How-To Geek - Mac

Why is My MacBook Battery Not Charging?

Tim Brookes — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 13:00:21 GMT

Plugged your MacBook charger in and nothing happened? There are some obvious, not-so-obvious, and downright unpredictable reasons why your MacBook might refuse to charge. Here’s a checklist to run through to troubleshoot the problem.

Where Is the "Recycle Bin" on a Mac?

Benj Edwards — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 15:00:23 GMT

If you're familiar with the Windows 10 Recycle Bin for deleting files and you just switched to Mac, you might wonder where the equivalent is on a Mac. It's called "Trash," and it's located in the Dock. Here's how to use it.

macOS Sonoma Has a Boot Failure Problem

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 16:25:21 GMT

The Asahi Linux team has identified two bugs that may lead to boot failures in macOS Sonoma and macOS Ventura (version 13.6 only). All models of Mac may experience upgrade-related boot failures, though these problems mainly impact MacBook Pro models with the ProMotion display. Affected users will not lose data but must perform DFU recovery from another Mac.

Apple's New M3 Chips Are Here

Arol Wright — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:26:26 GMT

Apple's decision to switch from Intel processors to its own, in-house ARM CPUs was a bold, but ultimately very successful move. Mac computers are more efficient than ever, while also being every bit as powerful as most x86 Windows CPUs, and even exceeding many of them in performance. Now, Apple is pushing the envelope even further.

Parallels Desktop 19 Improves Windows and Linux VMs on Mac

Andrew Heinzman — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 16:17:53 GMT

In anticipation of macOS Sonoma, Alludo (previously Corel) has launched Parallels Desktop 19. The updated virtualization software offers several interesting improvements, including ARM-based Linux VM support with x86-64 emulation and the ability to use Touch ID verification in Windows VMs. Of course, Parallels Desktop still costs $100 a year or a one-time payment of $130 for a perpetual license. Those who bought a perpetual license for the previous release must pay $70 to upgrade.

CrossOver 23 Brings More Windows Apps and Games to Mac

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 18:41:39 GMT

CrossOver is a popular compatibility layer for running Windows software on Mac, Linux, and Chromebooks, based on the open-source Wine project. The developers have been hard at work on a new version with improved DirectX 12 support and other changes, and now it's finally available as the CrossOver 23 update.

Two Finger Scroll Not Working? Fixes for Windows and Mac

Tim Brookes — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 16:00:28 GMT

You can scroll with two fingers on Windows laptops with a precision touchpad and in macOS on MacBooks and desktop Macs with a trackpad. Sometimes two-finger scrolling doesn’t work quite how you’d expect, so here are some fixes.

Stop Using a Mouse on Your Mac: 5 Reasons You Need a Trackpad

Tim Brookes — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 12:00:24 GMT

Some tasks suit a mouse, but navigating your way around Apple's desktop isn't necessarily one of them. macOS is arguably better suited to use with the Magic Trackpad than a standard mouse.

10 Games You Won't Believe Your M1 or M2 Mac Can Run

Sydney Butler — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 17:30:00 GMT

Even the humble base-model M1 Macbook Air packs more punch than the previous generation of consoles, yet it may still come as a surprise to realize that the M1 and M2 Apple computers can play some intense games.

VMware Brings 3D-Accelerated Windows 11 to Apple Silicon Macs

Arol Wright — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 14:54:32 GMT

When people think of ways to run Windows on an Apple silicon Mac, many think of Parallels as the top option, but there are a few other apps for the job. VMWare Fusion is also in that category, and it's getting better on Apple Silicon Macs.

Mac Trackpad Not Working? 10 Tips and Tricks to Try

Tim Brookes — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 12:00:35 GMT

A trackpad is arguably the best way of interacting with macOS, so it can be frustrating when your trackpad isn't working as expected. Here are some solutions, tips, and tricks for getting around any problems that may arise.

How to Fix "The Recovery Server Could Not Be Contacted" Mac Error

Tim Brookes — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 16:00:29 GMT

Are you receiving an unhelpful error while trying to restore your Mac or reinstall macOS? The "recovery server could not be contacted" error shows up mostly in Recovery Mode, but may affect the macOS upgrade and install process too. Here are some things you can try to solve the issue for good.

