by HBTechnologySolutions | Jan 21, 2019 | Uncategorized
![The Trouble With Enabling the Desktop & Documents Option in iCloud Drive.]()
The Trouble With Enabling the Desktop & Documents Option in iCloud Drive.
Apple first introduced the Desktop and Documents option to iCloud drive in Mac OS 10.12 Sierra. In fact, it is a PRE-SELECTED option is defaulted to ON during the initial installation or update process.
The files in the Desktop and Documents folder are synced to your iCloud account and made available on your iOS devices and other Macs In addition to the traditional categories (phots, contacts, calendars, notes, etc.). Apple notes in a support document how the Desktop and Documents option frees up storage space: “When storage space is needed, only the files you recently opened are kept on your Mac, so that you can easily work offline. Files that are stored only in the cloud show a download icon, which you can double-click to download the original file.”
However, there is a glaring downside.
You have only a single copy of your files if they’re removed from all your connected Macs and only stored in iCloud. Therefore you’re relying on Apple and its data centers and redundancy for every copy of the file, because
if a file isn’t stored locally on your Mac you have no way of backing it up.
The best practice for file backup is to have at least three backups of them (two different kinds of media/location and one offsite). iCloud’s Desktop and Documents falls short here.
Apple should have integrated this with Time Machine/hosted backup services. If dome properly, the iCloud sync service wouldn’t delete a local copy of the file synced to iCloud until a recent Time Machine backup of the file is made allowing for both a local and an offsite backup. When using a program like Crashplan to back up offsite, it could mark files as being archived and readable by iCloud sync
Apple also requires you to pay monthly for storage above the 5GB that is included free with iCloud. If you stop paying, you could wind up either having to download all those synced-and-removed files—and lack local storage to do so—or lose access altogether.
—-
As a result, HB Technology Solutions strongly recommends de-deselecting the option to start icloud Desktops and Documents during the installation of OS X 10.12. Also avoid turning it ON manually from the Options button next to iCloud Drive in the iCloud system preference.
Continue using a local drive and hosted backup service for backups rather than a mistaken reliance upon and incomplete solution from Apple that puts too many eggs in one basket.
by HBTechnologySolutions | Jan 17, 2019 | Uncategorized
![I guess Apple is now in the iPhone case business.]()
I guess apple is now in the iPhone case business…
This following news of Apple’s wildly successful iPhone battery replacement program. Out-of-warranty batteries for the iPhone 6 or later cost just $29 — a $50 price drop from the usual $79 cost. CEO Tim Cook told staff that Apple replaced 11 million iPhone batteries in 2018, having only expected to replace 1-2 million.
The $129 battery cases for iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR will be offered in both black and white silicon designs and you’ll still be able to wirelessly charge your phone even with the case on — there’s a separate wireless charging coil built into the case. You’ll still able to charge faster with a USB-C PD compatible charger (along with a USB-C to Lightning cable, of course.)
Apple is promising dramatically better battery life, with up to 21 hours of internet use on the XS, 20 hours on the XS Max, and 22 hours on the XR (up from 12 hours, 13 hours, and 15 hours of internet use respectively without the battery case.)
by HBTechnologySolutions | Jan 14, 2019 | Uncategorized
![Yes, we do networks…if you ask nicely]()
by HBTechnologySolutions | Jan 12, 2019 | Uncategorized
![Late 2018 Macbook Air]()
Late 2018 MacBook Air
Our first computer purchase consultation and installation of 2019 included a new MacBook Pro and a MacBook Air. Predictively the Pro was the same satisfying powerhouse that it ever was. It was the Air however, with it’s numerous but sometimes subtle upgrades, that impressed us the most.
Until recently, the Air was the sole model in the Apple product line devoid of a Retina Display. It boasts much increased pixel resolution and color gamut. Most noticeable physically is the decreased aluminum bezel around the edge of the display and the edge to edge glass.
Also of note but more subtle was the feel of the third generation Apple butterfly keyboard. It has increased vertical movement and feel over the generation one keyboard and is quieter than the the generation two keyboard due to the inclusion of a silicon membrane under each key. The membrane also serves to keep out dust and debris.
Equally impressive and more overt is the larger Force Touch trackpad that doesn’t depress, but detects clicks based on pressure and then provides haptic feedback that emulates a click. It’s easier to make multitouch gestures and you can click anywhere on the surface. It’s a superior trackpad in every way.
Other notables:
T2 Processor. an Apple-designed ARM processor
Stereo sound stage. combines stereo speakers/audio processing to provide more dynamic & separated stereo sound.
Touch ID. Narrow-width sensor that doubles as the power key.
Two USB-C ports. also serve as Thunderbolt ports, video-out ports, and your power source.
In Summary, it’s the lowest-priced Retina Mac and is powerful and flexible enough to satisfy the needs of the broad audience for consumer and general business Macs.
If interested, please contact HB Technology Solutions for your pre-purchase consulting, buying, configuration, data migrations, management and system security needs.
by HBTechnologySolutions | Dec 21, 2018 | Uncategorized
![Muttville on CNN!]()
Our customer was featured on CNN! We are proud to support Sherri Franklin and the good work her organization Muttville performs:
https://www.cnn.com/2016/07/07/us/cnn-hero-sherri-franklin/index.html?fbclid=IwAR01XDbZiTDOB-d6hf9m3ESqeUlZfulnz6QCJAWirplQUCYxG04BN_-mxmg
