

774: Answering Common Tech Support Questions
As holiday gatherings approach, tech questions abound! The hosts share essential tips for tackling family tech support challenges, focusing on iCloud and storage management. They discuss modern backup solutions and their limitations, and the importance of guiding non-tech-savvy relatives through data backup practices. Exploring common printer issues, enhancing Wi-Fi performance, and managing digital legacies also take center stage. Plus, there's a lighthearted take on keeping family tech conversations respectful, all while raising awareness about scams and cybersecurity.
01:14:49
iCloud’s Value Proposition
- Help family members understand iCloud's value, especially for photo backups.
- Frame iCloud cost practically, like a monthly coffee, emphasizing photo preservation.
Managing iPhone Storage
- Use Apple's storage recommendations to manage iPhone space.
- Offload unused apps or delete large files like downloaded videos.
Right-Sizing Phone Storage
- David Sparks helped a friend realize she didn't need a large phone.
- Checking storage needs can inform future phone purchases.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app 1 chevron_right 2 chevron_right 3 chevron_right 4 chevron_right 5 chevron_right 6 chevron_right 7 chevron_right 8 chevron_right 9 chevron_right 10 chevron_right 11 chevron_right 12 chevron_right 13 chevron_right 14 chevron_right
Intro
00:00 • 2min
Navigating Family Tech Support
01:55 • 6min
Mastering Digital Storage Management
07:56 • 17min
Modern Backup Solutions and Their Limitations
24:32 • 2min
Encouraging Data Backup Practices Among Friends and Family
26:12 • 2min
Exploring Mac Backup Solutions and Business Management Software
27:51 • 2min
Troubleshooting Printing Woes
29:38 • 14min
Enhancing Wi-Fi Performance and Building Online Presence
43:50 • 5min
Navigating Tech Conversations with Family
48:26 • 5min
Managing Digital Legacies and Secure Password Practices
53:47 • 2min
The Importance of Strong and Unique Passwords
55:42 • 3min
Navigating Tech Support and Cybersecurity Challenges
59:01 • 4min
Scam Awareness and Prevention
01:02:50 • 10min
Gentle Guidance for Family Tech Support
01:13:00 • 2min

How to back up your iPhone or iPad with iCloud
Apple Support
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to manually and automatically back up your iPhone or iPad using iCloud. It covers the types of data that are backed up, such as photos, videos, device settings, app data, and more. It also explains how to ensure your device is connected to a Wi-Fi network, a power source, and has enough iCloud storage space. Additionally, it details how to restore backups from iCloud if your device is replaced, lost, or damaged.
Emergency Preparedness Kit
Emergency Preparedness Kit
Essential Items for Disaster Survival
American Red Cross
FEMA
An emergency kit is crucial for surviving on your own for several days after a disaster. It should include basic supplies such as water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, first aid kit, extra batteries, and personal hygiene items. Additional items may include medications, multi-purpose tools, sanitation supplies, copies of personal documents, cell phone chargers, and cash. The kit should also consider the unique needs of family members, such as baby supplies, pet food, and prescription medications.
How to back up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with Windows
How to back up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with Windows
Guides and Methods
iMazing
Apple Support
iSunshare
These guides cover various methods to back up iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch data. This includes using iCloud, iTunes on a Windows PC, the Finder on macOS, and third-party software like iMazing. The steps involve connecting the device to a computer, selecting backup options, and optionally encrypting the backup data. Backups can be stored locally on the computer or in iCloud, and they are essential for protecting data against loss or damage to the device.

Using Apple's Passwords App
Create, Manage, and Share Passwords and Passkeys
Apple Inc.
Apple's Passwords app allows users to centralize their password and passkey management. It integrates with iCloud Keychain to sync data securely across all Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The app features auto-fill capabilities, 2-factor verification code setup, and alerts for compromised passwords. Users can also create and manage shared password groups with trusted contacts, ensuring secure sharing and updating of credentials[1][2][4].
How to Add a Legacy Contact for Your Apple Account
How to Add a Legacy Contact for Your Apple Account
Instructions and Benefits
Apple Support
This guide explains the process of designating a trusted person as a Legacy Contact to manage your Apple ID data in the event of your death. It includes steps on how to add a Legacy Contact, the types of data they can access, and the security measures involved. The Legacy Contact will need an access key and a death certificate to gain access to your iCloud data, including photos, messages, notes, and other files.

