1,038 episodes

Answers to your tech questions for your Apple devices and beyond. Dave Hamilton, Adam Christianson, and Pilot Pete come together weekly to answer your questions and discuss things of interest to Apple and Mac geeks, presenting them in ways that are both entertaining and informative for the average listener.

Mac Geek Gab — Your Questions Answered, Tips Shared, Troubleshooting Assistance Mac Geek Gab

    • Technology
    • 5.0 • 1 Rating

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

Answers to your tech questions for your Apple devices and beyond. Dave Hamilton, Adam Christianson, and Pilot Pete come together weekly to answer your questions and discuss things of interest to Apple and Mac geeks, presenting them in ways that are both entertaining and informative for the average listener.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    Why Don't They Tell Us That Exists?

    Why Don't They Tell Us That Exists?

    Dive into a trove of tech treasures, from the power of force-quitting multiple apps in unison to the novelty of linking notes with a simple >> in Apple’s Notes app. Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton help you discover the secrets to customizing your Home Screen, leveraging your personal voice on iPhone, and why swapping Regex for ChatGPT could revolutionize your text parsing. They even explore the realms of secure data storage on iCloud with tools like Cryptomator and Proton Drive, ensuring your digital life is both organized and fortified. With tips on silencing unknown callers, expanding Spotlight’s reach, and the utility of using multiple Ethernet ports on a Synology DiskStation, this episode is jam-packed with insights. And remember, when tinkering with your tech or securing your digital domain, “Don’t Get Caught” unprepared.

    In an episode brimming with quick tips and cool finds, the trio doesn’t stop at just data security and efficiency hacks. They delve into the mysteries of disappearing apps, the significance of checking your DVD reader, and the revelation of tools like Files List Export for managing your digital files more effectively. With a nod to MacScan3 for those concerned about security and a spotlight on the Spatial Viewer app, it’s clear that staying ahead in the tech game requires constant curiosity and a willingness to explore the unspoken features of our daily tools.

    Whether you’re looking to streamline your digital workflow or enhance your device’s security, this episode is a testament to the Mac Geek Gab’s enduring mantra: navigating the digital world smartly ensures you never “Don’t Get Caught” off guard.



    00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1031 for Monday, April 1st, 2024



    April 1: International Fun at Work Day (also National Sourdough Bread Day)

    Apple Founder’s Day





    Quick Tips



    00:00:01 James-QT-Force Quit allows multiple selections, too!

    00:04:44 Change “Relaunch Finder” to “Quit Finder”



    defaults write com.apple.finder QuitMenuItem -bool true

    Morning SaMBa





    00:13:26 QT-Type two greater-than signs into the body of a Note to link to another note



    Tags in Notes





    00:16:00 Scott-QT-Shortcut to Silence Unknown Callers on/off

    00:18:07 Creating Custom Home Screens

    00:20:27 Personal Voice on iPhone



    Elevenlabs.





    00:24:16 PCUnix-QT-Use ChatGPT instead of Regex for Parsing Text

    00:27:55 Kent-QT-1030-More Quick Look Quick Tips



    Why Don’t They Tell Us That Exists?





    00:30:25 Ben-QT Followups

    00:34:47 Richard-QT-Expand the Size of Spotlight Search





    Sponsors



    00:36:33 SPONSOR: BetterHelp. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/GEEKGAB and get on your way to being your best self.

    00:37:52 SPONSOR: ExpressVPN – Stop missing out on great TV and get thousands of new shows with ExpressVPN, and get three extra months free at ExpressVPN.com/MGG

    00:39:22 SPONSOR: Factor. Save time with Factor’s fresh, never-frozen meals, ready to heat and eat in just 2 minutes!

    • 1 hr 23 min
    Why Don't They Tell Us That Exists? — Mac Geek Gab 1031

    Why Don't They Tell Us That Exists? — Mac Geek Gab 1031

    Maximize your tech with Mac Geek Gab's latest tips on data security, efficiency hacks, and cool finds.

    🌏Full Shownotes with Chapters and Links at https://mgg.fm/1031

    Sponsors
    =============================================
    00:36:33 SPONSOR: BetterHelp. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/GEEKGAB and get on your way to being your best self.
    00:37:52 SPONSOR: ExpressVPN - Stop missing out on great TV and get thousands of new shows with ExpressVPN, and get three extra months free at ExpressVPN.com/MGG
    00:39:22 SPONSOR: Factor. Save time with Factor’s fresh, never-frozen meals, ready to heat and eat in just 2 minutes! Head to FactorMeals.com/MGG50 with code MGG50 to get 50% off your first box.

