It’s a hot one, folks, and we’re not talking about the weather! This episode is chock full of great Cool Stuff Found, answers to your questions, and more. Topics include free tools to keep your Mac running smoothly, a way to get free data on your phone, invoicing solutions for consultants, a quick way to activate your flashlight, free VPNs to use, and much, much more! Press play and enjoy learning five new things with John and Dave, your two favorite geeks!

I Want My, I Want My, I Want My ... USB-C!

Answers to your tech questions for your Apple devices and beyond. Dave Hamilton, Adam Christianson, and Pilot Pete come together weekly to answer your questions and discuss things of interest to Apple and Mac geeks, presenting them in ways that are both entertaining and informative for the average listener.

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In this week’s episode of Mac Geek Gab, you’re in for a treat with Pilot Pete and Dave Hamilton as they delve deep into the nuances of everyday tech. Starting off, learn a clever Quick Tip from Uncle Jamie on how to use Preview for not just viewing but also adding, reordering, and merging PDFs—a true multitasker’s dream tool. But that’s not all, discover how disabling WPA3 could rejuvenate your stubborn IoT devices, ensuring they connect without a hitch. Struggling with your VPN? They’ve got you covered with solutions to avoid duplicate AirDrop destinations and unblock your mail sending woes.
As the discussion heats up, Pete and Dave tackle some quirky tech challenges that might have you nodding in agreement or scratching your head. Did you know your 2.4GHz network penetrates brick walls more effectively than higher frequencies? And when it comes to sending sensitive documents securely, they suggest top tools like Tresorit Send and Dropbox Send to keep your private info under wraps. So, as you navigate these tech waters, remember: “Don’t Get Caught” unprepared. Tune into Mac Geek Gab for these insights and more, ensuring you stay one step ahead in the digital realm.

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1036 for Monday, May 6th, 2024

May 6: National Beverage Day


Quick Tips

00:00:01 Blocktek-QT-Use Caps Lock as a Shutdown Notification Indicator
00:03:41 Nescafe Milk Foamer

Throat Coat Tea


00:05:50 Uncle Jamie-QT-Add, reorder, merge PDFs and more with Preview

PDFExpert (available with a student discount with a .edu)


00:08:40 QT-Disable WPA3 on Your Network. Your IOT Devices Will Thank You

Skylight Frame


00:18:55 Missing Adam Today
00:19:44 Phil-QT-VPNs can add duplicate AirDrop destinations
00:21:37 StephrabNYC18-Turn off your VPN when using Ticketmaster
00:24:59 PP- Sending Mail Getting Blocked… Receive OK – It was “TailScale” VPN

Tailscale
WhatIsMyIp.com
Wireguard VPN


00:32:15 Can I Use Two VPNs Simultaneously?


Sponsors

00:35:56 SPONSOR: LinkedIn Jobs. Go to LinkedIn.com/MGG and post your first job for free!
00:37:34 SPONSOR: Backblaze. Get a fully-featured no risk free trial at Backblaze.com/mgg. Go there, play with it, and start protecting yourself from potential bad times. Start Today!
00:39:03 SPONSOR: BetterHelp. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/GEEKGAB and get on your way to being your best self.
00:40:22 Pete Outsmarted Himself!


00:42:26 What the Heck Happened With Our Reset Apple ID Passwords?

Making SWAGs Again
Send Us Your SWAGs


Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!

00:54:49 JT Ray-Why Do I have Both Local and iCloud Desktop Folders?
00:57:00 Why Do I have Two Mail Accounts Listed?
01:02:23 JP-Duplicate File Finder?

Gemini from MacPaw


Brick Walls and Brain Waves

This week on Mac Geek Gab 1035, dive into a treasure trove of quick tips and cool finds with your favorite tech trio, Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton. Discover how to leverage Siri to unearth unread messages or take hands-free notes—even with paint on your hands! Learn how to utilize smart plugs for automating troublesome tech at home, like that stubborn old Sonos or garage door opener. Did you know that bright LED bulbs could be interfering with your Wi-Fi? Keep this in mind to avoid tech hiccups. And remember, don’t get caught with your tech down on Email Debt Forgiveness Day!
In the Cool Stuff Found segment, explore the potential of iOS’s ChatGPT app’s voice interaction, and consider Pandoc for effortless format conversions. Curious about running your 2019 iMac from an external USB SSD? There’s a tip for that too. Syncing issues between Mac and iPhone? Get the fix here. And don’t miss the scoop on eero’s latest networking solutions. Make your digital life smoother and stay ahead—after all, “Don’t Get Caught” means being prepared with the right knowledge from Mac Geek Gab.

