Archived posts from 2019

11/26/19 Meeting

Buyer's Guide Discussion

Tuesday, November 26 • One-On-One Help: 6-7pm • Presentation and Discussion: 7-8:15pm

DUNHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY, 76 MAIN ST., WHITESBORO, NY 13492

It's that time of year again! As it gets closer to Christmas we see a number of special offers and incentives for products we would like to give as gifts or buy for ourselves. Every year we try to help you make informed decisions when it comes to making purchases of computers and mobile devices. If you're considering making such a purchase then bring all of your questions to the meeting with you.

Here are a few you should be thinking about:

1. Is this the right time to purchase a new computer or tablet?

2. Is this the right time to upgrade my phone?

3. How much memory do I need in a new device?

4. What features should I be looking for in a new device?

5. What do you want to use your new device for?

We're also making decisions about the prizes for this year's Christmas party, so we'll be looking for your input about the types of things you would like to win. Be ready to offer up your suggestions!

10/22/19 Meeting

macOS Catalina, iOS 13, and iPad OS

Tuesday, October 22 • One-On-One Help: 6-7pm • Presentation and Discussion: 7-8:15pm

DUNHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY, 76 MAIN ST., WHITESBORO, NY 13492

Are you considering upgrading to Apple's latest desktop or mobile operating system on your device? Join us as we discuss the latest desktop and mobile operating systems from Apple. We should be demonstrating the various operating systems as well as discussing their improvements and a few things you should take into consideration before taking the plunge.

Hope to see you there!

9/24/19 Meeting

iCloud SuperGuide & Apple Card

Tuesday, September 24 • One-On-One Help: 6-7pm • Presentation and Discussion: 7-8:15pm

DUNHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY, 76 MAIN ST., WHITESBORO, NY 13492

iCloud. As Apple users, we see it all the time; our devices make us sign in from time to time or tell us we're out of iCloud storage. What is iCloud and what is it used for? Equally important: What doesn't it do? Group VP Peter Chien will give the low down based on the excellent "iCloud SuperGuide" article from the September 2019 issue of Mac|Life magazine.

In addition, group treasurer Cynthia Long will give us a briefing on the new Apple Card, based on her experience signing up for the service.

Hope to see you there!

8/27/19 Meeting

Question & Answer

Tuesday, August 27 • One-On-One Help: 6-7pm • Presentation and Discussion: 7-8:15pm

DUNHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY, 76 MAIN ST., WHITESBORO, NY 13492

Whether you're having trouble with your software or hardware we are here to help you! Although we set aside time at the beginning of each meeting to help you with problems that have been bothering you, this is an excellent opportunity to access the group's collective knowledge. Did your latest update wreak havoc on your files? Did you know that iOS updates often turn on your Bluetooth option? If you don't use Bluetooth on your mobile device (iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad) then you are draining your battery unnecessarily. These are the types of things you can learn by coming and asking questions!

6/25/19 Meeting

What's New With Apple

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

6:00pm Help Session / 7:00pm Program

Please note: DUES ARE NOW DUE for our 2019-2020 season

Over the past several weeks, Apple has made a slew of announcements about new hardware, software, and services, from updated MacBook Pros, iPads, AirPods and the Mac Pro; to new versions and features for iOS, watchOS macOS, tvOS, and a brand new iPadOS; to new services like Apple News+, the Apple Card, Apple TV+, and a new service called "Sign in with Apple." Group president Dan Herrmann will lead the discussion about "new things Apple." Hope you can join us!

5/28/19 Meeting

How We Help Ourselves

Tuesday, May 28 • Q&A Session: 6-7pm • Presentation and Discussion: 7-8:15pm

DUNHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY, 76 MAIN ST., WHITESBORO, NY 13492

PLEASE NOTE: Dues are now due for the 2019-20 membership year.

Sometimes we're in a bind with a computer/device issue and there's just nobody we can turn to. Or maybe you're the person everyone looks to for advice and a problem with your equipment that you can't solve on your own. What do you do? There are a number of great sources available for immediate help with issues concerning our favorite Apple products. From Google searches and YouTube to the Apple Support Communities and discussion forums, these are great resources where you can search for others with similar issues and see how they (or others) solved these problems. We'll discuss these options and the best practices for getting the best results at our meeting on Tuesday.

Hope to see you all there!

4/23/19 Meeting

Home Automation

Tuesday, April 23 • Q&A Session: 6-7pm • Presentation and Discussion: 7-8:15pm

DUNHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY, 76 MAIN ST., WHITESBORO, NY 13492

Please note: If you haven't paid your annual dues, they are...well...DUE for our 2019-2020 season.

Do you use your Mac, iPhone, or iPad to control your thermostat, or activate a security system, or ask your refrigerator what groceries you need to buy? Apple's HomeKit is software that enables you to control various aspects of your home remotely. The Home app on iOS and the homePod are examples of how Apple is allowing you to interact with the Internet of Things (IOT).

Ron Kopelman will start the discussion by telling how he talks to his thermostat, then he'll invite others to offer what they are doing or are interested in doing with home automation.

Hope to see you all there!

3/26/19 Meeting

iOS Shortcuts App

Tuesday, March 26 • Q&A Session: 6-7pm • Round Table Discussion: 7-8:15pm

DUNHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY, 76 MAIN ST., WHITESBORO, NY 13492

Please note: DUES ARE NOW DUE for our 2019-2020 season

The Shortcuts app in iOS is a new tool that can help you turn tasks requiring several actions into shortcuts that can be executed by Siri. Dan and Peter will explain further what Shortcuts can do to simplify and multi-task for us. Think of it like Automator for the iPhone.

Hope to see you all there!

2/26/19 Meeting

Cord Cutting Round Table

Tuesday, February 26 • Q&A Session: 6-7pm • Round Table Discussion: 7-8:15pm

DUNHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY, 76 MAIN ST., WHITESBORO, NY 13492

Do you still have cable TV or have you taken the plunge and "cut the cord?" Group Vice President Peter Chien will lead a roundtable discussion to discover what group members are doing and what they've learned (or what they want to know) about cutting the cable TV cord. Share your stories and questions with us!

1/22/19 Meeting

Photos/Family Sharing

Tuesday, January 22 • Q&A Session: 6-7pm • Presentation: 7-8:15pm

DUNHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY, 76 MAIN ST., WHITESBORO, NY 13492

Group president Dan Herrmann will be taking us through some important photo management topics, including managing a Photos library on an external hard drive and moving pictures from one Photos library to another. In addition, he'll cover the topic from the snowed-out November meeting: What is Family Sharing?