Archive
We Get Questions – Vol. 2
We continue with our second installment of questions I answer on Quora about the Mac, computers, Chromebooks, iDevices, etc. In some cases, I’ve extended my answers here to make them more complete or to add clarity.
What happens when you try to permanently empty your computer’s trash bin?
I’m sure you know that when you empty the trash everything inside is deleted. Sometimes you can’t delete a file or app because it is being used in some way by the computer. In that case, restart and then finish emptying the trash. Happy emptying!
Currently, can I sell my locked iPad Pro (12.9) to anyone other than the company it’s linked to? What is a good price for the iPad?
If the iPad is locked (and you don’t have either the lockscreen code or iCloud email/password) then it is worthless. Did you steal it? If so, please return it to the company or person from that company you took it from. If you purchased it from someone or the company, you’ll need to go back to that person/company IT folks to get them to disassociate their iCloud account from the iPad.
What are the risks of using a Mac that runs on outdated software?
I’ll mention a couple based on current experience. Having used Macs with newer Oses up to Ventura (but not machines with Apple Silicone yet), my Mac tower running High Sierra is just slow and takes forever to load.
I don’t use Safari with High Sierra because it is not safe to use on the Internet (newer versions are just fine). I can’t get any OS updates and a chunk of apps (save for a few like Zoom and browsers) won’t update. I’m stuck using 10 + years older software. So lack of support, some security issues and slowness are all “risks.” That said, High Sierra remains a capable Mac OS and can still do a lot but it is clearly getting long in the tooth.
Do you think the Apple Vision Pro is worth its high price point?
This is a truly game-changing device that- like many other first gen machines- will sell to a particular high-end clientele to start. But I could immediately see there are tremendous business, education and military uses so Apple will sell a boatload.
The good news is with volume comes a reduction in costs and and we middle class folks, schools, etc. will benefit over time. Higher Ed will be in line to buy these and even some school districts. Remember Macs, Tesla’s and many other higher-end product costs have come town as volume ramped up. It is also possible Apple will develop lower price models much as they have for their iDevices. So let’s see what happens! You might even want to buy Apple stock! 😀 Good luck.
Does Apple have any plans to switch from macOS to a different operating system in the future?
I’ve owned Apple computers and other company devices since 1983 and as a user, I’ve learned that Apple makes its own decisions based on any number of factors- especially when the hardware demands a new OS.
Apple is switching all their devices to Apple Silicon and the Mac OS followed. I don’t see them changing to something else anytime soon. The Mac OS is a robust OS that continues to impress and meets the needs of the vast majority of users. ‘Nuff said!
What are some ways to reuse old computers instead of installing Windows OS in their hard drives?
Google has made it fairly easy to turn some PC and Mac laptops into Chromebooks. Not all so check the requirements. There are a lot of helpful guides out there -here’s one from PC magazine:
How to turn an old laptop into a Chromebook
You can convert an older laptop into a Chromebook without spending a dime. All you need is an hour.
I’ve made the switch on both Mac and PC laptops with success. Also tried iMacs without success. 😀
You can use older machines for lots of things but as they get older, there are increasing security issues if you want to search the internet (for example).
You can also install Linux and other OS on many older computers. The link I provided is just possibility.
That said, if your computer is too old, please recycle it responsibly. Good luck!
I needed to add that the non-profit I work with in Maryland- MacRecycleClinic- takes older Macs (High Serra and newer) and Chromebooks to refurbish and return to the greater Washington DC region (we call it the DMV). More info at MacRecycleClinic.org.
Which is more economical: buying a cheap printer or buying expensive cartridges for a good quality printer?
Actually I would pay a little more for a printer with an eco tank. Brother and Epson offer them and I believe others do too. If you do that… get a better quality printer – it will last you many years. Yes the ink is expensive but the bigger ink tanks will allow you to pay less per ounce and print more pages.
the alternative is to get a laser printer which will provide hundreds of pages of printing. The laser cartridges are also expensive but the trade off is number of pages printed before replacement. They can be recycled for free by the way.
Good luck!
Hi! I accidentally deleted some important photos from recently deleted and iCloud I have no access to them. I only found WooTechy but it requires 40$, isn’t there any other way?
Well if you had a Time Machine backup the answer would be pretty easy. It doesn’t sound like you do so the next question is, are those photos worth the money to recover? $40.00 seems cheap.
What did you use to take the photos in the first place? Are they still on the original device?
How long ago did you delete the photos? iCloud gives you a 30 day grace period:
Finally, please start using Time Machine do this kind of issue won’t happen again. Good Luck!
Is the MacBook Pro 2011 still usable in 2023?
