Here's the latest from John Carter, "Photos has at long last showed its face in OS X 10.10.3 Yosemite, now in public beta, and we expect it to be released within weeks. But should you trust your irreplaceable photo library to Photos right away? And what capabilities might you lose if you do?
"There are some early answers in the new 'Photos for Mac: A Take Control Crash Course,' penned by Jason Snell, formerly of Macworld and now at Six Colors. The book normally costs $10, but the 30% MUG discount drops that to $7. Learn more about the book and buy it via the coupon-loaded link below."
http://tid.bl.it/photos-crash-course-mug-discount
Beware Apple Scam
Get an email from Apple? A local news channel posted yesterday, 4-2-15 at 4:31 pm their "3 On Your Side" looked into the issue and confirmed it was a phishing scam. Keep informed, take a look: http://www.azfamily.com/story/28710752/3oys-warning-scammers-using-apple-to-dupe-you?autostart=true
Cows on the Moon?
Grabbing our attention Jim Hamm asks, "Can NASA really be working on a spacesuit for cows on the moon? Don't believe? Well, take a look at this picture.
"And remember what day this is -- April Fools Day...(grin)...
What is Keychain Access?
Answering questions that he's been asked about Keychain Access John Carter has written a seven page article. It's what you need to know: What is it? How do you use it? Is it safe?
And, as an added benefit John has included tips on using Spotlight with references to Keychain Access. See it here Working with Keychain Access.
More on Comparing Browsers
Jim Hamm has found more info to pass along here. "If deciding on which browser to use is important to you, here is an article comparing the various browsers.
"I tend to rotate among all the browsers (except Internet Explorer, which I don't use) and find that it doesn't matter much to me which I use. They all do a decent job, and are just different enough to make it interesting just to try a different browser from time to time. Vivaldi is a browser I've been recently trying, and it's fine, though perhaps a bit slower rendering web pages than the other browsers."
Here's something to consider from Jim, "One item the article doesn't mention is Adobe's Flash Player, and which is declining in use on the web, due in part to malware vulnerabilities in past years.
"However, I do occasionally run across a website that requires Flash Player. Pandora Radio is one.
"The Chrome browser comes with Flash pre-installed, and sandboxed, which is good. Sometimes it is difficult to get Flash installed in Safari, so switching to Chrome, for example, solves that problem."
And Jim sums it up with, "If you'd enjoy the author's comments on browsers, then read on. If it doesn't matter, tap delete and get to something interesting...(grin)...Jim "
Compare OS and Browsers
Here's an article from David Passell which compares worldwide use of Mac vs PC. He notes, "Also compares different browsers." http://www.zdnet.com/article/which-operating-systems-and-browsers-are-most-popular-in-the-u-s/?tag=nl.e539&s_cid=e539&ttag=e539&ftag=TRE17cfd61
Two shakes later Jim Hamm sends this same link, heading it with "Six surprising facts abut who's winning the operating system and browser wars in the U.S." His comment is, "Not that it will change what you use, but here are some interesting statistics . . . "
Prediction About Gmail
"I like Gmail and have used it for years. But here is an article that was written a few months ago, and which I just now read, that predicts Google will drop Gmail down the road. The author explains why he thinks this is so, and his premise sounds very realistic to me. It seems Gmail doesn't directly generate income for Google, and I hadn't really thought about this, but I'm sure Google has." And here Jim Hamm grins. "Recently Google offered another email client called 'Inbox.' I took a look at it, and didn't like what I saw. I hope the author is wrong in his prognostication, as I'd sure be disappointed if Gmail disappears."
Trying Out the VPNs
"In a recent posting (3/16/15) Jim Hamm gave us a lot of useful information on using VPNs," says Jim Hays. You'll remember VPN is Virtual Private Networking.
He goes on to say, "Intrigued, I decided to set one up, both to protect my privacy when using public wireless networks and to allow me to access my email accounts in the Prescott Library using an email client (as opposed to a web-based client). Since I will be using the VPN only while traveling or while using public hotspots I opted for Private Tunnel (https://www.privatetunnel.com/) a metered Virtual Private Networking service that provides an extremely easy to use and hassle-free experience.
