

Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting
Dave Hamilton, Pilot Pete & Adam Christianson
Get answers to your Apple tech questions every week! Dave Hamilton, Adam Christianson, and Pilot Pete share tips, tricks, and troubleshooting advice for your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and more — all delivered in a fun, friendly way that helps geeks and everyday users alike. Don’t Get Caught without your tech working right!
Episodes
Mentioned books

6 snips
Sep 10, 2024 • 1h 19min
The Keynote For The Rest of Us
This week, tech experts Jeff Gamet, Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton dive into Apple's Glowtime event. They passionately discuss their potential purchases, particularly the iPhone 16 Pro, while debating its features like the customizable camera control button. The conversation shifts to the innovative AirPods Pro Gen 2, exploring their hearing aid options and the stigma around them. They also weigh the upgrades of the Apple Watch Series 10, all while sharing tips on how to avoid overspending on the latest tech.

Sep 2, 2024 • 1h 20min
Master Focus Modes, Action Button Tricks, and Screenshot Management
Dive into quick tips for mastering your Mac! Learn to rotate photos effortlessly, create custom action buttons for screenshots, and streamline downloads using iCloud. Explore how to automate focus modes and troubleshoot device issues smoothly. Discover insights on Passkeys and tackle email challenges when sending attachments to Android users. Uncover the benefits of the Blackmagic Camera and utilize Lightshot for hassle-free screenshot management. This podcast is a treasure trove of productivity hacks and tech tips for everyone!

4 snips
Aug 26, 2024 • 1h 19min
Cool Stuff Found: Tools and Gadgets to Keep You Geeked Out
Explore an array of amazing tools perfect for Mac aficionados. Discover how Mac Media Key Forwarder optimizes your playback controls while iStat Menus 7 enhances system monitoring. Learn about innovative PDF management with Lightweight PDF and fine-tuning your mouse experience using Scroll Reverser. For podcast lovers, check out Auphonic for audio balancing and the Fountain app for enhanced user engagement. Plus, dive into clever photo tools like Pop Pic and fun gadgets like the Cell Helmet MagSafe grip that elevate your tech experience!

7 snips
Aug 19, 2024 • 1h 19min
Important Tidbits of Now Useless Information (and Some Useful Ones, Too!)
In this week’s Mac Geek Gab, you’re diving deep into the world of Mac tips and tricks with Dave Hamilton, Pilot Pete, and Adam Christianson. From the best screen capture tools to mastering macOS reinstallation, you’ll get insights on how to streamline your Mac experience. Learn how to keep screenshots organized, manage HDR on your iPhone, and discover handy utilities like Shottr and OnyX that can make your workflow smoother. Plus, if you’re worried about getting caught without a backup, Adam shares a close call that underscores the importance of always being prepared.
Don’t get caught missing out on how to adjust photo timestamps on your Mac or record videos with your AirPods. Your three favorite geeks answers listener questions, providing practical solutions like using MetaImage for metadata edits and Filmic Pro for capturing top-quality audio with your iPhone. Whether you’re automating drive mounting or keeping your Synology Docker containers up-to-date, these tips ensure you’re always a step ahead in the tech game.
00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1051 for Monday, August 19th, 2024
August 19th: National Aviation Day
Quick Tips
00:00:01 Makay-QT-Remember that CONTROL sends Screenshots to the Clipboard
00:02:20 More Screen Capture Options
Shottr
CleanShot X
OnyX for configuring screenshots’ saving location
Important Tidbits of Now Useless Information
00:11:42 Raymond-QT-Reinstalling macOS the Apple Way
How to download and install macOS
00:18:10 Grumpy-You can still buy an unlocked phone with Apple financing
Follow-Ups
00:22:13 Scott-CSFR-1049–BLE Unlock solves the selective unlock problem
00:25:24 Ben-1049-Lock Your Mac with the right key combinations
00:27:01 Managing HDR on iPhone
00:30:41 Raph-1047-Adam encoded DVD collection
MakeMKV (MakeMKV on BluRay)
Mac DVD Ripper Pro
00:35:17 Peter-1049-Mount drives with automation and smart home!
00:39:14 Michael-CSF-1049-Jettison from St. Clair ejects disks automatically
Sponsors
00:40:55 SPONSOR: 1Password Extended Access Management solves the problems traditional IAM and MDM can’t touch. It’s security for the way we work today.
Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
00:42:52 Joe-How do I adjust the timestamp of Photos on my Mac?
MetaImage – Edit Image Metadata from SetApp
00:47:08 Nicole-How do I record videos with audio from my AirPods on my iPhone?
Filmic Pro
00:52:04 Adam Almost Got Caught…Backups Saved The Day!
Plex Pass
01:00:58 Crazy Ninja Papa & rnDoug-Use Watchtower to Update Your Synology Docker Containers
Marius Hosting’s IP Block Lists
01:10:34 Bob-Does Dynamic Wallpaper Slow Down my Mac?
01:17:08 MGG 1051 Outtro
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Follow us on Mastodon
Mac Geek Gab on Mastodon
Adam Christianson on Mastodon
Dave Hamilton on Mastodon
Pilot Pete on Mastodon
Mona for Mastodon (for Mac, iPhone, iPad)
Adam Christianson on X/Twitter
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

