LOTS of news from Apple in yesterday’s event, and we are (finally!) trying out live classes online.

*NEW*: Live Classes OnZoom!

Many of you have asked for classes (cheaper than private support), and Zoom just launched a new platform that makes it easy to offer them, so we are trialing our first live class in ~20 years:

Mac Basics:
The Essential Skills Every Mac User Needs

Class size is limited and a small number of early bird tickets are available ($9.95).  Join us!

Same Class, Two Dates Available:

Tuesday 11/17 10am – 11am
Saturday 11/21 10am – 11am

 

A Fix for the HP-Apple “Malware” 

Per our last newsletter, many (MANY!) Mac users with HP printers recently began seeing alarming pop-ups about malware. It’s not really malware, just sloppiness, but if you’re seeing the message, HP has a fix (here). If it sounds too difficult, we’re happy to help remotely.
 

 

Big Sur Arrives TOMORROW

Apple announced yesterday that the next major update to the Mac operating system, Big Sur, will roll out on Thursday, November 12th. As always, WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU WAIT at least a few weeks to install it (and back up before you do). If you haven’t already turned off automatic updates, now would be a good time (here’s how)! 

Note: Big Sur = MacOS 11. If you are prompted to install earlier updates, like MacOS 10.15.7, those should be safe.

Wish I’d Waited . . .

Apple also announced a new MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini, all based on their own Silicon processor. (Conspicuously absent: a new iMac). 

This is a fundamental change that takes Apple’s computers in a new direction; not just faster and quieter but more compatible with iPhone/iPad apps. The new machines look great, although there’s always the chance of minor glitches (especially with non-Apple software) until developers fully adjust to the new system, but if you’ve been waiting to order a new computer, the wait is over.
 

Lastly, the iPhone 12 is shipping. Here’s our boiled-down recommendation if you need a new phone:

• Don’t want to spend a lot, don’t care about fancy features, or not willing to give up the Home button: iPhone SE

• Want every bell and whistle/biggest screen/serious photographer: iPhone 12 Pro Max

• Want the new features but prefer a smaller phone: iPhone 12 mini

• Everyone else: iPhone 12

The Future is (almost) Here

Someday, when we can travel again, I am going somewhere–ANYWHERE– on (in?) a Hyperloop.