"Pricing: the first 100 megabytes is free; 50 gigabytes costs $12.00; 100 gigabytes costs $20.00; 500 gigabytes costs $50.00. There is no usage time limit for the bandwidth you purchase. Private Tunnel offers clients for Mac OS, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android.
Jim concludes with, "However you can use any OpenVPN client that will run on your setup. (I used Tunnelblick (http://code.google.com/p/tunnelblick/) on my MacBook.)"
Get Ready for Photos for OS X
“It may be time to get prepared” is the title for the article Jim Hamm sends us. Now, that’s a title that fits for lots of things, but this starts off, “Apple is approaching the launch of its new Photos app for Mac.” Read about it here. http://www.computerworld.com/article/2900539/get-ready-for-photos-for-os-x.html?
Your Smartphone is Spying on You
In an article dated 3-25 the question is asked, how much is your smartphone spying on you? It discusses app permission managers. Read it here http://www.cultofmac.com/317087/your-location-has-been-shared-over-5000-times-in-the-last-two-weeks/
What About Flash?
Here's some helpful food for thought from Jim Hamm. "You may be aware that Apple is not too fond of Adobe's Flash Player. Steve Jobs once referred to Flash as a 'bag of hurt.' It is an older technology and has been subject to virus infections due to weak security in its design. There are still some websites that require Flash Player ( Pandora, I'm looking at you). So, if you want or need to use Flash in Safari, here is an article that clearly shows how to install Flash on your Mac.
"If you do install Flash for Safari, the author recommends you keep automatic updates on so security in the Flash Player is always up to date. He also suggests not to click an update notice that may pop up in your browser. Instead, go directly to Adobe's website and download from there. https://get2.adobe.com/flashplayer/otherversions/
"You may note in the comments that some people, instead of installing Flash for Safari, prefer to just switch over to the Chrome browser for a time on those websites that
require Flash, Chrome has Flash already installed, and 'sandboxed,' which makes
it safer for you to use," Jim concludes.
it safer for you to use," Jim concludes.
An Old Mac
"Here is an article that will be of interest to computer Geeks," declares Jim Hamm. " A guy took an old, really old, Mac, and tried to connect it to the internet. Was he successful? Sorta. Talk about a labor of love, and what he did was well above my level of understanding.
"If you're a Geek, or just curious, take a read. Interesting, I thought," Jim said.
Fascinating Photos: Making the Apple Watch
Jim Hamm informs us, "Although an Apple watch is not in my Bucket List, I can appreciate all the care and effort Apple puts into making the watch, as the following blog shows. Add to this the cost of developing the software, and it's easy to see why the watch may be considered pricey by some.
"Although the blog may be of more interest to engineering-type people, and not for the casual consumer, I found it quite interesting to read about all the precision going into the manufacture of this new watch. I suspect it will be a success for Apple."
Gigabyte Data Usage
"If you purchase a data plan from a carrier with, say, a 2-Gigabyte data plan, how much can you use your smart phone or tablet before consuming all your data?" asks Jim Hamm. He goes on with some useful info. " This link gives some estimates, which you may find helpful.
"If you like to listen to music while you're checking the internet (while using your cellular plan), this article gives you a good idea of how much data streaming music consumes."
Keep reading; Jim sends us that good word FREE. "If I'm using a cellular connection I usually don't listen to streaming music so I don't consume all my data. But if I did, I'd listen to Pandora (which I do when I'm connected to wifi) and I find it uses a maximum of 64kbps, which is fairly low quality, but adequate (at least for my ears). Of course, Pandora provides a free service, so I'm not complaining."
How Would Apple Streaming TV Work?
OK, bright and knowledgeable PMUG members and friends: how would this work? David Passell writes, "On the recent evening news there was the statement that Apple's proposed streaming TV that included local channels (except NBC) would let you 'cut the cable' and free you from those expenses (by implication that exploit you).
