Here’s how to pin Safari tabs in El Capitan, and some thoughts on the value of doing just that.
Mac
El Capitan, iOS 9 security and the new version of two-factor authentication
From Apple:
Two-factor authentication is a new service built directly into iOS 9 and OS X El Capitan. It uses different methods to trust devices and deliver verification codes, and offers a more streamlined user experience. The current two-step verification feature will continue to work separately for users who are already enrolled.
These differences are explained in the post and linked article.
Apple’s official list of El Capitan enhancements
That is one long list.
Tim Cook: “We don’t believe in having one operating system for both mobile and PCs”
Tim said a lot of interesting things during his chat, but this is clearly a highlight comment.
The iMore El Capitan review
Terrific job by Rene Ritchie. Lots to absorb here, definitely worth the read.
El Capitan pricing and availability
Some musing on Apple’s move, 2 years ago, to a free OS for the Mac.
El Capitan: The Ars Technica review
Andrew Cunningham & Lee Hutchinson did a massively comprehensive job filling John Siracusa’s reviewer shoes.
iOS as OS of choice for millennials
Tim Bajarin, writing for Tech.pinions:
This younger generation does use PCs. However, they actually spend the most time on their iPhones and iPads and Macs are mostly relegated to serious productivity projects.
Agree. Mostly.
Tip: Simple batch file renames in the Finder
Dan Moren, writing for Six Colors, with a nice tip you might want to bookmark.
The MacBook Air is on the path to extinction
Are the iPad Air’s days numbered? Really interesting article.
A few easily overlooked features in Photos for OS X
Jeff Carlson lays out 6 somewhat hidden features in the OS X Photos applications. I knew most of them, but as always with these sorts of posts, the real value was in the ones I didn’t know. Nice job, Jeff.
“Hey Siri, give us a hint.”
Well, we’re here. Later today we’ll find out what Apple has up its collective sleeve. Here’s what to watch for, where to watch.
How to disable El Capitan cursor shake-to-zoom feature
In OS X El Capitan, when you shake the cursor (rapidly move the cursor back and forth), the OS will replace the cursor with a much larger version until you stop the shaking. This is really useful if you have a hard to see cursor (like a cross hair cursor, for example) or encounter a software bug that temporarily makes the cursor invisible.
Don’t like the feature? Perhaps you are an avid gamer and find it comes up at an inopportune time? No matter, easy enough to make it disappear.
How to boot your Mac in Verbose Mode
This is useful stuff. Worth bookmarking and passing along to other Mac support folks.
BatteryBox: Chrome browser kills your MacBook battery the fastest
Huge difference in battery drain between using Safari and Chrome on a Macbook.
Magic Number, fantastic calculator for OS X
I’ve been playing with a replacement calculator for the Mac. Magic Number has been out for a while, but is new to me. There is an incredible amount of functionality built into the calculator, yet it is incredibly easy to use.
Quick way to view a list of all non-Apple software installed on your Mac
Here’s how to find a list of all non-Apple software installed on your computer.
List of stuff announced at WWDC
This is just terrific. A detailed list of things, both small and large, announced at last month’s WWDC.
OS X and built-in network troubleshooting
Peter Cohen talks about a shortcut for disconnecting from your network, as well as Apple’s built in network diagnostic utility.
Apple Music review, as seen through the lens of iTunes
Ben Lovejoy, writing for 9to5mac, uses iTunes on his Mac to dig into Apple Music.
6 reasons to get excited about OS X El Capitan
This is a solid take on some of what’s coming with OS X El Capitan. My hope is that, as with any stability-focused release, Apple has taken the time to get under the hood and do a bit of tune-up.
Details on OS X and iOS cross application resource attacks
Details on the XARA cross application resource attack, the latest threat to iOS and OS X.
How to record your iPhone’s screen on your Mac for free
Simple, elegant, free.
Thoughts on last week’s keynote
Thoughts on last week’s keynotes, spurred by a Monday Note writeup from Jean-Louis Gassée.
Want to beta-test El Capitan and iOS 9?
Help Apple make their new software better. Join the Apple Beta Software Program.
How to add spaces to your Mac’s Dock using Terminal
Peter Cohen, writing for iMore, talks you through the process of adding spacers into your dock, creating natural groupings for all your dock icons.
USB-C likely to be used across entire future MacBook range
The move to USB-C is a short term pain, a long term gain.
ComputerWorld review: Apple’s new MacBook is a great travel laptop
Michael deAgonia, writing for ComputerWorld, lays out his reaction to the newest MacBook.
Change your Mac’s notification banner wait time
When notifications appear on your Mac, do they disappear too quickly? Want to make them hang around just a bit longer?
How to make the most of a Yosemite Spotlight query
Kirk McElhearn digs in to Spotlight queries on the Mac, shows you some excellent tips that will help you find that elusive file. This goes well beyond the basics. Read. Learn.