Thursday, September 19, 2019

Beware Phishing Scams

Apple Support has a Twitter account and recently they posted a short video on Phishing Scams. Check it out! Beware of suspicious emails and texts. Watch our video to learn about phishing and how to avoid these types of scams. 

Friday, September 13, 2019

Day 1 Review - Part 1

 iOS Basics Class 
Seminar leaders are volunteers, not experts

We had a good start for iOS Basics. I just prepared an email that was upbeat and friendly and also informative. But somehow in moving from my laptop to my iPad it vanished! I’m ready to cry. But I have some follow-up information from our first meeting to share. This will be sparse but hopefully helpful.
Our iPhone only participants might feel left out, at least on the first session where I demonstrated all things from my iPad. But there are places you can get additional information and go at your own pace. Here’s my beginning list:

One question asked in class was about undoing junk status in email. I wonder how we could make a Google search on this topic question. Open Safari and type in the search field at the top: "how to undo junk mail on ipad" 
When looking at search results for iOS questions, here are some websites with good information: 

Best answer but old iOS - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202315
Correct false-positives: 
Filtering out junk mail can block a legitimate email from reaching your inbox. This is called a false-positive. If you feel that a legitimate email message was accidentally filtered, you can mark it as not junk sothat any future messages from the same sender go to your inbox:
On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 7or later, open the message in the Junk folder, tapthe folder icon at the bottom, then tap Inbox to move the message.
Again, read the User Guide for your device and version of the operating system

Day 1 Review - part 2

One activity promoted last Monday was to name your device. Do you remember the steps? Can you find the instructions in the User Guide? Can you practice a Google Search for the answer? There is a shorthand for writing step-by-step instructions for iOS. In reading the Google search results I found this quick reference to where you change the name of your device: Settings > General > About > Name 

Another question from Monday’s get together, “If I change the name of my iPhone do I need to reconnect to my car radio? “ How might you write a Google search question for that answer? Sometimes you just dive in and try something new to see what happens. So I changed the name of my iPhone, went out to my car and turned on the radio and as usual it played the radio and then it said "Connected to the phone." Success! I did notice that the navigation/radio screen reported that my iPhone name did not change. To me this indicates that the Bluetooth antenna ID is really what connected to the radio, not by the name. My car is a 2013 Honda and it does not have Apple CarPlay but I suspect you would get the same results. Report back if if take the leap to change the name of your phone and if the radio stays connected. 

Why change the name of your iOS device? Because of AirDrop! A great way to share via Bluetooth. Read about AirDrop in the User Guide. 

Saturday, September 7, 2019

Get Ready for Class

Greetings! Welcome to iOS Basics for iPad and iPhone 

Do not expect to use wifi in the library meeting room - same advise for on-campus tech seminars too. Why? Because so many devices trying to go online is like leaving the office at 5 pm and waiting at the freeway onramp for all the other cars to clear the intersection for you. (It hurts when I use "Back in the Days When We Worked" metaphors.)

But I have homework for you before class begins that requires using your home wifi.

Please download the User Guide for your devices. Scroll down to see previous posts for direct links.

Two other suggestions with video tutorials:
Now - make this website a shortcut on your Home Screen. It is your lifeline for questions and updates from class! 

TEB. Touch. Every. Button. You can't break your device by touching app icons or the buttons for volume, wake or Home. Explore. Practice gestures like swipe right to left with one finger, swipe down with two fingers, tap an icon, touch and hold an icon. There are so many more! (Watch a child use an iPad or iPhone to see how natural it is for them to touch, tap and swipe.)
Our class will have challenges when so many people attend with so many devices. We anticipate that some participants will come with just an iPad or iPhone, but some will bring both devices. We might ask the audience to sit in groups by the device they are using. That way the class helper is talking to the same users.
One of the best ways to learn tech is to repeat the lesson from today. Repeat it for yourself and find a friend to share your new skills by repeating the lesson.

User Guides - online edition

Just in case you want to view the user guides in Safari instead of downloading then into the Books app, here are the current links:

Remember, we are expecting iOS 13 to be released and FREE TO DOWNLOAD later in September.

Other references from Apple include



Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Free books by Apple - User Guides

Get your free user guides to have as reference on your mobile devices. Books is an app on your iOS device. Even though these guides are free, you will need to know your AppleID and password.

Touch any link above and a new window opens. Follow these steps:

  1. Touch the [View in Apple Books] link 
  2. Sign in with your Apple ID and password 
  3. Touch the [Get] link to begin the download process 
  4. (Free items pop up - Save) 
  5. Scroll through your Home Screens to find Books
  6. Touch Books to open it 

Read more about Books from the Apple Support team.

If you are not using iOS 12.x there are other user guides to match your version of the operating system.


Apple Support Resources:
Setup a new iPhone  - this happened so fast in the store or in the hands of a friend. Review the setup steps anytime.
Apple Support is also on YouTube with videos. Watch iPhone Support videos on demand.

Setup a new iPad -
Watch iPad Support videos on demand.

Coming in September - iPadOS read about new features compatible with
  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro
  • 11-inch iPad Pro
  • 10.5-inch iPad Pro
  • 9.7-inch iPad Pro
  • iPad (6th generation)
  • iPad (5th generation)
  • iPad mini (5th generation)
  • iPad mini 4
  • iPad Air (3rd generation)
  • iPad Air 2
Checkout this iPad video for beginners by Computer Care Clinic posted in December 2016. So Noah is not using the latest iOS. 

