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Tech Class: Games, Entertainment & Internet Archive 10/8/2026

2026-10-08T22:00:46.411-07:00

Tech Class: Games, Entertainment & Internet Archive

"Master classic games, stay safe online, and explore the digital past with our latest visual guide! 🎮 An all-in-one resource for unlocking old PC favorites, keeping your brain sharp, and preventing online scams. Use this infographic as a visual recap and handy reference. #DigitalExploration #ClassicGames #CyberSecurity #InternetArchive #TechGuide"

[ ] Visit archive.org and explore — assigned as homework for all participants
[ ] Research which Classic PC Games on Internet Archive can be played directly in the browser vs. require a download
[ ] Cover podcasts and other digital entertainment in a future session

Email Spoofing Recap

Recap of a prior session: a spoofing website was shown that mimicked Coinbase with a fake phone number in the subject line
Recommendation: always go directly to the source — do not click links or call numbers from suspicious emails
Resource mentioned: safephonebook.org — a verified phone number directory created by the presenter

Games Discussion

Encouraged participants to recognize that they already play games (Wordle, Sudoku, solitaire, crossword puzzles) and not to dismiss the topic
Brief discussion: Wordle may eventually run out of 5-letter words, and a participant raised the possibility it could use offensive words
Noted that even simple games build fine motor skills and keep the brain active

Chrome Dinosaur Game

Built into Google Chrome; appears automatically when there is no internet connection
Can also be accessed anytime by typing chrome://dino in the Chrome address bar
Gameplay: press the spacebar to jump over obstacles; a "start slower" handicap option is available on the screen
Only available on a computer, not on a phone or tablet

Internet Archive — Classic Games

archive.org archives software, websites, movies, music, and more going back to the earliest days of the internet; offices are in San Francisco on Clement Street
Under the Software section (floppy disk icon), there are categories including Classic PC Games
Examples shown: Fish Tycoon, 3D Pinball, Pong (via emulator — no disc required)
Note: some games may need to be downloaded rather than played directly in the browser

Downloading Games from the App Store (Mac)

Games can be downloaded from the Mac App Store under the Arcade or Play sections
Demo: downloaded and played a Pong clone (PPG Lite)
To find a downloaded app: open Launchpad (search for it using the magnifier/Spotlight if not on the dock)
To remove an app: go to Launchpad, click and hold the app, then click the X — same as on a phone
Many game types are available: Space Invaders, Asteroids, checkers, Scrabble, Hangman, casino games, card games (Gin Rummy, Uno, Go Fish)

Watching Movies — YouTube & Internet Archive

On YouTube, search for a movie title with the words "full movie" to find complete films
Internet Archive also hosts movies — many older films are freely available as their copyrights have expired (open licensed)
- No login required, and no ads
- Access via archive.org → click the film strip icon → search or browse by genre
- Example shown: Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1 hr 22 min)
- Howard confirmed having used the Internet Archive for movies

Internet Archive — Wayback Machine (Old Websites)

The Wayback Machine on archive.org archives snapshots of websites going back in time
Use case: a participant asked whether old websites built with a discontinued Apple tool (iWeb) might be recoverable — the answer is possibly yes
Presenter shared an example of recovering a friend's lost nonprofit website content by finding it in the Wayback Machine, then rebuilding the site without needing any passwords or original files
Participants also tried searching for old films by actor names (Sylvia Sims, Rudolph Valentino) — results include video, audio, and other media, and can be filtered
Internet Archive is a nonprofit — donations are welcome

Technology Class: Games on Mac, Online Games, and AI Tools 10.1.2026

2026-10-01T22:27:14.092-07:00

Technology Class: Games on Mac, Online Games, and AI Tools

Whether you want a quick round of chess, a puzzle from the App Store, or a free online game, your Mac has plenty of safe, free options to try.

Native Mac Games

Mac computers include a built-in Chess app as part of the operating system — findable via Spotlight search or the Applications folder
The Chess app allows playing against the computer; difficulty settings may be adjustable
Voice commands can be used to direct the game via a microphone button
The Chess app has a user guide (not an animated tutorial) that explains voice commands
Chess is described as a native game — software installed directly on the device, not accessed via the internet

Mac App Store Overview

The App Store is accessible via the Apple menu → App Store
Key categories include:
- Arcade / Play — games; Play offers free access if you have an Apple subscription
- Create — photo editing, music, graphic design tools
- Work — productivity apps like note-taking, to-do lists, and word processing
- Develop — coding and development tools
Apps are labeled free, free with in-app purchases, or with a fixed price
Apps can always be downloaded and removed without consequence if you don't like them
To remove an app: open Launchpad, hold the mouse on the app until it wiggles, then click the X
Demo: searched for jigsaw puzzle games — many options available; larger computer screens make graphical puzzle games much more enjoyable than on mobile
Other game examples searched: bridge (including Bridge Baron for $65), darts, billiards, ping pong, Sudoku, color/matching brain games
The App Store is recommended over random internet searches for safety — Apple vets all apps

Online Game Platforms

New York Times Games (nytimes.com): Wordle, Spelling Bee, Connections, Strands, and more
- All games are free to play without logging in; a subscription is only needed to track scores
AARP (aarp.org): Recommended as a safer alternative to searching the internet for games
- Includes mahjong solitaire, regular solitaire, bridge, crossword puzzles, and more — all free
- Navigate via: aarp.org → three lines (top right) → scroll to Games
- Note: AARP does include some advertising
Caution: searching for games directly on Google can lead to unsafe or ad-heavy websites

AI Deepfake Awareness Exercise

The class played a game from an Associated Press article: identifying which video, photo, or audio clip was not AI-generated
Results: the class scored 2 out of 5 — comparable to a general average, as only 8% of people score 100%
Key takeaways on staying safe:
- If unsure about a phone call, hang up and call back using the number on your statement or official documentation
- Avoid confirming your identity (even saying "yes") as responses can be recorded and reused
- AI "deepfakes" — fake voices, faces, and videos — are increasingly convincing and are used in scams, including fake relationships and fraudulent medical/investment advice
- Photos and videos on social media showing someone's location or identity can be entirely fabricated

Using Claude AI to Create Games

Claude (claude.ai) is an AI platform well-suited for creating simple applications and games through plain-language prompts
Demo 1: Typed "create for me a memory game of 6 by 6 cards" — Claude instantly generated a working matching game
Demo 2: Requested a game with "an avatar walking through woods, finding mushrooms, avoiding zombies" — Claude generated a functional game with scoring and lives
Claude is free at the basic level; a paid subscription unlocks a more advanced model

AI Platform Comparison

Claude: preferred for coding/creating; considered more user-friendly than ChatGPT
Gemini: good for general search and comparisons; user-friendly
ChatGPT: widely cited as powerful but considered less user-friendly
Important caution: always verify AI-generated information — it can cite inaccurate or secondary sources
Brief discussion on privacy concern raised by a participant: using real photos of people in AI tools and potential facial recognition implications — the instructor was uncertain but noted that AI tools already read through device photo libraries

Mobile Photography Masterclass: Apple Photos Walkthrough, AI Editing, and Printing Options 9.24.2026

2026-09-24T19:22:33.457-07:00

Mobile Photography Masterclass: Apple Photos Walkthrough, AI Editing, and Printing Options

Organizing Apple Photos, editing with mobile AI tools, and printing 4x6 photos at home with a compact printer.

Recap of Previous Session

Topics covered last session: cloud backup (iCloud, Google Photos, Amazon Photos, Dropbox), Android photo editing, iPhone photo editing intro, and photo scanning
Reminder: avoid using duplicate cloud services unless intentionally keeping redundant backups

Apple Photos App — Interface Walkthrough

Shared Albums: Albums shared with or by others, e.g., for group events where everyone contributes photos
Recent Days: Auto-generated by Apple to encourage engagement with recent photos
Albums: User-created, for personal categorization by trip, person, or event; removing a photo from an album does NOT delete it from the library
Utilities section includes:
- Favorites: "Heart" a photo to bookmark it for quick access (e.g., passport photo); removing a heart does not delete the photo
- Hidden: Hides sensitive photos (e.g., credit cards) behind Face ID
- Recently Deleted: Photos are recoverable for 30 days, then auto-deleted permanently
- Duplicates: Finds similar photos; option to merge or delete
- Auto-categories: Receipts, handwriting, QR codes, documents — Apple automatically sorts photos into these
Maps: Uses GPS geotagging to show where photos were taken on a map; zoom in/out to explore by location ; does not work for scanned photos
People: Facial recognition feature that identifies and groups photos by person; tag a face once and it will find matching faces throughout the library
Pinned Collections: Customize which utility categories appear at the top for quick access; use "Modify" to add/remove/reorder
Memories: Apple auto-generates themed slideshows with music from your photos
Trips: Auto-organized based on geotagging
Media Types: Filter by photo type — panoramas, live photos, slow motion, videos, etc.
Customize and Reorder (bottom of library): Lets you show/hide and reorder all sections to your preference
Widgets: Add a photo album widget to your home screen as a mini digital frame; press and hold home screen → Edit → Add Widget → Photos
iOS version differences: iOS 18 uses a vertical layout; iOS 26 separates library and albums behind a second button; iOS 27 demo deferred to next month

Photo Printing Options

Home printing — Canon SELPHY:
- Compact dedicated photo printer, uses dye sublimation (no liquid ink, never dries out, waterproof prints)
- Connects via Bluetooth/AirPlay or has a built-in card reader for memory cards and USB
- Approx. $179; high-quality glossy 4x6 prints
Walgreens app (recommended for convenience):
- Download the Walgreens app → Photos section → select prints → choose photo from device → select size/finish → add to cart → choose store for pickup
- 4x6 print costs ~$0.39; pay at the store when picking up
- Also offers calendars, photo books, and other custom products
- Nearest location: 1524 Polk Street
PhotoWorks (Castro & Market): Professional-quality printing; prints on glossy, matte, or metal; higher cost but premium results
- Vintage photo booths available next door; avoid weekends
Online services: Snapfish and Shutterfly for photo books and custom prints; Snapfish may partner with Walgreens for in-store pickup
Key tip: Download the app of whichever printing service you use — they include all the tools needed

Photoshop Express Demo (Adobe)

Free to download; $34.99/year for full AI features
Works on current phones without needing the latest iOS — a good alternative for those who can't upgrade
AI background/sky replacement: Replace backgrounds in real time using the camera
Outfit Swap: AI replaces clothing in a photo (e.g., adds a tuxedo or jacket)
Generative Fill: Expands narrow/vertical photos by AI-generating surrounding content (ocean, skyline, etc.)
AI Retouch tools: Skin smoothing, lip plumping, eye enhancement, hair changes — all without manual masking
Available on iPhone and iPad under the same Apple subscription
Much more user-friendly than traditional Photoshop (no complex tool icons to learn)

iPhone & Android Photo Editing: AI Tools & Apps Class 9.17.26

2026-09-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

iPhone & Android Photo Editing: AI Tools & Apps Class

Class Context & Recap

This is a continuing technology class at SFCT (sfct.net), focused on photos on the phone
Previous class covered Apple device releases, the new iPhone, and iOS updates; iOS 27 is now available
Jason plans to demo iOS 27 next week; today's class covers iOS 26 features since most students are still on that version
Key iOS 27 teaser: AI will be able to expand photo borders by filling in edges that weren't originally there

Photo Backup & Storage Reminder

Services covered previously: iCloud, Google Photos, Amazon Photos
Recommendation: only use one backup service — using multiple results in duplicate or triplicate copies and extra storage fees
If using Google Photos, make sure iCloud photo backup is turned off, and vice versa
iCloud sync demo: once enabled, all photos appeared immediately on a second device, showing the value of cloud storage even if a phone is lost

