Everything’s distracting, especially to many of us geeks. That’s ok, though. Listen as John and Dave plow through their distractions to ensure everyone learns at least five new things. Your two favorite geeks troubleshoot AirPods, AirTags, Multitouch, and slow SSDs. They also share Cool Stuff Found from CES and beyond with products from JBL, Shokz, Pozio, Plugable, and more! Press play and enjoy.

Learning From Distractions

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.

Technology

Tech News

Podcasting

Gadgets

Software How-To

Education

Training

Language Courses

Higher Education

K-12

Educational Technology

News

How To

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

Grow Your Geek: Plant These Tips In Your Digital Soil

Dive into a trove of tech treasures, from the power of force-quitting multiple apps in unison to the novelty of linking notes with a simple >> in Apple’s Notes app. Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton help you discover the secrets to customizing your Home Screen, leveraging your personal voice on iPhone, and why swapping Regex for ChatGPT could revolutionize your text parsing. They even explore the realms of secure data storage on iCloud with tools like Cryptomator and Proton Drive, ensuring your digital life is both organized and fortified. With tips on silencing unknown callers, expanding Spotlight’s reach, and the utility of using multiple Ethernet ports on a Synology DiskStation, this episode is jam-packed with insights. And remember, when tinkering with your tech or securing your digital domain, “Don’t Get Caught” unprepared.
In an episode brimming with quick tips and cool finds, the trio doesn’t stop at just data security and efficiency hacks. They delve into the mysteries of disappearing apps, the significance of checking your DVD reader, and the revelation of tools like Files List Export for managing your digital files more effectively. With a nod to MacScan3 for those concerned about security and a spotlight on the Spatial Viewer app, it’s clear that staying ahead in the tech game requires constant curiosity and a willingness to explore the unspoken features of our daily tools.
Whether you’re looking to streamline your digital workflow or enhance your device’s security, this episode is a testament to the Mac Geek Gab’s enduring mantra: navigating the digital world smartly ensures you never “Don’t Get Caught” off guard.

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1031 for Monday, April 1st, 2024

April 1: International Fun at Work Day (also National Sourdough Bread Day)
Apple Founder’s Day


Quick Tips

00:00:01 James-QT-Force Quit allows multiple selections, too!
00:04:44 Change “Relaunch Finder” to “Quit Finder”

defaults write com.apple.finder QuitMenuItem -bool true
Morning SaMBa


00:13:26 QT-Type two greater-than signs into the body of a Note to link to another note

Tags in Notes


00:16:00 Scott-QT-Shortcut to Silence Unknown Callers on/off
00:18:07 Creating Custom Home Screens
00:20:27 Personal Voice on iPhone

Elevenlabs.


00:24:16 PCUnix-QT-Use ChatGPT instead of Regex for Parsing Text
00:27:55 Kent-QT-1030-More Quick Look Quick Tips

Why Don’t They Tell Us That Exists?


00:30:25 Ben-QT Followups
00:34:47 Richard-QT-Expand the Size of Spotlight Search


Sponsors

00:36:33 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.
00:37:52 SPONSOR: ExpressVPN – Stop missing out on great TV and get thousands of new shows with ExpressVPN, and get three extra months free at ExpressVPN.com/MGG
00:39:22 SPONSOR: Factor. Save time with Factor’s fresh, never-frozen meals, ready to heat and eat in just 2 minutes!

Why Don't They Tell Us That Exists?

This week’s Mac Geek Gab episode, featuring Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton, is jam-packed with actionable advice for all things Mac. Kick off with a life-hack: always snap a photo of your airport parking spot to find it easily upon return. Discover the convenience of QuickLook by simply holding the Space Bar, and dive into customizing your Mac experience with tools like Karabiner-Elements and Keyboard Maestro for remapping keys and automating tasks. The episode doesn’t stop there; it dives deep into optimizing your home network with mesh systems and the latest in Wi-Fi technology, comparing Wi-Fi 6, 6E, and the futuristic Wi-Fi 7, ensuring your setup doesn’t get left in the digital dust.
When it comes to safeguarding your digital life, “Don’t Get Caught” unprepared. The team covers the importance of using your mic’s mute feature wisely, backs up data with Carbon Copy Cloner, and secures your network with the latest and greatest tools. Tips on preventing iCloud sync mishaps with the .nosync option, and a discussion on whether antivirus software is a necessity for Mac users, provide you with the knowledge to protect your devices and personal information. Every minute is filled with insights and tips designed to empower you to get the most out of your Mac and network setup, without getting caught by common pitfalls.