Aug 12, 2024 • 1h 26min
Beware The Lightning Bunnies
Celebrate IBM PC Day while exploring the rivalry between tech giants like Apple and IBM. Get practical tips on mastering Do Not Disturb and managing your iMessage like a pro. Learn how to clean out pesky lint from your device's charging port, tackle privacy settings in Safari, and navigate upcoming features in iOS 18. Discover the true value of high-speed internet for remote work and optimize your smart home setup with effective networking strategies. Maximize your iCloud usage for a seamless digital experience!

8 snips
Aug 5, 2024 • 1h 22min
As If It Were a Swarm Of Bees!
Join tech enthusiasts Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton as they share savvy Quick Tips to enhance your tech experience. Discover how to prioritize app downloads on your iPhone and master iOS multi-selection gestures. Dive into Terminal Geekery with essential commands like ‘pwd’ and ‘cd’. The trio tackles listener queries on mounting external drives and unlocking Macs with Apple Watch. They even explore upgrading home networks and share insights on avoiding subpar tech products. It's a tech treasure trove!

Jul 29, 2024 • 1h 17min
Don’t Exposé Your Mac's Hidden Features
Discover handy Mac tips like command-clicking the Dock to find apps quicker. Explore the mysteries of disk space management and the surprising roles of APFS snapshots. Uncover some entertaining anecdotes about Siri and tech mishaps while brainstorming solutions for Apple’s trade-in concerns. Dive into the best portable Bluetooth speakers for your travels and get the lowdown on top Wi-Fi 6E mesh systems. Plus, learn cool app alternatives to spruce up your digital life while having a few laughs along the way!

Jul 22, 2024 • 1h 19min
World Brain Day Special: Backup Tips and Freezer Hacks
Guest Adam Christianson joins Mac Geek Gab for World Brain Day special! Quick tips on using ChatGPT, backup drives for Time Machine, Apple Watch features, and Paste app. Learn about Bluetooth temp sensors, managing email overload with SaneBox, and tips on migrating to Synology DS423+. Don't miss Cool Stuff Found segment!

Jul 15, 2024 • 1h 11min
Stump the Geeks: Live From Macstock 2024
Dive into the geeky goodness with Dave Hamilton, Pilot Pete, and Adam Christianson as they tackle your toughest tech queries live from Macstock 2024 in Mac Geek Gab 1046. Kicking off with Kelly’s iPhone password reset dilemma, the Geeks also unravel Lynda’s persistent iPad security errors and John F. Braun’s elusive iCloud sync issue. Adam shares his take on Generative AI, and the gang faces more stumping questions from the audience, including disappearing contacts and failing photo shares on iPads. Don’t get caught without your command key know-how for iPads as the Geeks offer solutions to every tech hiccup.
The episode heats up with discussions on opening links in Safari, mystery bags on stage, and creating malware shortcuts. Plus, get the scoop on using apps like ImageOptim and Squash for Mac to streamline your workflow. The Geeks’ Quick Tip on adding apps to your Finder Toolbar to shrink images is a game-changer. From practical tips to tackling tech challenges, this episode of Mac Geek Gab ensures you stay ahead of the curve and, most importantly, don’t get caught off guard.
Special thanks to Roger Harmon for engineering and mixing the audio live, and to Allison Sheridan for our fantastic cover image.
00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1046 for Monday, July 15th, 2024
July 15th: National Be a Dork Day
Flashbacks at Macstock
Stump The Geeks…Live!
Kelly – My iPhone keeps asking me to reset my password. Why?
Lynda – I’m getting a security error regularly on my iPad. What is it?
John F. Braun – Why won’t iCloud finish Syncing this one document…and which is it?
Cirrus
How does Adam Feel about Generative AI?
Sponsors
SPONSOR: Fastmail. Make email better for you with Fastmail. Try Fastmail free for 30 days and get 10% off your first year at Fastmail.com/MGG.
SPONSOR: Coda, the one Doc to rule them all. Bring your text and tables together! Sign up at Coda.io/mgg for FREE.
More Stumping!
Gary- Contacts are Disappearing
Photos on iPad Fails when Adding to a Share
Opening Links in Safari “A problem repeatedly occurred”
What else have you done recently?
Why were there Mystery Bags on the stage and what are they?
Pat – How do I use the command key with my iPad without a keyboard
Creating Malware Shortcuts
Quick Tip — Add an app to your Finder Toolbar to shrink images
ImageOptim
Squash for Mac
MGG 1046 Outtro
Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly
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

