Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting

Another Week, Another New Mac

Aug 21, 2023

The hosts cover a wide range of topics, including Siri commands for Apple TVs, Synology interface, iCloud Plus, Mac backup options, USB-C and Thunderbolt cable compatibilities, Apple Silicon devices, iMac backlight troubleshooting, JBL portable speaker review, and Atlanta airport trivia.

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Episode notes

Introduction

00:00 • 2min

Using Siri Commands to Control Apple TVs

01:53 • 18min

Importance of Emergency Contacts and Tips for Time Machine Backup

19:59 • 4min

Choosing the Right SSD for Storage Needs and Budget

24:18 • 17min

Password Strategies and PIA Sponsor Mention

41:28 • 2min

The Importance of Secure Passwords

43:32 • 28min

Mac apps for keyboard shortcuts and screen recording, JBL Flip 6 portable speaker review, and phonetic alphabet and taxiway names

01:11:52 • 8min

Atlanta as a Global Hub for Flights and Delta Airlines' Dominance

01:19:45 • 2min

Another Week, Another New Mac – Mac Geek Gab 996 episode image

From unlocking the secrets of the command key in Spotlight to the ins and outs of Siri commands for Apple TVs, Pilot Pete and Dave Hamilton leave no stone unturned. They navigate the intricacies of the Synology interface, dive deep into the custom domains world of iCloud Plus, and address security concerns by emphasizing the mantra, “Don’t Get Caught”, when using the same rescue email for custom domain emails and Apple IDs.

As your two favorite geeks pivot towards iPads and Finder’s capabilities on macOS, the conversation illuminates the nuances of SMB vs. AFP, iPhone emergency services, and the treasure trove of iPhone Life’s tip of the day newsletter. They don’t stop there; discussions range from exploring Mac backup options, unraveling Mac storage space mysteries, password and privacy necessities, to a meticulous analysis of USB-C and Thunderbolt cable compatibilities.

However, it’s not all software and cables. Dave and Pete touch on the perils and perks of Apple Silicon devices, while also diving into some engaging hardware conversations, including troubleshooting an iMac backlight issue and debating the pros and cons of computer upgrades. They then veer into the entertainment sector, discussing the sonic brilliance of a portable JBL speaker and sharing a light-hearted tale of a car stereo gone wrong. Wrapping up, they serve a sprinkle of trivia about the Atlanta airport and hint at what’s to come. Press play, don’t get caught, end enjoy learning at least five new things!

Chapters/Timestamps/Stuff mentioned:

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 996 for Monday, August 21st, 2023
- The MGG Discord Server is Live!
- The MGG Merch Store is Live!
Quick Tips
- 00:00:01 Jeff-QT-892-Press Command-Return to Reveal Selected FIle in Finder
- 00:02:22 Tony-QT-Use Siri to Pause and Resume AppleTV
- 00:03:32 QT – Synology Search Function
- 00:05:44 Allison-QT-Make sure your Apple ID Rescue Email isn’t Tied to Your iCloud Custom Domain Address
  - Change Your Rescue Email
- 00:08:09 Adam-iPad QTs-Swipe to Screenshot, and VPN for YouTube PnP
  - PIA VPN
- 00:09:50 Arthur-QT-Use the Finder for (read-only) FTP (top only)
- 00:13:17 Using Synology SMB instead of AFP, especially for Time Machine
- 00:18:24 Greg-QT-Repeatedly Hit the iPhone’s Home-Side Button to lock your phone (and call emergency services)
00:20:10 TIPS: iPhoneLife’s Daily Tips. Join 500,000 happy subscribers to the only free daily newsletter that reveals new things you can do with your iPhone in just one minute a day. Go to iPhoneLife.com/DailyTips to sign up for free.
Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
- 00:21:19 Van-What External Drives Should I Use for Backups?
  - OWC External SSDs
  - Glyph Atom EV
  - Samsung T7
  - CalDigit Tuff Nano
  - SanDisk Extreme (But maybe not until a firmware update comes?)
- 00:30:53 How do I created a bootable external drive?
- 00:33:25 Innocuoso-What’s Filling Up my Boot Drive?
  - Terminal Commands
    - du -sh * = show the usage, by folder, of the subdirectories in the current folder
    - df -h = display free space on all disks
- 00:39:30 Ben-Recommend Ways to Protect a Laptop from Hackers on Public WiFi?
- 00:47:50 What’s the Difference Between USB4 vs. Thunderbolt (3/4) Cables?
  - We are talking about cables with USB-C ports, not Lightning ports. So cables with USB-C ports mean USB and Thunderbolt cables.
  - Cable Matters USB4 20Gbps Cable – 20Gbps (as “Thunderbolt 3” and it works!)
    - Disk Speed: 325MB writes, 1200MBps reads
    - 2m = $20
  - OWC TB3 Cable – 40Gbps (as “Thunderbolt 3” and it works)
    - Disk Speed: 730MBps writes, 2400MBps reads
    - Unpurchasable
  - OWC TB4 Cable – 40Gbps (as “Thunderbolt 3” and it works)
    - Disk Speed: 730MBps writes, 2400MBps reads
    - .75m = $24
    - 2m = $57
  - Cable Matters 6.6ft Thunderbolt 4 Cable (as Thunderbolt 3”)
    - Disk speed: 730Mbps writes, 2400Mbps reads
    - 6.6ft = $60
  - Leurui USB4 Cable – 40Gbps, 240W
    - Disk speed: 730Mbps writes, 2400Mbps reads
    - .75m = $18
    - 2m = $ 28
Wash, Rinse, Repeat
- 00:59:12 Another Week, Another New Computer
Cool Stuff Found
- 01:10:15 CSF-Xfinity Storm-Ready WiFi (Wireless Backup Connection)
- 01:11:53 Dueling CSFs-KeyCue & Paletro for Discovering Keyboard Shortcuts
- 01:13:05 Rod-CSF-Tango to Create How-To Guides Very Quickly
- 01:14:34 CSF-JBL Flip 6 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
- 01:16:15 CSF-DisplayBuddy and Lunar for Controlling Brightness on Third-Party Displays
01:19:00 Mac Geek Gab 996 Outtro
- Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly
- Follow us on Mastodon
- Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)
- Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts
- MGG Merch is Available!
- Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page
- Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar
- This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors
- MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews
- feedback@macgeekgab.com
- 224-888-GEEK
- The Mac Geek Gab iPhone app
- Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List
- BackBeat Media Podcast Network