Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting

iCloud Alter Egos, Dock Duplicates, and Synology's Shenanigans – Mac Geek Gab 1089 episode image [https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/icloud-alter-ego-dock-dupe-synology-shenanigans-mgg1089.jpg?fit=750%2C750&ssl=1] This week’s Mac Geek Gab is bursting with power-user gold, thanks to Dave, Pilot Pete, and Adam Christianson. You’ll learn how to command Time Machine from Terminal like a pro, tame your iCloud email identities, and even resize your Dock to fit your vibe. Quick Tips fly fast, from dragging contacts into Numbers alternatives to “Hide My Email.” And if your Dock’s perfect on one Mac and a mess on another? Listener dogstir shares a plist trick that syncs your setup in seconds. Don’t Get Caught doing things the hard way. But that’s just the start. You’ll dig into iCloud storage conundrums, managing Apple One, and what happens when uninstaller apps clash with ongoing updates. Bluetooth quirks on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, lingering Comcast email access post-Xfinity, and a potential Backblaze rethink all get tackled. And if you’re wrestling with UPS power spikes or Synology’s restrictive 2025 drive policies, yep, they’ve got hacks for that too. * 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1089 [https://mgg.fm/1089] for Monday, May 12th [https://nationaltoday.com/may-12/], 2025 * May 12th: National Nutty Fudge Day [https://nationaltoday.com/national-nutty-fudge-day/] * Police Code 10-89 [https://policecodes.net/ten-codes/10-89] – Bomb threat * MGG Monthly Giveaway [https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway] – Win an eero Outdoor 7 * We’ll be doing MGG Live at Macstock [https://macstockconferenceandexpo.com/] on Saturday, July 12th! Join us, and use our coupon code: MACGEEKGAB50 to save $50! * Quick Tips * 00:00:01 Greg-QT-Set a Timer Quickly in iPhone’s Control Center * 00:03:27 QT-Adjust Time Machine Quota Size from Terminal * sudo tmutil destinationinfo * sudo tmutil setquota [ID] 1500 (1500 is size in gigabytes) * 00:06:34 What to do when Time Machine says you don’t have enough space left? * 00:07:21 Joe-QT-iCloud eMail Alias alternative to “Hide My eMail” * Alter iCloud Egos! * 00:10:11 Roy-QT-You can resize the Mac’s Dock * 00:12:03 How do you use your Dock on your Mac * 00:15:49 Andy-QT-Drag Contacts to Numbers for an Easy Export * 00:19:38 SPONSOR: Caldera Lab [https://calderalab.com/MGG]. Guys, don’t settle for drugstore junk or steal your partner’s products—elevate your routine with skincare made for you. Head to CalderaLab.com/MGG [http://calderalab.com/MGG] and use MGG at checkout for 20% off your first order. * Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! * 00:21:40 Bill-Let Uninstallers/Cleaners Work while an App is Updating? * CleanMyMac [https://cleanmymac.com/] * AVG [https://www.avg.com/en-us/avg-antivirus-for-mac] * 00:28:25 danbo99-Bluetooth and iPhone 16 Pro Max * 00:36:37 Bob-Can I keep my Comcast email even if I cancel Xfinity internet service? [https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/using-email-only] * 00:43:44 Pete’s audio issues: learning from our mistakes! * 00:46:04 SPONSOR: Square [https://square.com/go/mgg]. Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/mgg [https://square.com/go/mgg].  #squarepod #ad * MOAR Questions Answered * 00:47:56 Bruce-1086-Local Device Access Might Not Mean Everything * 00:51:33 Adam’s Running out of iCloud Storage * 01:02:32 Managing Apple One * 01:04:29 SPONSOR: Coda [https://coda.io/mgg], the one Doc to rule them all. Bring your text and tables together! Get six months of the team plan for startups for FREE at Coda.io/mgg [https://coda.io/mgg]. * EVEN MOAR Questions Answered * 01:05:56 Dave asks, Dogstir answers – To transfer your Dock layout to another Mac * Set up your Dock as desired on one Mac. * Copy the com.apple.dock.plist file to the same location on your other Mac(s). * After copying, run killall Dock in Terminal to reload the Dock configuration. * 01:07:07 Craig-Way to delay UPS Spikes on re-powering after a power failure? * Delay Timer Time Relay [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B08CV4G9QC/macgeekgab-20] * 01:15:55 Dave-Do we need to worry about Backblaze [https://chatgpt.com/share/681366ba-d3a0-8010-ae50-0a7c7e5b276b]? * 01:20:59 Rob-CSF-Add Drives to Synology’s Approved List [https://github.com/007revad/Synology_HDD_db] (and bypass Synology’s 2025 restrictions!) * 01:32:39 MGG 1089 [https://mgg.fm/1089] Outtro * MGG Monthly Giveaway [https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway] – eero Outdoor 7 * Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly [https://cachefly.com/] * Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) [http://sothereiwas.us/] * The Debut Film Podcast [https://debutfilmpodcast.com/] – Adam’s new podcast! * Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) [https://businessbrain.show/] and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) [https://www.giggabpodcast.com/] Podcasts * MGG Merch is Available! [http://macgeekgab.com/merch] * Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw4n7jezVHKzJJW7MykDu7Q] * Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar [https://macgeekgab.com/calendar] * This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors [https://macgeekgab.com/premium] * MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews [https://macgeekgab.com/reviews] * feedback@macgeekgab.com [feedback@macgeekgab.com] * 224-888-GEEK [tel:224-888-GEEK] * Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List [https://www.macgeekgab.com/sponsors] * BackBeat Media Podcast Network [http://www.backbeatmedia.com/]

iPhone Tricks, Gigabit Wi-Fi, and Life on 256GB – Mac Geek Gab 1088 episode image [https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/iphone-tricks-gigabit-wifi-256gb-life-mgg1088.jpg?fit=750%2C750&ssl=1] You’re sitting on a goldmine of Apple and tech hacks this week. From drag-and-drop magic on your iPhone to bypassing pesky paywalls with News+, you’ll pick up power-user moves fast. If your Mac’s hiding your Desktop folder, it might be time to nuke that Finder.plist…or maybe update your Finder’s sidebar settings. Need to upgrade your Wi-Fi to keep up with 2Gbps fiber? You’ll get step-by-step tips, plus real-world advice on NAS setups and whether Synology is still your best friend in 2025. Spoiler: Synology’s forcing their own drives now for a lot of newer units—don’t get caught unprepared. Rocking only 256GB of storage? You’re not alone—Dave, Pete, and Adam walk you through clever external drive picks and how to shift Documents and Desktop to external storage, or leaving it in place and having Hazel doing the heavy lifting. And when it’s time for Cool Stuff Found, strap in: from booming RockSteady speakers to the slick Thunderbird Identity Chooser and a genuinely helpful email app called eM Client, the crew keeps the hits coming. Don’t Get Caught missing the chance to boost your tech game this week. * 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1088 [https://mgg.fm/1088] for Monday, May 5th [https://nationaltoday.com/may-5/], 2025 * May 5th: Revenge of The Fifth [https://nationaltoday.com/revenge-of-the-5th/] * Police Code 10-88 [https://policecodes.net/ten-codes/10-88] – Advise phone number of officer * MGG Monthly Giveaway [https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway] – Win an eero Outdoor 7 * We’ll be at Macstock [https://macstockconferenceandexpo.com/] and so can you for $399 with MACGEEKGAB50 * Quick Tips * 00:00:01 Robb-QT-Don’t forget about drag-and-drop on iPhones * 00:07:08 Stephen Robles Video on Perplexity vs. Siri [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pQJ3ZyqKBw] * 00:08:25 Joe-QT-Open articles in News+ to bypass paywalls * Try Reader Mode on paywalled news sites * 00:13:08 Ben-QT-1086-Resolve Mysterious Disappearing Desktop Folder by Deleting Finder.plist [https://www.reddit.com/r/MacOS/comments/tad7e3/desktop_keeps_disappearing_from_finders_sidebar/] * 00:17:01 Change icon by refreshing the favorite in your Finder sidebar * 00:17:38 SPONSOR: Insta360 X5 Camera [https://store.insta360.com/product/x5?utm_term=mgg]. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com [https://store.insta360.com/product/x5?utm_term=mgg] and use the promo code “mgg”, available for the first 30 purchases only. * Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! * 00:19:05 Terry-What steps do I need to take to upgrade my WiFi to match my 2Gbps fiber? * 00:30:02 Sean-Advice about Large Local Storage or NAS * Synology DiskStation as Personal Cloud [https://www.synology.com/en-global/dsm/feature/drive] * 00:44:18 SPONSOR: Storyworth [https://storyworth.com/MACGEEKGAB] uses quick, weekly email prompts to create a unique keepsake hardcover book for you or your loved ones. Save $10 on your first purchase at StoryWorth.com/MACGEEKGAB [https://storyworth.com/MACGEEKGAB]. * MOAR Questions Answered * 00:45:47 Synology to require Synology-branded Drives in 2025-plus units [https://www.zdnet.com/article/why-synologys-new-nas-drive-support-policy-isnt-as-bad-as-i-first-thought/] * 00:48:51 Glen-Living with 256GB storage in a laptop * 00:50:35 Brian-Using 256GB on an M2 MacBook Air * Buffalo External 2TB Thumb Drive [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B09XS1972J/macgeekgab-20] * Transcend 2TB Thumb Drive [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C6S44K2Z/macgeekgab-20] * 00:54:28 Chris-How can I move Documents and Desktop folders to an external drive? [https://www.lifewire.com/move-macs-home-folder-new-location-2260157] * Hazel from Noodlesoft [https://www.noodlesoft.com/] * 01:01:31 SPONSOR: ScreenCastsONLINE [https://screencastsonline.com/mgg]. Each week, ScreenCastsONLINE publishes two Apple-related videos to its ever-expanding library of over 1,400 tutorials. Visit ScreenCastsONLINE/mgg [https://screencastsonline.com/mgg] to try it FREE for 7 DAYS, then get a lifetime 20% discount on your subscription. * Cool Stuff Found * 01:03:15 P2-CSF-RockSteady Stadium 2.0 Speakers [https://rocksteadyaudio.com/products/rocksteady-stadium-speakers-2-0?srsltid=AfmBOorKr3l8RbRuA_rJgqUwFYjjB6MpIGozlKekPiEKoxL-5gwskPof]! * 01:07:19 Larry-CSF-Thunderbird Identity Chooser [https://addons.thunderbird.net/en-us/thunderbird/addon/identity-chooser/versions/] plugin * 01:09:13 David Jameson-CSF-eM Client [https://www.emclient.com/] – listens to user requests! * 01:13:26 MGG 1088 [https://mgg.fm/1088] Outtro * MGG Monthly Giveaway [https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway] – eero Outdoor 7 * Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly [https://cachefly.com/] * Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) [http://sothereiwas.us/] * The Debut Film Podcast [https://debutfilmpodcast.com/] – Adam’s new podcast! * Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) [https://businessbrain.show/] and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) [https://www.giggabpodcast.com/] Podcasts * MGG Merch is Available! [http://macgeekgab.com/merch] * Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw4n7jezVHKzJJW7MykDu7Q] * Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar [https://macgeekgab.com/calendar] * This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors [https://macgeekgab.com/premium] * MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews [https://macgeekgab.com/reviews] * feedback@macgeekgab.com [feedback@macgeekgab.com] * 224-888-GEEK [tel:224-888-GEEK] * Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List [https://www.macgeekgab.com/sponsors] * BackBeat Media Podcast Network [http://www.backbeatmedia.com/]

Fix Your Wi-Fi, Upgrade Your Podcast Rig, and Travel Smarter — Mac Geek Gab 1087 episode image [https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/fix-wifi-travel-smarter-mgg1087.jpg?fit=750%2C750&ssl=1] This week on Mac Geek Gab 1087, you get packed with Quick Tips to sharpen your workflow: send lyrics via text from Apple Music with a long press, use ChatGPT smarter for search, and master the magical Cmd-Opt-Shift-V paste for plain text. Discover how Hazel tames your Downloads folder, 1Password tags speed up your secure searches, and a Finder favorites fix keeps your go-to folders front and center. Plus, learn how Apple’s Custom Domains give you unlimited email aliases and why your password settings might be grayed out — little things that make sure you Don’t Get Caught