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1035 for Monday, April 29th, 2024

April 29: Viral Video Day


Quick Tips

00:00:01 QT-Use Siri to find Unread Messages When “Unread Messages” won’t show you anything but Messages is still badged
00:03:14 Paul-QT-Hey, Siri Take a Note… / Pause (with paint on hands and airbuds in!)

feedback@macgeekgab.com


00:06:00 Joe-QT-1034-Get Bookmarks Right From Safari’s Search Bar…and Have Siri Remind You At a Place
00:11:04 QT-Use a Smart Plug and automation to restart pesky devices (older Sonos, MyQ Garage Door Opener, More)
00:13:53 CSF-Meross HomeKit Compatible Garage Door Opener
00:15:56 Allison-CSF-Tailwind iQ3 garage door remote

Meross Smart Plug


00:23:26 Uncle Jamie-CSF-ratGDO for controlling your garage door openers
00:25:08 Tim-PSA-1033-Bright LED Garage Light Bulbs Can Create Wi-Fi Interference
00:27:10 QT-Email Debt Forgiveness Day coming on April 30th

ReplyAll Podcast




Sponsors

00:28:50 SPONSOR: Ecamm Live is the all-in-one live streaming and video production studio for Mac Get one month free of Ecamm Live using promo code ‘macgeekgab’ at checkout.
00:30:35 Don’t Get Caught With Your Tech Down


Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! 

00:32:40 UpsideDownFoodPyramid-How can I sync Apple Photos with Google Photos?
00:34:12 OurStanley-Can I run my 2019 iMac from External USB SSD?
00:39:29 DanWieder-Messages Not Syncing Between Mac and iPhone
00:48:07 MIke-Should we increase the number of things we learn each episode?
00:53:27 Log the name of people in your photos


Show Business


Don’t Get Caught With Your Tech Down

In this week’s Mac Geek Gab, Adam Christianson and Dave Hamilton dive into a plethora of practical tips and deep dives, tailored just for you. Discover quick tips like pressing Command-back in Safari to open the previous page in a new tab or using Fn-Return to approximate the Enter key, enhancing your navigation skills seamlessly. They didn’t miss discussing event highlights such as KansasFest and MacStock VIII, bringing communities together in celebration of technology. For those looking to streamline their work with tools, they covered using Freeform with Zoom to save time and the multifunctional Dash Text Editor for your coding needs.
The duo didn’t stop there; they shared insights on using focus modes to boost productivity and various shortcuts for creating PDFs across your devices. Ever thought about removing those pesky power lines from your photos effortlessly? They’ve got solutions!
And if your digital life feels a bit cluttered, they provided solutions for syncing issues across devices with apps like BusyCal and CardHop. Remember, in the digital world, it’s crucial to stay efficient and prepared. So, don’t get caught unawares—tune in to Mac Geek Gab and elevate your tech game.

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1034 for Monday, April 22nd, 2024

April 22: National I.T. Service Provider Day


Quick Tips

00:00:01 Dimitar-QT-Press Command-back in Safari to open previous page in a new tab
00:03:11 Nige-QT-1030-Use Fn-Return to Approximate the Enter key
00:04:45 KansasFest

MacStock VIII


00:08:07 Todd-QT-1032-Create a manual Birthdays Calendar
00:10:36 Chicago Tom-QT-Use Freeform with Zoom to save yourself an extra session

Mac Power Users
feedback@macgeekgab.com


00:13:30 Rob-QT-1030-Use Page up (and down!) in QuickLook, too
00:14:43 Dave from Arlington-QT-Bookmark Tab Groups on both Mac and iPhone

Dash Text Editor


00:20:12 Using Focus Modes
00:23:36 Bill-QT-1033-Shortcuts for Creating PDFs in Safari and System-Wide
Todd-QT-1033-Siri can also help you Scan a Document


Sponsors

00:26:07 SPONSOR: Zocdoc, the easiest way to find a great doctor and instantly book an appointment. Sign up for FREE at Zocdoc.com/MGG and download the app today.


Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!

00:28:35 Barb-GC-How best to remove power lines from Photos?

PhotoShop
Pixelmator Pro
Luminar AI will remove power lines! (at 01:22:26)


00:34:23 Darrin-What’s the fastest way to get to Safari Favorites on iPhone?

Long Press is The Universal Tip


00:37:04 Bob-Why is it Spring and yet my Contacts are still Freezing?

CardHop
Fantastical


00:47:01 Todd-Fixing Reminders Syncing between Mac and iPhone

BusyCal

Be(a)ware Opinionated Apps

In this week’s episode of Mac Geek Gab, discover how to effortlessly scan documents using your iPhone’s camera, a lifesaver tip straight from KiwiGraham-QT. Having trouble with hotel Wi-Fi? Larry’s woes might sound familiar; Adam Christionson, Pilot Pete, and Dave Hamilton will help you learn how to tackle uncooperative hotel networks with tools like GLi.Net’s MT3000 Travel Router and a few savvy browser tricks. Remember, when you’re on the go, never let your tech guard down—“Don’t Get Caught” without a solid connection!
Meanwhile, boost your Mac’s functionality with tips on optimizing Wi-Fi performance and remapping FN key settings using Keyboard Maestro, BetterTouchTool, or Keysmith. Pilot Pete also drops a nugget on reviving an unresponsive Siri—because when technology doesn’t behave, you need to know how to whip it back into shape. Plus, Adam touches on the ever-important topic of device security. Wondering if you need antivirus for your iOS devices? Stay tuned for straightforward advice and why sometimes, simpler is safer when it comes to protecting your digital life.
Press play and enjoy, folks!