The MacBook M1 Air Is Still The Best Computer I've Ever Owned

Sydney Butler — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 12:00:48 GMT

I've spent years writing in the tech industry for sites like How-To Geek, and have had the chance to use a multitude of devices. Yet, in 2023, the 2020 M1 MacBook Air remains the unrivaled champion of my personal tech lineup. Here's why.

The 6 Best Gmail Apps for Mac

Tim Brookes — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 12:00:37 GMT

Gmail is more than just an email service. It's an ecosystem, a productivity tool, and a unique inbox experience that millions of people rely on every day. If you find that using Gmail in your Mac browser is a bit of a drag, try a Gmail-compatible mail app instead.

How to Create Smart Albums in Apple Photos on Mac

Tim Brookes — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 16:00:11 GMT

Smart albums make it possible to create custom collections of images or videos within your Apple Photos library based on set criteria. Smart albums are useful for quickly recalling search criteria or building tightly curated photo collections.

How to Make a Folder on a Mac

Tim Brookes — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 13:00:09 GMT

You can create Mac folders using Finder and Apple's built-in file manager. In addition to simple folders, there are smart folders, some neat shortcuts, and other tricks to be aware of. Here's how to create everything from simple to smart folders.

The Best Mac Auto Clickers

Tim Brookes — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 13:00:36 GMT

Want to make it seem like you're at your computer while you're doing something else? Need to automate a task that only requires a click? Here are the best auto clicker applications for your Mac.

You Can Now Buy the 15-Inch MacBook Air and New Pro Macs

Arol Wright — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 11:51:53 GMT

Apple's yearly WWDC events are usually focused on software, but this year, the company announced several new Mac models alongside the Apple Vision Pro headset. Now you can buy the new Mac models, like the 15-inch MacBook Air.

Mac Gaming Is About To Get Much Better. Here's Why

Sydney Butler — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 07:00:51 GMT

Mac gaming has often been seen as an inviable platform for gamers, but it looks like that perception is about to change dramatically. Several recent developments have shown that Apple is making significant strides to enhance the gaming experience on its Macs.

Will macOS 14 Sonoma Run on My MacBook or Desktop Mac?

Tim Brookes — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 11:00:16 GMT

With the passing of each year comes a free major update to macOS, available as a free download sometime in the fall. macOS 14 Sonoma comes with some nice new features.

Apple's New Mac Studio and Mac Pro Are Here

Arol Wright — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 13:56:15 GMT

For the past three years, Apple has slowly migrated its Mac computers to Apple Silicon chips, like the M1 and M2. The Mac Pro was the last Intel-based Mac, and now that's finally changing, along with a refresh of the smaller Mac Studio.

Apple Is Updating Widgets on Mac, With Help From Your iPhone

Corbin Davenport — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 14:09:00 GMT

Widgets have been available on Mac in one form or another for nearly 20 years, but they've always been locked to a secondary panel or screen. Now, widgets are coming to the desktop, and iPhone owners get extra features.

5 Reasons the Mac Mini Is a Top Mini PC, Even for PC Users

Tim Brookes — Thu, 25 May 2023 08:00:51 GMT

Looking for a compact office machine, media center, file, and media server, or even something on which to play a few games and edit some video? Look no further than Apple's Mac mini.

7 Things to Consider Before Buying a Mac or MacBook

Tim Brookes — Thu, 18 May 2023 08:00:28 GMT

It's a good time to buy a Mac, but it's still not a decision you should take lightly. Even an entry-level MacBook requires a serious investment. Don't make a mistake at the Apple Store and remember a few basic pointers before you reach for your wallet.

The Photomator Photo Editor Is Now Available on Mac, Too

Arol Wright — Tue, 16 May 2023 15:54:11 GMT

Photomator is a popular tool for photographers, allowing you to do simple, yet powerful edits to your photos. The app was previously exclusive to iPhone and iPad, but now, you can check it out on your Mac as well.

The Magnet App Brings My Favorite Windows Feature to Mac

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 16 May 2023 11:00:10 GMT

I switched back to Mac computers last year, but after using a mix of Windows and Linux for several years, there were a few elements of macOS that were annoying. One app helped fix that is a utility called Magnet.