    Dive into a trove of tech treasures, from the power of force-quitting multiple apps in unison to the novelty of linking notes with a simple keystroke in Apple's Notes app. Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton help you discover the secrets to customizing your Home Screen, leveraging your personal voice on iPhone, and why swapping Regex for ChatGPT could revolutionize your text parsing. They even explore the realms of secure data storage on iCloud with tools like Cryptomator and Proton Drive, ensuring your digital life is both organized and fortified. With tips on silencing unknown callers, expanding Spotlight's reach, and the utility of using multiple Ethernet ports on a Synology DiskStation, this episode is jam-packed with insights. And remember, when tinkering with your tech or securing your digital domain, "Don't Get Caught" unprepared.

    Whether you're looking to streamline your digital workflow or enhance your device's security, this episode is a testament to the Mac Geek Gab's enduring mantra: navigating the digital world smartly ensures you never "Don't Get Caught" off guard.

    00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1031 for Monday, April 1st, 2024
    =============================================
    April 1: International Fun at Work Day (also National Sourdough Bread Day)
    Apple Founder’s Day

    Quick Tips
    =============================================
    00:00:01 James-QT-Force Quit allows multiple selections, too!
    00:04:44 Change “Relaunch Finder” to “Quit Finder”
    defaults write com.apple.finder QuitMenuItem -bool true
    Morning SaMBa
    00:13:26 QT-Type two greater-than signs into the body of a Note to link to another note
    Tags in Notes
    00:16:00 Scott-QT-Shortcut to Silence Unknown Callers on/off
    00:18:07 Creating Custom Home Screens
    00:20:27 Personal Voice on iPhone
    Elevenlabs.
    00:24:16 PCUnix-QT-Use ChatGPT instead of Regex for Parsing Text
    00:27:55 Kent-QT-1030-More Quick Look Quick Tips
    Why Don’t They Tell Us That Exists?
    00:30:25 Ben-QT Followups
    00:34:47 Richard-QT-Expand the Size of Spotlight Search

    Backup Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
    =============================================
    00:40:50 Kathy-Securely Storing Data on iCloud Drive?
    Proton Drive
    Cryptomator
    Paperless
    Apple’s Advanced Data Protection
    00:50:35 Mark-How to keep backups of files on external drives?
    Backblaze.com
    ChronoSync
    00:57:02 Using Multiple Ethernet Ports on Synology DiskStation
    Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
    01:01:21 Steve-Why Are Old Apps Appearing in Open With?
    01:05:21 Check your DVD Reader!

    Cool Stuff Found
    =============================================
    01:06:58 Rod L-CSF-Files List Export to create lists of your files
    01:08:05 Sparky-CSF-1030-MacScan3 Security & AntiVirus Software
    01:09:48 Josh-CSF-Spatial Viewer for iOS and Meta Quest
    01:14:10 rnDoug-CSF-Apple's New John F. Braun Support Library
    01:15:23 Rod L-CSF-Gray to run both Dark Mode and Light Mode apps simultaneously
    01:19:56 Mac OS Ken for Apple News

    01:21:44 MGG 1031 Outtro
    feedback@macgeekgab.com

    MOAR POWER...To Travel?

    MOAR POWER...To Travel?

    This week’s Mac Geek Gab episode, featuring Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton, is jam-packed with actionable advice for all things Mac. Kick off with a life-hack: always snap a photo of your airport parking spot to find it easily upon return. Discover the convenience of QuickLook by simply holding the Space Bar, and dive into customizing your Mac experience with tools like Karabiner-Elements and Keyboard Maestro for remapping keys and automating tasks. The episode doesn’t stop there; it dives deep into optimizing your home network with mesh systems and the latest in Wi-Fi technology, comparing Wi-Fi 6, 6E, and the futuristic Wi-Fi 7, ensuring your setup doesn’t get left in the digital dust.

    When it comes to safeguarding your digital life, “Don’t Get Caught” unprepared. The team covers the importance of using your mic’s mute feature wisely, backs up data with Carbon Copy Cloner, and secures your network with the latest and greatest tools. Tips on preventing iCloud sync mishaps with the .nosync option, and a discussion on whether antivirus software is a necessity for Mac users, provide you with the knowledge to protect your devices and personal information. Every minute is filled with insights and tips designed to empower you to get the most out of your Mac and network setup, without getting caught by common pitfalls.



    00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1030 for Monday, March 25th, 2024



    March 25: Tolkien Reading Day

    The MGG Discord Server is Live!

    The MGG Merch Store is Live!





    Quick Tips



    00:00:01 QT-When parking at the airport, take a pic of your parking location and immediately Favorite it.

    00:06:29 Simon-QT-A QuickLook QuickTip by holding the Space Bar

    00:08:52 Doug-1028-Remapping Command Key and Automating Zoom Calls



    Karabiner-Elements

    FileMaker

    Better Touch Tool

    Keyboard Maestro

    Display Menu

    Conference Call in Real Life





    00:15:09 Using your microphone’s mute switch versus Zoom’s mute switch…the pros and cons.

