google Photos!  I’ll also show you how to download those photos on your computer, iPhone or iPad,...

Google makes this easy for you and provides a tool to integrate Google Drive with Windows File Explorer. Google is not unique in doing so: Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, and Box are a few other examples of cloud storage that integrates with Windows File Explorer via a...

The short answer is: in pieces. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to just transfer ownership of a google drive to another account. That’s because of the way Google structured its drive services. Microsoft, Apple and Amazon also have similarly structured services, so...

It Depends. There are numerous factors that contribute to the processing time for a video uploaded to Google Photos or Google Drive. Some of those factors are within your control, while others are not. Ultimately, patience will persevere and with time, you’ll get...

Apple’s iCloud feature is a convenient way to access photos from any synced Apple device. To upload and sync photos from your Mac to your iCloud account, use the Photos app and adjust the settings to your preferences. I’m Jon, an Apple expert, and owner of a 2019...

From time to time, you might need to transfer photos from your Android device to your Mac. You can use several methods, including iCloud, Image Capture, Android File Transfer, and your email, to transfer photos from your Android device to your Mac.  I’m Jon, an...

You may quickly run out of precious storage space if you download many files, applications, and media on your Mac. So how can you permanently delete downloads on your Mac and regain valuable space? My name is Tyler, and I am an Apple computer technician with over 10...

If you need to run a Windows application, chances are you will have to download and open exe files, which are incompatible with Mac. So how can you open exe files on your Mac? My name is Tyler, and I am a Mac technician with over 10 years of experience. I’ve seen and...

While your Mac lets you take full screenshots and partial screenshots, it can be helpful to crop a screenshot after you take it. However, there are several ways to do this. Which one is the best? My name is Tyler, and I am a Mac technician with over 10 years of...

If your Mac is running slow or freezing, a troublesome process could be to blame. Shutting down these processes can speed up your Mac and resolve potential problems. But how can you view and kill processes on Mac? My name is Tyler, and I am a Mac technician with over...

You can resize an image on your Mac using Preview, the Photos app, the Pages app, and various other applications.  I’m Jon, a Mac expert, and owner of a 2019 MacBook Pro. I frequently resize images on my Mac and made this guide to show you how.  Sometimes,...

To AirDrop photos from your iPhone to your Mac, enable Airdrop on both devices, select share on your iPhone, and hit Airdrop. Then select your Mac from the list and accept the Airdrop on your Mac.  I’m Jon, an Apple expert. I own an iPhone and a few Macs; I...

Need to move photos from your Mac to your iPhone after you finish editing? No problem. You can use Apple’s AirDrop feature, iCloud Photo Library, and Finder to quickly transfer photos from your Mac to your iPhone.  I’m Jon, an Apple expert, and owner of an iPhone...

You can transfer photos from your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable, image capture, AirDrop, iCloud files, iCloud Photos, email, or another cloud storage service.  I’m Jon, an Apple techie and proud owner of an iPhone 11 Pro Max and a 2019 MacBook Pro. I often...

If you’re shopping for a used or refurbished iPhone or iPad on third-party websites, you may have encountered the phrase “iCloud locked” in the product’s description. Just what does “iCloud locked” really mean? iCloud locked means that Apple’s anti-theft mechanism,...

Whether you’re transferring data to a new iPhone or simply want to ensure your messages are safe if you lose your device, Apple’s iCloud service allows you to back up your messages with just a few easy steps. To back up messages to iCloud from your iPhone, open the...

If your Mac starts showing you a “service recommended” message on your battery, it could mean that the battery needs replaced. However, how can you know when replacement is really needed, and how can you extend your battery life? My name is Tyler, and I am a computer...

There are many ways to transfer data between Macs. Target disk mode is one of the less commonly known methods. Even so, it makes file transfer much easier. But how do you get started with it? My name is Tyler, and I am a computer technician with over 10 years of...

Is your name incorrect on your iCloud email account? Perhaps you changed your last name or want to go by a nickname. Is it possible to change the sender name on iCloud email? Yes, it is possible. To change the name on iCloud email, go to Accounts in the preferences...

To access iCloud photos on your Mac, sign into the same Apple ID you use for your iCloud, then sync your library in “System Settings”. Once you since your Mac, your iCloud photos will automatically update as you take and add more photos.  I’m Jon, a Mac expert...

It isn’t safe to email banking information without additional encryption. You should never email any sensitive personal information without additional encryption.  Hi, I’m Aaron, an information security professional with almost two decades of experience keeping...

It’s possible, but difficult to browse the internet with a Roku. However, the Roku is an internet-connected device, so the content it shows is from the internet.  Hi, I’m Aaron. I’ve worked in the legal, technology and security fields for almost two decades. I...

A VPN connection is one of the few ways to prevent your ISP from seeing your internet usage. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can see all the devices you connect to the internet and almost everything you do on the internet. There are ways to hide what you do on...

Restoring deleted files from Google Drive is straightforward and can save you a lot of headaches trying to recreate a document from scratch. You can recover anything you delete intentionally or accidentally, but be careful! There are limits. My name’s Aaron and I’ve...