7 Powerful macOS Features You're Probably Not Using

Tim Brookes — Fri, 12 May 2023 17:30:00 GMT

It pays to know how to use some of your Mac's more powerful features, even if they seem intimidating and complex at first glance. This can help you identify and fix problems, automate repetitive tasks, and speed up long-winded workflows.

6 Reasons Why You Don't Want a Touchscreen Mac

Sydney Butler — Thu, 11 May 2023 08:00:05 GMT

Many have wondered why Apple has not joined the touchscreen laptop bandwagon. While it seems logical, there are some excellent reasons why it might not be the best idea. Here are six reasons why a touchscreen isn't the MacBook you might think it is.

How to Wipe Your Mac and Reinstall macOS from Scratch

Tim Brookes — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Is it time to sell or give away your old Mac? Or do you just want a fresh start to clean up your machine? Here's how to securely delete all of your files, then install a fresh version of macOS.

How to Use Disk Utility on a Mac

Tim Brookes — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Need to create a new partition, or re-format an external drive? Don't hunt down paid partition managers or other premium tools: your Mac includes everything you need with the disk management tool Disk Utility.

Android's Nearby Share Has (Unofficially) Arrived on Mac

Arol Wright — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 11:58:19 GMT

Nearby Share is Google's version of AirDrop for Android devices and Chromebooks, and more recently, it has arrived on Windows PCs. Thanks to an unofficial tool, you can (sort of) use it on Macs.

How to Install Unsupported Versions of macOS on Your Mac

Tim Brookes — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 09:00:23 GMT

Has Apple ended support for your Mac? You can install new versions of macOS anyway by creating your own patched installed. Here's how to do it and some things to keep in mind if you go this route.

How to Create and Use Symbolic Links (Symlinks) on a Mac

Chris Hoffman — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 12:30:00 GMT

Symbolic links, also known as symlinks, are special files that point to files or directories in other locations on your system. You can think of them as advanced aliases and here's how to use them in macOS.

How to Use Apple's Hidden Password Manager on iPhone, Mac, and iPad, and Windows

Tim Brookes — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 08:00:01 GMT

Have you got an iPhone or Mac? You don't have to pay for a password manager; you can use Apple's for free instead. This powerful tool can generate strong passwords, store login credentials, and even handle two-factor authentication codes.

How to Update Your Mac and Keep Apps Up to Date

Tim Brookes — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Keeping your Mac up-to-date may seem like a chore, but it's an essential part of protecting yourself online. Apple and app developers patch security holes when they're found---and they add helpful new features to macOS and your applications, too.

How to Install Windows in Boot Camp on a Mac

Tim Brookes — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Boot Camp Assistant lets you install Windows on some Mac computers and boot into it, just like you can on a regular PC. Modern Apple Silicon models (M1, M2, and so on) don't support Boot Camp and must use other methods to run Windows instead.

Troubleshoot Your Mac With These Hidden Startup Options

Tim Brookes — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 12:00:00 GMT

You can use your Mac's various startup modes to help fix problems with your Mac, run diagnostic tools, or reinstall macOS from scratch. How you access these modes depends on whether you have an Apple Silicon or Intel-based Mac.

You Can Try Every Classic Mac OS Version in Your Web Browser

Arol Wright — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:43:31 GMT

macOS is an operating system with a lot of history, from the barebones System 1 in 1984 to the Unix-based Mac OS X revamp in 2001, to its modern-day macOS incarnation. You can now try out every step of that journey in your web browser

Is Parallels Desktop Free on a Mac?

Tim Brookes — Sun, 26 Mar 2023 11:00:52 GMT

Parallels Desktop is one of the easiest ways to run Windows on a Mac. It works on everything from Apple Silicon models with the M1 or M2 chip to older Intel Macs, plus the setup process is easy. So are there any free versions of Parallels Desktop or discounts available?

Mission Control 101: How to Use Multiple Desktops on a Mac

Tim Brookes — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Do you open a lot of windows on your Mac? Do you have trouble keeping track of them all? You need to learn to use Mission Control, the secret to easy window management on macOS.

How to Turn Your Mac Into a Wi-Fi Hotspot

Tim Brookes — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Your Mac can function as a wireless hotspot, allowing you to connect your other devices to it and share its Internet connection. It's just like tethering to your iPhone.