Android (Google Photos) — AI Features Demo

AI Enhance: one-tap tool that automatically adjusts brightness, contrast, cropping, and blurs the background to make subjects stand out — much more powerful than iPhone's magic wand
AI Framing Suggestions: the camera analyzes what you're pointing at and suggests how to better frame the shot (e.g., rotating to landscape)
Magic Eraser (Google Photos): select an unwanted person or object, choose "Erase," and Google's servers process and remove it; results vary by complexity of the scene
- Works best with simpler backgrounds; complex scenes can produce imperfect results
- With careful refinement using the brush tool, results can be very clean — comparable to what would take much longer in Lightroom or Photoshop
Key point: Google Photos is more advanced for editing than Apple Photos; Google Photos app can be downloaded on an iPhone
Caveat: Google Photos is free but enabling backup means photos are stored in Google's storage; fees apply if you exceed limits

iPhone (Apple Photos) — Editing Tools

Magic Wand: auto-adjusts brightness and contrast; individual sliders (exposure, brilliance, highlights, shadows, etc.) show what was changed after the fact
Crop & Straighten: drag the slider to fix a crooked/tilted horizon
Filters: presets include Vivid (brighter, more contrast), Warm (yellowed/vintage), Cool (more blue), and Black & White options
Undo/Revert: left arrow undoes last change; "Revert" button restores the original photo
Spatial Scene: adds a subtle 3D parallax effect to a photo, as if you're looking around the scene
Stickers: hold a finger on a subject in a photo to isolate and save them as a sticker; stickers can be sent in text messages
Overall assessment: Apple Photos editing is fairly basic; more advanced tools are expected in iOS 27 next week

Photoshop Express App (iPhone)

Free to download from the App Store; may have a subscription component
Features demonstrated:
- Subject vs. Background masking: automatically separates subject from background; apply changes to each independently
- Face editing tools: adjust nose size/shape, eye size, chin length, jawline, lips, and more — all via simple sliders
- Smart Brush / Heal: brush-based removal of unwanted elements, with variable results
Demo showed dramatically altered portraits — emphasizing that photos can be heavily manipulated and undetectable
Tip: for serious editing, do it on a computer or at full screen — phone screens make fine detail work very difficult

Scanning Old Printed Photos — Google PhotoScan

Google PhotoScan app allows you to scan a printed photo using your phone's camera
Process: app guides you to each corner of the photo and stitches them together with AI enhancement
Can reduce scratches, improve color, and produce a digital version that closely resembles the original
Tips: use good lighting, avoid casting shadows over the photo while scanning
Once digitized, the photo can be further edited in any app (e.g., Photoshop Express to restore color or brightness)
Best for a small number of photos; doing hundreds would be very time-consuming

Apple Devices, Photo & Video Editing Class 9.10.2026

2026-09-10T12:51:33.141-07:00

Apple Devices, Photo & Video Editing Class

Apple Product Updates (Announced Yesterday)

Comparing Apple products: Visit apple.com, hover over a product category (e.g., iPhone, AirPods, Watch), and use the "Compare" option in the dropdown menu; most categories support comparison except Apple Vision Pro (only one model)
New AirPods: Announced with new features (heart rate sensing during workouts, hearing test) aimed at attracting buyers before they upgrade to AirPod Pro
- Priced lower to appeal to cost-conscious buyers who don't want to spend ~$250 on AirPod Pros
- Some users use AirPods as hearing aids via Transparency Mode (amplifies voices, reduces ambient noise), though battery life (3–5 hours) is a limiting factor compared to dedicated hearing aids
- Siri integration coming: hold down AirPods to talk to Siri without taking out your phone
- Upcoming AirPod Pros: Will include a camera to sense the environment, enabling AI interaction through audio — Apple's alternative to smart glasses
Apple Watch updates:
- Current model checks heart rate every 5 minutes
- New model will check every 5 seconds
- May also include O2 and ECG readings (unconfirmed)
- Apple Watch Ultra (~$800): Designed as a sports/activity tracker to compete with Garmin and similar brands
New Siri (iOS 27): True AI integration — no longer just AI-assisted Siri, but a fully AI-powered assistant; availability depends on device compatibility
iMac: No official announcement; rumored release at end of year
The announcement focused on handheld/mobile devices only — no computer updates announced

Photo Editing (Apple Photos & Windows Photos)

Open a photo in the Photos app and click Edit to access editing tools
Key tools available on both Apple and Windows:
- Brightness/exposure sliders for manual adjustments
- Auto button: applies automatic best-guess improvements
- Magic Wand: one-click enhancement based on AI assumptions
- Revert to Original: undoes all changes at any time, even after saving
Recommended: Make a duplicate of the original before editing (right-click → Duplicate, or Ctrl+click → Duplicate) if you want to preserve both versions
Erasing people/objects: Select an area to remove a person or object; the app removes them but leaves a gap rather than filling it in
Cropping: Drag corners to tighten the frame; useful when you couldn't get close enough to a subject
Live Photos (iPhone): Captures ~3 seconds before and after the shot; use the film strip at the bottom to find the best frame, then tap Make Key Photo to set it as the permanent image
Windows Photos: Same concepts, slightly different interface; use "Save as Copy" to keep both original and edited version

Photo Storage Services

iCloud: Default Apple backup; storage fills up and costs increase over time
Google Photos: Available as an app and via browser; supports editing (enhance, crop, remove people); caution — if installed on iPhone, it may back up photos to both iCloud and Google, causing duplicate storage charges
Amazon Photos: Similar to Google Photos; automatically uploads your library if enabled; included with Amazon Prime (unlimited photo storage); no need to maintain both Amazon and iCloud backups
Flickr: One of the few services still offering unlimited storage at a flat price; original photographer-focused platform; good for storing and sharing large photo libraries
Key takeaway: You don't need multiple photo backup services — pick one and avoid paying for duplicates

Video Editing (Apple Photos)

Open a video in Photos, click Edit, and use the timeline/film strip at the bottom to scrub through footage
Trimming: Drag the handles on either end of the timeline to keep only the portion you want; click Done, then choose to replace the original or save as a new clip
Limitation — removing a middle section: Apple Photos cannot extract a middle portion and splice the remaining clips back together directly
- Workaround: Trim and save the first good section as one clip, then trim and save the second good section as another clip, then combine the two
Even after saving edits, the original video data is retained and can be restored by dragging the timeline handles back out
Video editing on iPhone will be covered next week

Digital Photography & Photo Editing — September Class 9.3.2026

2026-09-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

Digital Photography & Photo Editing — September Class 9.3.2026

Class Overview

September's monthly topic is digital imaging, photos, and photo editing
Session covered the evolution of cameras, smartphone lens differences, phone-to-computer syncing, and basic photo editing in Apple Photos

Camera Evolution & Smartphone Lenses

Cameras evolved from film → dedicated digital cameras (which disrupted Kodak) → smartphones
Smartphones started with one camera, then added a selfie lens, then a telephoto lens for zoom, then a wide-angle lens
Participants noted that some phones only have two lenses; the two-lens models typically pair a normal lens with a wide-angle (0.5x), not a telephoto
The telephoto (zoom) lenses — 4x and 8x optical — are only on the most expensive iPhone models
Samsung once made a phone with a physical camera-style lens that extends out; trade-off is bulk

Optical Zoom vs. Digital Zoom

Optical zoom: mechanical movement of the lens itself; maintains image quality
Digital zoom: software rendering; image quality degrades, especially beyond 8x
Some phones advertise up to 20x–120x zoom, but anything beyond optical range uses software
Google Pixel achieves 120x zoom; Apple iPhone maxes out around 40x

Comparing Smartphone Cameras

Apple.com's iPhone compare page ("Compare iPhone") shows lens specs and zoom capabilities by model
Side-by-side comparison websites test iPhone vs. Pixel vs. Samsung in various conditions
Key differences observed: color saturation (Pixel more vibrant, iPhone sometimes warmer), low-light performance (Pixel brightens shadows more), and zoom clarity
Neither phone is objectively "better" — it depends on personal preference for color style and use case (low light, action, zoom)
Samsung cameras are considered competitive; some use Leica lenses via manufacturer partnerships
Flagship phones from Apple, Google, and Samsung are all roughly $1,000

Dedicated Cameras

Dedicated cameras still produce better image quality and zoom than smartphones
Key buying factors: zoom capability, size, and ruggedness/waterproofing
Waterproof phone cases exist for underwater use, including deep-dive cases

iCloud Photo Syncing

Apple ecosystem: turning on iCloud syncing wirelessly moves photos from iPhone → iCloud → Mac automatically
Deleting a photo on one device propagates the deletion across all synced devices
Windows users can add the iCloud app to sync photos into the Windows Photos app
No cables or memory cards needed — photos appear in the Mac Photos library automatically

Apple Photos App: Basics

Library view zoom slider adjusts how many thumbnails are visible vs. image size
Heart icon: marks a photo as a favorite for easy retrieval later
Info panel (ⓘ): shows geotagging, file type (HEIC), date/time, device used, resolution, file size, ISO, aperture, f-stop
- Geotagging reveals exact location — recommended to disable before sharing sensitive location photos
- Date/time can be manually adjusted; useful for organizing scanned old photos (e.g., 1950s family albums) by bulk-selecting and reassigning the year
- Captions and keywords can be added to label photos
- People recognition: Photos groups faces by name; can label and correct face matches
Share button (↑): send by text, AirDrop, create albums, etc.

Apple Photos App: Editing Tools

Magic wand: one-click auto-adjust for light and color
Adjust panel: manual sliders for lighting, color, black & white, red eye, curves
Filters: preset color styles (warm, vivid, etc.)
Crop tool: reframe or reorient the photo
Cleanup tool: AI-powered removal of unwanted objects or people from a photo; quality depends on OS version
- Demo showed removing a person from a photo — results were reasonable but imperfect
- Newer macOS (Tahoe) and AI tools improve cleanup capability
Revert to Original: always available to undo all edits
Best practice — duplicate before editing: right-click → "Duplicate 1 Photo" to preserve the original
- Live Photos can be duplicated as a still if preferred
Professional workflow tip (shared by a participant): duplicate → crop → adjust levels

Next Session Preview

Next week: advanced editing tools, levels, and the navigation panel on the side
In two weeks: photo editing on the iPhone

Technology Class: AI Email Tools, Apple Pay & Q&A 8.27.26

2026-08-27T18:42:39.590-07:00

Technology Class: AI Email Tools, Apple Pay & Q&A

History of Email

Email originated in 1965 at MIT as computer-to-computer communication over early intranet/telephone lines, long before the public internet
Consumer email only became practical in the 1990s with dial-up internet; major early providers included AOL, CompuServe, and Hotmail (Microsoft's first major free service)
Core email functionality (compose, subject, send, reply) has remained largely unchanged since then

AI Writing Tools in Email

Gmail app and macOS Mail both offer AI writing assistance via a small star/nebula icon (Apple calls it "Apple Intelligence")
"Help me write" (Gmail): Compose a reply without reading the email — just describe what you want the AI to write (e.g., validate the team, highlight an event, ask three questions), then tap Create
- AI reads the email content and generates a contextually relevant, signed reply
Proofread (macOS Mail): Highlight your text → click the nebula icon → choose Proofread; AI corrects grammar/spelling and adds punctuation without changing your voice
Rewrite: Same steps but choose Rewrite; AI completely rewrites the selected text — useful for writer's block but loses your original voice
Alternative access: Highlight text → Control+click → Writing Tools → choose desired action (also works for Make Concise)
Jason Dare's personal use case: proofreading late-night or fast-typed emails to catch errors and missing commas, without the stylistic conflicts of having a human editor
Caveat: AI-generated emails may feel impersonal; recipients may notice a change in someone's writing voice
Note: AI features in macOS Mail require an updated operating system

Upcoming Apple Keynote (September)

Apple has a keynote around September 9th with new product announcements
Anticipated products include a possible new iMac; rumors suggest Apple will not release a larger-screen iMac and will keep it one size
Discussion of the rumored foldable iPhone (expected to open like a book)
Jason Dare agreed to review the keynote highlights at the following class

Foldable Phones Demo

Jason Dare demonstrated a Google Pixel Fold in class
Two main foldable phone makers available in the US: Google (Pixel Fold) and Samsung
Opening the phone doubles the screen size for photos/media; for text/web pages, font size stays the same but more content is visible
The phone is slightly thicker than a standard phone but not double the width; weight is largely due to the battery
There is a visible seam down the middle of the screen
A flip-style foldable also exists: folds to half an iPhone's size, opens to full iPhone size

Unsubscribe Laws & Spam

By law, commercial/solicitation emails must include an unsubscribe option and the sender's address/company information
"Unsubscribe" may appear as opt out or be buried in terms and conditions
Best practice: Only use unsubscribe for recognizable, legitimate senders; for obvious spam or suspicious emails, use the email program's spam/block feature instead — unsubscribing from spam may result in receiving more messages

Outdated Browser / Safari Issue

Issue raised: some financial websites block login because Safari is out of date
Root cause: Safari only updates with macOS; older computers that can't upgrade the OS are stuck on an outdated Safari
Workaround: Download Firefox or Chrome, which update independently of the operating system