Jul 8, 2024 • 1h 22min
The Fast and the Curious: Turbocharge Your Storage and RAM
In this episode of Mac Geek Gab, you’ll dive deep into the need for speed with answers to Carsten’s question of NVMe Gen 5 versus Gen 4. You’ll learn the differences between NVMe, M.2, and SATA, and get the lowdown on essential peripherals like the Satechi Mac mini-shaped USB hub, OWC ThunderBlade, HyperDrive Next Snap-On USB-C SSD Enclosure, and HyperDrive Next USB4 SSD Enclosure. With this knowledge, you can ensure your Mac setup runs at peak performance.
Terry’s question about whether 8GB of RAM is enough for a new Mac sparks a thorough discussion on the intricacies of swap versus real RAM, especially in the context of Apple’s Unified Memory architecture. Is more RAM always better, or does Apple’s innovative approach change the game? You’ll find out how to make the most of your Mac’s memory without overspending. Stay informed and Don’t Get Caught with insufficient RAM!
Starting the episode, you’ll discover a range of handy Quick Tips to optimize your Apple experience. From Dustin’s tip on printing a website in Reader Mode to Dom Bettinelli’s reminder to re-enable iCloud Photos, these tips are packed with practical advice. Marty shares how to mirror your Apple Watch, while Mark M helps you identify Apple Silicon vs. Intel from just the keyboard. Gary warns about battery drain issues linked to the 1969 date, and there’s a crucial reminder to be aware of your VPN kill switch. Tony’s advice on enabling Apple Watch Water Lock to avoid errant taps and the emergency trigger function adds another layer of utility.
These quick tips ensure you stay ahead of potential pitfalls and Don’t Get Caught off guard. Press play…and enjoy!
00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1045 for Monday, July 8th, 2024
July 8th: National Video Game Day
Quick Tips
00:00:01 Dustin-QT-Printing a Website in Reader Mode
00:02:04 Dom Bettinelli-QT-Don’t Forget to re-enable iCloud Photos
00:07:20 Marty-QT-Apple Watch Mirroring
00:11:09 Mark M-QT-Identify Apple Silicon vs. Intel just from keyboard
00:14:13 Gary-QT-Beware battery drain and the 1969 date issue
00:19:49 Be Aware of Your VPN Kill Switch
00:26:15 Tony-QT-Enable Apple Watch Water Lock to Keep Errant Taps from Disturbing your Workouts
00:28:51 Press and Hold Side Button on Apple Watch to Trigger an Emergency
Sponsors
00:31:04 SPONSOR: BBEdit, the power tool for text from Bare Bones Software; now with integrated Notebooks and extended language support.
Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
00:32:41 Scott-Remote Mac Question
Setup Apple Remote Desktop
Apple’s TCP and UDP Ports
Remote Access to Unmanned Mac
Jump Desktop ($15)
LogMeIn
Screens and Screens Connect
AnyDesk
00:44:56 David-Should I leave apps running all the time?
Marco Arment’s Quitter
00:51:35 Carsten-The Need for Speed
Difference between NVMe Gen 5 vs Gen 4
NVMe vs. M.2 vs. SATA
Satechi Mac mini-shaped USB hub
OWC ThunderBlade
HyperDrive Next Snap-On USB-C SSD Enclosure
HyperDrive Next USB4 SSD Enclosure
01:04:16 Terry-Is 8GB Enough for a new Mac?
Swap vs. Real Ram…does it matter with Apple’s Unified Memory? Maybe not
01:18:02 MGG 1045 Outtro
MacStock Coupon Code: MACGEEKGAB saves you $30!
Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly
Follow us on Mastodon
Mac Geek Gab on Mastodon
Adam Christianson on Mastodon
Dave Hamilton on Mastodon
Pilot Pete on Mastodon
Mona for Mastodon (for Mac, iPhone, iPad)
Adam Christianson on X/Twitter
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