5 Ways to Run Windows Software on a Mac

Tim Brookes — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 13:00:00 GMT

It's surprisingly easy to run Windows apps on a Mac, and you don't always need to run Windows to do so. Use these solutions to play PC games, run productivity software, or access Windows tools that lack a native Mac version.

How to Run Windows Apps on Your Mac Without Running Windows

Tim Brookes — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 08:00:27 GMT

Want to run Windows apps on your Mac without having to touch Windows? You've got options that range from using wrappers to emulate the Windows environment to running and hiding the Windows desktop entirely.

15 Mac Apps You Should Be Using Everyday

Tim Brookes — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 08:00:39 GMT

Some Mac apps are so useful you might just find yourself using them every day. Here are some of our favorites, the majority of which are free or at least come with a free trial so that you can evaluate them.

How to Run Windows on a Mac

Tim Brookes — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 12:00:24 GMT

Despite switching from Intel chips to ARM-based Apple Silicon, you can still run Windows on a Mac and enjoy excellent performance. Here's how to do it, whether you have an M-series chip like an M1 or M2---or an older Intel-based Mac.

How to Boot a Mac in Safe Mode

Tim Brookes — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 12:00:16 GMT

Knowing how to boot your Mac into Safe Mode can help fix a myriad of problems with your Mac. In the worst-case scenario, you may be able to use Safe Mode to recover data and apply updates. Here's how to do it.

How to Change Startup Programs on a Mac

Tim Brookes — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 11:00:50 GMT

The more startup items you have enabled, the slower your Mac will start up. Don't need these apps to open at login on your Mac? You're better off getting rid of them and launching them only when you need them. Here's how to see which apps open at login on your Mac and how to make changes.

How to Disable the Startup Sound (or "Chime") on a Mac

Chris Hoffman — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 13:30:00 GMT

When you boot up or restart your MacBook or desktop Mac, it will play the traditional startup sound, also known as the startup chime. This lets you know the Mac is starting up properly, but you can disable it to make your Mac boot silently.

Where Is the Alt Key on a Mac?

Tim Brookes — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 12:00:47 GMT

Using a Mac keyboard in a Windows environment, or looking for Mac equivalents of Windows shortcuts? Here's a quick guide to using Apple's version of the Alt key and the shortcuts that depend on it.

What Is Apple's Freeform App and How Do You Use It?

Tim Brookes — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 08:00:26 GMT

Apple now includes an app called Freeform on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. So what exactly does this app do, what is it good for, and can you delete it?

How to Install Homebrew on a Mac

Tim Brookes — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 17:00:00 GMT

Homebrew is a package manager for macOS that allows you to install software using the "brew" command at the command line. It's easy to set up and simple to use once you're familiar with a few basic commands.

How to Control+Alt+Delete on a Mac

Nick Lewis — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 17:00:00 GMT

If you switch to a Mac after becoming familiar with Windows, you'll quickly find that the standard Ctrl+Alt+Delete shortcut doesn't do anything. Apple's macOS does have its own version of the Task Manager, but it doesn't do everything.

10 Hidden Mac Features You Should Be Using

Benj Edwards — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 18:30:00 GMT

Macs are well-known for being easy to use, but they also have a lot of great features hiding just below the surface that many people never notice. Whether you're a Mac newbie or a Mac veteran, here are ten great features that you should be using.

These Apps Can Double Your MacBook Pro's Display Brightness

Tim Brookes — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 11:00:42 GMT

The MacBook Pro and Pro Display XDR are capable of 500 nits sustained brightness under normal conditions. These displays can easily hit 1000 nits in HDR content and, with the right app, you can unlock this level of brightness for standard SDR desktop usage.

How to Use Split Screen on a Mac

Tim Brookes — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 11:00:11 GMT

Looking to divide your Mac desktop equally between open applications? Good news. You can either use Apple's built-in split view feature for full-screen applications or install a third-party app to get even more control.

How to Kill a Process on Mac

Tim Brookes — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 14:00:52 GMT

Is an application or process causing problems on your Mac? Rid yourself of the problem app by killing it using Activity Monitor or the Terminal. You can also find and kill processes that are using specific ports on your Mac.

