The Old Mac Gang reminisce about card and board games they played when they were younger and how we can find them to play with our tablets and phones.

Getting Started

·       Open the App Store and search for your favorite classic games — many are free or part of Apple Arcade.

·       Sign into Game Center for tracking scores and inviting friends.

·       Use Screen Time to manage how long you play (or not!).

Card Games to Try

·       Solitaire by MobilityWare – Classic with daily challenges.

·       Hearts+ – Fun AI and online play.

·       Spades HD – Beautiful interface and multiplayer options.

·       Gin Rummy Classic – Great graphics and intuitive controls.

Board Games to Try

·       Scrabble GO or Words With Friends 2 – Modern word game fun.

·       Chess.com – Online and AI opponents.

·       Monopoly – Pass-and-play or online family fun

Useful Resource Links (Full URLs)

App Store: https://apps.apple.com

Apple Arcade overview: https://www.apple.com/apple-arcade/

MobilityWare Solitaire: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/solitaire/id359917414

Scrabble GO: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scrabble-go/id1446170717

Chess.com app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/chess-play-learn/id329218549 

What The Golf: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/what-the-golf/id1415190483 

The Room: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-room/id552039496

Monument Valley : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/monument-valley/id728293409

Backgammon: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/backgammon/id335445524 

Email us at [email protected]

Visit our website: https://www.thepodtalk.net

Join us Wednesday at 9 PM EST on YouTube:

https://YouTube.com/@OldMacGang

Marty, Peter, Chris, and Bob talk about how they maintain their computers files and do preventative maintenance. 

Basic Maintenance Habits

• Restart your devices once a week—many glitches clear up instantly.• Keep macOS and iOS updated (Settings > General > Software Update).• Uninstall unused apps. If you haven’t opened it in 6 months, consider deleting it.• Use About This Mac > Storage > Manage to find large or redundant files.• Empty the Trash and Downloads folders regularly.• Keep the Desktop clean—each icon loads at startup and slows things down.

System and File Cleaning

• Use Finder’s Search filters to locate large files (“File Size > 500 MB”) and move or delete them.• Clear Safari/Chrome caches occasionally—helps with speed and privacy.• Remove old backups from Time Machine or iCloud Drive.• For Photos, consider Optimize Mac Storage or offload to an external drive.• Don’t obsess over “cleaning apps.” Stick to built-in tools first—then consider trusted options like CleanMyMac X or OnyX if you understand what they do.

Preventive Steps

• Schedule backups via Time Machine or iCloud— a clean system isn’t helpful if you lose data.• Keep your Desktop background simple and widgets minimal.• Run Disk Utility > First Aid occasionally to check drive health.• Create a “To Review” folder for clutter you’re unsure about deleting.• Do a quarterly “digital spring cleaning” day—like cleaning the garage, but for your tech.

Useful Resource Links

Apple Support – Optimize storage on your Mac:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206996 How to free up storage on your Mac
https://macpaw.com/how-to/free-up-space-mac CleanMyMac X – Trusted Mac cleaner and optimizer:
https://macpaw.com/cleanmymac OnyX – Free macOS maintenance utility:
https://www.titanium-software.fr/en/onyx.html Backup Basics: Time Machine and iCloud:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201250 

Hazel 

https://www.noodlesoft.com/

Cocktail 

https://www.maintain.se/cocktail/

Daisy Disk 

https://daisydiskapp.com/

Email us at [email protected] our website:https://www.thepodtalk.net

There Old Mac Gang gives tips and tells stories about online shopping and their use of Amazon.

Tips for Shopping on Amazon and Online Stores

Basic Tips for Seniors

• Create a strong password and enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for your Amazon and other online accounts. Create a PASSKEY, too!

• Keep your payment methods updated but limited—avoid saving too many credit cards online. Don’t use a Debit card, especially from a Credit Union.

• Use a wish list to track items and compare prices over time.

• Check seller ratings and read customer reviews (especially the 3-star ones for balanced opinions).

• Be mindful of “Sponsored” listings versus organic search results.

