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11.13.25 - File Management and Device Synchronization Class

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  Class Overview This class focused on files and organization, storing digital content, file location, and managing storage space Key topics included music synchronization across devices, file management, document collaboration, and cloud storage options Music Synchronization and Services For Apple devices, music syncs through iCloud similar to photos, but requires Apple Music subscription Without Apple Music subscription, two options exist: Manually sync via cable connection Directly download music files to each device individually Popular music streaming services discussed: Apple Music Spotify Amazon Music (different from Amazon Prime Music ) Pandora HomePod requires a subscription service like Apple Music to access your music library File Management Basics Files are just files regardless of type (music, photos, documents) - you manage them the same way Creating new folders: File → New Folder → name the folder Moving files: Open two windows, then dra...
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11-6-2025 November Technology Class: Digital Organization and Personal Updates

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Class Overview This November class focused on digital organization of files, emails, photos, and messages across devices. The topic was chosen from curriculum created with residents at the beginning of the year. Next month's December class will review the year's learning and gather topics for next year's curriculum. Instructor's Personal Updates Jason Dare will be traveling to China to visit his ancestral family village. The trip includes 31 extended family members (originally 41, but 10 dropped out). They plan to visit five different villages to accommodate everyone's family connections. Jason launched " TravelReadyChinese.com ," a company teaching scenario-based language lessons to prepare travelers. The platform uses AI-powered "DingTalk" which transcribes conversations and displays both languages simultaneously. Email Organization Synchronization means your devices update from one central location (like email servers). IMAP is...
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10.23.2025 Streaming Services and Digital Media Workshop

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  Finding Content on Streaming Platforms Finding purchased content on streaming services can be challenging compared to traditional libraries like Hoopla Most streaming platforms have a " My Stuff " or " My List " section to find purchased or saved content On Amazon , look for the "My Stuff" section On Netflix , saved content appears in "My List" Content libraries can be managed across devices (easier to browse and add on computer/phone, then watch on TV) Search functions are available on all platforms to locate specific content Voice search is available on newer streaming devices - look for microphone button on remote Streaming Devices and Setup Multiple options for streaming to your TV: Dedicated streaming devices ( Fire Stick , Apple TV , Roku ) Smart TV built-in streaming Cable boxes ( Xfinity/Comcast ) Newer streaming devices offer benefits: Voice recognition capabilities Faster performance More responsive interfaces ...
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10.16.2025 Digital Library Resources and Streaming Services Workshop

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  Class Overview Workshop focused on accessing free digital resources through the San Francisco Public Library Covered setup and use of streaming services , e-books , and audiobooks Demonstrated practical steps for downloading apps and accessing content Setting Up Streaming Services Three key steps for setting up streaming on TV: Create an account with the streaming service Ensure you have the correct password Use phone app to scan QR code or connect via network for easier TV login San Francisco Public Library App (SFPL) Digital resources available through the SFPL app include books, audiobooks, and movies App allows searching library catalog , placing holds, and borrowing digital materials Library card and PIN required for access Chat support available through the library website to reset forgotten passwords E-Books with Boundless Boundless is one of several e-reader apps used by SFPL Setup process: Download app from App Store Link to library card Search f...
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10.9.2025 Streaming Services and Remote Controls Workshop

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  Session Overview This was a follow-up to last week's informational session about streaming The instructor focused on providing step-by-step guidance for accessing streaming services Topics covered included remote controls , QR code scanning , and subscription management Remote Control Identification Different remotes indicate different streaming capabilities: Basic Xfinity remote (without microphone button) can't access streaming Advanced Xfinity remotes (with microphone button) can access streaming services TV manufacturer remotes ( Samsung , Sony , LG ) may have preset buttons for streaming services Fire Stick and other streaming device remotes have dedicated streaming buttons Accessing Streaming Services Access depends on which remote/device you're using: For Xfinity: Press and hold microphone button, then say the service name (e.g., " Netflix ") For TV remotes: Use preset buttons if available or navigate to apps section For Fire Stick...
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10.2.2025 Streaming Technology. Video and Audio

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Click here to stream Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2025 -  https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/hsbtv/ Introduction to Streaming Streaming allows users to get content (video or audio) through the internet to devices like laptops, mobile devices, TVs, or wireless speakers. Internet connection is essential for streaming - poor internet leads to buffering , delays, or pixelated content. Streaming eliminates the need for physical media like CDs or DVDs. Streaming Devices Smart TVs - Most TVs purchased in the last 4 years have streaming capabilities built-in (identifiable by a home button on remote that shows app squares). External streaming devices for older TVs include: Roku (simple interface with menu on left, squares on right) Fire Stick/Amazon Fire TV Apple TV (most expensive option, interface similar to iPhone) Cable boxes like Xfinity/Comcast now often include streaming capabilities (slower but convenient). Multiple devices mean multiple remotes, which can become ...
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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 subscr...
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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 [...
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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 expr...
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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" Shopp...
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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 c...
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