Why Is My Mac Battery Draining So Fast? 10 Fixes

Tim Brookes — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 12:00:27 GMT

Have you just noticed your battery is draining unusually fast? Did you wake up one morning to find your Mac had drained overnight? One of the biggest benefits of a MacBook is its portability without the worry of plugging in. If yours is showing excessive power drain, here's what to do.

How to Delete Your Photos From iCloud

Sandy Writtenhouse — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 13:00:46 GMT

Not every photo is worth saving, and if you're running out of space in iCloud, you may want to remove some of those unwanted photos. We'll show you how to delete photos from iCloud on your device and the website.

How to Uninstall Microsoft Office on a Mac

Tim Brookes — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 12:00:04 GMT

Are you done with Microsoft 365 (formerly known as Office)? Maybe you're moving on from an outdated version, or simply unwilling to pay for another year of support. Here's how to remove the Office suite from your Mac altogether.

6 Ways to Get Organized With Shortcuts on Mac

Sandy Writtenhouse — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 11:00:07 GMT

These days there are all sorts of tools for helping us get organized, like digital to-do list apps. Using the Shortcuts app on macOS, you can create ways to organize reminders, notes, open windows, and more.

6 Ways to Save Time With Automator on Mac

Sandy Writtenhouse — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 12:00:38 GMT

If you spend a lot of time doing things like splitting PDFs, converting images, or creating ZIP files, there's a way to speed up each process. Using Automator on Mac, you can set up automations that save you time.

The New MacBook Pros Have Even Faster Storage

Arol Wright — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 17:13:42 GMT

The M2 Pro and M2 Max chips aren't the only upgrades in Apple's new MacBook Pro laptops. The new machines are also coming with faster, supercharged SSDs with higher write speeds.

12 Mac Spotlight Features You Should Be Using

Tim Brookes — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 08:00:59 GMT

You probably know Spotlight as your Mac's handy search tool, but it's so much more than that. Mastering Spotlight is key to using your Mac in the most efficient manner possible. Here are some tips to help you get around macOS in record time.

How to Delete Messages on a Mac

Sandy Writtenhouse — Sun, 22 Jan 2023 12:00:23 GMT

When your text messages start to build up, it might be time for some cleanup work. You can delete specific or all texts and conversations in Messages on a desktop Mac or MacBook in just a few steps.

12 Finder Features You Should Be Using

Tim Brookes — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 08:00:27 GMT

Finder is your Mac's basic file browser, but it's packed with useful features that can transform the way you perform everyday actions. Here are a few of our favorite features that we think you should be using.

The New Mac Mini With M2 Is Faster and Cheaper

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 11:50:33 GMT

The Mac Mini is Apple's least-expensive computer, but it doesn't get updated too often. Thankfully, Apple has updated it with the newer M2 and M2 Pro, and a lower price tag.

The New MacBook Pro Has Wi-Fi 6E and up to 96 GB RAM

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 11:01:52 GMT

Apple introduced a new lineup of 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro laptops in 2021, marking the first MacBook redesign since the switch to Apple's own chips. Now they are getting an upgrade.

Why It's Okay to Buy A Mac With Only 8 GB RAM

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 07:00:57 GMT

The ever-growing demands of computing means 8 GB RAM can be too limiting for most PCs, leaving 16 GB as the baseline for a quality Windows experience. However, Mac computers are a different story.

Apple Silicon Has a GPU Support Problem

Sydney Butler — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 11:00:30 GMT

Apple Silicon Macs, starting with the Apple M1 system-on-a-chip, have proven to be a revolution in personal computing. Offering amazing CPU and GPU performance in portable, low-power systems. Unfortunately, there's one major flaw with Apple Silicon: no external GPU support.

7 Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Mac

Tim Brookes — Sat, 07 Jan 2023 08:00:04 GMT

There's more than one way to transfer data between your iPhone and Mac. Though most services rely on the cloud, you've got a few choices when it comes to moving files like photos, videos, or documents that don't all require an internet connection.

Apple's 7 Biggest Hardware Design Fails in History

Tim Brookes — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Every tech company has its off days, Apple included. While the company designs highly sought-after and innovative products, there have been a few big missteps along the way.

