Apple’s GateKeeper is a background technology in OS X that helps thwart malware. It does so by assessing three levels of identification for an app (Unsigned, Signed, and Signed with App Store distribution), and then imposing options to block execution of apps that are either unsigned, or not distributed through the App Store. However, a simple workaround exists that can allow malware to overcome Gatekeeper’s blocks and run. Continue reading
Monthly Archives: September 2015
Quick fixes for static and other audio problems on your Mac
The basic audio setup in OS X systems has very few options for customization, and therefore should conform to standards that are used by most applications and audio hardware. However, there may be times when a configuration error or two results in odd problems with your Mac’s audio. These can include static in your audio output, lack of ample volume, inability to change volume, lack of stereo output, or no output at all. Continue reading
Apple’s iPhone 6s+ ends concerns about ‘bend gate’
One of the more publicized product limitations that Apple has had to deal with recently was what ultimately became known as Bend Gate. This was where the larger iPhone 6+ would bend with relative ease, and result in misshapen devices from basic actions like sitting with the phone in one’s pocket, or leaning against a ledge. While this problem appeared to have been inherent to the larger form factor of the 6+, Apple seems to have fixed it with the iPhone 6s series. Continue reading
Apple outlines 25 top apps affected by XCodeGhost
In order to distribute apps in Apple’s App Store, developers need to keep up to date with the latest versions of XCode; however, Apple has historically released new versions of XCode to US customers before those in other countries. This has spurred developers in China, including reputable ones, to obtain the latest versions of XCode from secondary sources. Unfortunately, these developers were recently duped into using malware-laden versions of XCode that injected malware into their apps upon submission to the App Store. Continue reading
How to navigate documents on your Mac like a pro
One of the primary purposes of your Mac is likely to compose or view various text-based documents, and in doing so you may find yourself needing to quickly navigate through them. Of course, the primary method for doing this is to use your trackpad or mouse, where Apple’s multi-touch input options provide intuitive and quick ways of scrolling and placing your cursor; however, you also have a number of options available with your keyboard, which can be just as quick, especially if you are in the middle of typing. Continue reading
No charger? How to save your battery in iOS 9
Besides the current time, your iPhone or iPad’s battery level is perhaps one of the more monitored details of your device. This may especially be true if you regularly find yourself in locations without a charger. At first you may not care too much when the little battery indicator is green, but as you progress through the day you might find yourself watching the indicator a bit more. Here are some tips that can help you better manage and optimize your battery life. Continue reading
How to centralize your Time Machine backups
Time Machine in OS X offers a quick way to back up your entire system, but one requirement for this is you need to plug in your backup drive in order to keep the system backed up. For desktop systems this is a matter of simply keeping the drive attached and tucked away behind your iMac, Mac Mini, or Mac Pro; however, if you are a MacBook owner, then you might find yourself periodically misplacing your drive, or not having it with you, and then getting messages that you haven’t backed up in a number of days. There are two easy approaches to help prevent this, especially if you have multiple Macs available. Continue reading
Fix the News app missing from iOS 9 after upgrading
One of the new features of iOS 9 is Apple’s News app, which offers a new way to subscribe to sources and interact with the latest headlines. The app is a replacement for Newsstand, and instead of featuring individual subscriptions to news sources, offers collections of them in groups based on categories like Politics, Science, Finance, and others. You may be eager to try this new option, but after upgrading, many people are finding this app missing from their home screens. Continue reading
How to overcome Apps crashing or hanging in iOS
Apple’s iOS is developed to be relatively simple and straightforward, where you download an app and run it with one tap, and it should then give you new functionality. However, there may be times when apps you download will either crash, hang, or otherwise not run properly. If this happens, iOS’s simplicity limits what you can do to troubleshoot the issue, but there are some steps you can take to help overcome the problem. Continue reading
Buying decisions: iPad Pro or MacBook Air?
Apple’s iPad line is getting bigger and more powerful with every new release, and while tablets have some distinct differences from classic laptops, their capabilities are progressing to overlap with or in some cases extend beyond those of laptops. With the release of Apple’s new iPad Pro and upcoming iOS 9, the distinctions are becoming even less, so if you are in the market for a new system, you might find yourself wondering whether to go for an iPad or a comparably priced OS X system such as a MacBook Air, especially if it will be your only computer. Continue reading