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1033 for Monday, April 15th, 2024

April 15: National Anime Day


Opening QT:

00:00:01 KiwiGraham-QT Use iPhone Camera to Scan a Document to Files

GeniusScan


00:03:33 Modified AMJ to transport horses on an airplane

Always Extra Horsepower




Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! 

00:08:43 Larry-My Mac didn’t want to join the hotel Wi-Fi

http://neverssl.com/
http://captive.apple.com/
GLi.Net MT3000 Travel Router
Type thisisunsafe or badidea into Chrome to bypass security warnings
When PIA is a PITA
What Have I Put Between Me and the Internet?


00:22:56 Jim-Recently Slower WiFi performance

Wi-Fi Explorer


00:30:43 Dean-How can I remap FN key settings?

Keyboard Maestro
BetterTouchTool
Keysmith


00:34:55 PorthosJon-Does SMS Still Get Through with Airplane Mode and Wi-Fi Calling?

Minternational Plans Are Permanently Half Price




Sponsors

00:41:45 SPONSOR: Backblaze. Get a fully-featured no risk free trial at Backblaze.com/mgg. Go there, play with it, and start protecting yourself from potential bad times. Start Today!
00:43:33 SPONSOR: Coda, the one Doc to rule them all. Bring your text and tables together! Sign up at Coda.io/mgg for FREE.


MOAR Questions (and hopefully MOAR Answers!)

00:45:23 PilotPete-QT How to Fix Siri When Siri is UnResponsive
00:48:22 Steve-Any advice for repairing a Family Sharing disaster?

tcook@apple.com


00:56:05 David-Do I need AntiVirus/AntiMalware apps on my iPhone or ...

What Have I Put Between Me and the Internet?

From mastering the art of batch renaming directly in the Mac Finder, pinning essential notes for easy access, to safeguarding your digital life by periodically checking your Mac’s System Settings for Privacy & Security, this episode is a treasure trove of hacks. Adam Christianson and Dave Hamilton dish out indispensable Quick Tips and Answers to your burning questions, ensuring you’re always one step ahead.
They even delve into the quandary of upgrading from an Intel iMac, the lifespan of M1 Macs, and whether it’s time to consider a Synology DiskStation for sharing those precious memories. Remember, “Don’t Get Caught” unprepared in the digital world.
In the back forty, discover Cool Stuff Found with recommendations like stash.new for effortlessly shareable documents, the Anker Travel Power Strip for power on the go, and innovative solutions like Sleepwatcher for a seamless Wi-Fi experience upon waking your Mac.
The episode rounds out with software gems like Text Blaze, Text Expander, and Keyboard Maestro to turbocharge your typing efficiency. Whether you’re pondering a hardware upgrade, looking to streamline your digital workflow, or just in search of the next great gadget, this episode packs a punch with actionable insights and expert advice to keep you ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving tech landscape.



00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1032 for Monday, April 8th, 2024

April 8: Trading Cards for Grown-Ups Day
The MGG Discord Server is Live!
The MGG Merch Store is Live!


Quick Tips

00:00:01 QT-Batch Rename Right In The Mac Finder
00:04:25 PCUnix & Steve Hammond-QT-Notes allows Pinned Notes
00:06:50 Michael-QT-Use your iPhone and…Don’t Get Lost!
00:10:52 Alex-QT-Set a secondary alert to remind of important birthdays
00:15:02 Uncle Jamie-QT-Drag a Document’s Title Bar Icon to Move or Share like the Finder
00:16:34 QT-On your Mac, periodically check System Settings > Privacy & Security > All options to make sure the apps you want approved STAY approved (especially Accessibility, Full Disk Access, and Screen & System Audio Recording)


Sponsors

00:22:50 SPONSOR: LinkedIn Jobs. Go to LinkedIn.com/MGG and post your first job for free!
00:24:13 SPONSOR: BBEdit, the power tool for text from Bare Bones Software; now with integrated Notebooks and extended language support.


Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared

00:25:52 Andrew-Do I Need To Upgrade my Intel iMac?
00:41:28 Hal-How long will M1 Macs be Supported by Apple?

Apple’s Vintage and Obsolete Terminology


00:45:23 Jim-Should I Get a Synology DiskStation to share my videos and photos with friends and family?

Synology DS423+
UGreen NASync


00:56:17 Digging into Adam’s Tech

Chronosync Network


01:00:47 PSA for Upgrading to a New DiskStation


Cool Stuff Found

01:08:18 Dave-CSF-stash.new for creating easily-sharable documents

I Want My, I Want My, I Want My ... USB-C!

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