He explains, "I have Cable One that brings in my internet and has my email server. I also maintain my 'northlink' email addresses via a nominal monthly charge. I also have a magic jack that provides me with unlimited national phone service. Here I could 'cut the cable' to my landline phone number, or I could let the landline bring in my internet via DSL and eliminate Cable One.
"BUT: How would I 'cut the cable' and use the touted Apple Streaming without the above internet interface that my router provides (from cable or DSL) in my home environment? In a big city where there are WiFi hot spots, that might work. (e.g. if i lived near the library or downtown).
"Besides, Apple would also have a monthly fee not quite as high."
So, here's the biggie: "Can somebody explain the magic?"
Thanks
David Passell sends his thanks to all who sent him cards and emails at the passing of his wife, Elizabeth (Betty).
YouTube Malware
Alert and aware! Keep reading . . .
"I occasionally will watch a video on YouTube, as you probably do too," says Jim Hamm. "One thing to be aware of when watching YouTube (or visiting any website, for that matter) is the possibility of getting malware on your computer. Here is an article that gives some tips on avoiding malware on YouTube and websites in general.
"One item of particular interest, and one which I hadn't heard of previously, is a program called 'Tubrosa.' Take a read on what this program does. The hackers are quite creative, it seems. To my way of thinking, 'Tubrosa' is malware."
And there's more to know. Jim Hamm goes on, "Here is another link with 7 common sense tips on avoiding malware.
"Also, if I get an email from someone I know and trust, and it has a link in it with no words of description of why my friend is sending this to me, I don't open it. Why? Occasionally an email address will get hijacked and the hacker will start sending out links for people to click and get a virus or other malware -- and they never offer any comments on why the email was sent out." So, thanks again to Jim for notifying us.
Privacy! VPN
What about privacy using your computer when you're not home? Jim Hamm has something to say about that. "Although I don't need a VPN (virtual Private Network) all the time, we do travel frequently and use public wifi in places such as RV parks, restaurants, motels, airports, libraries, etc.
"For the added security, occasionally a VPN would be handy when I'm on a public wifi network. To that end, I recently purchased, installed and am using a VPN called VPN Unlimited. For a short period of time a lifetime subscription is available for just $39. Look here.
"This VPN comes from a company called Simplex Solutions. Look here.
"After doing some research, in theory I've got the following with my VPN: a lifetime license (the app says 100 years when I open it...(grin); unlimited data -- no cap; no throttling of internet speed (I haven't experienced any slowdown); adequate servers around the world (the one I'm using now is in California); available on 5 devices (one can be deleted if a new one is to be added); the program is available for OS X, Windows, iOS, and Android; and, best of all, so far it works...(grin).
"Now, I'm not a poster child for VPN Unlimited, nor a commissioned salesperson. Since the $39 deal is a limited time offer (at least I think so), I just wanted to pass this on in case you might have an interest in trying this VPN." So, give Jim a grin when you see him. He's sharing lots of good info with PMUG.
What THEY Don't Want You to Know
On the lookout for helpful info Jim Hamm steps up to the plate with this one: "Here's an article that provides some interesting information about your cell phone. We use AT&T, — just look at the 'generous' offer they made to us for only $29/month...(grin)"
Check out this article from USA TODAY: What cellphone companies don't want you to know http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/komando/2015/03/13/cell-phone-privacy/70202468/
Kim Komando goes into some detail about "super cookies," how Facebook and cell phone companies AT&T and Verizon track and sell your information, how to turn off tracking — she likes DuckDuckGo. Read the whole thing.
Good-bye, Privacy
In an article dated February 17, 2015 the writer goes into detail about your latest lack of privacy in your home and in your car. The site shows photocopied information from the various companies' “privacy policies.”
The companies discussed are: Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, Xbox Kinect, Amazon Echo, GM’s Onstar, Chevrolet’s MyLink and PDRs, Google’s Waze, Hello’s Sense, and Hertz cameras in its rental cars.
Got one of these? Did you read the fine print?
(You could also add Safari which lets you check "Block Cookies and Other Website Data ALWAYS." And soon you'll find 30 cookies (and other website data) have been added and info collected from your computer via the Internet.) Well, more or less . . .