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Latest articles — page 38 of 85.

Quickly and easily convert any text file into an m4a or MP3

Quickly and easily convert any text file into an m4a or MP3

Jessica Thornsby · Nov 11, 2018

Did you know that you can use macOS’ text-to-speech tools to convert any RTF (Rich Text Format) or TXT (Text File) into audio? It’s kind of like creating your own audiobook! If you can overlook the slight creepiness of macOS’ various robotic voices, then this can be a handy trick for helping you revise and […]

How to run any version of macOS from an external hard drive

How to run any version of macOS from an external hard drive

Jessica Thornsby · Nov 9, 2018

In this article, I’m going to show you how to run macOS directly from an external hard drive. Not only does this let you switch between operating systems, but it’s also a great way to experience different versions of macOS without permanently changing anything on your Mac. For example, if your favourite app only runs […]

New AirPods might come with useful health features

New AirPods might come with useful health features

Christopher Lee · Nov 9, 2018

Many Apple fans were hoping that the company would launch the new AirPods 2 range at its iPad and Mac press conference in October, but, of course, that did not happen. The good news is that there is again hope that these wireless earbuds might be introduced soon. The latest AirPods models have overcome a […]

Convert TXT, RTF, DOC and DOCX files with textutil

Convert TXT, RTF, DOC and DOCX files with textutil

Jessica Thornsby · Nov 8, 2018

Batch converting a bunch of text files is no-one’s idea of fun. Maybe someone’s sent you a tonne of documents that only open in a program you don’t have access to, or you need to share some Pages documents with a colleague who’s a die-hard Windows fan. While you could work your way through these […]

How to set up two-factor authentication

How to set up two-factor authentication

Jessica Thornsby · Nov 4, 2018

Your Apple ID is how you access many important Apple services, including iCloud, Messages, FaceTime and the App Store. Naturally, you’ll want to do everything you can to keep your Apple ID secure, and with data breaches happening all the time, simply creating a password is no longer enough! Two-factor authentication can provide an additional […]

Apple Watch software update renders many devices inoperable

Apple Watch software update renders many devices inoperable

Christopher Lee · Nov 1, 2018

At a time when it would prefer everyone to focus on its new iPads and Mac Minis, Apple has had to withdraw an Apple Watch update after various owners reported that the software caused their watches to stop working. The issue has apparently baffled the company’s repair personnel, and owners certainly can’t fix it themselves. […]

Change your hard-coded MAC address – without additional software

Change your hard-coded MAC address – without additional software

Jessica Thornsby · Nov 1, 2018

Your Mac has a media access control address (confusingly for Mac users, it’s called the MAC address) that uniquely identifies your laptop. This string of letters and numbers is hard-coded into your device in the factory, so it’s impossible to change on a permanent basis. However, you can change this fingerprint temporarily, using a technique […]

Securing your home with SmartThings: Get notified of door open events

Securing your home with SmartThings: Get notified of door open events

Jessica Thornsby · Oct 31, 2018

In our Getting Started with Samsung SmartThings article, we installed the SmartThings Hub, setup the mobile app, and added our first smart device to our home automation network. We also created a rule that sends you a smartphone notification in response to different events that are happening in your home, so you can keep up […]

Apple announces impressive new iPad Pro and MacBook Air models

Apple announces impressive new iPad Pro and MacBook Air models

Christopher Lee · Oct 31, 2018

On Tuesday 30 October 2018, Apple announced its redesigned MacBook Air and iPad Pro models. The focus is squarely on productivity, although aesthetics aren’t being left behind. This follows the company’s most expensive iPhone in history being released last month. The company trimmed the side and top bezels even further and also got rid of […]

Android user? How to send SMS messages from your Mac

Android user? How to send SMS messages from your Mac

Jessica Thornsby · Oct 30, 2018

Sending SMS messages via your smartphone can be a frustrating experience, especially if you struggle with typos; have a habit of writing essay-length messages, or you get frustrated with the smaller, virtual keyboards available on your typical smartphone. Wouldn’t it be easier if you could just type your messages using a larger keyboard – such […]

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