Friday, August 16, 2019

New, New & New: Location, Format and Dates

Fall 2019 Semester - Registration will be online
Rancho Cordova Library, 9845 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento
1:00 - 4:00 pm 
Six Mondays: Sept 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct 7, 14

 This seminar always throws new things at you and this semester we were asked to teach off-campus. 

In this seminar you will learn iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch basics. Using a team approach to teaching, we will present the features that take advantage of your devices: Settings, Control Center, Notifications, Contacts, Calendar, Safari, Notes, Maps, Photos, Clips, iMovie, Health and Email. This seminar is for beginners or anyone wanting to improve their Apple skills. Participants will need to know their Apple ID and password. This seminar runs the whole semester. For additional information visit https://rsiosbasics.blogspot.com.

Participants will want to check your email and this website weekly for lesson reviews and links to resources. 

Team presenters and consultants: Carol Dabrowiak, Melissa Green, Jennifer Kerr, Muffy Franke, Tom Holt, Barbara Beddow, Carla Young.
The best way to learn about technology is to coach others. Join our team and do a deep dive into the features that you use most often. Make social connections and learn the language of technology. Share your discoveries with others. 

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Dramatic Changes Coming - Fall 2019

As you know, the Renaissance Society is a guest of Sacramento State University and our seminars are offered when classrooms are available. The university is offering more classes to help students graduate in four years and that has reduced the number of available rooms on Fridays.

The iOS Basics team is looking at options for the Fall semester. Stay tuned!

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

iPhone and iPad Basics - full semester

Submitted June 1, 2019
Fall 2019 Semester - Registration will be online
9:30 - 11:00 am
In this seminar you will learn the basics of iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and more. Using a team approach to teaching, we will present the features you need to know to take advantage of your devices: Settings, Control Center, Notifications, Contacts, Calendar, Safari, Notes, Maps, Photos, Clips, iMovie, Health and Email. This seminar is for beginners or anyone wanting to improve their Apple skills. Participants will need to know their Apple ID and password. This seminar runs the whole semester. For additional information visit https://rsiosbasics.blogspot.com.

We will not use, demonstrate or troubleshoot campus wifi access. Participants will want to check your email and this website weekly for lesson reviews and links to resources.

Team presenters: Carol Dabrowiak, Melissa Green, Jennifer Kerr, Muffy Franke, Tom Holt, Barbara Beddow, Carla Young

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Fall Semester 2019 details coming soon.

Watch this space ...
Get Ready Now!

Apps & Resources

Sac Public Library
  • Use your public library card to see classes offered at Lynda.com - open in Safari or use the Lynda app. See your local library for summer support.
  • Get the Libby app to read books or listen to audiobooks - free from the library!
See you soon!

Saturday, February 23, 2019

Ah Ha Moments

Fingerprint & Buying Free books or apps

We discussed how the Fingerprint reading on the Home button sometimes works and ... often does not. To unlock your phone if the sensor does not read your finger or thumb print then you are given the opportunity to tap in your passcode.

But what about in the Book Store or the App Store? Even free books require your fingerprint to finish the acquisition. How can you get the FREE iPad User Guide if the phone does not react to your fingers? No pop-up for the passcode or password.

First, get the password for your AppleID.

Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode. At the prompt type in your device passcode to see the options. The first block controls the Touch features. If the iTunes & App Store toggle is green, tap to turn it off.  Now go the the Books app, go to the Store and tap Search to open that screen. Your previous searches might be listed, or in the search field type iPad User Guide. Tap the cover for the current operating system. Tap the Get button (free books have "Get"). At the first prompt confirm your account username (formatted as an email address) and tap the Get button. On the second prompt, type your Apple ID password (not the device passcode). The download should begin automatically. [These instructions may not fit your situation exactly. Take notes on what you see on screen and the Home button presses it takes to get to the point where you type your Apple ID password.]

Sign In to iTunes Store prompt asks for your Apple ID password. Type it and tap OK button.

For questions that we can't answer in class, visit the Sac State Bookstore and the Apple Geek that works there. That could be a step before going to the Apple Store.
Other topics?

Friday, February 22, 2019

Day 4 Review - Camera & Photos

Some hints for today, but return later for more information.

Camera and Photos, what a fun topic.

Read the Camera and Photos chapters in the free iPad User Guide in Books. 

Camera Modes on your iOS devices. 

Edit Photos on your iPad.

Watch for other RenSoc seminars on iOS topics.

Other sources to soothe your creative muse include:
  • Today at Apple - free workshops and studio sessions. Sign up for a "photo walk" and enjoy the experience. There are two Apple Stores in our area, Arden Fair and Roseville Galleria. Check both locations for sessions and plan your adventure day. Invite a friend or two to join you!
  • MacNexus is the local "Apple Technology User Group" with morning workshops and triage on the 1st Saturday of the month at St. Marks United Methodist Church near Country Club Mall.  Monthly meetings at 7-9 pm are at the Sacramento Board of Realtors Offices on the 4th Wednesday. Come to one workshop or one meeting to check out this group. Annual membership is $40. The "tech support" and friendships you get with MacNex-ians is well worth this membership fee. The Saturday workshops often include Camera/Photos session.
  •  Why not make a recurring date with friends to practice using your iPad skills. Sharing with others reinforces your skills and puts you in the mode to absorb new information. 
Whiteboard Notes: 
 "Live" button on/off
Flash
Burst

Advice: Shoot with the sun at your back!

"HDR" is High Dynamic Range" where the camera takes 3 exposures to combine into 1 photo. The 3 exposures are under-exposed, normal exposure and over-exposed. HDR is good for landscapes but not for action (because of taking 3 exposures).
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