• Look for the Prime badge for faster shipping and often better support.

Smart Shopping Practices

• Use browser extensions such as Honey or CamelCamelCamel to track price history and discounts.

• For Apple devices, use Apple Pay on supporting sites—it adds a layer of security and ease.

• Consider Subscribe & Save for regularly used items like supplements, paper products, and coffee.

• Regularly check your order history to spot any unexpected charges.

Safety and Privacy

• Avoid clicking links in suspicious emails—go directly to the retailer’s site.

• For returns, always initiate through the official site or app.

• Consider using a virtual credit card for added security.

• If you need to call customer service, go to the official website for phone numbers.

Useful Resource Links (Full URLs)

CamelCamelCamel – Amazon price tracking:
https://camelcamelcamel.com 

Honey – automatic coupon finder:
https://www.joinhoney.com 

AARP – Online Shopping for Older Adults:
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2019/online-shopping.html 

10 Tips for a Safer Online ShoppingExperience
https://www.webroot.com/us/en/resources/tips-articles/10-tips-to-safer-shopping-online 

FTC – Shopping Online Safety Tips:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0020-shopping-online 

Email us at [email protected]

Visit our website: https://www.thepodtalk.net

Marty, Bob, Charlie, Peter and Chris speak about they way they manage home inventories with technology

Why bother with a home inventory? Insurance claims, estate planning, moving, or just peace of mind. Technology makes it far easier than paper lists.

Simple Starter Tools

• Notes with checklists + photos

• Numbers/Excel spreadsheet with columns for item, purchase date, value, serial, photo link

Dedicated Apps

• Sortly, Encircle, Home Inventory (barcode scan, cloud sync, export for insurers)

• Use Reminders/Calendar for periodic update nudges

Photo & Video Methods

• Quick narrated room walk-through videos

• Albums in Photos by room (e.g., “Kitchen Inventory,” “Electronics”)

Smart Receipts & Docs

• Scan receipts to Files/Dropbox

• Keep high-value appraisals and warranties with items

5-Minute Setup Before You Start

Phone: Ensure iCloud Photos on; create “Home Inventory” albums; enable dictation for quick notes

Mac: Set up “Home Inventory” folder with subfolders by room; store a template sheet

Input tips: Label photos (“Living Room—Sofa”); drag photo links into your sheet/notes

Safety PSA (60 seconds)

• Keep at least two backups (iCloud + external drive)

• Store inventory separate from passwords/financials

• Share only with trusted family/insurer

How-To Resource Links

• Insurance Information Institute — How to create a home inventory: https://www.iii.org/article/how-create-home-inventory 

• Ready.gov (FEMA) — Document and Insure Your Property (PDF guide): https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/ready_document-and-insure-your-property.pdf 

• Consumer Reports — Why You Should Do a Home Inventory Now: https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/home-organization/why-you-should-do-a-home-inventory-now-a2524881766/

• State Farm — How to create a home inventory (updated guidance): https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/home-inventory-how-to-create-one 

• NerdWallet — Best Home Inventory Apps and Templates: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/home-inventory-app-template

“Under my roof” app

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/under-my-roof-home-inventory/id1524335878

Email us at [email protected]

Website: https://www.thepodtalk.net

Many older colleagues want to use common tech (photos, messaging, Zoom, online forms) but feel overwhelmed. With a good teaching approach, small wins stack fast.

The 7 Rules for Teaching Older Learners (panel can riff)

1. Start with purpose, not features. Ask: “What do you want this to help you do this week?”

2. One task per session. Success once, unaided — then stop.

3. I do → We do → You do. Demo once, do it together, then they do it solo.

4. Use their words & write steps down. Make a 4–5-step card; snap a photo of it.

5. Slow the tempo; narrate actions. “Open Photos… tap Share… press and hold…”

6. Translate jargon. “Two-factor” → “second step to prove it’s you.”

7. Praise the process. Celebrate spot-on actions (“You found the Share icon—nice!”).

Senior Planet @ https://www.seniorplanet.org/

Older Adults Technology Services @ https://www.oats.org/ 

A great example from their site is “AI for Older Adults” @ 

https://oats.org/oats-publishes-ai-for-older-adults-guide/  

Email us at [email protected]

Website: https://www.thepodtalk.net

YouTube Channel: YouTube.com/@OldMacGang 

Marty, Gary, Chris, Peter, and new OMGer Charlie, speak about passkeys and the Apple Password app

What are Passkeys? Videohttps://youtu.be/HVYESg1Qrr0?si=l2bFJZHH69oJ-SrYb 

Apple Support – Use Passkeys to Sign In to Websites and Apps on iPhone.

