Photos: import without duplicating files

You dig into the little things macOS quietly does for you, starting with the surprising truth about Clipboard History and why macOS 26 might feel slower than you’d expect. You explore ways to rein things in, from taming runaway apps to making better use of iPhone Mirroring and clever video capture tricks. Along the way, you’re reminded that old hardware still has value if you give it purpose, and that blind trust in AI troubleshooting can lead you astray faster than it helps. This is where staying curious beats staying complacent, and where “Don’t Get Caught” is more than a catchphrase.

Then you move into the real-world problem solving that defines Mac Geek Gab: networking quirks that break expectations, WiFi settings that ignore reservations, and router updates that change the rules midstream. You also get clear, practical guidance on buying the right Mac, migrating only what you actually need, hunting down duplicate files, and reclaiming menu bar space from the notch. Even photo libraries get a reality check, helping you decide what truly needs to live inside Photos. It’s a fast-moving episode packed with answers you can use immediately, designed to keep your setup efficient, intentional, and frustration-free.

• 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1121 for Monday, December 22nd, 2025
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• Quick Tips
  • 00:00:02 QT-Turns out macOS keeps your Clipboard History?
  • 00:04:59 macOS 26 is slowing down Dave’s Macs
    • App Tamer helps a little bit
  • 00:15:00 Adam-QT-Use your iPhone Mirroring on your Mac
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• Don’t Get Caught
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  • 00:27:59 Pilot Pete-DGC-Private WiFi Address doesn’t honor DHCP Reservation
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• Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
  • 00:48:18 Elbert-How much Mac shall I buy?
    • Refurb.me
  • 00:58:40 Jose-Can I migrate just my user settings to a new Mac without migrating an entire account?
  • 01:05:13 Gary-How can I easily find duplicate files on my Mac?
    • MacPaw’s Gemini 2 (it’s in Setapp!)
    • Find Any File Scripts for Duplicate Finding
  • 01:08:04 David-How do I keep Fantastical (or any app) from being hidden by my menu bar notch!
    • Command-Drag that menu bar icon!
    • Set a keyboard shortcut for it
  • 01:13:27 Donald-Do I have to import all my photos into a library?
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