Searching for Missing Emails

When searching for an email, results show all matching messages across all folders, with the folder location shown on the right side of each result
If an email is found in the trash, it was accidentally deleted — move it back to the inbox by dragging or using Move
If found in archive (common with Gmail), it was auto-archived — this can actually be useful for users prone to losing emails
Raised by Brooks: emails known to exist but hard to locate; resolved by using search and checking folder labels

Apple Pay

In-store: Double-press the power button → Face ID authenticates → tap to pay at the register
Online (Mac/Safari): Apple Pay on a Mac works only in Safari; credit cards must be synced via iCloud Wallet between iPhone and Mac
- To enable sync: Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Wallet — toggle on
- Verification online uses either a fingerprint (Touch ID on Mac) or the card's CVV code
There is no "tap to pay" on a computer; the card appears as a checkout option within Safari

iOS Mail App: Features, Settings & Email Management 8/20/26

2026-08-20T09:50:00.000-07:00

iOS Mail App: Features, Settings & Email Management

Overview

This is part of an ongoing tech class series, with previous sessions covering web-based mail (e.g., gmail.com, yahoo.com) and client-based/software mail (e.g., Mac Mail, Outlook)
Today's session focused on using email on iPhone/iOS, including the Apple Mail app, provider-specific apps, and key settings
Class notes are available at sfct.net for reference

Why Use a Mail App on Your Phone

Websites like gmail.com are not well-designed for small screens, which is why mail apps exist
Most users are already using a client-based mail app on their phone without realizing it, even if they use web-based mail on a computer
The default iOS mail app (Apple Mail) is set up automatically when configured at the Apple Store

Navigating the iOS Mail App

Bottom toolbar buttons: trash, move to folder, reply/reply all/forward, and compose new message
Top arrows allow sequential navigation through messages without returning to inbox
The arrow/share icon (↑) opens additional options: move to junk, mute, block sender, move message, mark unread, flag, and Remind Me
Flagging acts like a post-it note to mark emails needing follow-up, especially useful when inbox volume is high
Swiping left a little reveals options; swiping fully left performs the default action (trash or archive)

Archive vs. Trash

Archive: holds emails removed from inbox but not deleted; useful for those unsure whether to keep or delete
Trash: deletes the message permanently
If a box icon (not a trash can) appears at the bottom of an email, the app is set to archive instead of delete — items may "disappear" into archive without the user realizing
Gmail defaults to archive, not trash, which can cause storage to fill up unexpectedly
To change this setting: Settings → Mail → Mail Accounts → [Your Account] → Account Settings → Advanced → choose "Deleted Mailbox" or "Archive Mailbox"

Filtering and Sorting Emails

A filter/sort button in the inbox allows filtering by unread, flagged, or emails with attachments
If emails seem to "disappear," check whether the filter is accidentally turned on
Recommendation: use the filter to show only unread and flagged messages to prioritize responses

Mailboxes and Folders

Tap Mailboxes (top left) to access all folders: inbox, trash, archive, drafts, sent, etc.
To recover an accidentally deleted email, go to Mailboxes → Trash, then move the email back to the inbox via the folder icon
Numbers next to mailboxes indicate unread messages, not total message count
Multiple email accounts can be managed together via an All Inboxes unified view, or separately by account
The mailbox list is customizable: tap Edit (top right in Mailboxes view) to add or remove items like Flagged or VIP

Email Threads and Conversations

Emails that are part of a thread show a blue arrow indicator and display a message count (e.g., "7 messages")
Threads can get confusing if participants reply to older messages rather than the most recent one; starting a new thread is sometimes cleaner
Older messages in a thread appear quoted or in different colors when scrolling down
Thread notifications can be turned on in mail settings to track replies

Reply vs. Reply All

Always check the recipient header before sending: Reply sends only to the sender; Reply All sends to everyone on the thread
To correct a recipient before sending, manually delete names from the To field; to add missed recipients, cancel and use Reply All

Searching Email

Use the search bar (pull down in inbox to reveal) to find emails by name or keyword
Typing a name and selecting a contact suggestion (with a profile picture) searches only emails to/from that person, not all emails containing the name

Adding and Blocking Contacts

Tap a sender's name in an email to add them as a new contact or add the email to an existing contact
The same menu offers a Block this Contact option

Email Categories

Some mail apps auto-sort emails into categories: Primary, Transactions, Updates
To turn off categories and return to a simple list: tap the three dots → choose List View instead of Category View

Provider-Specific Mail Apps (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo)

Each email provider (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, AOL) offers its own dedicated app with slightly different features and layouts
A key benefit of provider apps: they can update spam filter settings directly without needing to log in on a computer
Provider apps also sync with contacts stored in that service (e.g., Gmail app pulls Gmail contacts)
Multiple mail apps can coexist on a device and will stay synchronized; deleting from one deletes from both
To change the default mail app: Settings → Apps → Mail → Default Mail App → select preferred app

Sending Attachments and Photos

Easiest way to send an attachment: open the file (PDF, photo, etc.), tap the share arrow (↑), then select Mail
When sending photos, size options may appear: Small, Medium, Large, Original
- Medium: recommended for viewing on a screen
- Original/Large: recommended if the recipient will print the photo
Email providers have attachment size limits (Gmail is approximately 20 MB); oversized emails may be rejected and returned
Size limits are set by the email provider, not the internet provider

Customizing Swipe Actions

Swipe behavior (e.g., archive vs. delete) can be customized: Settings → Mail → Swipe Options
Tip: change one setting at a time so it's easy to revert if needed

Phone vs. Computer Settings

Settings changed in the iOS mail app generally do not carry over to a laptop or computer, especially when using different types of mail clients

Action Items

[ ] Participants who prefer list view over categories: go to the three dots menu in mail → select List View
[ ] Participants seeing a box (archive) instead of a trash icon: go to Settings → Mail → Mail Accounts → account → Advanced → switch to Deleted Mailbox
[ ] Participants interested in provider apps (Gmail, Outlook, etc.): search the App Store, install, and try alongside existing mail app before committing
[ ] Review class notes at sfct.net for a recap of today's and prior sessions

Email Clients vs. Web-Based Email — Technology Class 8/13/2026

2026-08-13T16:16:02.691-07:00

Email Clients vs. Web-Based Email — Technology Class 8/13/2026

Class Overview & Resources

This is a recurring weekly technology class; notes and AI-generated summaries are posted after each session at sfct.net
Participants are encouraged to slow the instructor down or revisit the blog notes if content moves too fast
New participants were welcomed at the start of this session

Last Week's Recap: Spam Filters

Covered how to set spam filters at the source — by logging into your email provider's website (e.g., gmail.com, mail.yahoo.com, outlook.com)
Marking emails as spam or "not spam" on your phone does not fix the root issue; it must be done via the web-based interface

How Email Storage Works

Emails are stored in the cloud on your provider's server, not on your local device
All devices (phone, computer, tablet) connect to the same server, which is why they stay synced automatically — no button required
Sync speed varies; some systems are faster than others

Web-Based Email vs. Mail Clients

Web-based email: accessed via a browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox) by going to a .com address (e.g., gmail.com)
Mail client: software installed on your device (e.g., Macintosh Mail on Mac, Outlook on Windows, Thunderbird)
- Mac default: Macintosh Mail (blue envelope icon)
- Windows default: Outlook
Email providers encourage web-based access because they control and maintain it; mail clients (Outlook, Macintosh Mail) may be slightly out of date

How Mail Clients Work

Requires a one-time setup: enter your email address and password; the client automatically retrieves IMAP/SMTP settings
IMAP = incoming mail settings (retrieves email from server); SMTP = outgoing mail settings (sends email)
In earlier days, users had to manually type in server addresses and port numbers — this is now done automatically
Mail clients rarely ask for your password again after initial setup, unlike web-based email which times out periodically

Benefits of Using a Mail Client

No ads: web-based email shows ads in the inbox or sidebar; mail clients suppress these
Flags & tags: emails can be flagged (e.g., red flag) to prioritize follow-up actions
Delayed sending: schedule emails to send at a later time
Multiple accounts in one inbox: manage several email addresses from a single unified interface without logging in and out
Cleaner printing: File → Print in a mail client prints only the email message; web-based email prints the entire screen including folders and sidebars
Second spam filter: mail clients add a second layer of spam filtering on top of the provider's own filter
- ⚠️ To train spam filters properly (teach what is/isn't spam), always go back to the web-based source (gmail.com, etc.), not the mail client's spam folder

Printing Emails

In web-based email, use the print icon within the email (not File → Print) to isolate just the message
In a mail client, File → Print correctly prints only the message
Print orientation and scaling can be adjusted if content appears too small
Save as PDF is recommended over printing on paper:
- Mac: use the PDF button in the print dialog → "Save as PDF"
- PC: choose PDF as the printer option
- Saves a digital record to your documents folder without wasting paper or ink

Email Conversation Threads

Mail clients and web-based email group replies into conversation threads
Printing a thread prints all messages in it; click an individual message first to print just that one
Conversations can be turned off in settings/View menu if grouping is confusing

Creating Group Email Lists / Distribution Lists

Make sure you create your contact list in the right place to match where you're sending email from
- Using Macintosh Mail? Create the list in the Mac Contacts/Address Book app
- Using Gmail in a browser? Create the group under Gmail Contacts (called "Labels" in Gmail)
In Macintosh Mail / Contacts: File → New List → name it → drag contacts into the list
In Gmail: create a new Label in Contacts → add people → the label name auto-populates when composing a new email
To remove someone from a list only (not from all contacts), delete from the list alone; deleting from the main contacts removes them everywhere
Test: before adding all contacts, type the list name in a new email compose window to confirm it appears — if it doesn't, the list is in the wrong place

POP Email — Backing Up Old Emails (Advanced)

For users with years of archived emails on a server, POP (P-O-P) can be used to download emails physically to your computer as a backup
Recommended client for this: Thunderbird
⚠️ Critical setting: check "Leave messages on server" before downloading, or emails will be removed from the cloud
Also check that "Delete after X days" is not enabled
POP must be manually activated in your provider's settings (e.g., in Gmail: Settings → See all settings → enable POP)

Email Inbox Safety, Spam Management, and Filters Workshop 8.6.2026

2026-08-06T22:16:40.610-07:00

Email Inbox Safety, Spam Management, and Filters Workshop

Overview

This is a class session covering email inbox safety, how email works, and practical strategies for managing spam and junk mail
Participants appear to be older adults, many using free email services such as Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, and iCloud

Email Inbox Safety

Using your inbox as a filing cabinet for important documents (contracts, tax records, attachments) is not recommended
Free email providers (Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, AOL, etc.) have no obligation to recover lost or deleted emails since you are not paying them
If your inbox is compromised or deleted, recovery is unlikely
Saving attachments to your local computer's documents folder is safer than keeping them in your inbox
Even paid email providers may only keep backups for 30 days — and some free providers (e.g., Yahoo) delete from the spam folder after just 7 days

Web-Based vs. Client-Based Email

Web-based email: Accessed through a browser (gmail.com, yahoo.com, etc.); emails reside on the provider's server, not your computer — so local backups do not back up these emails
Client-based email: Apps like Apple Mail, Outlook, Thunderbird, or EM Client installed on your computer
- IMAP (most common today): Emails are not permanently downloaded; they still reside on the server and are not backed up by tools like Time Machine
- POP: Actually downloads a copy of emails to your computer, making local backups possible
Most participants are likely using web-based email with IMAP, meaning they are relying entirely on their email provider

Spam and Junk Mail Management

Spam filter quality varies by email provider; Gmail is generally stronger than Yahoo
Two main options for unwanted emails:
1. Unsubscribe: Only use this for recognized, legitimate companies — unsubscribing from unknown senders can confirm your account is active and trigger more spam
2. Mark as spam/junk: Teaches your provider's spam filter to redirect future emails from that sender
Spam management must be done through the web-based email interface, not through a phone mail app or desktop client — the spam filter lives at the source
Regularly check your spam folder for legitimate emails accidentally filtered; you can mark them as "not spam" to return them to your inbox
Spam folder is automatically emptied every 30 days (some providers: 14 days); trash is also auto-deleted similarly

Creating Email Filters

If marking as spam isn't working, you can create manual filters to automatically delete or redirect emails based on:
- Sender email address
- Subject line keywords
- Words within the email body
Filters are not case-sensitive; spammers sometimes use obscure spellings to bypass filters
In Gmail: open the email → three dots (top right) → "Filter messages like these" → set criteria → "Create filter" → choose action (delete, archive, mark as spam)
Yahoo and Outlook also support sending filtered mail to custom folders, which Gmail does not