Apple's official guide detailing how to create, save, and use passkeys on your iPhone, including how to sign in on other devices using your iPhone.

https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/use-passkeys-to-sign-in-to-websites-and-apps-iphf538ea8d0/ios 

Apple Support – About the Security of Passkeys

An overview of the security benefits of passkeys, explaining how they work and why they're more secure than traditional passwords.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/102195 

How-To Geek – How to Use Passkeys on Your iPhone, iPad, and Mac

A practical guide with screenshots showing how to enable passkeys, create them, and use them across your Apple devices.

https://www.howtogeek.com/how-to-use-passkeys-iphone-ipad-mac/ 

Pocketnow – What are Apple Passkeys and How to Use Them on Your iPhone, iPad & Mac

An easy-to-understand explanation of what passkeys are, how they differ from passwords, and how to set them up on your Apple devices.

https://pocketnow.com/apple-passkeys-how-to-use/ 

SDM Foundation – How to Use Apple Passkeys

A beginner-friendly tutorial explaining what passkeys are and how to use them on your Apple devices, with simple instructions and visuals.

https://www.sdmfoundation.org/2025/02/12/how-to-use-apple-passkeys/ 

How Passkeys Work-and How to Use Them - Wired

https://www.wired.com/story/what-is-a-passkey-and-how-to-use-them/

Email us at [email protected]  

Website: https://www.thepodtalk.net 

The Old Mac Gang share some of their favorite games and brain exercises

Apple Watch blood-oxygen feature returns in iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1
https://www.macworld.com/article/2878472/the-apple-watch-blood-oxygen-sensor-is-coming-back-to-series-9-10-and-ultra-2-users.html 

Aging Well

• 9 Things You Should Do for Your Brain Health Every Day, According to Neurologists https://time.com/7081407/brain-health-neurologist-tips/ 
• Can a daily crossword puzzle slow cognitive decline? (Washington Post) https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/11/10/crossword-memory-loss-brain-games/ 
• Challenging brain in older age may reduce dementia risk, study finds (The Guardian) https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/14/challenging-brain-older-age-may-reduce-dementia-risk-study 
• Super Agers (book) https://www.google.com/books/edition/Super_Agers/DNYnEQAAQBAJ  
• The Longevity Plan (book) https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-longevity-plan-seven-life-transforming-lessons-from-ancient-china-matthew-laplante/6433998 

Resources 

• Center for Brain Health https://centerforbrainhealth.org/ 
• BrainHQ (training) https://www.brainhq.com 
• Homo ludens (“playing man”) https://www.perplexity.ai/search/b5942106-e161-44f0-a03a-a46cc8e01b02

Other 

• “Puzzles pair well with reading the news”: Why news outlets are getting into games (again) https://www.niemanlab.org/2022/08/puzzles-pair-well-with-reading-the-news-why-news-outlets-are-getting-into-games-again/ 
• How publishers use gamification and puzzles in newspapers to drive engagement https://www.twipemobile.com/how-publishers-use-gamification-and-puzzles-in-newspapers-to-drive-engagement/ 

Nikoli - https://www.nikoli.co.jp/en/puzzles/

Math Pickle - https://mathpickle.com/organized-by-grade/

SpanishDictionary.com

FrenchDictionary.com

OpenRussian.org

JRMF Puzzles - https://jrmf.org/puzzle/?filter=all 

Tetris - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tetris/id1491074310

Bejeweled - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bejeweled-classic/id479536744

Prime Smash - https://panasonic-prime-smash.appstor.io/

Brilliant - https://brilliant.org/courses/ 

Email us at [email protected]  

Website: https://www.thepodtalk.net 

The Old Mac Gang discusses how they organize their clutter and  saving files for backup.