fumbling with your Mac. Dave, Pilot Pete, and Adam dive deep into the tools behind your favorite podcasts, from Audio Hijack and Hindenburg to Feeder and Keyboard Maestro for ninja-level chapter marking. Dave also shares his slick new eero Outdoor 7 and UniFi Flex Mini 2.5G setup. In Cool Stuff Found, grab nine free Waves plugins, snack on Chomps Beef Sticks, clean your menu bar with Barbee, track planes with FlightAware, and level up your game nights with Apple Game Room and Game Pigeon. Stay geeky, stay sharp — and remember, Don’t Get Caught! * 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1087 [https://mgg.fm/1087] for Monday, April 28th [https://nationaltoday.com/april-28/], 2025 * April 28th: National Superhero Day [https://nationaltoday.com/national-superhero-day/] * Police Code 10-87 [https://policecodes.net/ten-codes/10-87] – Give call letters of your station * MGG Monthly Giveaway [https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway] – Win a CleanMyMac Membership! * Quick Tips * 00:00:01 Corky-QT-Long-press lyrics in Apple Music to sent a text message * 00:03:51 Joel-QT-Use ChatGPT to search and parse results * 00:04:51 PensacolaCraig-QT-Paste Plain Text Only Cmd+Opt+Shift+V * 00:07:20 Val-QT-Apple’s Custom Domains support Unlimited Email Aliases * 00:09:43 Mike-QT-Download Folder Management with Hazel [https://www.noodlesoft.com/] * 00:13:19 GW-QT-Tags in 1Password expedite specifics. * 00:15:58 n-Chris-QT-1086-Solve your Disappearing Finder Favorites with Aliases (and Steve) * 00:17:37 SPONSOR: Insta360 X5 Camera [https://store.insta360.com/product/x5?utm_term=mgg]. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com [https://store.insta360.com/product/x5?utm_term=mgg] and use the promo code “mgg”, available for the first 30 purchases only. * Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! * 00:19:07 Tim-Why is Option to require Password Immediately grayed out? * 00:24:35 Larry-Different AppleID to return with electronic devices from overseas? * 00:35:07 SPONSOR: Storyworth [https://storyworth.com/MACGEEKGAB] uses quick, weekly email prompts to create a unique keepsake hardcover book for you or your loved ones. Save $10 on your first purchase at StoryWorth.com/MACGEEKGAB [https://storyworth.com/MACGEEKGAB]. * MOAR Questions Answered * 00:36:42 Chris-What apps do you use to produce and record your podcast? * GarageBand [https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/] * Fission [https://rogueamoeba.com/fission/] * Audio Hijack [https://rogueamoeba.com/audiohijack/] * Discord [https://discord.com/] * Farrago [https://rogueamoeba.com/farrago/] * StreamYard [https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5819218172575744] * Auphonic [https://auphonic.com/] * SoundDesk [https://www.loudlab-app.com/sounddesk-app] * Hindenburg for Podcast Editing [https://hindenburg.com/] * Use Keyboard Maestro to capture timestamps for podcast chapters [https://www.macobserver.com/tips/how-to/podcasters-chapters-timestamps-keyboard-maestro/] * Riverside as a Streamyard Alternative [https://riverside.fm/riversidefm-vs-streamyard] * Feeder (to create RSS feeds) from Steve Harris [https://reinventedsoftware.com/feeder/] * PowerPress [https://wordpress.org/plugins/powerpress/] * 00:51:36 Dave Setup his eero Outdoor 7 [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0CHJBJLHN/macgeekgab-20] * POE Injector [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B08F82QCMN/macgeekgab-20] * UniFi Flex Mini 2.5G [https://store.ui.com/us/en/products/usw-flex-2-5g-5] * 01:01:55 SPONSOR: OWC’s Gemini [https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/owc-gemini] Versatile desktop dual-bay storage product with a built-in dock. * Cool Stuff Found * 01:03:10 CSF-Waves Free Plugin Pack with 9 awesome plugins [https://waves.alzt.net/Vx2M56] * 01:05:14 CSF-Chomps Beef Sticks [https://chomps.com/collections/chomps?srsltid=AfmBOopJltGC3bOq02cS3xgLsD0w9KYdFJsMZ4uX3wmdR4b3RI191R1T] * 01:05:42 CSF-Barbee to manage your Mac menubar [https://macmenubar.com/barbee/] * 01:07:06 CSF-Landmarks New York app [https://www.landmarksapp.com/] * 01:08:34 CSF-Flightaware [https://www.flightaware.com/] (also