The answer is – it depends. At the MacRecycleClinic in Silver Spring, Md. machines running High Sierra are now at the low end of what we give out these days (we refurbish older machines to donate to those who do not have computers). Our donations are trending more towards mid 2012 and newer machines that can run Catalina and higher.
That said, depending on what you need to do, High Sierra is still very capable for many tasks. We recommend not using Safari as we don’t believe it is as secure as Firefox or even Chrome.
I have a Mac at home that runs HS and it can be slow but is able to browse, edit video and audio, get email and more. But the handwriting is on the wall since Apple no longer supports this older version of the OS (32 bit vs 64 and a newer APFS file management system). Good luck!
What is the most useful software on your Mac that you never use?
Let’s say I never used this software until I found out what a useful tool it is. That would be the Notes app. Who thought it could make such a difference. But now I use it for so many things on a daily basis. Thoughts, notes, poems, passwords (for short retention) and so much more.
Because it is part of iCloud, Notes is shared and updated on all your devices and you can share a note with anyone.
Here’s the most useful thing I do with it: I’ve written a note to my wife and children with a ton of information they will need to know if I become incapacitated or die. I got the idea from my best friend who did the same thing. It proved very useful when he passed. Good luck!
How can I view my photos on my external hard drive that was formatted for Apple but my Apple computer died?
Find a friend with a Mac, connect the external and then save the files to a thumb drive. Most thumb drives are formatted for PC use.
Macs can read PC formatted disks but PCs can’t read Mac disks without extra software (thus your second solution – install software that lets the PC read Mac-formatted drives.)
There are other ways but these might be the easiest for you. Good luck!
How long does it take for a full Mac OS X Time Machine backup?
First time will always take longer depending on how big your internal drive is. I usually set it up to run overnight. Next backups are quick depending what is added, subtracted, etc. from the internal drive. Good luck!
Can you upgrade an iMac to increase speed?
Not really. With a Mac always order a machine with a look forward attitude. Buy as much SSD and memory as you think you will need in 3–5 years. Unfortunately the best answer is to buy a new Mac if you are frustrated with the speed.
Macs today are configured with everything soldered on the mother board (with a few exceptions) so you have to buy what you think you’ll need in the future.
What is the difference between buying a product on Apple.com and at an Apple Store?
The best reason to buy at the Apple Sore is you can kick the tires and ask lots of questions. If you’re fairly new to Apple you want to go and physically see the computers, iPads or iPhones. Try them out. Ask all the questions you might have with someone who knows the equipment inside and out.
They can also help you transfer your data, get your computer or iDevice set up if you want. The prices won’t be different (tho you can buy refurbished machines online at a discount).
Note this applies s to third party retailers like Best Buy and others who can also help you in the same way. Big Box stores like Costco sells Apple products – sometimes for a bit less- but really don’t have folks who can help you in the same way as an Apple or computer store.You can also recycle your equipment at the Apple Store.
Good luck!
How can you fix your Chromebook when it won’t turn on, if it has no battery or no charger?
Hmmm. Where did the battery go? You do know your Chromebook won’t work if it doesn’t have a battery, right? And you need a charger to charge that battery.
The easiest answer would be to just get a new Chromebook and move on. Otherwise, check the model and serial number to find the right battery and charger online. You can install a new battery easily with help from iFixIt.
What are some of the best ways to connect a keyboard to an iPhone/iPad?
There are many Bluetooth keyboards out there – some on the iPad side with a cover as well. I’m using one right now. Good luck!
How can you get Google Chrome to update itself automatically and silently?
So this is what I have found working with Chrome (the browser) on older Macs. If the Mac has Chrome installed, start it and try to update it.
If it won’t, simply go to the Chrome website (Google “Download Chrome”) and download it. Even if the older version won’t update, you can get the newest version just by downloading and replacing the older version with the newer one. Chrome should update itself automatically by the way. (Check About Chrome from the Apple menu on a Mac – a new page will open and Chrome will check to see if it is the latest edition.)
Can you turn an iPad into a laptop without buying anything extra?
If by laptop you mean a computer with a keyboard and maybe a mouse the answer is not really. The iPad meets many requirements of a laptop, but having to peck on the screen is a challenge to productivity. That’s why I have a Bluetooth keyboard for my iPad. It makes a high difference just in speed. And yes – you can also connect a bluetooth mouse to your iPad as well. But frankly, if you need a laptop, get yourself one.
Good luck!
MRC Donates PowerMac Labs to Two Area Schools
SILVER SPRING, Md. – The Mac Recycle Clinic (MRC) got the school year off to a good start with donations for two area schools:
– 12 complete PowerMac systems went to the Cheverly (Md.) STEM Education Center located in the Cheverly United Methodist Church. The school provides Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) classes for area home schoolers.
