by ugabadmin | Jun 16, 2019 | Leaders, Resources
Many user group leaders may have been wondering what happened to our online Support Ticket System. Due to some updates from our web host, some of our backend services had some issues. We are glad to announce our ticket system is back up and running for your User Group Support and Leader questions. We apologize for the downtime. If you need to reach us and/or need to submit a support ticket, you can find the link here.
by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | May 12, 2019 | Leaders, Members
Last June, Glenn Fleishman, Senior Contributor for Macworld, wrote a great Mac911 column that could make for an interesting and useful meeting topic. The title? What you need to do when you inherit a Mac: Avoid a huge headache and do these things before you accept or buy a Mac from the estate of a deceased person.
Check it out!
https://www.macworld.com/article/3279732/macs/what-you-need-to-do-when-you-inherit-a-mac.html
by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | Jan 27, 2019 | Leaders, Members, Resources, User Group Meeting Materials
Have you visited Today at Apple recently? There are 50 new sessions on offer,
covering three categories: Skills, Walks, and Labs. In Skills sessions, you
will get familiar with the fundamental techniques and tools of a creative
topic. Labs dive deeper into a creative approach by getting you started on a
project that you can take further. Walks let you experiment with creative
techniques on a guided walk around the neighborhood,designed for all levels,
from beginner to seasoned pro.
Whether you want to learn how to sketch architecture, take the perfect photo
using professional techniques, make an app prototype, engage in a Sphero robot
challenge, or simply enhance your own creative skills, there is a session for
you!
https://www.apple.com/today/
by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | Dec 8, 2018 | Leaders, Resources, User Group Meeting Materials
Do you need a great presentation for a meeting? Why not have your members attend a Today at Apple, hands-on educational session? Not practical for a group gathering? Why not have one member attend, take notes and present the same topic at your next meeting. This month’s offerings include How To: Prototype an App Using Keynote, Sketch Walks: Architectural Sketching Techniques, and
Quick Start: Coding with Swift Playgrounds.
Ambassadors: December is a great month to check out Today at Apple!
https://www.apple.com/today/
by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | Nov 13, 2018 | Leaders, Resources
Nicholas Pyers of AppleUsers.org/ recently forwarded an article from our friends at TidBITS.
In the article, Jeff Porten covers TechSoup and how it can help nonprofits afford software from companies like Adobe, Google, Microsoft, and more. Yep, the company offers some hardware too. Better yet, TechSoup is not limited to one country or region, so groups who are formally nonprofit can benefit.
Read Jeff’s article and see if your group can benefit from the TechSoup discounts:
https://tidbits.com/2018/10/18/techsoup-get-deep-discounts-on-technology-for-your-nonprofit/
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by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | Sep 10, 2018 | Leaders, Members, User Group How To
Written By Rick Ortiz, Courtesy of Maui Apple Users Society (Maui Mac)
Preparing your technology for a hurricane
With Hurricane Lane fast approaching, it is time to get your technology prepared for such an event. Some key areas to think about are: backups, batteries/power, and other tech tips.
Backups
Now is the time to make sure your computer backup is in place and completed. This is typically an external backup drive or your data in the cloud. If an external backup drive, do one final backup and then unhook it and put it in a safe place. If you have access to a weatherproof safe, that would be ideal. If not, placing it in a ziplock bag or some place that can avoid water damage can help protect your data. If you are required to evacuate, take your backup drive with you. If you have a mobile phone, you can back it up to your computer as well, or use the cloud service backup built into the phone. Remember the 3-2-1 rule of backing up. Data in 3 places, 2 locations, 1 offsite.
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by ugabadmin | Nov 19, 2017 | Leaders, Resources, User Group How To
By Rick Ortiz
With the introduction of iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra, Apple has added some new features to iCloud Drive, offering the ability to share files. iCloud Drive is now offering sharing services similar to what DropBox and Google Drive offer. In the past iCloud drive was designed for personal access to files. For a user group, they can now create or use an existing iCloud account and share files with members or allow board members access to files.
iCloud Drive History:
Apple’s iCloud file services originally began as cloud storage for your iWork files. With the introduction of OS X Yosemite, it expanded to offer you storage of files and folders beyond iWork. In fact you can now access your Desktop and Documents folders in the cloud and on other devices. But in this article we are going to focus on the sharing features. As each macOS update has come along, Apple has continued to expanded its iCloud offerings. (more…)
by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | Jun 18, 2017 | Leaders, Members, Resources, User Group How To
Part of having a successful user group is having great content to present at meetings. Some groups are able to get guest speakers, products demonstrations, and even remote presentations. But for some groups that is not always logistically possible. Last month we featured Apple podcasts, Today at Apple, and Apple Sales Web, three incredible resources to help groups create enjoyable meetings and educate members. This month we will look at a fourth great resource, the Apple Teacher program. You don’t have to be a teacher to sign up, and each educational activity is paired with a badge you can earn and display. Earn eight badges for either iPad or Mac, and you achieve Apple Teacher status, including access to Swift Playgrounds, a free app for first-time coders featuring Learn to Code and lessons that make getting started fun and interactive. Provided resources include Apple Teacher Starter Guide books, online help and Apple Store workshops.
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by ugabadmin | May 13, 2017 | Leaders, Resources, User Group How To
by Rick Ortiz, Apple User Group Advisory Board Chair
Part of having a successful user group is having great content to present at meetings. Some groups are able to get guest speakers, products demonstrations, and even remote presentations. But for some groups that is not always logistically possible. It is fortunate for user groups that Apple has made resources available that could benefit user groups. From Apple podcasts, to Today at Apple, to Apple Sales Web there are resources to create great meeting presentations. (more…)
by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | Apr 17, 2017 | Leaders, Members, User Group How To, User Group Meeting Materials
Written by Rex Covington of the Apple User Group Advisory Board and Lonestarrider.com
Apples new clips app is like a mixture of Photo Booth, Snapchat, and a very light version of iMovie. The free stand-alone app is only available in the United States and you will need IOS 10.3 on your iPhone. You can download the app from the normal places using iTunes on your Mac or the Apple’s App Store on your iPhone. You can produce a video up to 60 minutes and each individual clip that you add to your video can be no longer than 30 minutes. (more…)