Yosemite is here!
Apple released OS X 10.10 Yosemite this past week and it is time to upgrade your software. It is a free update available in the App Store on your computer. As always, before upgrading be sure to perform a back up of your computer. Rarely does anything go wrong, but if it does you need a back up to make sure your data is safe. There are tons of great new features and integrations with your iOS devices so I would upgrade as soon as you get a chance. Also let us know if you have any questions or need any help with your upgrade.Update or Upgrade?
When should I do what? Great question, I’m glad you asked.
Update
The way Apple has decided to update allows both Macs and iOS devices, one can choose to update and still feel good about their tech for several years now. You no longer have to start with the age old tech adage, “I guess it’s time to buy a new computer.” For the majority of users all they have to do is download the new software and begin enjoying it. For others, there maybe a need to update the hardware of your computer (small expense but extends the life of your machine). Typically, the only updates to a Mac you may need to have done is new memory (RAM) or more storage (hard drives or solid state hard drives). A great resource for finding out more about your current machine is built into your machine. On a Mac, click on the Apple logo (top left hand corner) and click on about this Mac. You can also get more details at support.apple.com. And when you need a person to talk it over with, contact your professional friends at AlabamaTech⌘Ease.
Before performing any update to your Mac, make sure you have all the data you couldn’t live without (photos, music, documents, etc) backed up before installing a new update like Yosemite. Your Mac should have an application called TimeMachine installed on it already. TimeMachine along with an external hard drive allows you automagically backup your system so you can easily restore from should something not go as planned. Having trouble or need someone to walk you through it AlabamaTech⌘Ease is here to help.
Upgrade
Do you want the newest tech? Have you had your device longer than you can remember? Are you unable to accomplish the things you want to do on your current Mac or iOS device? If you answer yes to those questions, then you are ready to upgrade… Buy new tech. I mean, who doesn’t need a brand new 27” iMac with 5K display? Or a brand new iPad Air 2 for causal web browsing. Whether it is a need or a want, there is nothing quite like powering on your upgrade and getting acquainted with your new Apple.
Not sure what to buy or want talk through options before making a decision to update or upgrade, AlabamaTech⌘Ease is happy to assist. We are up to date on what’s new and what’s needed to run the new software. Our aim is to see you happy with your Apple product whether it’s brand new or new again.
The New iPad Air 2!
Here’s a Tech⌘Ease tidbit you may not have been aware of, your local Apple Store generally has product that is considered End of Life (EOL) for a short period of time after media events and big product announcements. They offer EOL pricing in-store which is a great way to get your hands on new tech for a portion of the price. Great for budget-minded upgrades.
In the October 16 Special Event keynote, Tim Cook asked “What do you do when you make the best tablet in the world? How do you make it better?” Here are some highlights about how Apple has improved upon its tablet with the new iPad Air 2:
The display on the iPad Air 2 is an improvement from every iPad generation before it: physically tighter, the new display is sharper, more tactile, and less reflective than any tablet that is currently — or ever has been — on the market. The iPad Air 2 is 18% thinner than the iPad Air with the same screen size. It comes in three colors: black/space grey, white/gold, and white/silver. Perhaps most popularly demanded, the iPad Air display also features the touch ID home button.
The iPad Air 2 has the A8X processor, a variation on the iPhone 6 processor made specifically for the iPad air. The A8X processor allows for faster and better computing and graphics than the already industry-leading iPad performance. Thanks to this new processor, application developers can deliver console-level graphics to iOS devices. Even with all this power, though, Apple still ensures all-day battery life with the iPad Air 2.
Data users will be happy to learn that the iPad Air 2 connects to LTE more effectively than any other tablet.
Lastly, the new iSight camera on the iPad lets application builders use the camera within the app to enhance iPad usage. The new FaceTime camera lets in more light, has facial recognition, and features burst selfies.
For more new features and the Apple keynote featuring the iPad Air 2, visit www.apple.com/apple-event/2014-oct-event/ and learn more!
Mac Keyboard Short Cuts
Would you like to be more proficient with your Mac? One way to do that is to use keyboard shortcuts to complete commands instead of using your mouse or trackpad. By pressing a combination of keys on your keyboard, it is possible to print (command+P), to drag a screen shot (command+shift+4), to quit an application (command+Q), among many other functions. The Apple support article on keyboard shortcuts can be found at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1343
