Upcoming Mac and iPad Classes at Di-No

Posted on August 20, 2013 by SGVAUG BlogMaster

Di-No LogoDi-No Computers, in Pasadena, hosts a rotating set of Mac classes on Tuesdays from 2:00p to 3:30p; and iPad classes on the first and third Mondays of each month, also from 2:00p to 3:30p. These classes are all no-cost; feel free to contribute to the tip jar, though, if you feel so moved! The schedule for the next four weeks is as follows:

27 Aug 2013 Mac Play TBA
2 Sept 2013 iPad Basics This class will focus on the essentials of the iPad: gestures, settings, and using basic apps
3 Sept 2013 Intro to the Interface This class is an introduction to the Mac
10 Sept 2013 Navigating the Interface This class focuses mainly on organizing files and dealing with the Finder
16 Sept 2013 iPad Basics This class will focus on Mail, Contacts, and Calendar
17 Sept 2013 Mac Work TBA

Call Jordan at Di-No for further details, including what you should bring with you, etc. To subscribe to Di-No’s class-schedule calendar, click here.

Di-No Computers
2817 E. Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA  91107
(626) 795-6674

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And Speaking of Keyboards…

Posted on August 20, 2013 by SGVAUG BlogMaster

…I saw this bit on MakeUseOf this morning: Ditch Qwerty & Type Faster With Workman:

Before personal computers were invented, even before they made their appearance in science-fiction literature, the Qwerty keyboard layout was designed for use on typewriters. While the design considerations were solid, Qwerty wasn’t created for efficiency. Far from it. Because the typebars on a mechanical typewriter could jam when pressing close-by keys, the most used characters were instead spread out as far as possible on the keyboard.

We don’t use typewriters anymore (well, most of us don’t). And yet most of you will still be using Qwerty, the most popular keyboard layout in the world. But not because it’s so easy to use, or even because it’s the best option on the market. The main reason for Qwerty’s dominion is its age.

We need to reconsider. Without those old restrictions, a keyboard layout can focus on efficiency and ease of use. It’s time for change; for a keyboard layout that’s fit for modern keyboards and modern computing. It’s time for the Workman Layout

I hadn’t heard of this particular layout, but one of these days, I just may check it, or its competitors, out.

Click the link for the whole story.

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Were You at the Meeting Last Night?

Posted on August 20, 2013 by SGVAUG BlogMaster

If not, shame on you! Oh, actually, you missed a great deal of input…

Besides mice (mouses?), keyboards, trackballs, and Wacom tablets, Dave showed us a couple of really cool devices for interacting with your Mac with*out* using any of the aforementioned devices. Wow! We also saw, on the Web, a available-for-preorder-only (with no description provided) keyboard priced at $3,199.99. Would I lie about a thing like that?

The main thing I remember about Coco’s was the yummy shrimp and avocado salad. Hey, I was really hungry by then!

That’s my story; I’m sticking to it!

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InfoManager for Monday, August 19, 2013

Posted on August 19, 2013 by SGVAUG BlogMaster

by Lynn Wegley, InfoManager, with co-editor Fred Showker

What’s Here:
01 IDG: Salaries & Skills: Autism & iPads
02 Tiny Changes May Make Fall For iOS 7
03 Cyber Security – NSA, Congress, Cyber security insurance
04 iPad InfoManager: Retina, Apple, Verizon, Samsung
05 Ten Best Writing Apps for iPad
06 How to Make Your Mac More Secure
07 Ten materials that could transform tech
08 Book Creator App Now Free
09 Eleven of Merriam-Webster’s Dictionaries for Mac OS X
10 Election Hack: Stealing Votes the Cyber Way
11 Dispose of unwanted electronic devices
12 Quotes: Back to School Continue reading →

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Reminder: Mac Class at Di-No

Posted on August 19, 2013 by SGVAUG BlogMaster

Tomorrow, at 2:00p, is the Mac Work class, focusing on Pages, at Di-No Computers.