Next Week

Class will cover client-based email and additional filtering options
Will also address organizing emails into folders (e.g., iCloud folders)

Digital Decluttering: iPhone Storage, Photos & Videos Class 7.16.2026

2026-07-16T18:37:55.443-07:00

Digital Decluttering: iPhone Storage, Photos & Videos Class

Class Overview

Topic was digital decluttering — cleaning up iPhone storage, photos, and videos
Class notes and schedule available at sfct.net (instructor's website); participants were shown how to add it as a home screen bookmark

Rebooting & Device Maintenance

Rebooting clears temporary/cached files, similar to emptying a vacuum cleaner bag — not urgent but helpful periodically
Debate on rebooting daily: may slightly wear mechanical parts on older computers, but less relevant for modern devices
Traditional SATA hard drives have moving parts (spinning disc + arm like a record player); Solid State Drives (SSDs) have no moving parts and are used in all modern phones/iPads
To check drive type on a PC: go to Disk Utility — SATA = mechanical, SSD = solid state
If a computer is ~10 years old, upgrading was recommended

Password Management

Forgetting a phone/iPad PIN can require wiping the entire device; having a backup is critical
Tip: use a home phone number as a computer password — easy to remember and rarely changes
Recommended master password list (one sheet of paper, not a binder) should include:
- Apple ID password
- Email account password (Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, etc.)
- Microsoft account (if applicable)
- Bank / online banking password
- Major credit card login
- MyChart password
- Computer login password
- Phone PIN (4 or 6 digits)
Cross out and replace passwords on the list when changed; password managers are also an option
If you forget a password and your registered email is abandoned, you cannot reset it — consider forwarding old email to a new address before abandoning it

iPhone Storage Management

Check storage: Settings > General > iPhone Storage — shows total capacity and what's consuming space
Apps are stored on the physical device, not the cloud, so they consume local storage
Offload Unused Apps: automatically removes unused apps to the cloud; they re-download when tapped — can be enabled in Settings > [scroll to] Apps > App Store
- A cloud icon next to an app means it has been offloaded
- For one participant, enabling this would save ~60 GB on a 256 GB phone
Remove Automatic Downloads: removes downloaded files (statements, attachments) after use — can save significant space
Apps history (including removed apps) can be viewed in the App Store > Profile > My Apps
When buying a new phone, check current storage usage first to determine the right capacity

Photo Decluttering — Duplicates

Find duplicate photos: Photos > Collections > Utilities > Duplicates (may need to swipe to reach Collections)
Duplicates are identified by near-identical images; matching file sizes (e.g., both 7.6 MB) are strong indicators of exact duplicates
Large size differences between flagged pairs suggest they may not be true duplicates — review before merging
Pressing Merge keeps the higher-quality version and removes the rest
Duplicates commonly come from downloading the same photo multiple times (email attachments, texts)
No "Merge All" button — must merge one group at a time
Some participants had hundreds or thousands of duplicates (one had ~6,000)

Video & Photo Decluttering

Videos take up the most space — prioritize reviewing these before individual photos
Find videos: Photos > Collections > Media Types > Videos
Common candidates for deletion: accidental recordings (floor videos, forgotten-to-stop recordings), old diagnostic clips sent to repair people, screenshots already saved
To save a still frame from a video: take a screenshot (hold power + volume up, or say "Hey Siri, take a screenshot") while the video is paused at the desired frame
To trim a video: open the video > tap the three-line edit icon > drag the left/right handles on the timeline to select desired portion > tap Done
- Tip: make a duplicate of the video before editing to preserve the original
To archive large videos without deleting: upload to YouTube via the share (arrow up) button and select YouTube
- YouTube privacy options: Private (only you), Unlisted (shareable via link, not searchable), Public (visible to everyone)
- Useful for sharing event recordings with the community

Mac & iPhone Photos Management Class 7.9.2026

2026-07-09T13:30:47.156-07:00

Mac & iPhone Photos Management Class

Internet Accounts Management

Accessible via System Settings > Internet Accounts on Mac, and Settings > Apps > Mail > Accounts on iPhone
Users should expect at least two accounts: iCloud (always present on Apple devices) and their personal email (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, etc.)
Only the Mail feature should typically be enabled for all accounts; Calendar, Contacts, and Notes should be consolidated to avoid duplication across services
If an old email address is tied to external services, users should update those accounts or re-register with their current email if the provider doesn't allow email changes
This topic will be revisited next week if needed

Photos App: How It Works

The Photos app maintains a library that organizes photos by date taken, location, and device metadata (e.g., camera model, f-stop, ISO)
Scanned or imported older (non-digital) photos may inherit the scan date rather than the original date; this can be corrected by selecting photos and choosing Image > Adjust Date and Time — can be done for a whole batch at once
The library uses facial recognition to automatically group photos by person, even across decades, without manual tagging
Photos sync across Mac and iPhone when iCloud Photos is enabled

Adding Photos to Your Library

Photos stored in individual folders on your computer are not automatically part of the Photos library; drag them onto the Photos app dock icon to import
Recently Saved shows the most recently imported photos; Library shows the most recently taken photo — these are different
Adding photos to the library increases iCloud storage usage

Photos on a PC (Windows)

There is no drag-and-drop Photos app equivalent on PC; instead, use iCloud for Windows to sync iCloud Photos to the native Windows Photos app
If OneDrive is active, it may conflict with iCloud Photos sync

Managing and Sharing Photos

Finding duplicates: Go to Utilities > Duplicates in the Photos sidebar; you can delete the lower-quality copy individually or use Merge
Exporting (reducing file size): Select photo(s) > File > Export > choose quality (Medium recommended for screen viewing); a 5 MB photo can shrink to ~48 KB
For bulk exports, create a new folder first during the export dialog to avoid dumping 46 individual files onto the desktop
Compressing for email: Right-click (Control-click) the exported folder > Compress to create a single .zip file — easier for recipients and reduces total size (e.g., 46 photos went from ~200 MB to ~5 MB)
Sharing a single photo: Click the photo, then click the share arrow (up-pointing arrow) at the top right to email or text it

Shared Albums

Shared albums let you share selected photos without consuming the recipient's storage — the host's storage is used
If the host removes the shared album, recipients lose access; participants should save any important photos to their own library beforehand
Recommended: add curated photos to an existing cumulative shared album (e.g., one for grandparents) rather than creating many separate albums

Favorites & Cloud Storage Tips

Mark photos as Favorites to bookmark them for easy retrieval; favorites sync across Mac and iPhone
To reduce iCloud storage costs: export old photos to an external drive, then delete them from the library so they no longer count against your iCloud quota
The current iCloud storage cost (~$0.99/month) was noted as low enough that the effort to manually offload photos may not be worthwhile for most people

Technology Class: June Month-in-Review & Q\&A Session 6.25.26

2026-06-25T13:05:13.643-07:00

Technology Class: June Month-in-Review & Q\&A Session 6.25.26

Month-in-Review: Storage Topics

The class revisited the month's lessons, all noted online at sfct.net, including AI-generated infographics summarizing lesson content
Class 1 covered storage fundamentals; an AI-generated infographic was used, later swapped for a simpler graphic due to visual clutter
Class 2 focused on digital decluttering, cloud services (Google Drive, OneDrive), and the difference between Time Machine backups and cloud storage
Class 3 (iPhone class) covered:
- Checking iPhone storage (physical vs. cloud)
- Recognizing fake "storage full" phishing emails — users should check their own storage rather than clicking suspicious links
- Using the iPhone Files app to save, access, and transfer documents between phone and computer via iCloud Drive
- Overview of available cloud storage services

Q&A: Sharing a Large Number of Photos

The use case discussed: sharing ~83 photos and videos from a celebration of life event with ~5 people
Key principle: determine who you're sharing with before choosing a method — Apple devices vs. non-Apple, number of people, privacy needs, and whether you have their contact info
Method 1 — Apple Shared Albums (recommended for small Apple-device groups):
- In Photos app, tap Select, hold first photo and drag to select all
- Tap the share arrow → Shared Album → create a new album and name it
- Add participants by email or phone; blue contact = Apple device, green = non-Apple
- Add both phone and email for each participant to maximize delivery success
- Participants must accept the invitation before they can see the album; status shows as "invited" until they join
- In album settings (three dots → pencil icon), you can: allow/restrict participants from adding photos, enable notifications, and turn on a public website link for non-Apple users to view (view-only)
- The public link is the easiest sharing method for mixed groups — send it and anyone can view without needing an Apple account
- Recipients can download photos to their own library from the shared album
Method 2 — iCloud Drive / Google Drive / OneDrive shared folder:
- Create a folder, share via link with "view only" or "can edit" permissions
- Useful for cross-platform sharing; use whichever cloud service you already pay for
- Limitation: photos display as individual files, not a photo album — use "View as Gallery" to improve this
- Google Drive free tier is only ~5 GB, so large photo sets may exceed quota
Avoid: sending 83+ photos via text message or email — email size limits (5–20 MB) will cause rejection
Note on computer vs. phone: the Photos sharing experience works better on iPhone; macOS versions prior to Sequoia/Tahoe have more limited functionality

Q&A: Troubleshooting "Unable to Download Photo" Error

Sophie encountered an error: "Unable to download photo from iCloud Photos — check network settings" when trying to send a single photo
Cause identified: Wi-Fi was on but underperforming, compounded by an active VPN
Fix: turn off Wi-Fi to fall back on cellular (Verizon/AT&T/T-Mobile), which resolved the issue immediately
Full Wi-Fi bars do not guarantee a good connection
VPN note: VPN (Virtual Private Network) adds privacy but can interfere with downloads because services can't identify the user
- VPN is useful when traveling; at home it is generally unnecessary and can cause slowdowns

Q&A: Calendar Management & Shared Calendars

Problem raised: new calendar events keep defaulting to the wrong calendar instead of the shared family calendar
Solution: set a default calendar on iPhone via Settings → Apps → Calendar → Default Calendar — choose the desired shared calendar
General advice: avoid having too many calendars; ideally keep just one to prevent confusion
Benefits of shared calendars:
- Participants receive notifications when events are added
- Built-in reminders (day before, minutes before) keep everyone informed
- Events can include Zoom links, eliminating the need for reminder emails
Jason uses three shared calendars: family (with spouse), one for their son, and one for extended family/parents
Suggested application for the towers: a shared calendar for community groups (poetry, Spanish, etc.) with Zoom links embedded in each event

Q&A: Scanning Documents on iPhone

Do not download third-party scanner apps — many contain malware or collect your data; the same applies to flashlight apps
Use the built-in Notes app to scan documents as PDFs:
- Open Notes → create a new note → tap the paperclip/attachment icon → select Scan Documents
- Tip: set up the document before opening the scanner — prop it upright against a surface so the camera can find it easily
- The camera automatically detects and captures the document; multiple pages can be scanned sequentially
- Tap Save, then use the share arrow to email or text the result as a multi-page PDF
Scanning (vs. taking a photo) improves contrast, corrects skew, and produces cleaner, more readable output

iPhone Storage & Cloud Storage Management Class 6.18.2026

2026-06-18T17:13:01.043-07:00

iPhone Storage & Cloud Storage Management Class 6.18.2026

[ ] Try the storage management features discussed (offload unused apps, review large attachments, iCloud Drive) before the next class

Overview

This session continued a recurring conversation about storage — where and how to store things, how to back up files, and how to sync across devices
Key cloud storage services reviewed: Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive, Dropbox, and Box
Core benefit of cloud storage: files stay in one remote location, eliminating the need to email files to yourself between devices

Storage Scam Warning

A common scam involves fake emails or pop-ups claiming you are "low on storage" — clicking them can lead to malware or spoofing websites
Always verify storage status yourself rather than trusting unsolicited alerts

Checking iPhone Storage (Settings → General → iPhone Storage)

Shows total capacity vs. used storage at a glance
Offload Unused Apps: automatically removes apps not in active use, but keeps the icon with a cloud indicator; tapping the icon re-downloads the app
- Unused apps were shown to take up ~57 GB in the demo
- Once enabled, it runs automatically — no need to toggle it repeatedly
- Recommended to turn on for most users; found via Settings search or Settings → App Store → Offload Unused Apps
- Reason to keep it off: if you want infrequently used apps to remain instantly available
Review Large Attachments: lists photos and videos stored in the Messages app by size
- Tap Edit to select and delete multiple items at once
- To keep a video before deleting it from Messages, save it to the photo library first, then delete the message copy
- If the recommendation doesn't appear, navigate directly to iPhone Storage → Messages
App size: focus on deleting apps over 1 GB; smaller apps have minimal impact
If storage is frequently near capacity, consider purchasing a phone with more internal storage next time