    00:19:00 Bob-QT-MGG 1026 – Backing up family laptops



    Carbon Copy Cloner

    Tailscale





    00:21:42 Martin-QT-1029-Use .nosync to keep folders from syncing to iCloud





    Sponsors



    00:27:53 SPONSOR: Backblaze. Get a fully-featured no risk free trial at Backblaze.com/mgg. Go there, play with it, and start protecting yourself from potential bad times. Start Today!

    00:29:46 SPONSOR: Manscaped. Nothing like a little spring cleaning in your pants. Get 20% off and Free Shipping with code MGG at Manscaped.com

    00:31:28 SPONSOR: Zocdoc, the easiest way to find a great doctor and instantly book an appointment. Sign up for FREE at Zocdoc.com/MGG and download the app today.





    Networking Questions Answered and Tips Shared! 



    00:33:16 Kalle-How best to upgrade my network to mesh and add Ethernet?

    • 1 hr 19 min
    Everything Was a Sock Account

    Everything Was a Sock Account

    Tackle syncing issues on iPhone’s Photos app and introduce a life-changing Conference Focus mode to streamline your digital life as Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton kick off this week’s Mac Geek Gab. They don’t stop there; they reveal how to free up disk space by removing specific log files, simplify photo attachments on Mac, and navigate Terminal’s Help menu like a pro with tools like tldr-pages and the Dash app. Remember, “Don’t Get Caught” unprepared in your digital life.

    When it comes to addressing listener questions, your three favorite geeks don’t hold back. They delve into the nuances of Desktop & Documents syncing with iCloud, the necessity of iPhone backups, and even brainstorm a DIY proximity sensor for hotel rooms using Raspberry Pi for that extra peace of mind.

    Video sharing solutions for private family moments get a spotlight, recommending platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and Rumble. For the audiophiles, the discussion shifts to choosing the right external speakers for Macs, with nods to AudioEngine A2+ and HomePod Mini. Plus, they share cool finds like the Brane X smart speaker from SXSW and innovative tech for local network browsing and sound mixing, proving that when it comes to tech, staying curious and informed is key.

    Press play and enjoy!



    00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1029 for Monday, March 18th, 2024



    March 18: National Sloppy Joe Day (also Awkward Moments Day)





    Quick Tips



    00:00:01 PorthosJon-QT-Manually resume Photos Syncing on your iPhone

    00:04:39 Create yourself a Conference Focus mode

    00:13:25 rnDoug-QT-Remove specific /var/log files to free up disk space

    00:15:56 Ben & PorthosJon-QT-Attach Photos the Easier Way(s) on Your Mac

    00:17:34 MyFaceIsTooBig-QT-Use the Terminal’s Help menu to see (some) well-formatted man pages



    brew install tldr

    tldr-pages (for iPad and Mx Macs)

    Dash app (in Setapp)









    Sponsors



    00:21:30 SPONSOR: Factor. Save time with Factor’s fresh, never-frozen meals, ready to heat and eat in just 2 minutes! Head to FactorMeals.com/MGG50 with code MGG50 to get 50% off your first box.

    00:23:10 SPONSOR: LinkedIn Jobs. Go to LinkedIn.com/MGG and post your first job for free!





    Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!



    00:24:39 Michael-Do you use Desktop & Documents Syncing with iCloud?



    ​​Hazel from Noodlesoft





    00:30:50 Andrew-Do I really need to backup my iPhone, though?



    iMazing





    00:40:03 GC-Proximity sensor for hotel room so you know when housekeeping has come?



    Beryl Travel Router

    littleBits (Raspberry Pi)









    Sponsor



    00:46:05 SPONSOR: Coda, the one Doc to rule them all. Bring your text and tables together!

    • 1 hr 20 min
    Put That In Your Tinfoil Hat and Smoke It

    Put That In Your Tinfoil Hat and Smoke It

    Dive deep into a treasure trove of cool stuff found, from a lightning-fast AI image generator that might make you feel like you’re living in a Wall-E world or maybe just turn you into a cat, to Karabiner-Elements for customizing your Mac’s keyboard, showcasing the infinite customization possibilities for your tech lifestyle.

    That’s right, on this week’s Mac Geek Gab, Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton also explore tools for enhancing your online security with DNS over HTTPS, utility gems like Particulars for macOS system information, and the Vasco Translator V4, ensuring you’re always understood, no matter where your adventures take you. The discussion shifts to smart home management with HomeLog for HomeKit, offering insights into your HomeKit activity that will make you want to put that in your tinfoil hat and smoke it. They didn’t forget about the online shoppers, highlighting the CNET Shopping Extension for snagging the best deals and the indispensable AirBuddy app for keeping tabs on your AirPods’ battery life, all while ensuring your tech gear is always on point with the latest gadgets like the Targus Cypress backpack and HyperPack Pro with FindMy.