an iOS app) * 01:09:14 CSF-SonoFlow SE HQ31 [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0DPQTBHLV/macgeekgab-20] Headphones * 01:11:42 CSF-Apple Game Room [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/game-room/id1642897935] * 01:14:48 CSF-Game Pigeon [https://gamepigeonapp.com/] * 01:16:40 MGG 1087 [https://mgg.fm/1087] Outtro * MGG Monthly Giveaway [https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway] – CleanMyMac * Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly [https://cachefly.com/] * Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) [http://sothereiwas.us/] * The Debut Film Podcast [https://debutfilmpodcast.com/] – Adam’s new podcast! * Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) [https://businessbrain.show/] and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) [https://www.giggabpodcast.com/] Podcasts * MGG Merch is Available! [http://macgeekgab.com/merch] * Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw4n7jezVHKzJJW7MykDu7Q] * Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar [https://macgeekgab.com/calendar] * This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors [https://macgeekgab.com/premium] * MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews [https://macgeekgab.com/reviews] * feedback@macgeekgab.com [feedback@macgeekgab.com] * 224-888-GEEK [tel:224-888-GEEK] * Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List [https://www.macgeekgab.com/sponsors] * BackBeat Media Podcast Network [http://www.backbeatmedia.com/]

Embracing Schrödinger's Desktop — Mac Geek Gab 1086 episode image [https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/schrodingers-desktop-mgg1086a.jpg?fit=750%2C750&ssl=1] You’ll walk away from this episode armed with rapid‑fire Quick Tips that shave precious seconds off your day: shuffle your iOS wallpaper for fresh vibes automatically, sling “>>” in Notes to summon recent docs, and force‑sync iCloud Photos when lag strikes. Dial down cellular burnout with Low Data Mode—yes, Mint Mobile’s “unlimited” finally lives up to its name—and tap dual‑language keyboards to spell‑check like a polyglot. Kill those “Paste from Other Apps” nags, drag Finder’s sidebar sections exactly where you want them, at least until you have to embrace Schrödinger’s Desktop zen: Let Go, Let Apple. Then you dive deeper. Teach your Apple TV Remote new gestures, diagnose that muffled HDMI‑ARC audio before it ruins movie night, and verify printer drivers so crummy pages don’t get you fired. Garmin tools favor macOS, but confirm app permissions so rogue software doesn’t hijack your devices—Thunderbird’s indexing quirks included. Add Touch ID to any Mac mini with a Magic Keyboard or BLEUnlock, tame a cramped 256 GB laptop with Hazel’s smart folders, and squeeze every drop from your ink cartridges with savvy resets and reliable third‑party refills. Don’t Get Caught without these hacks in your toolkit. * 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1086 [https://mgg.fm/1086] for Monday, April 21st [https://nationaltoday.com/april-21/], 2025 * April 21st: Big Word Day [https://nationaltoday.com/big-word-day/] (also World Creativity and Innovation Day [https://www.un.org/en/observances/creativity-and-innovation-day]) * Police Code 10-86 [https://policecodes.net/ten-codes/10-86] – Officer on-duty * MGG Monthly Giveaway [https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway] – Win a CleanMyMac Membership! * Quick Tips * 00:00:01 QT-Changing iOS Wallpaper to “Shuffle” Photos * 00:03:22 Andrew-QT-Type >> in Notes to link to recent notes [https://9to5mac.com/2025/04/09/this-one-apple-notes-feature-has-me-rethinking-how-i-use-the-app/] * 00:05:01 Ben-QT-Force Sync to iCloud Photos * 00:08:00 Low Data Mode in iOS Cellular * Mint Mobile [https://macgeekgab.com/mintmobile] unlimited is (now) truly unlimited? * 00:14:28 RG-QT-Use two-language keyboards to check spelling and get recommendations in multiple languages * 00:18:02 n-Lucas-QT-Eliminate “Paste from Other Apps” notifications on iPhone * 00:19:14 QT-MacOS Finder Expand, Collapse & Drag Sidebar Location Categories to Desired position * Let Go and Let Apple * LITFA * Schrödinger’s Desktop * 00:24:18 ChatGPT writes our sponsor scripts * 00:27:57 Dan DXZDB-QT-Teaching your Apple TV Remote new Tricks * 00:30:15 Pilot Pete-Using HDMI-ARC results in crappy sound occasionally…what is it? * Don’t Get Caught * 00:34:47 KYEngineer-DGC-Make sure your printer drivers are correct * 00:37:42 Garmin’s software prefers Macs? * 00:39:40 Todd-DGC-Follow Up – Do Apps need Access to Devices [https://support.apple.com/en-us/102229]? * 00:44:55 DGC-Thunderbird May Not Be Indexing Your Mail [https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1952259] * 00:51:12 SPONSOR: BBEdit [https://www.barebones.com/products/bbedit/], the power tool for text from Bare Bones Software; now with integrated Notebooks and extended language support. * Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! * 00:52:55 Russell-How can I add touch ID to my Mac mini? * Magic Keyboard with Touch ID [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0DL6L189W/macgeekgab-20] * BLEUnlock [https://github.com/ts1/BLEUnlock] * 00:58:30 Gary-Efficient Way to Manage 256Gb Laptop Storage? * Hazel [https://www.noodlesoft.com/] * 01:06:02 Gary-Should I reset the ink/toner cartridges that I have? * Michael DJ-1084-Use InkJetSuperstore.com [http://inkjetsuperstore.com/] for third-party ink and toner cartridges * Check Amazon.com [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/macgeekgab-20] for InkJet Cartridges * Show Business * 01:10:10 MGG Review-rgAdg17 from the UK * 01:11:23 MGG Review-DudemanLA – 2025-04-10 * 01:12:15 MGG Premium [https://www.macgeekgab.com/shop/] Listener Contribution Appreciation Moment * 01:17:18 MGG 1086 [https://mgg.fm/1086] Outtro * MGG Monthly Giveaway [https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway] – CleanMyMac * Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly [https://cachefly.com/] * Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) [http://sothereiwas.us/] * The Debut Film Podcast [https://debutfilmpodcast.com/] – Adam’s new podcast! * Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) [https://businessbrain.show/] and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) [https://www.giggabpodcast.com/] Podcasts * MGG Merch is Available! [http://macgeekgab.com/merch] * Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw4n7jezVHKzJJW7MykDu7Q] * Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar [https://macgeekgab.com/calendar] * This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors [https://macgeekgab.com/premium] * MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews [https://macgeekgab.com/reviews] * feedback@macgeekgab.com [feedback@macgeekgab.com] * 224-888-GEEK [tel:224-888-GEEK] * Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List [https://www.macgeekgab.com/sponsors] * BackBeat Media Podcast Network [http://www.backbeatmedia.com/]

Password Hygiene, Custom GPT Hacks, and Your Best Travel Battery — Mac Geek Gab 1085 episode image [https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/password-hygiene-batterys-custom-gpts-mgg1085.jpg?fit=750%2C750&ssl=1] This week’s Mac Geek Gab is your fast lane to smarter tech moves, featuring Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton steering you through the latest Quick Tips and listener Q&A. You’ll learn how to turn your car’s Source button into a play/pause controller, why stuffing your user manuals into a custom GPT might be your next life hack, and how AI tools like Perplexity are leveling up fast. Plus, the gang workshopped their own MGG-GPT—because the more input you give, the better your tech life gets. Don’t Get Caught underestimating what AI can do for you! From the wisdom of when to buy a Mac (hint: when you need one) to the best practices for Migration Assistant and password hygiene, this episode is packed with practical advice. Thinking about travel gear? The crew compares their go-to backup batteries—from Pete’s 20k mAh beast to Dave’s slick INIU Qi2 charger. And if you’re mourning Mint, the budgeting app, the guys explore strong replacements like Quicken and Banktivity. It’s a full ride of tips to keep your tech life optimized and your wallet sane. * 