10 MacBook Features You Should Be Using

Tim Brookes — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 18:00:00 GMT

Blending power and portability, the MacBook series is the most versatile of all Apple's computers. Whether you save some money on a lightweight MacBook Air or shell out for a portable powerhouse in the form of a MacBook Pro, here are some of the standout features you should be using.

Should You Use Apple Trade In For Your Old Devices?

Tim Brookes — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 08:00:47 GMT

Apple Trade In lets you swap old devices for money off new ones simply by taking them to an Apple Store or applying online. It's one of the quickest ways of turning unwanted gadgets into cash but that doesn't mean it's the best deal in town.

Apple Will Let You Repair Your Own Desktop Mac

Arol Wright — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 14:56:14 GMT

Apple's self-repair program launched earlier this year, but so far, you could only really repair iPhones with it. It was recently extended to Macs, and now, more of Apple's computers are joining the fray.

6 Reasons You Should Buy a Mac Instead of a Windows PC

Tim Brookes — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 07:00:59 GMT

Do you like the look of a MacBook but aren't sure if it's the right move for you? Would an iMac or Mac mini slot into your home office, but you aren't sure you can commit? Let's take a look at some of the arguments for choosing a Mac over a Windows PC.

How to Fix Crashing Apps on a Mac

Tim Brookes — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 13:00:11 GMT

macOS is a stable and productive operating system that, assuming you have enough free space and RAM available, should just keep on trucking. This isn't always the case with third-party apps, which on a Mac are often more likely to stop responding than the operating system itself.

4 Signs It's Time to Replace Your MacBook Battery

Tim Brookes — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 12:00:49 GMT

It doesn't matter how well you treat your MacBook, your battery won't last forever. When battery health degrades, leaving your charger at home becomes increasingly untenable since the time between charges can reduce dramatically.

How to Remove Activation Lock on a Mac

Tim Brookes — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 13:00:36 GMT

Activation Lock first appeared on the iPhone as a means of preventing thieves from using stolen Apple devices and has subsequently found its way onto the Mac, Apple Watch, and more. Activation Lock must be removed on a Mac before it is sold, passed on, or purchased second-hand.

App Store Not Working on a Mac? 9 Fixes

Tim Brookes — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 13:00:00 GMT

Some apps can only be found on Apple's storefront, which makes it all the more frustrating when the App Store is not working on your Mac, and it's not clear why. Here are some fixes you can try to get the Mac App Store working again.

How to Zoom In or Out on a Mac

Sandy Writtenhouse — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 14:00:22 GMT

When you have trouble seeing something on your computer screen, do you lean in closer or put on your reading glasses? You can make it easier to see anything on your Mac screen using the Zoom feature.

How to Fast Charge Your MacBook

Tim Brookes — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 11:00:50 GMT

Apple has supported fast charging iPhones for years, but it wasn't until late 2021 that fast charging finally made an appearance on MacBooks. To fast charge your MacBook, you'll need to make sure you have the right combination of model and power adapter.

Linux on Apple Silicon Macs Is Now Good Enough for Gaming

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 13:49:48 GMT

Even though the M1 and M2 chips in modern Macs are based on ARM processor designs, they aren't like any other ARM designs. That has made porting Linux to new Macs a difficult challenge, but there has been some impressive progress recently.

Apple's MetalFX Technology Is the Start of the Mac Gaming Revolution

Sydney Butler — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 11:00:57 GMT

Apple's MetalFX AI upscaling technology brings a feature to iOS and macOS devices that even the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S lack. It's the latest in a series of moves that show the company is serious about gaming again.

Why Do People Spend So Much Money on MacBooks?

Tim Brookes — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 14:00:00 GMT

There are a lot of words you might use to describe a MacBook but "cheap" isn't one of them. It's true of the price, and also of the overall user experience. While not for everyone, here's why some of us keep buying shiny Apple-branded chunks of aluminum.

VMware Fusion 13 Can Run Windows on Your M1 & M2 Mac

Corbin Davenport — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 14:48:23 GMT

VMware Fusion is a popular virtualization app, and on Mac, it has been one of the best ways to run Windows and Linux applications. It took a while, but VMware is now updated for Apple's new generation of ARM-powered Mac computers.

How to Clean Your MacBook Screen

Sandy Writtenhouse — Sun, 13 Nov 2022 09:00:03 GMT

Your MacBook is prone to gathering dust, fingerprints, dirt, and grime over time as it travels from place to place. It's a good practice to clean your MacBook's screen periodically for the best experience. We'll show you how to clean a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro screen.