Photos and iCloud Storage

Photos sync to iCloud, so local device storage (~30 GB in the demo) is much smaller than total photo library
Recently accessed photos/videos are cached locally; older ones reside primarily in the cloud and may appear pixelated or take time to load
Full iCloud storage is visible via Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud — demo showed ~990 GB of photos stored in iCloud
Download and Keep Originals option exists but is impractical for large libraries; more relevant for professional photographers or those who don't trust the cloud
Turning off syncing puts everything locally on the device, but risks total loss if the phone is lost
The built-in Photos app editing tools are robust — no need for third-party editing software

iCloud and Time Machine

Cloud files (e.g., synced Documents or Desktop) may not be included in Time Machine backups
Cloud files remain accessible via any device or browser at icloud.com even if the original computer is lost

iCloud Settings — What to Keep On/Off

Recommended to keep most iCloud sync options on; they use little space and enable cross-device access
iCloud Mail — keep OFF for most users
- Apple automatically assigns an iCloud/me.com email address; leaving this on causes it to appear in the Mail app, leading to confusion about which email is being used
- Exception: if you have used a me.com address since the early days of Apple, keep it on

Accessing Third-Party Cloud Storage on iPhone

Download the relevant app (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box) from the App Store, then log in with your account credentials
On mobile, using the app is preferred over accessing via Safari due to poor browser navigation
Once installed, these services appear in the Files app alongside iCloud Drive and on-device storage
In Google Drive, the "Shared" tab shows files others have shared with you, such as meeting agendas

Using the Files App and iCloud Drive

The Files app (folder icon) shows all cloud storage locations and on-device storage
Do not delete unfamiliar folders on your device — apps place files there and deleting them may break the app
To sync files across Apple devices, save to iCloud Drive (not "On My iPhone")
To save an email attachment to iCloud Drive: hold down the attachment → Save to Files → choose an iCloud Drive location → Save
Use the Recents tab at the bottom of Files to quickly find the last saved file without knowing where it was stored

Offline Access — "Keep Downloaded"

Cloud files require an internet connection to access; if connectivity is unavailable (e.g., entering a building), files may be unreachable
Hold down a file → Keep Downloaded to store a local copy on the device (indicated by a circle/download arrow icon)
Example use case: downloading event tickets before entering a venue with poor reception
To free up space after the file is no longer needed, hold the file → Remove Download to move it back to cloud-only

Next Session

Several questions arose that were noted as topics for next week
Students encouraged to review notes and try these features before the next class

Mac Finder & Cloud Storage Class Summary 6.11.2026

2026-06-11T23:52:30.489-07:00

Mac Finder & Cloud Storage Class Summary 6.11.2026

Last Week's Recap

Covered decluttering, stacks, creating/moving folders, changing views, font size, thumbnails, and sorting
Color coding, moving items to Trash, multi-select with Shift (range) or Command (individual)
Aliases/Shortcuts: A link to an original file; deleting an alias does not delete the original; identified by a small black arrow on the icon

Finder: Path Bar & Go Menu

Path Bar: Shows file hierarchy at the bottom of the Finder window; enabled via View > Show Path Bar
- Displays the full folder path of any selected file
- Files can be dragged directly from the Path Bar to move them to a new location
Go Menu: Lists all main locations on the Mac (Recents, Home, Desktop, Downloads, Documents, etc.)
- Recents is useful for locating recently opened files regardless of where they were saved

Home Folder Structure

The Home folder (named after the user, shown with a house icon) contains all main folders: Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, Movies
Desktop folder: The visual desktop is simply a folder inside the Home folder
Music folder: Contains ripped CDs (music extracted from CDs and stored locally); newer Macs lack a CD drive, but an external CD drive costs ~$20
Pictures folder: Do not manually edit contents — use the Photos app (multicolored flower icon) instead to avoid corrupting the photo library
Rule: If you don't know what a folder or file is, don't touch it

Finder Sidebar Favorites

Folders can be dragged to the Favorites section of the Finder sidebar for quick access
Benefit over desktop shortcuts: Favorites appear in the sidebar during any Save dialog, allowing quick navigation when saving files
To remove a favorite: Control+click > Remove from Sidebar
If Favorites section disappears, hover over the gray heading and click to expand

iCloud Drive

Accessible via the Finder sidebar under iCloud
Benefits: Files are accessible from all linked Apple devices (iPhone, iPad); protects against physical computer damage
Enable: Apple Menu > System Settings > Profile Picture > iCloud > turn on iCloud Drive
Optional setting to automatically sync Desktop and Documents folders to iCloud Drive
Storage concern: Check documents folder size first (Command+I); if it exceeds your iCloud quota (e.g., 64 GB folder vs. 50 GB plan), you'll be pushed to a paid tier
iCloud Drive does not offer file versioning (the ability to restore older versions), except for Apple apps like Pages and Numbers

iCloud Drive vs. Time Machine

Time Machine: External drive backup (<$100); backs up everything — files, settings, applications, and snapshots over time
- Allows restoring deleted files from past snapshots (e.g., recovering an accidentally deleted document)
- Considered "foolproof" — no manual action needed once set up
iCloud Drive: Better for accessibility across devices; sufficient if you consistently store all files there
Recommendation: If you generate few documents, iCloud Drive may be sufficient; Time Machine is better if you want full, automatic backup without managing file placement
Cost comparison: iCloud subscription (e.g., ~$5/month = $60/year) vs. one-time external drive purchase for Time Machine

OneDrive (Microsoft 365)

Microsoft 365 subscribers get 1 TB of cloud storage
Download OneDrive for Mac, sign in with Microsoft account; it creates a synced OneDrive folder in Finder
Option to automatically back up Desktop and Documents during setup
Files not yet downloaded to the computer appear with a cloud icon in Finder

Google Drive

Identified by a triangle icon in the Finder sidebar
Download Google Drive for Desktop; requires a Google account
Once installed, Google Drive appears as a folder in Finder — drag and drop files without needing to log into a browser
Most widely used cloud storage for nonprofits and education; Google provides free Drive accounts to nonprofits

Cloud Sharing & Collaboration

Files stored in the cloud can be shared via a link — no need to send email attachments
Two sharing modes: (1) download a copy, or (2) live collaboration where multiple people edit the same file simultaneously
Accessible across platforms (Apple, Google, etc.); Google Drive is noted as the most collaboration-friendly

Quick Preview & Screenshot Management

Quick Preview: Select a file and hold the Spacebar to preview contents without opening the app; release spacebar to close
Useful for reviewing unknown screenshots before deciding to keep or delete
To review desktop screenshots in Gallery View: click Desktop in the Finder sidebar, then switch to Gallery View

Action Items

[ ] Students: Enable Path Bar in Finder via View > Show Path Bar
[ ] Students: Check documents folder size using Command+I or Control+click > Get Info to assess iCloud storage needs
[ ] Students: Consider enabling iCloud Drive via Apple Menu > System Settings > Profile > iCloud
[ ] Students: If using Microsoft 365, download OneDrive for Mac from Microsoft's site and sign in with Microsoft account
[ ] Students: If using Google, download Google Drive for Desktop and sign in with Google account
[ ] Students: Use spacebar Quick Preview to review unknown screenshots before deleting
[ ] Next class: Same file organization content covered on phones

Digital Decluttering Class Summary 6.4.2026

2026-06-04T18:04:01.625-07:00

Digital Decluttering Class Summary 6.4.2026

Files and Folders Basics

Files are individual documents; folders are containers used to organize files
Folders can contain both files and other folders for hierarchical organization
Desktop clutter is common issue when files accumulate without organization

Using Stacks on Mac

Stacks feature automatically groups desktop files by type
Access via View menu > Use Stacks
Groups include Screenshots, Documents, PDFs, Images
Click on stack to expand and view all files within

Creating New Folders

On Mac: File > New Folder or Control + Click > New Folder
On PC: Right-click > New > Folder
Folders can be renamed by clicking on name, then clicking again to edit
Shortcut: Command + N can also create new folder

Moving and Organizing Files

Move files by clicking, holding, and dragging to destination folder
Folder highlights when arrow hovers over it indicating drop zone
Can move entire stacks of files at once
Files can be dragged in and out of folders as needed

View Options and Customization

Four Main View Types:

Gallery view: Large preview of files, best for images
Icon view: Thumbnail previews, good for visual scanning
List view: Detailed columns showing name, date modified, size, and type
Column view: Multi-column navigation

Customization Options:

Text size can be adjusted (default 12, can increase to 15+)
Icon/thumbnail size is adjustable
Access via View menu > Show View Options

Sorting Options:

Click column headers to sort by name, date, size, or type
Can organize alphabetically or chronologically
Tags/colors can also be used for sorting

Performance Considerations

Thumbnail previews require computer processing power
Desktop clutter with many visible thumbnails can slow down computer
Recommendation for older/slower computers: use list view and store files in folders rather than on desktop

Selecting Multiple Files

Three Methods:

Draw selection box around group of files
Click first file, hold Shift, click last file to select range (in list view)
Hold Command and click individual files for non-contiguous selection

Deleting Files

Multiple Options:

Drag to Trash/Recycle Bin (bottom right on Mac, top left on PC)
Mac: File > Move to Trash or Control + Click > Move to Trash
PC: Right-click > Delete or drag to Recycle Bin
Keyboard shortcut: Command + Delete

Color Coding and Tags

Files can be color coded using Control + Click menu
Colors appear as dots on files
Files can be sorted and filtered by tags/colors
Useful for categorizing files within large groups

Desktop Organization Strategy

Recommended Approach:

Create "Old Desktop" or "Archive" folder for infrequently used files
Move desktop clutter into this folder to clean up main desktop
Keep only active/important files visible on desktop
Desktop becomes a to-do list - when task is complete, move file to Documents or Trash

Creating Shortcuts/Aliases

Purpose:

Create quick access links to frequently used folders
Recommended: Create shortcut to Documents folder on desktop

How to Create:

PC: Drag folder to desktop while holding - creates "Create Link"
Mac: Go menu > Documents, then drag Documents folder to desktop while holding Option + Command
Shortcut folders show small arrow indicator
Files dragged into shortcut are stored in actual Documents folder

Search Functionality

Mac:

Use Spotlight search (magnifying glass icon in top menu bar)
Type search term to find files with that name
Searches within document content and emails too

PC:

Click Search button in bottom taskbar
Type search term to find relevant files

Search Strategy:

Start with broad search terms
Add more specific terms to narrow results if needed
Starting too narrow can miss results

Word Counting Tools

Built-in Options:

Microsoft Word: Word count displayed at bottom of screen
Pages: View menu > Show Word Count
Provides counts for words, characters, paragraphs, etc.