If you know there’s a local wi-fi connection and your laptop cannot connect to it, then you might have network adapter issues. One sentence into the article and you’re probably asking yourself: What does that mean? How can I fix it? I’m Aaron and these days I limit my...

Yes, employers can see your internet traffic while you’re connected to your company’s Virtual Private Network (VPN). They can see this traffic by virtue of how VPN works. However, it’s unlikely that they see your internet traffic while you’re not connected.  I’m...

Battery cycle count is a vital indicator of your MacBook’s health. An old battery will affect your productivity and enjoyment of your laptop. So how can you check your battery cycle count to determine if you need a new one? My name is Tyler, and I am a computer repair...

When an application starts to cause problems on your Mac, you should look for ways to Force Quit it and start again. But how can you bring up the classic “Ctrl Alt Delete” screen similar to a Windows computer? My name is Tyler, and I am a computer technician with over...

When an application causes an issue on your system or malfunctions, the easiest solution is to delete it and start again. But how do you delete apps on Mac that won’t delete? My name is Tyler, and I am a computer technician with over 10 years of experience. I’ve seen...

No, if you forward an email, the sender cannot see that you did so. This is because of how email works. The recipient may see that you forwarded it, however, and might inform the original sender.  I’m Aaron and I love technology. I use email everyday, as do most...

Don’t panic, you’re probably ok.  We’ve probably all fallen for it. We’re mindlessly browsing our email, click on a link in one of them and are redirected to a page where we’re asked to enter our username and password. Or a popup comes up with some junk ads and a...

While nothing in the cybersecurity world is 100%, it’s almost impossible at the time of writing this article for the Xbox to get a virus. To date, there have been no successful reported widespread compromises of Xbox consoles.  I’m Aaron and I’ve worked in...

You can check if a file or link has a virus before you download it and there are great free resources on the internet to do so. Nothing beats safe internet usage practices and smart browsing, though.  I’m Aaron, an information security evangelist and lawyer with...

You can replace a household internet connection with a mobile hotspot. Whether you want to or not really depends on what you’re using the internet for, how many people are using the internet, and why you’d want to avoid household internet connection.  My name’s...

Yes, you can, but there are some features you’ll miss out on. If you care about those features, I’d recommend that you play Minecraft while connected to the internet. But if you want a blissful and relaxing experience of mining and building in your own private world,...

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) Connection can be tracked. There are a number of examples online where that’s happened and most major VPN providers warn against this.  My name’s Aaron and I’ve been doing cybersecurity for more than a decade. I’m also a lawyer! I,...

It is definitely possible to have two different internet providers in one house. You likely do, in a sense, without realizing it.  Hi, I’m Aaron. I’ve been in technology for the better part of 20 years and have been an electronics enthusiast and hobbyist longer...

Fear not! Your parents can’t see your internet history on the internet bill. There are certain things your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may tell them through other avenues, but they can’t get your internet browsing history from the internet bill.  Hi, my...

VPNs, by virtue of the way they work, do not protect you from hackers. That being said, there’s a lot you can do to protect yourself from hackers. But should you even care? Hi, my name’s Aaron. I’m a lawyer and information security expert. I’ve been in the industry...

You can use Command+Click, click & drag, or the “Select All” toggle in the Photos app on your Mac. Selecting multiple photos at once can make things more efficient and saves you time. I’m Jon, a Mac guru, and owner of a 2019 MacBook Pro. I often select multiple...

Whether you’re a photographer or take beautiful pictures in your spare time, there’s a good chance you’ll need to convert RAW images to JPEG images from time to time.  To convert RAW images to JPEG on your Mac, you can use “Covert Image,” Preview, the Sips...

Anytime you install an application on your Mac, files are left over in your system’s cache. These files can build up and take up essential storage space. So how can you clear your application cache on Mac and recover this space? My name is Tyler, and I am a computer...

Video Previews can be used in video editing for a variety of purposes, from previewing complex sequences or shots, to expediting the editing process and ensuring smooth playback and even to rapidly increasing final export times. While their specific usage and codec...

Rendering in video editing is simply the act of transcoding video from the “Raw” camera source format into an intermediate video format. There are three primary functions of Rendering: Previews, Proxies, and Final Output/Deliverables. By the end of this article,...

The time it takes to edit a video is one of the most often debated and queried topics in the post-production world. In short, there really is no easy answer, as the complexity of an edit and most crucially the length of the piece will ultimately dictate how much time...

I’ve had extensive experience through the years as a Post Production Supervisor, as well as working in all of the various editorial roles from Assistant Editor, to Editor, to Online/Finishing Editor, and through all of these roles and responsibilities I’ve carried...

Backing up your files is crucial if you want to be sure that your data is safe, but sometimes Time Machine is not the ideal solution. But what are the best ways to back up your Mac without using Time Machine? My name is Tyler, and I am a computer technician with over...