    The episode isn’t just about discoveries; it’s packed with quick tips to enhance your digital life, from using a shared note for those midnight musings to a shortcut that extends your Apple Watch’s battery life. They tackle listener questions head-on, solving mysteries from sudden watch battery drain to podcast volume drift potentially caused by an accidental Apple Watch crown spin, and even the best practices for merging Apple iCloud services into a family plan.

    This episode is a masterclass in making the most of your Apple ecosystem, spiced up with show business insights and listener contributions that underscore the community’s vibrant engagement. Remember, in the ever-evolving tech landscape, stay informed, stay ahead, and “Don’t Get Caught” unprepared.

    Chapters/Timestamps/Stuff mentioned:



    00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1028 for Monday, March 11th, 2024



    March 11: National No-Code day





    Cool Stuff Found



    00:00:01 Patrick-CSF-SDXL Lightning – FAST AI Image Generator



    We Might Live In Wall-E World or You’d Be a Cat





    00:05:22 MyFaceIsTooBig-CSF-Particulars, a macOS System Information Utility



    Pi-Hole DNS

    1.1.1.1

    DNS over HTTPS





    00:11:23 TLatkins-CSF-HomeLog for HomeKit logs all HomeKit activity – MGG 1022



    Put That in Your Tinfoil Hat and Smoke It





    00:15:02 JG-CSF-Headway (like Blinkist, and on Setapp)



    SetApp comes to EU iPhones





    00:17:52 DaddyJapan-CSF-Karabiner-Elements for Customizing your Mac’s Keyboard





    Sponsors



    00:20:27 SPONSOR: BBEdit, the power tool for text from Bare Bones Software; now with integrated Notebooks and extended language support.

    00:21:55 SPONSOR: Hims is changing men’s healthcare by providing convenient,

    • 1 hr 23 min
    Your RATGOCs Are Here

    Your RATGOCs Are Here

    In this week’s episode of Mac Geek Gab with Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton, the trio dives deep into a plethora of tech tips that could revolutionize your digital lifestyle. Kicking things off with a savvy reminder from Craig about opting for Apple Engraving while preserving your device’s resale value, the conversation quickly moves to the underrated utility of Hot Corners and the magic of slide typing on an iPad. Notably, Peter brings a game-changer with BackBlaze’s data recovery solution, emphasizing its free USB restoration service.

    For the aquatic adventurers, a quick tweak to prevent your Apple Watch Ultra from prematurely entering Depth mode could save your battery life. The episode also sheds light on miscellaneous quick fixes like using the Notes app for storing recipes and the significance of tracking IP address reservations to maintain your home network’s harmony.

    The discussion seamlessly transitions to addressing listener queries, ranging from connecting Thunderbolt displays to Windows laptops, to changing iCloud email passwords, and even dissecting an unusual audio bug affecting your Mac’s left-right balance.

    The hosts share insights into creating compelling show art using DALL-E prompts, underlining the importance of creativity in the tech space.

    As the conversation wraps up, a critical reminder to safeguard your hearing steals the spotlight, with recommendations for products like Eargasm and Loop Earplugs to prevent auditory damage.

    Throughout, the catchphrase “Don’t Get Caught” weaves its way into the narrative, serving as a clever nod to staying ahead in the fast-paced world of technology without falling prey to common pitfalls.

    Chapters/Timestamps/Stuff mentioned:



    00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1027 for Monday, March 4th, 2024



    March 4: International DM/GM Day





    Quick Tips



    00:00:01 Craig-QT-Apple Engraving that Doesn’t Lower Resale Value

    00:03:51 Andrew-QT-Don’t forget about Hot Corners



    StreamDeck





    00:08:12 Harvey-QT-Slide typing in an iPad

    00:11:42 Peter-QT-BackBlaze Saves the Day & USB Service is “Free” –

    00:13:12 QT-Keep your Apple Watch Ultra from going into Depth mode (and burning battery) when casually swimming: Settings > General > Auto-Launch > Threshold When Submerged > At 3ft



    Also “Background App Refresh” -> TONS of Apps working!









    Sponsors



    00:19:39 SPONSOR: Backblaze. Get a fully-featured no risk free trial at Backblaze.com/mgg. Go there, play with it, and start protecting yourself from potential bad times. Start Today!

    00:21:22 SPONSOR: LinkedIn Jobs. Go to LinkedIn.com/MGG and post your first job for free!





    MOAR Quick Tips



    00:22:42 JT Ray-QT-1026-Other UDP or Force Restart Fixes App Icons (maybe it’s like a Safe Mode restart?)

    00:26:37 Todd-QT-1026-For recipes I just use Notes



    Just The Recipe

    Ulysses

    Markdown

    Marked App (available in Setapp)

    David Sparks Markdown Fieldguide...

    • 1 hr 27 min

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