Web-based Alternative:

Use wordcounter.net or similar online tools
Copy and paste text to get detailed statistics
Useful when working in applications without built-in counters (email, text editors)

Advanced Features Mentioned

Smart Folders: Create folders with automated criteria/filters
Instructor noted these require precise setup to work effectively
Get Info feature (Control + Click > Get Info): View detailed file information, change default opening application, see file size and count for groups
Share menu: Quick access to sharing files via email, text, AirDrop

Nested Folder Organization

Folders can be created within folders for hierarchical organization
Allows breaking down large collections into manageable sub-categories
Helps keep main folders cleaner by nesting related files deeper

Looking Ahead

Next week: More advanced files and folders techniques
Will demonstrate Smart Folder functionality
Will show new AI organization tool in Google Drive that suggests file organization

Apple Watch Features and Customization Class 5.28.2026

2026-05-28T20:37:31.946-07:00

Apple Watch Features and Customization Class

Watch Accessories and Protection

Screen protectors available in plastic film or glass varieties to prevent scratching
Glass protectors recommended for better tactile feel and protection
Installation straightforward with included step-by-step directions and mounting tools
Screen protectors inexpensive relative to watch replacement cost
Metal watch bands can corrode in water; plastic/silicone bands better for swimming and water activities
Changing bands simple using release button on back of watch
Apple Watch screens exposed and prone to cracking, especially older models

Finding Your Watch Model

Navigate to Settings > General > About to find model information and model number
Model number ensures correct accessory compatibility when shopping
Important to specify exact model when purchasing bands or cases, especially for larger Ultra model

Customizing Watch Faces

Watch face displays when picking up watch and provides quick access to information
Hold down on current face to access face gallery and editing options
Different faces provide quick access to specific data like weather, vitals, heart rate, oxygen levels
Complications allow customization of information displayed on each face
To customize: hold face > select Edit > choose Complications > tap elements to change them
Can add new faces by swiping to far right and selecting "New" from gallery
Can remove unwanted faces from gallery using edit mode

Smart Stack Widgets

Access by swiping up from watch face
Provides quick access to important information without opening apps
Default widgets include date, weather, activity tracking, and music detection
Fully customizable - can add, remove, or reorder widgets
Press Edit at bottom of Smart Stack to customize
Can add activity shortcuts, calendar appointments, heart rate data, astronomy info, and more
Enables quick workout tracking by tapping activity widget

Health and Sleep Tracking

Watch syncs health data to iPhone Health app (heart icon) automatically
Provides sleep score based on duration, REM, core, and deep sleep stages
Tracks heart rate and respiratory rate throughout sleep
Watch must be worn on wrist to collect sleep data
Shows sleep interruptions and wake times throughout night
Historical data allows tracking patterns over time
Activity tracking available for various exercises including swimming with stroke detection

Battery Life and Power Management

Battery life varies by model and usage patterns
Ultra model lasted a week with nighttime-only wear and minimal daytime use
Used only 55% battery over week with nighttime wear
Battery depletes faster with frequent screen interactions and checking
Theater mode conserves battery by preventing automatic screen activation
Battery life consideration important for extended activities like multi-day hikes

Control Panel Modes

Access control panel by pressing side button
Silent mode: Disables sounds/notifications but screen still activates with wrist movement
Theater mode: Disables sounds AND prevents automatic screen activation; screen only turns on when tapped or crown pressed
Do Not Disturb: Still receives data through air but notifications silenced
Airplane mode: Completely disconnects from network; no data received
Theater mode indicated by orange mask icon at top of watch face

Using Siri

Activate by holding crown button or raising wrist to mouth
Use for setting alarms, timers, and sending messages
Voice commands eliminate need to navigate small screen interface
"Raise to speak" feature can be enabled in Settings > Siri

Installing and Using Apps

Access App Store via "A" icon on watch
Three text input methods: keyboard, handwriting recognition, or voice dictation
Voice dictation (microphone icon) easiest input method for small screen
Google Maps can be installed for navigation and wayfinding
Google Maps requires location permissions and route setup on phone first, then syncs to watch
Apple Maps (native app) provides navigation, compass, and public transportation directions with schedules
Watch provides haptic feedback (vibrations) for turn-by-turn navigation directions
More subtle way to navigate than holding phone, keeping focus on surroundings

Sports and Fitness Usage

Apple Watch can function as sports watch for tracking runs, distance, and pace
Compare features with dedicated sports watches like Garmin before relying solely on Apple Watch
Battery life consideration for extended activities; dedicated sports watches may last longer for multi-day adventures
Traditional LCD displays (like Garmin) have longer battery life than Apple Watch screen

App Display Options

Apps can be viewed as grid or alphabetical list
Grid view provides visual recognition of app icons
List view offers alphabetical organization but requires scrolling
Digital crown scrolls quickly through lists with faster rotation
Efficiency preference depends on individual user

Apple Watch Setup Tutorial 5/21/2026

2026-05-21T21:49:54.139-07:00

Apple Watch Setup Tutorial

Overview

Jason demonstrated the complete setup process for a new Apple Watch Ultra, walking through unboxing, pairing, and initial configuration. The session covered basic features, customization options, and troubleshooting tips, with participants who already own Apple Watches sharing their experiences.

Device Selection and Purchase Considerations

Jason chose the Apple Watch Ultra because it has waterproof capabilities down to 130 feet for scuba diving
Participants can compare different Apple Watch models on the Apple website to determine which best suits their needs
The Ultra is the most expensive model but offers premium features including cellular capability
Key differences between models include water resistance ratings (water resistant vs waterproof) and battery life

Initial Setup Process

Turn on the watch by pressing the button
The watch automatically detects a nearby iPhone and prompts to begin pairing
Phone must be updated to latest iOS version to pair with new watches
Use the phone's camera to scan the nebula-like QR code on the watch face
Choose whether to update the watch immediately or skip for faster setup
Select which wrist to wear the watch on (affects screen orientation)

Security and Passcode Setup

Setting up a passcode is important for security, especially if using Apple Pay
Options include 4-digit passcode, long passcode, or no passcode
Passcode prevents unauthorized access if watch is lost
Apple Pay on the watch allows tap-to-pay without removing phone from pocket

Display and Accessibility Settings

Font size can be adjusted during setup and made larger or smaller based on preference
Bold text option available but may appear blurry to some users
Display brightness and wake duration can be customized
Wake on wrist raise can be turned on or off

Siri Configuration

Siri provides voice control for the watch without needing to press buttons
Functions as a personal assistant accessible from the wrist
Can be activated by saying "hey Siri" or by holding the crown button
Option to automatically send messages without confirmation

Health App Integration

Watch connects to the Health app on iPhone which stores personal medical information
Health app can include medications, allergies, and emergency contacts
Emergency services can access this information if needed
Important to include the facility's phone number (the tower) as emergency contact

Fitness and Activity Tracking

Watch can track daily activity goals including active calories, exercise minutes, and stand goals
Will send notifications if goals aren't met, which can be helpful or annoying depending on user preference
Tracks steps and syncs to Health app
Workout route tracking uses GPS to map exact paths for hikes and walks
Can connect to third-party apps like Strava for activity logging

Sleep Tracking Feature

Watch can monitor sleep duration, wake times, movements, and sleep quality (deep vs light sleep)
One participant reported that sleep tracking was very helpful and provided recommendations for improvement
Concern raised about battery life if worn overnight
New watches charge in 30-45 minutes (vs hours for older models), allowing quick charge in the morning

Health and Safety Features

Fall detection is on by default and can detect if wearer has fallen
Can be turned off if it triggers accidentally during exercise or activities
Emergency SOS activated by holding down the side (recessed) button
Functions as a panic button to call emergency services
Notifications available for loud noise that could affect hearing
Heart rate monitoring alerts if rate is too high or too low

Cellular Service Options

Watch has cellular capability but requires monthly fee to activate
Can be set up later if user decides they want it
Without cellular, watch still works when connected to phone via Bluetooth
Discussion about whether watch can receive calls without cellular if phone is in different room but on same Wi-Fi network - needs further testing

Navigation and Interface

Digital crown (dial) opens apps when pressed
Side button opens Control Center for quick access to settings
Two viewing modes for apps: grid view (original) and list view (alphabetical)
List view generally easier to navigate than grid view
Widgets provide quick snippets of information from apps (weather, steps, stock market, etc.)

Gestures and Controls

Wrist flick (turn wrist left and right quickly) turns watch on and off
Double tap (tap thumb and finger together on same hand) activates watch without touching it
Action button (orange button on Ultra model) can be programmed for different functions
Jason set action button to flashlight which is very bright and useful in dark
Cover to mute: placing hand over watch face silences notifications

Control Center Features

Quick access to airplane mode, battery level, flashlight, Do Not Disturb, and theater mode
Water lock mode activated for swimming or water activities
Group discovered water lock prevents accidental taps caused by moisture since touch function relies on detecting water in fingers

Watch Face Customization

Watch faces can be customized on the phone through the Watch app
Access Watch Face Gallery to browse and download new faces
Can customize appearance including which Earth view, number styles, and complications
Switch between multiple watch faces by holding down on the watch face

Phone Integration Features

Watch can answer phone calls when phone isn't accessible (in other room, purse, or pocket)
Compared to Dick Tracy's watch for making calls from wrist
Text messages, emails, and other notifications appear on watch
Recommendation to turn off email notifications to prevent constant vibrations

App Management

Many default apps come with the watch
Apps can be removed if not needed
Can add apps through App Store
Apple's built-in apps can be added back if removed
Recommendation to go through all apps to determine which are useful

Sound and Notification Settings

Can choose between audible notifications and haptic (vibration) feedback
Haptics refers to the vibration function
Theater mode silences all notifications
All notification settings accessible through the Watch app on phone

Participant Questions and Feedback

Concern about apps being permanently removed - confirmed they can be added back
Question about whether watch rings without cellular if phone is in another room - appears to work on same Wi-Fi network
Participant shared that sleep score tracking was helpful and improved sleep
Participant noted significant battery improvement with newer watch models
Question about whether flashlight can flash for emergencies - likely possible but not confirmed

Apple Watch Research and Selection Class 5/14/26

2026-05-14T21:16:58.709-07:00

Apple Watch Research and Selection Class

Research Methods for Choosing an Apple Watch

Multiple research approaches were discussed for evaluating Apple Watch options
Gemini AI: Can ask simple questions like "I want an Apple Watch. Which one should I get?" and receive recommendations for Series 9 (most people), Ultra (best durability), and SE (best on budget) with comparison charts
Google Search: Now shows ads first (a recent change due to advertiser complaints), followed by AI overview, then traditional search results
Sponsored results appear at the top of Google searches, which are paid placements and can be expensive
Reddit was mentioned as a community messaging platform where users post questions and receive user-generated responses
Apple.com: Offers detailed comparison tools to compare multiple watch models side-by-side, including older models like Series 6 versus Series 11

Current Apple Watch Models and Key Differences

Three current models are available: Series 11, SE3, and Ultra 3
Price is the main differentiator between the models
GPS vs. Cellular: If you purchase a watch with cellular capability, you don't have to activate the cellular function - it can still work as a regular Wi-Fi connected watch

Key feature differences discussed:

Oxygen app and ECG app: Available on Series 11 and Ultra, but NOT on SE3
Screen brightness: Series 11 is brighter than older models like Series 6
Battery life: Series 11 lasts up to 24 hours vs. Series 6's 18 hours
Fast charging: Newer models support fast charging - Series 11 charges in 30 minutes, SE3 in 45 minutes
Health features: Series 11 and Ultra include sleep tracking, sleep apnea notifications, temperature sensing, and hypertension notifications
Gestures: Series 11 has wrist flick and double tap gestures, plus on-device Siri with health data access

Finding Your Current Watch Model

Go to the Watch app on your phone, then Settings > General > About to find your watch model
Watch models use Apple's standard format of letters and numbers (e.g., MKQ03LL/A)
If the model name isn't clear, type the model number into Google to identify which watch you have
This same method applies to iPhones and iPads when buying cases - always check the model in General > About first

Instructor's Decision-Making Process

Jason decided to purchase an Apple Watch Ultra based on specific use case research for scuba diving
Traditional dive watches cost several thousand dollars, while the Apple Watch Ultra costs around $700-800
The Ultra can dive to 40 meters (100+ feet), which meets diving requirements
The Ultra comes with cellular capability included
Jason plans to use it primarily for diving rather than daily wear

YouTube as a Research Tool

YouTube is valuable for visual demonstrations of features, rather than just text descriptions from ChatGPT
Can search for specific use cases (e.g., "Apple Watch Ultra scuba diving") to see real-world usage
Videos demonstrate actual functionality, such as the Oceanic+ dive app on Apple Watch Ultra
Some videos may just show people talking about features without actual usage, so review multiple sources

Apple Watch Use Cases and Features

Fall detection was the original function that made Apple Watch popular with older demographics - everyone bought them for their parents
Testing fall detection: Can trigger by fluffing couch pillows vigorously or throwing arm down quickly
Find My Phone function: Press a button on the watch to make your phone make noise when lost
Convenience features: Helpful for people using walkers or canes who find it easier to answer messages on their wrist rather than pulling out their phone
Can connect to hearing aids or earbuds for calls
Medical device capabilities: Oxygen levels, ECG, fall detection, sleep apnea notifications

Insta360 Camera Demonstration

Jason demonstrated an Insta360 camera, which is a major competitor to GoPro
360-degree recording: Shoots in front and behind simultaneously, capturing all angles
Post-editing flexibility: Can rotate the video perspective later to choose which viewpoint to follow
Automatic stick removal: The camera automatically erases the selfie stick from footage
8K video resolution: Records at 8K, which is double the resolution of most 4K TVs
Automatic color correction: Software adds filters to make underwater footage look more realistic and colorful
Cloud integration: Footage uploads to cloud automatically, which handles editing and frees up storage on the device

Use cases for Insta360:

Scuba diving documentation
Vacation videos where viewers can control the perspective
Real estate industry for property tours where viewers can rotate to see entire rooms
Virtual museum tours where viewers can move around and examine art up close

Dive Computer Functionality

The Apple Watch Ultra functions as a dive computer with the Oceanic+ app
Features include: dive planning, location planning, decompression stop calculations
Can add additional devices to test oxygen levels in tank
Automatically calculates and times decompression stops based on depth to safely manage nitrogen levels in bloodstream

System Maintenance and Apple Watch Overview 5.7.26

2026-05-07T18:15:00.000-07:00

System Maintenance and Apple Watch Overview

Operating System Updates vs Upgrades

Updates are changes to the current system, typically security enhancements or bug fixes
Upgrades involve moving to a completely new operating system with potential design changes, new features, and functionality improvements
Most updates and upgrades cannot be rolled back once installed
The instructor's philosophy: "If it's not broken right now, why fix it" — be cautious about upgrading unless necessary

Checking Your Operating System

On Mac: Go to the Apple menu > About This Mac to see current OS version
- The instructor is currently on macOS Sequoia (15.7), one version behind the newest Tahoe release
On Windows: Windows stopped supporting systems older than Windows 11 as of late last year
- Users with older systems must upgrade to Windows 11 or purchase new computers to receive security updates
On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > General > Software Update

How to Update Software

Check application menus for "Update" or "Check for Updates" options
Example shown with Zoom: Go to Zoom Workplace menu > Check for Updates
Version numbering explained: First number = major version (upgrade), second number = update to that version, third number = minor update
- If the first number changes, it's an upgrade with potentially significant changes
- If only the second or third number changes, it's an update

Researching Upgrades Before Installing

Use AI tools like Gemini or ChatGPT to research whether to upgrade
AI compiles information from articles, discussion boards, and videos into an easy-to-read summary
Always check the sources/citations provided by AI to verify accuracy
Alternative research methods: YouTube videos showing differences, company websites explaining new features

Concerns About Upgrading Older Devices

Newer operating systems demand more power and are optimized for newer hardware
Upgrading an old device will likely make it slower, not better
Common issues with upgraded older devices:
- Faster battery drain
- Device overheating
- Slower performance overall
Example shared: Student's iPad 9 experiencing rapid battery drain (from 90% to 45% in ~2 hours) after upgrading to Tahoe

macOS Tahoe Upgrade Considerations

Major visual change: Moving away from translucent "liquid glass" design that many users found difficult to read
Apple is addressing complaints about transparency and returning to more traditional design elements
New features include:
- iPhone mirroring on Mac
- Enhanced Spotlight with command capabilities
- Apple Intelligence (AI) integration
Users with low vision had significant difficulties with the transparent design

Apple Watch Models Comparison

Three current models available with different price points and features
Apple's website has a helpful "Compare" feature to see differences side-by-side

GPS vs Cellular Watches

GPS only: Requires phone to be nearby to receive/send calls
GPS + Cellular: Watch operates independently, phone can be elsewhere
- Additional monthly fee (approximately $5-$10, should not exceed $20)
- Price difference: $50-$100 more depending on model
- Ideal for workouts, running, or walking without carrying phone

Health Features Comparison

ECG app: Available on Series 10 and Ultra 2, not on SE
- Can send alerts and updates directly to doctor
Blood oxygen (O2) monitoring: Not available on SE model
- Note: Was temporarily disabled across all models due to copyright issues but now working again
Additional health features (varies by model):
- Sleep tracking
- Temperature sensing
- Respiratory rate monitoring
- Vitals tracking
- Fall detection (all models)
Fall detection sends alerts to emergency contacts and can automatically contact EMS if not cancelled within set time period

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life varies by model: 18-24 hours depending on watch size
Larger watches have bigger batteries but are also heavier
Fast charging: Reaches 80% in approximately 30 minutes
Users need to plan charging time — common to charge in evening unless using for sleep tracking

Size and Weight Considerations

Models range from 40mm to 49mm face size
Ultra model is approximately double the weight of other models (39g vs others)
Recommend visiting Apple store to try on different sizes before purchasing

Display Brightness

Ultra 2 offers up to 2000 nits brightness, potentially beneficial for users with low vision

Water Resistance

Most models are water resistant and suitable for swimming
Check specific depth ratings before water activities

Action Items

[ ] Jason to potentially purchase Apple Watch before next class
[ ] Student to check with cell phone provider about costs for adding watch to plan

Additional Tips

Watch bands can be purchased more affordably on Amazon
Virtual machines allow running Windows on Mac computers
When software isn't working, first check for available updates in the application menus
Most Apple Watch users are satisfied once they adjust to using it

Technology Class Session Summary 4.30.2026

2026-04-30T23:16:00.000-07:00

Technology Class Session Summary

AI Tools and Recommendations

Download AI engines directly (Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude) rather than third-party AI apps with subscriptions
All major AI engines (Gemini, ChatGPT/OpenAI, Claude, DeepSeek) offer free versions
DeepSeek provides inline citations/references showing source websites, allowing users to verify information

Safari Autofill Settings

To change autofill address: Go to Safari Settings > Autofill
Autofill can pull from "My Card" in Contacts or from manually entered information
To set up "My Card": Create new contact with your information, then go to Card menu > "Make this my card"
Important: Always separate first name and last name in contacts for proper alphabetical sorting
Safari autofill also supports Google passwords, 1Password, and other password manager extensions

Managing Contacts and Lists

"My Card" appears at top of contacts with a unique circle/profile picture icon
To create contact lists: Click plus (+) > New List > Name the list > Drag contacts onto list name
Lists only work with Mac Mail, not web-based Gmail or Yahoo
Lists are references only - deleting from list doesn't delete the actual contact
To remove from list (not delete contact): Click contact > Edit > Remove from list
Can undo accidental deletions via Edit > Undo

Credit Cards and Apple Wallet

Remove expired credit cards from autofill by clicking the minus (-) button
Apple Card is minimalist white titanium card with only Apple logo (no visible card number)
Apple Card expiration dates update automatically in Wallet
Disposing of titanium cards: Companies may provide self-addressed envelopes for return (cannot shred or cut)

iCloud Storage Management

Check storage status in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud (don't trust external messages claiming storage is full)
When storage bar is red and shows maximum capacity (e.g., "8 of 8"), upgrade is needed
Apple's storage optimization suggestions are primarily designed to encourage purchasing more storage
High-resolution photos and videos from modern smartphones consume significant storage

Security Warnings - Common Scams

Storage full alerts: Never click links in messages about full storage - always check storage directly in Settings
Digital signature requests: Emails claiming "your signature is required" or "e-signature needed" are often scams, especially around tax time
Party invitations: Fake emails from known contacts inviting to events - designed to make you click malicious links
Best practice: Delete suspicious emails without opening; if legitimate, sender will follow up with phone call

Transferring Files Between Computer and Phone

AirDrop method: Select file > Share > AirDrop > Choose device (ensure AirDrop is enabled on phone)
- Transfer files in small groups to track successful transfers
- Works via Bluetooth
iCloud Drive method: Enable iCloud Drive in Settings > iCloud > Drive
- Access on Mac: Finder > Go menu > iCloud Drive
- Drag and drop files into iCloud Drive folders to sync across devices
- Warning: "Desktop and Documents" sync option will upload everything to cloud and consume storage
Alternative methods: Email files to yourself, use cable connection
Recently transferred files appear in "Recent" on phone - should be moved to permanent location

Managing Mac Dock

To add application to dock: Use Spotlight to search for app > Open it > Control+click on dock icon > Options > Keep in Dock
To remove: Control+click icon > Options > Remove from Dock
Folders and website shortcuts can only be placed on right side of dock (near Trash)

AirDrop Settings on iPhone

Access AirDrop settings in Control Center (pull down from top right)
AirDrop icon: circle with smaller circles/head shape
Recommended setting: "Contacts Only" or "Receiving Off" (not "Everyone")
"Everyone" setting allows anyone nearby to send files - only use temporarily at gatherings
To send via AirDrop on iPhone: Select item > Share button (arrow pointing up) > AirDrop > Choose recipient

Apple Passwords

Apple Passwords is native to Apple devices and free
Works seamlessly with Safari without additional extensions
Alternative to paid services like 1Password

Smartphone Search, Settings and AI Tools Class 4.16.2026

2026-04-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

Smartphone Search, Settings and AI Tools Class 4.16.2026

Class Resources and Schedule

Class notes and AI-generated images available at sfct.net
Class schedule shows April focus on searching topics
Previous week covered family history research

Today's Focus: Searching on Mobile Devices

Session focused on searching using smartphones rather than computers, as most people spend more time on their phones
Covered Google and AI searching capabilities on mobile devices
Explored various apps and settings to improve mobile search experience

Siri Search Capabilities and Settings

Basic Siri Functions

Siri can be activated by voice ("Hey Siri") or side button
Good for quick facts, weather, conversions, and calculations
Can perform tasks like adding calendar events, making calls, and sending texts
Answers disappear quickly with no way to extend display time

Key Siri Settings (accessed via Settings > Siri)

Language selection available
"Talk to Siri" options: voice activation ("Siri" or "Hey Siri") or side button press
"Allow Siri When Locked" setting - controls whether Siri responds when phone is locked
Voice options - can choose different accents and tones
Call hang up feature - enables voice command to end calls
Announce calls setting - Siri can announce who's calling
Automatic message sending - can bypass confirmation prompt for text messages

Safari Browser Settings and Customization

Navigation Basics

Safari address bar functions as both URL entry and search bar
Microphone icon enables voice search
Can access settings by typing "settings" in search or using Settings app

Important Safari Settings

Search engine can be changed from Google to alternatives like Bing, DuckDuckGo, Baidu, Sogou, 360 Search, or Ecosia
Default browser setting determines which browser opens links from emails
Auto-close tabs feature available - can set tabs to close after one day, one week, or one month to save battery and resources
Page zoom default can be adjusted to make content larger automatically

Autofill Management

Credit cards can be added, viewed, or removed in Safari settings under Autofill
Address information can be updated through "My Info" section
Both settings important to maintain current information

Google App vs Google Chrome

Understanding the Difference

Google Chrome is a browser similar to Safari with back buttons, tabs, and navigation controls
Google app is a dedicated search tool with simpler interface, no visible back buttons
Instructor recommends Google app for better search functionality since Safari already provides browser capability

Installing Apps

Download from App Store by searching for desired app
"Get" button means app not yet downloaded, cloud icon means previously downloaded, "Open" means currently installed
Be careful to select correct app by checking logo carefully

Google App Features

Main Search Interface

Always opens to clean Google search page, unlike Safari which shows last visited page
Includes search bar, microphone for voice search, and camera icon
Can link to Google account for personalized settings

AI Overview

Google now provides AI-generated overviews for search queries in addition to traditional link results
Demonstrated by comparing Sogou, 360 Search, and Ecosia search engines
Provides detailed explanations before showing links

Google Lens (Camera Search)

Camera icon enables visual search of physical objects
Can find patterns, products, or similar items by taking photo
Can solve math problems by photographing them and provides step-by-step solutions
Useful as learning tool for students to understand problem-solving process
Successfully identified meeting room as San Francisco Towers lounge by matching room layout with online images

Additional Features

Nano Banana feature (banana icon) creates AI-generated images
Sound recognition button for identifying songs

Gemini AI App

Overview

Gemini is Google's AI engine, similar to ChatGPT and Claude
Available as free download from App Store
Provides more detailed, comprehensive answers compared to standard Google searches

When to Use Gemini vs Google

Gemini provides thorough comparisons and detailed explanations that Google might not offer
Google provides AI overview plus links for further research
Gemini acts as research assistant, comparing multiple topics in structured format

Home Screen Customization

Organizing Apps

Press and hold any app to enter edit mode (apps start wiggling)
Drag apps to reposition on home screen
Remove from home screen vs delete app - "remove from home screen" places app in app library

Widgets

Add widgets by pressing "Edit" button on empty home screen
Google widget provides quick access to search, voice search, camera search, and AI
Widgets eliminate extra steps to access frequently used tools

Privacy and Security Considerations

Credit Card Storage Safety

Autofill credit card information is secure - requires Face ID to view and only shows last four digits
Card information is encrypted when typed during purchases or added to Apple Wallet

Password Saving

Password keepers are generally safe as they require authentication to access

Image Search Privacy

Google Lens can identify locations by matching room layouts with public marketing photos
Photos appear in search because they're publicly posted by marketing on Instagram, Facebook, etc.
Private archives not publicly accessible won't appear in image searches

Alternative Search Engines Discussed

Sogou, 360 Search, and Ecosia were compared using Gemini AI
Sogou and 360 Search are major Chinese search engines with ties to domestic tech companies
Ecosia is environmentally focused, European-based search engine

Troubleshooting Tips

If Face ID not working during app download, use Apple ID password instead
Can add alternate appearance in Face ID settings for better recognition or to allow partner/spouse access
If app not responding, swipe up from bottom to see all open apps, then swipe up again to close and restart

Questions for Follow-Up

Overriding Face ID issues to be addressed in next week's Q&A session
Internet Archive controversy regarding AI access to archived data to be researched

Notes on Wikipedia

Wikipedia is user-generated content, vetted by other users
Schools typically don't allow Wikipedia as reference source due to lack of professional vetting
Acknowledged as useful for biographies and historical events with images and references

Genealogy Research Tools and Resources 4.9.26

2026-04-09T21:29:00.000-07:00

Genealogy Research Tools and Resources

This session focused on using various tools and resources for family history research, with particular emphasis on AI-assisted research, online databases, and physical archives. The instructor demonstrated practical approaches to genealogy research and shared personal examples of document discovery.