Running out of RAM can quickly slow down your Mac and cause all sorts of problems. Reducing your ram usage is an effective way to speed up your Mac and be more productive. But how do you free up ram and reduce memory usage? My name is Tyler, and I am a computer...

Learning video editing is much like learning to paint. It doesn’t take much to learn how to use the tools, and it certainly doesn’t take considerable time, effort and years of practice to become a professional, and to master the craft. Learning the basics can be done...

LUT is an abbreviation for Lookup Table. This term is used quite often in today’s digital post and pre/production worlds, but if you were to ask anyone in the field you’d be surprised to find that so few really understand what the term means.  In essence though,...

Color Correction in video editing is relatively self-explanatory, at least with regard to defining the (often complex) process.  Color Correction is simply a term that encapsulates the technical corrective methods and procedures for getting your footage to be...

Spotlight Search is a valuable tool for finding images, documents, and applications on your Mac. But when Spotlight stops working, it’s usually because of system errors, indexing errors, or improper settings. You can generally fix it by restarting spotlight services,...

Sometimes you need to turn off your Mac's built-in firewall, especially if it conflicts with a third-party security application or a VPN. Luckily, turning off the firewall on your Mac is easy. My name is Tyler Von Harz, a laptop and desktop technician with 10+ years...

Ventura is the latest release of Apple's famed macOS. With all of the new features, you may be tempted to upgrade. But can you upgrade if you own an older Mac—and should you? I’m Tyler Von Harz, a Mac technician and owner of a store specializing in Mac repairs. After...

Google Drive is safe to store photos and confidential information. Companies large and small and individuals worldwide rely on Google Drive to store their confidential information and other personal information like photos, documents, and other files.  I’m Aaron,...

VPN, or Virtual Private Networking, is a way to browse the web safely and prevent websites from seeing your general location. But it can be hacked as well, and you are not truly safe when browsing the internet when using a VPN. I’m Aaron, a lawyer and technology...

Wireless internet seems to be ubiquitous today. Businesses provide it as a benefit to employees and customers. People provide their wireless passwords to visitors in their homes. It’s a way to keep us connected when our devices may otherwise be unable to access the...

Viruses, also known as malware or malicious code, are a significant risk in today's computing environment. There are billions of different types of viruses and over 560,000 new viruses are detected each day (source). Cybercriminals use creative methods to deliver...

Yes! But getting a virus from opening an email is very unlikely–so unlikely, in fact, that you’ll have to take active steps to infect your computer with a virus. Don’t do that! I’ll tell you why it’s unlikely and what you have to do (for the purpose of avoiding it) to...

Have you ever wanted to check your CPU temperature while gaming? I’ll show you how and it’s easier than you think. Within 10 minutes, you’ll be up and running and able to monitor all sorts of information while you game. All you need is MSI Afterburner and the ability...

One of the most frequently asked questions in information security is: should I avoid using hotel Wi-Fi or any other public Wi-Fi hotspots? Well, the quick answer is: Hotel Wi-Fi is not safe even though it is okay for general web browsing. But you should consider...

A Jump Cut in video editing is when the editor removes a section of interior time from a shot or clip, and thus creates a “jump” forward, forcing time to pass quicker than real-time without modulating the speed of the shot, and ultimately breaking the otherwise...

Proxies are transcoded approximations of original camera raw files that are typically generated at a much lower resolution than the source material (though not always) and used for a multitude of reasons in post-production workflows.  While there are many...

A Keyframe is simply a user-designated/assigned frame. The definition itself is rather simple, as its meaning is in plain view in its name. However, despite the simple definition, the use of keyframes can be wildly complex and vary from software to software. While...

Whether you have misplaced your MacBook or suspect it might have been stolen, your first inclination might be to panic. Not only are MacBooks valuable in monetary terms, but also the computer contains your precious photos and documents. Is there any hope of recovering...

Non-linear editing (NLE for short) is the standard mode of editing today. It is ubiquitous and ever-present in our modern post-production world. In fact, most have forgotten that there was even a time when editing non-linearly was entirely out of reach, particularly...

We live in a world where screens are everywhere and devices are in everyone’s hands. With the demand for video at an all-time high, there has truly never been a better time to become a video editor. In this article, we are going to break down why now is the best time...

The need to edit a photo can often arise these days, whether for marketing materials, tutorials, or casual photos. Luckily, macOS includes a native app for photo editing called Photos! In addition, there are also many third-party Mac photo editor apps to fit your...

Whether you want to make sure you have the latest version of a web page or clear up some hard drive space, it can be beneficial to clear the cache on your Mac from time to time. Although macOS stores multiple different types of cache, your browser cache is the one you...

The Recents folder in macOS Finder can be convenient when you need to find a file you have worked on lately. But what if your recent files contain embarrassing or confidential files? Is it possible to remove those? The best way to clear the "Recents" folder on your...

Apple's newest version of macOS is Ventura. At the time of writing this article, Ventura is still in its beta launch phase. This means that only a handful of Macs are running the latest version of the OS. And since it's not the final release, sometimes it can be slow....