Why Do My AirPods Keep Disconnecting? 8 Quick Fixes

Tim Brookes — Sat, 12 Nov 2022 11:00:00 GMT

Do your AirPods keep disconnecting from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac? If so, there are several simple fixes you can try such as charging your AirPods to full battery or switching up some settings. We'll show you how to get your AirPods connected again.

How to Speed Up Your Time Machine Backups

Tim Brookes — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 11:00:44 GMT

Is your Time Machine backup taking too long? Speed things up with a macOS tweak, faster external drives, or by reducing the total size of your backup.

How to Set Up and Use iCloud Shared Photo Library

Tim Brookes — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 14:00:48 GMT

It's easier than ever before for Apple users to share photos and videos with close friends and family through the iCloud Shared Photo Library. Here's what you need to know about setting up and using the feature.

How to Use Your iPhone as a Webcam with Continuity Camera

Tim Brookes — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 09:00:02 GMT

With iOS 16 and macOS 13, you can use Apple's Continuity Camera to turn your compatible iPhone into a high-quality webcam. It's useful, convenient, and simple. Let's dive in.

How to Sign Any Document on a Mac Using Preview

Sandy Writtenhouse — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 13:00:03 GMT

In our tech-driven world, you may need to sign a contract or form digitally from time to time. You can do this on your Mac using the Preview app---no additional third-party apps required.

How (and Why) to Use Your Mac's Background Sounds Feature

Tim Brookes — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 08:00:00 GMT

Are you stuck in a noisy environment? Drown it out with the Background Sounds feature built right into macOS. You can use the feature with or without headphones to boost productivity, meditate, or even get some sleep in less-than-ideal conditions.

It's Time to Give Apple Mail Another Shot

Tim Brookes — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 11:00:56 GMT

For years, Apple Mail felt like an email client stuck in the past. And many users traded the service for premium, third-party alternatives. If you did too, you might be pleased to know that after many updates, Apple Mail can now hang with the best of them.

How to Enable Stage Manager on Your Mac (and Should You Use It?)

Tim Brookes — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 12:00:36 GMT

Stage Manager, introduced in macOS 13 Ventura, is a different way to manage windows on your Mac. One of Apple's boldest software changes in 2022, Stage Manager has proved to be divisive, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try it out for yourself.

Apple Watch Won't Unlock Your Mac? Try These Fixes

Tim Brookes — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 13:00:58 GMT

Your Apple Watch can automatically unlock your Mac and be used to approve authentication requests across the operating system. Unfortunately, the feature doesn't always work as advertised. Here are some fixes to try if you've run into trouble.

13 macOS 13 Features You Should Try Out Right Away

Tim Brookes — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 11:00:47 GMT

Apple's macOS 13 Ventura is finally available to download if you own a compatible Mac. While it's not the most revolutionary update we've seen, there are plenty of useful features worth checking out.

What Is the Latest Version of macOS?

Chris Hoffman — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 17:44:00 GMT

The latest version of macOS is macOS 13.0 Ventura, which Apple released on October 24, 2022. Apple releases a new major version roughly once every year. These upgrades are free and are available in the Mac App Store.

What's New in macOS 13 Ventura

Tim Brookes — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 13:35:00 GMT

Arriving on October 24, 2022, Apple's macOS 13 for Macs and MacBooks comes with the release name Ventura and looks visually very similar to the previous version. A few new features and improvements are coming, some of which tie in with iOS 16.

Will macOS 13 Ventura Run on My MacBook or Desktop Mac?

Tim Brookes — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 13:30:00 GMT

If you're looking forward to features like Stage Manager and a more powerful Spotlight search coming to your Mac with macOS 13, you'll need to make sure the release is compatible with your machine. Here's which Mac devices can expect to receive the Ventura update on October 24, 2022.

Should You Wait to Upgrade to the Latest Version of macOS?

Tim Brookes — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 10:35:36 GMT

Each year, Apple releases a new version of macOS, free of charge and complete with new features and improvements. So should you jump in right away, or is it better to wait a few weeks or months for the dust to settle first? Here are some things to consider.