RESOURCES

Quick safety check

• Make a backup with Time Machine before cleaning (https://support.apple.com/en-us/104984).
• Open your storage map: System Settings → General → Storage (overview & tips: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102624  and https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/optimize-storage-space-sysp4ee93ca4/mac ).

10 simple decluttering wins (built-in tools)

• Turn on Desktop Stacks: right-click desktop → “Use Stacks” (https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/organize-files-on-your-desktop-mh35846/mac).
• Empty Trash and consider auto-empty after 30 days (https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/optimize-storage-space-sysp4ee93ca4/mac).
• Sweep Downloads; delete old installers (.dmg/.pkg) (general guide: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102624).
• Merge duplicate photos: Photos → Utilities → Duplicates (https://support.apple.com/guide/photos/remove-duplicates-pht5a3157c1d/mac).
• Mail attachments: Message → Remove Attachments; see guides (https://support.apple.com/guide/mail/view-save-or-delete-email-attachments-mlhlp1123/mac  and https://support.apple.com/guide/mail/free-up-storage-space-mail14059/mac
• Messages attachments: open a conversation → Info → review & delete; or set “Keep Messages” to 30 Days/1 Year (https://support.apple.com/guide/messages/delete-messages-and-conversations-icht1035/mac  and https://support.apple.com/guide/messages/change-general-settings-in-messages-on-mac-icht20001/mac ).
• Old iPhone/iPad backups: Finder → your device → “Manage Backups…” (on-Mac steps, no link needed).
• Find large files fast: Storage → Documents → Large Files (overview: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102624).
• Review Login Items: System Settings → General → Login Items & Extensions (general cleanup tips: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102624).
• Consider “Optimize Storage” recommendations (https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/optimize-storage-space-sysp4ee93ca4/mac ).
  

Optional tools (visual maps & duplicates)

• DaisyDisk (visual space map; very friendly): https://daisydiskapp.com/
• GrandPerspective (free): https://grandperspectiv.sourceforge.net/
• OmniDiskSweeper (free): https://www.omnigroup.com/more
• Gemini 2 (duplicate finder): https://macpaw.com/gemini
• dupeGuru (free duplicate finder): https://dupeguru.voltaicideas.net/ 
• Hyperspace: https://hypercritical.co/hyperspace/ 
• Clean My MacX: https://cleanmymac.com Also available through SetApp and the Mac App Store
• Easy habits

• Keep Stacks on (https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/organize-files-on-your-desktop-mh35846/mac).
• Once a month, review Storage → Large Files & Downloads (https://support.apple.com/en-us/102624).
• Turn on auto-empty Trash and revisit Messages retention if storage gets tight (https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/optimize-storage-space-sysp4ee93ca4/mac  and https://support.apple.com/guide/messages/change-general-settings-in-messages-on-mac-icht20001/mac ).

Hazel

https://www.noodlesoft.com 

Safari Extension: Tabs to Links 

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tabs-to-links/id1451408472 

Hookmark 

https://hookproductivity.com 

SuperDuper!

https://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuperDescription.html

Carbon Copy Cloner

https://bombich.com/ 

Email: 

[email protected]  

Website:

https://www.thepodtalk.net 

Marty, Gary, Peter and Chris talk about their favorite media services and their favorite classic movies and shows

News

Apple iPhone 17 Event Set for September 9, German Carrier Sources Claim

https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/05/apple-iphone-17-event-set-september-9/ 

RESOURCES

Free (Ad-Supported)

Tubi

Types of Shows: Classic movies, sitcoms, westerns, drama

Cost: Free (ad-supported)

Link: https://www.tubitv.com/ 

Pluto TV

Types of Shows: Classic live channels (sitcoms, westerns, drama, etc.)