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1085 [https://mgg.fm/1085] for Monday, April 14th [https://nationaltoday.com/april-14/], 2025 * April 14th: National Dolphin Day [https://nationaltoday.com/national-dolphin-day/] * Police Code 10-85 [https://policecodes.net/ten-codes/10-85] – Arrival delay due to [insert-cause-here] * MGG Monthly Giveaway [https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway] – Win a CleanMyMac Membership! * Quick Tips * 00:00:01 QT-In new Subarus, play/pause is done by holding the Source button * 00:04:28 QT-Put all your user manuals into a custom GPT. * 00:05:39 Mark-QT-Use ChatGPT to write Photoshop scripts * 00:08:35 Shopify (and other companies) mandating the use of GPTs [https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/shopify-says-no-new-hires-unless-ai-cant-do-the-job-81c34f1e] * 00:13:17 Workshopping the MGG-GPT * 00:15:21 Russ-CSF-More on Perplexity and other LLMs * 00:16:57 The more input you give AI, the better the output * 00:17:59 David-1083-Thanks for the motivation to back up my stuff! * 00:20:20 SPONSOR: Storyworth [https://storyworth.com/MACGEEKGAB] uses quick, weekly email prompts to create a unique keepsake hardcover book for you or your loved ones. Save $10 on your first purchase at StoryWorth.com/MACGEEKGAB [https://storyworth.com/MACGEEKGAB]. * Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! * 00:21:47 Larry-With the potential for price-increases due to tariffs, should I buy a new Mac now? * MGG Advice: Buy a new machine when you need a new machine, and get the most Mac you can afford * 00:33:29 The price of computers over the years * 00:35:23 Barry-What’s the best source when using Migration Assistant? * 00:42:28 GW-Is it good practice to Regularly Change Passwords? [https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/blog-post/problems-forcing-regular-password-expiry] * Changing Passwords for the Sake of Change * How big is your haystack? [https://www.grc.com/haystack.htm] * 00:48:00 Changing passwords in a corporate environment * 00:54:06 SPONSOR: Coda [https://coda.io/mgg], the one Doc to rule them all. Bring your text and tables together! Sign up at Coda.io/mgg [https://coda.io/mgg] for FREE. * MOAR Questions Answered * 00:55:34 DLH-What size battery do you travel with, and why? * Adam, the Anker Nano, 10,000mAh with USB-C and 30W [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9CSG3B7/macgeekgab-20] * Pete, a 20,000mAh battery with USB-A and USB-C * Dave, now from MGG 1084 [https://mgg.fm/1084]: INIU 10k Qi2 15W/30W charger [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0DMP8N3D9/macgeekgab-20] * 01:03:15 The FAA Did a Disservice to the Traveling Public with regards to Batteries * 01:09:36 GW-Good Budgeting Software after Mint? * Mint / Credit Karma app [https://mint.intuit.com/] * Banktivity [https://www.banktivity.com/] * Quicken for Mac [https://www.quicken.com/products/classic-premier-deluxe-mac/] * 01:14:40 MGG 1085 [https://mgg.fm/1085] Outtro * MGG Monthly Giveaway [https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway] – CleanMyMac * Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly [https://cachefly.com/] * Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) [http://sothereiwas.us/] * The Debut Film Podcast [https://debutfilmpodcast.com/] – Adam’s new podcast! * Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) [https://businessbrain.show/] and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) [https://www.giggabpodcast.com/] Podcasts * MGG Merch is Available! [http://macgeekgab.com/merch] * Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw4n7jezVHKzJJW7MykDu7Q] * Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar [https://macgeekgab.com/calendar] * This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors [https://macgeekgab.com/premium] * MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews [https://macgeekgab.com/reviews] * feedback@macgeekgab.com [feedback@macgeekgab.com] * 224-888-GEEK [tel:224-888-GEEK] * Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List [https://www.macgeekgab.com/sponsors] * BackBeat Media Podcast Network [http://www.backbeatmedia.com/]