– 6 additional towers went to the Chance Academy, which is located in the Michigan Park Christian Church in Washington, D.C.. This school provides the homeschool network in Maryland and the District of Columbia with academic programs in the sciences.
All of the machines (including monitors, keyboards and mice) from the MRC are donated Macs that are reconditioned to make sure everything is working properly. We have a “master” hard drive that we clone (copy) so that all machines have the same set of software when they go out the door.
Since all these machines were PowerPC Macs (pre-Intel chip machines), the software is all optimized to work with OS 10.5.8 – the last OS version that works with PPC Macs.
New Domain Name!
Recyclemac.wordpress.com is now recyclemac.org – either will work but the “primary” URL is now much easier to use. Thanks to everyone for following us! There’s lot to talk about so stay tuned. 🙂
Recycling Memories: 2002
These early Bondi iMacs were refurbished by the old Washington Apple Pi "Tuesday Night Crew" that is now MacRecycleClinic. They all went to good homes. Note the G4 towers providing support!
As I have time – I will reprint some articles about recycling that I (or others in what is now the MacRecycleClinic group) wrote about our efforts over the years to refurbish and return Macs back into the community. I’m doing this not only to preserve the articles but to show just how far back MRC and our old Washington Apple Pi Tuesday Night Crew goes – how our efforts to recycle have gone back to Apple II days in fact. I’ll add photos as well when possible.
Note that in 2012 MCPS – Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools – basically only supports PCs these days. That said, MRC has had luck working with school counselors and PTSAs to get computers to students and families that don’t have computers. If you have a group that is trying to recycle computers, be sure to check and see what your local school district will – or won’t – accept. But there are many non-profits, students and families who would appreciate a refurbished computer. I just read the newspaper, work with local churches and school groups and never have a problem finding someone who could use a recycled Macintosh.
Silver Spring Patch Covers MacRecycleClinic
MacRecyleClinic volunteers - Photo courtesy Silver Spring Patch
Thanks to the Patch’s Ben Gross for visiting MacRecycleClinic’s Monday Night Clinic a few weeks back. His article appeared online and starts:
According to the EPA, between 2005 and 2010, more than 250 million computers became useless, with less than 10 percent of them being recycled. In fact, more than 85 percent of the computers “thrown away” wind up in landfills.
At the same time, many individuals and families lack the financial resources to have a home computer. One local company has found a way to address both problems at once – Silver Spring’s MAC Recycle Clinic.
(The Patch got a little excited with the caps – but we’re thrilled to have the story out there!)
If you’d like to read the entire story – the URL is: http://bit.ly/fo9KqX
RecycleMac Poll Time!
Time to get some feedback! Tell us what you think of RecycleMac and how we can improve. We’ll try the WordPress Poll function (which uses polldaddy) to make it easy.
We’ll leave this up for awhile. There’s space for you to contribute as well – so don’t be shy! And thank you.
We Get Questions About Mac Recycle Clinic
RecycleMac has been getting some positive feedback so thanks to all of our readers out there. This is really a long-term project that tries to build a quality voice in a room filled with many folks who are passionate about the environment and recycling. We’ll keep working at it with your help!
So here are the questions:
What’s different about recycling Macs than other computers?
A Mac is a PC – that is, it is a personal computer or a personal appliance or a personal electronic gadget. So essentially you would recycle it the same way you might any other computer. All the folks we’ve talked about – from Apple to Dell – will take your computer and many times other electronic equipment and recycle them.Unfortunately, Apple has taken some heat in past years because its computers were not made of materials that were easy to recycle or were toxic. To its credit, Apple has made some major changes and is much greener these days. I won’t go into depth here but you can read all about it on their website. If you’re interested, you can also see what Greenpeace says these days – it has an entire website devoted to the issue.
Please know that the Macs that are donated to us are thoroughly checked and cleaned. Hard drives are securely wiped of all data and an appropriate version of the Mac OS is installed. If the machine can not be made to work (and we get some that just don’t want to work no matter what we do) we will take out any reusable parts – hard drives, memory, batteries, sometimes the power supplies and optical drives – and send the hulk to Montgomery County’s Processing Facility and Transfer Station in Derwood (Gaithersburg), Maryland – which is the closest county recycling center to us. Here’s a map:
How Do You Know It’s Time for a New Computer?
(Updated 3/16/2011 to fix photo links)
When I first started working with computers – my old Apple /// (like the one at left right) back in the early 80s – computer users groups like Washington Apple Pi had already sprung up across the country. Their motto at the time was “Users Helping Users.” WAP was a club whose members wanted to learn more about how their computers – Apple II series, ///, and increasingly, Macintosh – worked. They really wanted to know what made them tick – not just how to upgrade them by adding memory, a new, larger hard drive, new graphics or other internal cards. They were willing to spend the time, effort – and money – to do that.