AI Tools for Genealogy Research

AI can serve as a research assistant or librarian, helping navigate genealogy research through natural conversation and follow-up questions
Particularly useful for discovering resources and getting guidance on where to find specific types of records (e.g., Canadian naturalization documents)
AI can help interpret historical documents by explaining terminology and providing historical context (e.g., explaining what the Chinese Six Companies were)
Important caveat: AI can generate incorrect information by linking unrelated facts together, so results must be verified

Ancestry.com

Offers both free and paid versions, though users are easily pushed toward paid subscriptions
Creates a network connecting users with potential family tree branches and allows sharing of research
Shows "hints" when potential matches are found, but requires paid subscription to view many records
Limitations: Limited coverage for non-English documents and certain ethnic backgrounds; for example, doesn't have many Chinese ancestor records or OCR capability for Chinese text
Visual family tree format makes information more accessible and easier to share with relatives than traditional text-based formats

Professional Genealogists

Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) offers professional research services
AI can help locate country-specific chapters (e.g., Canadian chapter of APG for Canadian records)
Professional genealogists can help interpret historical documents and understand period-specific terminology
Marion Rubin at the Towers is a resident with extensive genealogy experience who may be able to provide guidance

Church of Latter-day Saints Resources

LDS maintains the largest single genealogy database
Family History Center in Salt Lake City is open to the public with docents available to demonstrate database usage
Some information on FamilySearch.com originated from LDS archives

National Archives (San Bruno)

Valuable resource for U.S.-based genealogy research
Offers document retrieval service where you can submit names and receive comprehensive document packets
Uses AI technology to scan millions of documents, including handwriting recognition
Example shared: 75-page document packet found for one ancestor, including handwritten signatures, interview transcripts, and business documents
Website offers various search tools, including Research Your Ancestry section with tutorials and workshops
Contains immigration records, naturalization records, and census data

Immigration Records: Angel Island vs. Ellis Island

Angel Island (West Coast) had extensive documentation, living quarters, and lengthy detention periods for immigrants, particularly Asian immigrants
Ellis Island (East Coast) had minimal documentation with most immigrants processed quickly without interviews or detention
Angel Island documents include detailed interviews with specific questions about village origins, family connections, and business affairs

Chinese Genealogy Specific Resources

Friends of Roots (friendsofroots.org)

Nonprofit organization connecting people to their ancestral villages in China
Features village database searchable by surname to locate potential ancestral villages
Helps individuals learn about their genealogy and roots even if they cannot physically access locations

Chinese Naming Conventions

Traditional format: surname first, generation name second, unique name third
All descendants in same generation share the same generation name
Naming conventions were often pre-planned by ancestors for future generations
Multiple anglicized spelling variations exist for Chinese surnames, making searches more complex

Traditional Chinese Family Records (Zupu)

Large books documenting generations and family branches
Only include descendants who remained in China; those who emigrated are typically not recorded
Journals and documents sometimes distributed to all children with instructions to continue distribution

Challenges

Women's names often not recorded or documented only as "wife of"
English-language resources like Ancestry.com have limited Chinese records
Spelling variations in anglicized names complicate searches

San Francisco Public Library

Main library has entire floor dedicated to San Francisco history
Docents available to guide visitors through resources
Maintains genealogy resources specific to San Francisco
Historical newspapers available, including digitized versions

Additional Research Resources

Digitized newspapers: Major U.S. newspapers digitized and searchable for obituaries and historical information
U.S. Census records: Available through National Archives, can be matched with addresses to confirm family connections
Family documents: Start with materials already in possession - photos, prayer cards, letters - which may contain addresses and other valuable information
Genealogy software: Various programs available (Family Reunion mentioned, though some have discontinued support), with options for local computer use or cloud-based sharing

Key Tips and Warnings

Start with what you have: Begin with family documents, photos, and information from relatives before going to external databases
Verify AI information: Always double-check AI-generated information as it can make connections between unrelated facts
Subscription services: Be cautious about being pushed into paid subscriptions; evaluate if hints and matches are accurate before committing
Document quality: Poor quality scans cannot be enhanced; may need to locate original source documents
Context matters: Understanding historical context and period-specific terminology is crucial for interpreting old documents
Multiple spellings: When submitting search requests, provide all known spelling variations of names and different locations where individuals lived

Search Engine vs. AI Searching Class 4.2.26

2026-04-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

Search Engine vs. AI Searching Class

Class Overview

This month's topic is research and information literacy, with a focus on developing critical thinking for the digital age
Goals include learning effective search techniques and evaluating credibility of information from search engines and AI
Family history/genealogy used as a practical example for demonstrating search techniques
Next week's class will dive deep into genealogy-specific resources and research methods

Changing Your Default Search Engine

The default search engine is linked to the browser's address bar at the top
To change: Go to Settings → Search Engine → Select preferred option (Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, etc.)
Can search directly from the address bar without visiting the search engine's website
This setting can be changed on phones as well

Google Search and AI Overview Feature

Google now includes "AI Overview" results that summarize information from multiple sources
AI Overview appears in addition to traditional website links
The AI summary consolidates information so users don't need to click through multiple websites
Clicking "expand" shows more details and the source websites used for the summary
Traditional search results still appear below the AI overview

Understanding Search Results and Sources

First search results are typically sponsored ads - be aware of paid placements
Multiple sponsored results often appear before organic search results
Google AI Overview pulls information from various sources including Reddit, YouTube, government sites, and commercial websites
Always check the date of information sources - some Reddit posts may be years old

Reddit as an Information Source

Reddit is a discussion forum where users ask questions and other users respond
Responses are user-generated and not always verified
Can be valuable because many people have asked the same questions
Important to check when posts were created to ensure information is current
Reddit covers virtually every topic

Managing Browser Tabs

Tabs appear at the top of the browser window
Click the X on a tab to close it - browser returns to the tab on the left
Opening multiple tabs is essential for research to compare sources and save information
Tab management is a fundamental computer skill related to multitasking

Using AI Tools (Gemini, ChatGPT)

Demonstrated using Gemini's free "fast" version
AI tools provide more interactive, conversational search experience compared to Google
AI asks follow-up questions to help narrow down research
AI remembers context of the conversation, so follow-up questions don't need full context
Results are presented in a more digestible format with platforms, steps, and suggestions

Key Differences: Google vs AI Search

Google provides website links with brief descriptions
AI tools provide summarized information with interactive follow-up questions
AI is more conversational and naturally guides users through research
AI can read and search content from different sources including YouTube transcripts

Important Warnings About AI

AI results are not always 100% accurate - always verify information
AI can keep users in an endless loop of questions, similar to gambling's dopamine effect
AI rarely admits when it can't find information and may go off on tangents
Users must tell AI when it's going in wrong direction
Both ChatGPT and Gemini include disclaimers about potential mistakes

Understanding Cookies

Cookies are small files that track user behavior on websites
EU regulations require all websites to display cookie consent notices
Good cookies: Help websites understand their users, navigation patterns, and improve design
Bad cookies: Track users across sites for advertising and third-party marketing
Options when encountering cookie notices: Accept all, necessary only, or manage individual preferences
Cookies track page views, time spent on pages, and user navigation patterns
Clearing all cookies removes saved preferences and logins for all websites

Bookmarking Important Pages

Click the star icon in the address bar or use Command+D (Mac) / Control+D (PC)
Can rename bookmarks and organize them into folders
Creating folders (like "genealogy") helps organize research by topic
Essential for saving pages you might want to reference later

Genealogy Search Example

Used the question "where can I find information about my ancestors" to compare Google and AI results
Both tools pulled up similar resources: FamilySearch, Ancestry.com, National Archives, MyHeritage
AI provided more specific guidance for searching records from specific countries
For Ireland specifically, AI noted that many records were lost in 1922 Dublin fire but have since been digitized
Irish Genealogy website and National Archives of Ireland are official government resources

DeepSeek for International Research

DeepSeek is China's AI tool that can read and search Chinese language sources
Available at deepseek.com
Note: DeepSeek is blocked on SFT Internet but works on cellular networks
Can toggle between Chinese and English language (one at a time, not both)
Useful for finding government information in non-English languages

Using AI Source Citations

AI tools show sources for their information - always review these
Even if AI does poor research, sources can lead to valuable starting points
Look for contact information on source websites - librarians and specialists often have additional resources
Government sites, libraries, and archives are generally more reliable than commercial or user-generated sources

General Research Tips

All internet content is user-generated to some extent - mistakes exist everywhere
Historical records often contain spelling errors and variations (names spelled multiple ways)
Always check sources and do due diligence
YouTube videos can be summarized using Gemini feature (star icon)
National Archives (NARA) has extensive US-based records including Ellis Island information

Next Week's Class

Will focus entirely on genealogy research resources and techniques
Will explore NARA, San Francisco Public Library, and other genealogy-specific resources
Students encouraged to bring their own genealogy resources to share

Action Items & Next Steps

[ ] Students to practice searching on both Google and AI tools before next week
[ ] Students with genealogy research resources to bring them to share next week
[ ] Jason Dare to prepare materials on NARA and San Francisco Public Library resources for next week's genealogy session

Q & A Session 3.26.26

2026-03-26T16:49:00.000-07:00

Q & A Session

Font Management on Mac

Use Font Book (accessible via Spotlight Search) to view all fonts available on the computer
Microsoft Word and graphics programs show a cloud icon next to fonts that can be downloaded through the application
When transferring to a new computer, copy the old font folder to preserve custom fonts and maintain proper formatting in existing documents

Special Characters and Symbols

Access symbols through Edit → Emojis and Symbols, which displays all available symbols and fonts
For quick access, type the desired symbol into Google, copy it, and paste it into the document
Use online translators to input entire paragraphs or sentences in other languages (like Chinese) and paste the results

Changing Keyboard Input Sources

Go to System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources to add keyboards for different languages (Chinese, French, Spanish, Hebrew, etc.)
Each language keyboard shows different characters and accents appropriate for that language
Toggle between keyboards using the menu bar indicator (shows language codes like US, FR) or the Fn/globe key on the keyboard
On iPhone: Press and hold the globe icon on the keyboard to access keyboard settings and add/remove languages
Remember to switch keyboards back to English to avoid typing errors in the wrong language

AI in Education Discussion

Schools are addressing proper AI use with students through administration talks
AI can be a beneficial teaching tool, especially for students who need extra help and don't have immediate access to tutors or parents
AI is similar to historical study aids like Cliff Notes or online paper services—there will always be some students who misuse tools
Google app camera feature can solve math problems by taking a picture of the equation and providing step-by-step instructions
Teachers use AI detection tools to check typed essays, though some tools can make AI-written content undetectable
Many teachers are returning to in-class handwritten assignments using blue books to prevent AI misuse
Cursive writing and algebra are being reintroduced to San Francisco school curricula

File Saving Best Practices

When saving a document for the first time, the system always prompts for a save location
Set up favorites on the left sidebar to include Desktop and Documents folders for easy access
Downloaded files automatically save to the Downloads folder
On Mac, click the document title at the top to change the save location after initial save

Action Items

[ ] Practice toggling between different keyboard input sources on Mac and iPhone
[ ] Set up favorite folders (Desktop and Documents) for easier file saving
[ ] Experiment with keyboard settings to add/remove languages as needed