Cost: Free (ad-supported)

Link: https://pluto.tv/ 

Shout! Factory TV

Types of Shows: Retro TV, cult classics, MST3K, vintage cartoons

Cost: Free or $3.99/month (ad-free)

Link: https://www.shoutfactorytv.com/ 

Classic Film Time

Types of Shows: Classic films (1950s–70s), TV serials

Cost: Free or $9/month ad-free

Link: https://www.classicfilmtime.com/ 

Niche & Premium Subscription Services

The Criterion Channel

Types of Shows: Classic, silent, foreign, and art-house films

Cost: $10.99/month or $99/year

Link: https://www.criterionchannel.com/ 

Fandor

Types of Shows: Indie, foreign, classic films, film noir

Cost: $4.99/month or $49.99/year

Link: https://www.fandor.com/ 

MGM+

Types of Shows: MGM/Paramount classic films and shows

Cost: $6.99/month

Link: https://www.mgmplus.com/ 

MubiTypes of shows: Curated set of films that changes throughout the year

Cost: 9.99$ for yearly; 14.95$ monthly

Links: https://mubi.com/en/us 

Kanopy

Types of Shows: Classic cinema, educational, foreign titles

Cost: Free (via library/university login)

Link: https://www.kanopy.com/ 

Hoopla

Types of Shows: Classic and contemporary TV, movies, audiobooks

Cost: Free (with participating library)

Link: https://www.hoopladigital.com/ 

Mainstream Platforms with Classic Libraries

Paramount+

Types of Shows: CBS classics, Star Trek, westerns, old Paramount films

Cost: $5.99–11.99/month

Link: https://www.paramountplus.com/ 

Disney+

Types of Shows: Animated classics, 20th Century Fox legacy films

Cost: $7.99/month (ads), $13.99 (no ads)

Link: https://www.disneyplus.com/ 

Amazon Prime Video

Types of Shows: Wide range of classic shows/films (some via add-ons)

Cost: $14.99/month (Prime)

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Video/b/?&node=2858778011&ref=dvm_MLP_ROWNA_US_1

Email us at [email protected]  

Website: https://www.thepodtalk.net 

The Old Mac Gang discuss their browser choices and what extensions they use regularly to get their work done.

Best web browsers of 2025

Magic Lasso Adblock Blog: Best Web Browser in 2025
https://www.magiclasso.co/insights/best-web-browser-2025

Keploy.io Blog: Best Browser for Mac in 2025
https://keploy.io/blog/community/best-browser-for-mac-in-2025

AboutCookies.org: Web Browsers for macOS in 2025

https://www.aboutcookies.org.uk/web-browsers/mac 

Ecosystem Integration

Safari is built into macOS and iOS, offers seamless iCloud syncing, Handoff between devices, Apple Pay support, and better battery and resource efficiency. It’s optimized for Apple hardware.

Performance & Efficiency

Safari ranks high in speed and energy efficiency. Chrome is fast and syncs well but uses more RAM and battery.

Privacy & Tracking Protection

Safari includes tracker blocking and fingerprinting defenses. Firefox and Brave offer strong privacy tools. Other options like Epic, Opera, and Tor also cater to privacy-focused users.

Advanced Features & AI Tools

Edge includes AI features like Copilot Mode and PDF tools. Opera has Aria AI, VPN, and other extras. Arc and Zen are modern browsers with new UI ideas, and Comet is an AI-first browser.

Customization vs Simplicity

Vivaldi is great for power users. Epic is minimal with built-in privacy. Zen brings Arc-style UI in an open-source browser.

Compatibility & Add‑ons

Most modern browsers use Chromium engine and support Chrome extensions. Tor offers anonymity but is slower.

How to Switch Default Browser on Mac

Change your default browser via System Settings > General. Most browsers also have a setting to become the default.

Choosy app

www.choosy.app 

Workona

www.workona.com 

Safari Keyword Search

http://safarikeywordsearch.aurlien.net/

Wipr

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wipr/id1320666476 

Malwarebytes Browser Guard 

https://www.malwarebytes.com/browserguard 

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.thepodtalk.net