Today, computers have, for all intents and purposes, become appliances. They are SPECIAL appliances of course, but most folks are not interested in opening the hood and tinkering. They just want to turn them on. They expect them to work.
Users today still may want to add memory or a new hard drive, but Apple has made it pretty difficult for the user to do much of that except for their higher-end MacPro models. At the Clinic, we usually suggest external drives when that’s possible – they come in a wide range of sizes, USB and Firewire are on virtually every Mac – and the price is reasonable. But we do have the tools and expertise to dig into the internal workings when necessary.
The question is – when should you replace what you have? When is it time to spend the money for a new Mac? We get those kinds of questions all the time and each answer is really tailored to the individual owner.
But in general, If you have an older PowerPC Mac you are a prime candidate unless you are happy with what you have and the programs continue to do what you need them to do. Apple and most vendors no longer support the PPC platform, but most of the later-model machines – towers and laptops – remain highly capable and able to do what you need. If there’s a problem, we have the tools and expertise to help (that’s us working at left). If we don’t we’ll tell you up front.
The Macs of today are Intel based and OS X continues to grow in power and ability. Macs can run both Windows and OSX easily at the same time. In the future, OSX may well morph together in some form with the iOS we all know from the iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad. There are rumors Apple will stop including optical drives in all their machines as well. If that happens, third party vendors will be making lots of money because folks will still want those peripherals. I certainly do even with the App Store.
So while the decision about when to buy a new (or refurbished) Intel Mac is a very personal one, there will come a time when:
- Your old machine just won’t work anymore;
- When you are really ready to move up for the power, speed and improved graphics;
- You want a Mac but still need to run Windows;
- You need to run the latest version of Office or other software;
- You need to do video editing;
- You want a better computing experience.
As one of the volunteers at MacRecycleClinic I can tell you we have a group of folks who are passionate about helping you keep your Macintosh working – but we are also happy to provide suggestions about your next step should you want to upgrade to a new computer.
Resources:
MacrecycleClinic Home Page
Apple Home Page
Montgomery County: Shady Grove Transfer Station (to recycle older computers)
MacRecycleClinic: Finally Back in Business
Note: I am consolidating my RecyleYourMac blog to WordPress from Tumblr. This original post was actually on TwitWall.
Originally published: September 9, 2010
Marvin Memorial Methodist Church in Silver Spring. Drive in on this side - University Boulevard. There are two automobile entrances on this side and you'll exit from here as well. Parking lot is to the right of the church, with handicapped parking in front. Entrance to the Clinic is on the right side of the main church entrance. You will literally walk into the Clinic space - no climbing steps or long walks. If you have a heavy computer, come get us first and we'll help you bring your Mac in.
It’s exciting to tell you that we are finally back in business – helping Mac (and even Apple) users in the Washington, DC area with their Mac problems. MacRecycleClinic is the new name for the old “Tuesday Night Crew” that was hosted by Washington Apple Pi in Rockville for many, many years.
As fewer folks joined user groups, WAP downsized to the point where we no longer had space to work so we took a step back, put our tools into storage and started looking for new space.
It took awhile – but we have found a new, welcoming home at Marvin Memorial Methodist Church across from Blair High School in the Four Corners area of Silver Spring. This is an ideal location for us and working with the church, we have big plans on a number of fronts.
1) We are going to establish a Mac lab for Blair students to use for after-school homework.
2) We hope to establish ties with Blair to train students to repair and help us recycle Macs.
3) We have already established some ties with various Veterans groups and will work to recycle Macs into the hands and homes of our Wounded Warriors. These are special men and women and we look forward to honoring them by helping them have the tools they need to move on to productive lives.
4) We will continue to work with Mac (and Apple) owners in the Washington region who need a little one-on-one help in a friendly atmosphere. As a non-profit, all fees are tax-deductable as well.
5) Clinics will now be on Monday nights from 7 until 9 PM or so.
Please check out our website for more information, instructions on how to get to Marvin Church, hours of operation, fees and more. And if you’re interested in working with us, let us know!
From time-to-time, we’ll post blog entries here to let you know what’s going on, some of the challenges with repairs we’ve faced (or are facing!) and maybe even to ask for your help or suggestions.
Website: http://www.macrecycleclinic.org/site/
Twitter: MacRecyclClinic
Directions to Marvin Church: http://www.gbgm-umc.org/marvinchurch/directions.asp
Map: http://bit.ly/aaTbH9
You can leave a message on our new phone at: 301-593-4004 or email us at office@macrecycleclinic.org
MacRecycleClinic Photos
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