Di-No Computers
2817 E. Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA  91107
(626) 795-6674

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How Hackers Crack Passwords

Posted on August 18, 2013 by SGVAUG BlogMaster

The For Dummies Web site has a very interesting article by Kevin Beaver, author of Hacking for Dummies, 4th Edition. He not only explains how hackers can snag your passwords, but how you can protect yourself.

Password cracking is one of the most enjoyable hacks for the bad guys. It fuels their sense of exploration and desire to figure out a problem. A hacker can use low-tech methods to crack passwords. These methods include using social engineering techniques, shoulder surfing, and simply guessing passwords from information that he knows about the user.

PYBT for the complete story: How Hackers Crack Passwords

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Macworld HELP DESK 08.16.2013

Posted on August 16, 2013 by SGVAUG BlogMaster

Get started with Getting started with iPhoto. Chris Breen starts his iLife exposé with Apple’s digital image manager.

Keep your iPhone and iPad (and iPod, too, I’m guessing) going and going. Fact or fiction: Nine iPhone and iPad battery-saving techniques tested confirms and/or debunks nine common “facta” about iDevice battery life.

Turn a photo mistake into a great shot has some great tips on rescuing not-quite-so-perfect shots.

Other items of interest today:

For the whole shooting match, PYBT: Macworld HELP DESK 08.16.2013

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August 19th General Meeting

Posted on August 15, 2013 by SGVAUG BlogMaster

Hit Any Key...

Input Devices & Swipe Gestures

Controlling Your Computer and Mobile Devices

Computers and tablets and smartphones are nifty, and can help us do so many cool things, but how do you get all that good stuff in them, and how do you deal with it once it’s in there? This month, we’ll take a look and see!

Topics to be discussed include:

  • Mouse vs. Trackball vs. Trackpad
  • wired (USB) vs. wireless, Bluetooth, etc.
  • keyboards (various types)
    • general: various configurations and types, sizes, touch
    • application-specific templates and keyboard
    • iOS keyboards: wide variety of styles and features
  • Wacom tablets
  • Leap Motion
  • Universal Access in the System Menu
  • Siri and voice recognition

Regular Features

Apps & Traps – Our essential monthly feature on interesting new products and services for iOS and OS X, brought to you by Dave Whitby.

Apple News & Updates

Q&A

Our rewarding Monthly Prize Drawing includes a ProHT Bluetooth keyboard, compatible with iPads, iPhones, and Macs. Don’t forget: members receive one free ticket for our drawing. Bring a guest and get another free ticket! Support our group and increase your chances of winning some goodies – drawing tickets are $1.00 each or six for $5.00. The odds are great that you can be a winner!

The meeting will be held at the Pasadena Public Library Main Branch Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. Following the general meeting, we have our informal Meeting after the Meeting at Coco’s Restaurant, 77 N. Lake Ave. (between Colorado Blvd. and Holly St.).

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InfoManager for Monday, August 12, 2013

Posted on August 12, 2013 by SGVAUG BlogMaster

by Lynn Wegley, InfoManager, with co-editor Fred Showker

What’s Here:
01 iDraw now imports/exports Adobe Photoshop!
02 UGNN Malware Report for 1308-12
03 Cyber Security – Cyber Attacks becoming more wide spread
04 ICANN seems to be aligning with cyber crime
05 Apple Store gift card scam bypasses phishing for all-out malware
06 Toolbox for iWork Set
07 Rent Adobe Apps or Buy One that Does It All
08 Twenty five Best Free iPad Apps
09 InterConneX 1.0 for the iPad
10 Five tools for every iTunes user
11 Guardian Cam 3.0 for iOS
12 How to use Apple’s OS X’s Automator
13 APPLE Spoofs, Malware and UGNN Reports
14 Quotes: Back to School Continue reading →

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Reminder: Mac Class at Di-No

Posted on August 12, 2013 by SGVAUG BlogMaster

Tomorrow, at 2:00p, is the Navigating the Interface class at Di-No Computers.

Di-No Computers
2817 E. Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA  91107
(626) 795-6674

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