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1030 for Monday, March 25th, 2024

March 25: Tolkien Reading Day
The MGG Discord Server is Live!
The MGG Merch Store is Live!


Quick Tips

00:00:01 QT-When parking at the airport, take a pic of your parking location and immediately Favorite it.
00:06:29 Simon-QT-A QuickLook QuickTip by holding the Space Bar
00:08:52 Doug-1028-Remapping Command Key and Automating Zoom Calls

Karabiner-Elements
FileMaker
Better Touch Tool
Keyboard Maestro
Display Menu
Conference Call in Real Life


00:15:09 Using your microphone’s mute switch versus Zoom’s mute switch…the pros and cons.
00:19:00 Bob-QT-MGG 1026 – Backing up family laptops

Carbon Copy Cloner
Tailscale


00:21:42 Martin-QT-1029-Use .nosync to keep folders from syncing to iCloud


Sponsors

00:27:53 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!
00:29:46 SPONSOR: Manscaped. Nothing like a little spring cleaning in your pants. Get 20% off and Free Shipping with code MGG at Manscaped.com
00:31:28 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.


Networking Questions Answered and Tips Shared! 

00:33:16 Kalle-How best to upgrade my network to mesh and add Ethernet?


MOAR POWER...To Travel?

Tackle syncing issues on iPhone’s Photos app and introduce a life-changing Conference Focus mode to streamline your digital life as Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton kick off this week’s Mac Geek Gab. They don’t stop there; they reveal how to free up disk space by removing specific log files, simplify photo attachments on Mac, and navigate Terminal’s Help menu like a pro with tools like tldr-pages and the Dash app. Remember, “Don’t Get Caught” unprepared in your digital life.
When it comes to addressing listener questions, your three favorite geeks don’t hold back. They delve into the nuances of Desktop & Documents syncing with iCloud, the necessity of iPhone backups, and even brainstorm a DIY proximity sensor for hotel rooms using Raspberry Pi for that extra peace of mind.
Video sharing solutions for private family moments get a spotlight, recommending platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and Rumble. For the audiophiles, the discussion shifts to choosing the right external speakers for Macs, with nods to AudioEngine A2+ and HomePod Mini. Plus, they share cool finds like the Brane X smart speaker from SXSW and innovative tech for local network browsing and sound mixing, proving that when it comes to tech, staying curious and informed is key.
Press play and enjoy!

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1029 for Monday, March 18th, 2024

March 18: National Sloppy Joe Day (also Awkward Moments Day)


Quick Tips

00:00:01 PorthosJon-QT-Manually resume Photos Syncing on your iPhone
00:04:39 Create yourself a Conference Focus mode
00:13:25 rnDoug-QT-Remove specific /var/log files to free up disk space
00:15:56 Ben & PorthosJon-QT-Attach Photos the Easier Way(s) on Your Mac
00:17:34 MyFaceIsTooBig-QT-Use the Terminal’s Help menu to see (some) well-formatted man pages

brew install tldr
tldr-pages (for iPad and Mx Macs)
Dash app (in Setapp)




Sponsors

00:21:30 SPONSOR: Factor. Save time with Factor’s fresh, never-frozen meals, ready to heat and eat in just 2 minutes! Head to FactorMeals.com/MGG50 with code MGG50 to get 50% off your first box.
00:23:10 SPONSOR: LinkedIn Jobs. Go to LinkedIn.com/MGG and post your first job for free!


Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!

00:24:39 Michael-Do you use Desktop & Documents Syncing with iCloud?

​​Hazel from Noodlesoft


00:30:50 Andrew-Do I really need to backup my iPhone, though?

iMazing


00:40:03 GC-Proximity sensor for hotel room so you know when housekeeping has come?

Beryl Travel Router
littleBits (Raspberry Pi)




Sponsor

00:46:05 SPONSOR: Coda, the one Doc to rule them all. Bring your text and tables together!

Learning From Distractions

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