Printopia
Bob Fingerman
Printopia is Bob Fingerman's first all-new graphic novel in over a decade. It is set in New York City and features a cast of eccentric creators unleashing their visions on the world. The story is described as part 'Ghost World,' part acid trip, and has been praised by Matt Groening as 'Brilliantly written... masterfully drawn... funny as hell.'

Reset the printing system on your Mac to solve a problem
Apple Support
This guide provides steps to reset the printing system on a Mac, which involves deleting all printers from the list, clearing information about completed print jobs, and resetting printer presets. The process can be done through the System Settings or System Preferences, depending on the macOS version. It also includes command-line options for advanced troubleshooting.
How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with your Mac
How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with your Mac
Guides and Instructions
Apple Support
These guides explain the different methods to back up an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch using a Mac. This includes using iCloud, the Finder in macOS Catalina or later, and iTunes. The instructions cover how to connect the device, enable backups, and manage backup settings, including encryption and storage options.

Swiped
How to Protect Yourself in a World Full of Scammers, Phishers, and Identity Thieves
Adam Levin
This book provides strategies for minimizing risk, monitoring identity, and managing the damage caused by identity theft. It covers various types of identity theft, including financial, criminal, medical, and familial, and offers practical advice through memorable stories and relevant lessons.

Not a book: Advanced Data Protection for iCloud
Instructions and Features
Apple Support
Advanced Data Protection for iCloud is an optional setting that provides Apple’s highest level of cloud data security. It uses end-to-end encryption to protect data categories such as iCloud Backup, Photos, and Notes. To enable this feature, users must have two-factor authentication, a passcode or password on their devices, and updated software on all devices signed in with their Apple ID. Users are also required to set up at least one account recovery contact or recovery key since Apple cannot recover the data if the user forgets their password or loses access to their account.

When Eero Met His Match - Aline Louchheim Saarinen and the Making of an Architect
Eva Hagberg
This book by Eva Hagberg delves into the relationship between Eero Saarinen, a renowned Finnish-born architect, and his wife Aline Louchheim Saarinen, a pioneering publicist. It explores their love story, Aline's role in Eero's architectural firm, and the broader context of women in architecture. The book also reflects on the author's own experiences and connections to the Saarinens, making it a personal and insightful look into the lives of these architectural figures.
Use Time Machine on your Mac to back up to multiple disks
Use Time Machine on your Mac to back up to multiple disks
Apple Support
This guide explains how to use Time Machine to back up your Mac to multiple external storage devices. It covers the setup process, how Time Machine rotates the backup schedule among the disks, and how to view and restore backups from multiple disks. The guide also provides tips on ensuring data integrity and managing backup frequencies.
Shortcuts for iPhone & iPad Field Guide (Plus Edition)
Shortcuts for iPhone & iPad Field Guide (Plus Edition)
David Sparks
This Field Guide by David Sparks is designed to help users of all levels master the Shortcuts app on their iPhone and iPad. It includes introductory videos, advanced lessons, and a section with almost two dozen sample shortcuts that users can download and customize. The guide also features interviews with power users such as Rosemary Orchard, Myke Hurley, John Voorhees, Stephen Millard, and Stephen Hackett, providing diverse perspectives on using Shortcuts effectively. The Plus Edition adds the opportunity to participate in webinars hosted by David Sparks or download them for later viewing[2].
It's that time of year again: when relatives come to the family get-together armed with tech questions. On this episode, David and Stephen tackle some of the most common issues asked around the dinner table.
This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:
- NetSuite: The leading integrated cloud business software suite.
- Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MPU.
Links and Show Notes:
Sign up for the MPU email newsletter and join the MPU forums.
More Power Users: Ad-free episodes with regular bonus segments
Submit Feedback
Give the Gift of Relay!
Get 20% off a More Power Users membership between now and December 18!
Shortcuts for iPhone & iPad Field Guide (Plus Edition) | MacSparky
Use code "MASHEDPOTATOES" for 20% off.