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Tech Q&A Session: USB-C Adapters, Backups, and Subscription Management

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  USB-C Adapters and Compatibility USB-C is replacing older USB-A ports on newer devices, creating compatibility challenges USB-C adoption is widespread, including on Apple devices (mandated by EU regulations) Solution: Purchase a USB-C hub (~$20) that provides multiple connection options including USB-A ports, SD card readers, and HDMI Simpler single-plug adapters are available for those who need fewer connections When purchasing adapters on Amazon, check reviews for reliability Data Backup Strategies Importance of backups depends on what you store on your device Cloud-based email services automatically back up emails Photos are typically backed up via iCloud (Apple) or Google Photos (Android) Files on your desktop or in Documents folders may need manual backup Backup options include: External drives with Time Machine (Mac) or Windows Backup Cloud storage like Google Drive (already backed up by design) Managing Digital Subscriptions Review subscriptions perio...
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Wallet, Stored Credit Cards, Shop by Picture Search & more

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  Using Apple Wallet for Payments Apple Wallet allows you to store credit cards and make purchases with tap-to-pay To activate: Double-click the side button quickly, authenticate with Face ID/passcode Works on both iPhones and Apple Watches (press button under crown twice) For security, authentication is always required before payment can be processed Check wallet settings in Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay Apple Cash (peer-to-peer payment system) can be turned off if not needed Transit cards like Clipper can be added, but the physical card will be deactivated Managing Device Storage Check storage in Settings > General > iPhone Storage Always maintain at least 20% free space for optimal device performance Storage view shows color-coded breakdown of what's using your space Options for freeing up space: Delete unused apps completely "Offload" apps (preserves data but removes app until needed again) Remove downloaded content after use [ ] Che...
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Technology Class: Online Shopping Tools and New Apple Products

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The session covered online shopping tools and services, along with a detailed look at Apple's newest product announcements. This continued the month's theme of shopping, cashback, rebates, credit cards, and digital wallets. The instructor briefly reviewed last week's discussion on browser extensions before moving to online shopping services and concluding with Apple's recent product announcements. Online Shopping Services Instacart : Delivery service for groceries and products from multiple stores including Costco, Target, and local retailers. Offers same-day delivery with either per-delivery fees or monthly subscription options. GoldBelly : Specialty food delivery service for nostalgic or regional foods from across the country, shipped directly to your door. Google Shopping : Price comparison tool that aggregates products across multiple retailers to find the best prices. DealDash : Penny auction site with extremely low starting bids, though the instructor expres...
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Shop and Save - 5% back from Amazon and More

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AI Transcription Services The instructor demonstrated AI transcription capabilities by sharing notes from a previous lecture on Apple Intelligence AI transcription tools can organize information with headings and bullet points automatically Limitations are typically cost-based rather than technical (companies pay per usage to AI platforms) Potential use case: recording client sessions to provide detailed notes afterward Windows 10 End of Support Windows 10 support officially ends October 14, 2023 After this date, security updates will not be sent automatically Options for Windows 10 users: [ ] Check if your computer can upgrade to Windows 11 (go to Settings → Update → Windows Update) [ ] Back up all data before upgrading [ ] Consider extended security updates (~$60/year) if needed [ ] Purchase a new computer if yours can't be upgraded To check your current Windows version: Click Start menu → type "about" → select "About your PC" Shopping...
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Apple Intelligence - August 28, 2025

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Lecture summarized by Notion AI Overview The meeting was a demonstration of Apple Intelligence features on Mac computers, showcasing how AI is integrated into various Apple applications. The presenter walked through several key features and explained the requirements for using Apple Intelligence, including having macOS Sequoia and a Mac with at least an M1 chip. System Requirements macOS Sequoia (newest operating system) Mac with an M1 chip or newer (Apple silicon) ChatGPT integration can be enabled without requiring an account Email Features Apple Intelligence summarizes emails in the inbox without needing to open them Example: A 20-message family thread about travel vaccinations was condensed to "about travel vaccinations and insurance that should be considered" When replying to emails, AI suggests two response options: A positive/agreeable response An alternative response (disagreement or qualification) The system reads email content and generates context...
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AI Apps- August 21, 2025

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Lecture from August 21, 2025 summarized by Notion AI  Overview of AI on Smartphones The workshop explored various AI applications available on smartphones, with a focus on practical uses for everyday tasks. The instructor explained that AI has evolved from basic voice recognition to more sophisticated applications, and is now integrated into many smartphone features. While Apple's new "Apple Intelligence" requires iPhone 15 or newer devices with iOS 18, many third-party AI applications work on older phones and across both iOS and Android platforms. Translation and Identification Apps Several AI-powered translation tools were demonstrated: Google Translate and Apple Translate both offer text, voice, and camera-based translation Camera translation allows users to point their phone at text in another language for instant translation These tools can be valuable for travelers, though accuracy isn't always perfect Identification apps highlighted included: Pictur...
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August 7, 2025 - Security (Powered by AI)

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Security for your Tech (Answer Powered by AI)  Visit  https://gemini.google.com/ (Google's AI Engine) or  https://www.google.com/ (no login needed) Visit  https://chatgpt.com/ (Microsoft's AI Engine) or  http://copilot.microsoft.com/ (no login needed) Created by Gemini with the prompt, create a summary about: antivirus and antimalware that includes Apple Devices do not need 3rd party software, Windows computers have Windows defender, Notron and Mcafee seem more like adware now and they will try to sell you more services. But if you need protection for your Windows computer use Malwarebytes." When it comes to protecting your devices from viruses and malware, the best approach depends on your operating system. For most users, expensive third-party software is no longer necessary. Apple Devices (macOS & iOS) 🍎 Apple computers and mobile devices generally do not need third-party antivirus software . macOS and iOS are built on a Unix-based architecture, whic...
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