1
Tech / Re: reboot occasionally
« on: April 09, 2026, 12:24:00 PM »
Thanks, Jon! I've set my iMac to reboot every 48 days, 17 hours, two minutes and 46 seconds. I don't like odd numbers! U kant bee two safe! 🤯
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2
Tech / Re: Teeny tiny "port" on the back, and ....
« on: March 29, 2026, 09:12:18 PM »
"[If] I download Brave or DuckDuckGo...will they automatically go into my dock?"
They will go into the Dock when you run them, but they will only stay in the Dock if you want them to.
When they are running, you can ctrl-click their icon and select the Options item in the pop-up menu. There is a choice of "Keep in Dock" which is what you probably want. First image.
"Do I have an icon for my hard drive?" More importantly, I want that kind of stuff in a Finder Window. See second and third images.
Does this mean you don't have a free USB-C port on the Mac. (Apple saved you lots of money by not having enough ports!
) So, with all that saved money, I'd suggest buying a small USB hub and some USB cables. The Hub will connect to one of your USB ports on the Mac. You can then connect other USB cables to the ports in the Hub and use them for additional external drives (including that pin drive) and any other USB device (Phone/iPad/Mouse/Touch Pad/etc.). Just make sure you know what types of ports are on the hub (older) USB A/B/3) or (newer) USB C. I assume (dangerous as that may be) the mouse uses a USB-C. The cable then needs to have whatever the Hub provides on one end and a USB-C on the other.
They will go into the Dock when you run them, but they will only stay in the Dock if you want them to.
When they are running, you can ctrl-click their icon and select the Options item in the pop-up menu. There is a choice of "Keep in Dock" which is what you probably want. First image.
"Do I have an icon for my hard drive?" More importantly, I want that kind of stuff in a Finder Window. See second and third images.
Does this mean you don't have a free USB-C port on the Mac. (Apple saved you lots of money by not having enough ports!
) So, with all that saved money, I'd suggest buying a small USB hub and some USB cables. The Hub will connect to one of your USB ports on the Mac. You can then connect other USB cables to the ports in the Hub and use them for additional external drives (including that pin drive) and any other USB device (Phone/iPad/Mouse/Touch Pad/etc.). Just make sure you know what types of ports are on the hub (older) USB A/B/3) or (newer) USB C. I assume (dangerous as that may be) the mouse uses a USB-C. The cable then needs to have whatever the Hub provides on one end and a USB-C on the other.
3
Tech / Re: Teeny tiny "port" on the back, and ....
« on: March 26, 2026, 10:16:18 PM »
If you haven't bought an USB A to USB C adaptor, you might snag one of these:
OWC USB-A to USB-C Adapter Cable
New | Open Box
4.95
OWC USB-A to USB-C Adapter Cable
New | Open Box
4.95
4
Tech / Re: Teeny tiny "port" on the back, and ....
« on: March 25, 2026, 08:25:24 AM »
"took me a few times to post this photo!"
Looks like it wourkd at least twice!
"Sooooo, what exactly do I get?" Sorry, there is no 'prize' for uploading an image.
Oh, you mean what to get to replace that old wooden analog ruler?
I like the metal ones that include inches/feet along cm/mm and even different model railroad guage markings.
Or one of those USB A to USB C plug type things in my previous image post #4.
https://techsurvivors.net/forums/index.php?topic=29229.msg221446#msg221446"
Looks like it wourkd at least twice!
"Sooooo, what exactly do I get?" Sorry, there is no 'prize' for uploading an image.
Oh, you mean what to get to replace that old wooden analog ruler?
I like the metal ones that include inches/feet along cm/mm and even different model railroad guage markings. Or one of those USB A to USB C plug type things in my previous image post #4.
https://techsurvivors.net/forums/index.php?topic=29229.msg221446#msg221446"
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Tech / Re: Teeny tiny "port" on the back, and ....
« on: March 21, 2026, 05:49:30 PM »
Additional USB images:
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Tech / Re: Teeny tiny "port" on the back, and ....
« on: March 21, 2026, 05:41:35 PM »
Edytid four spelyng 
Ah Yes... Apple Ports changes! So much has happened since we were young! (There will be a test at the end! PAY ATTENTION!)
Here are some images that have some of the port/cables labeled. There is also one that purports (some kind of cat connections, I guess! ). Does your laptop have those ports?
There is a whole industry trying to keep up with the changing names/shapes/capabilities of Apple's ports. One image has labels for 'normal' Apple ports. One important development is that Thunderbolt and USB-C connections/ports can be interchanged to some degree. In other words, you can use USB-C cables in the Thunderbolt ports to act like just USB connections. You may also be able to use Thunderbolt cables to act like a regular USB connection. I don't have anything that has a Thunderbolt port except for a small hub. I do have it using a Thunderbolt cable connecting it to the iMac. BTW, the "Lightning" cable/ports is pretty much dead.
The other images show various cables you might find useful; USB to USB extension cables, Type swapping plugs/cables, plugs with multiple connectors one each side.
I use an extension cable to reach a scanner to my wife's MBP because they are so far away from each other. I also use a USB to a short USB-C plug adaptor to connect her external backup drives to the MBP.
I bought a small hub for the iMac that has one Ethernet input, five USB (old A/B/2) inputs, three USB-C/Thunderbolt inputs. That is the second biggest change in the smaller/cheaper iMacs.
One of those USB A/B to USB C plugs should easily connect the 'pin drive' to the Mac. Much as I hate to recommend Amazing.com, they do have a huge variety of cables/plugs/adaptors. While you are shopping it might be wise to buy some shoebox sized plastic containers (w/lids) for storing your collection of connectors, I guarantee your collection will grow!
ERROR young Will Robinson! Download have exceeded the 1000KB limit! Remove or reduce the image sizes as appropriate!
Ah Yes... Apple Ports changes! So much has happened since we were young! (There will be a test at the end! PAY ATTENTION!)
Here are some images that have some of the port/cables labeled. There is also one that purports (some kind of cat connections, I guess!
). Does your laptop have those ports?There is a whole industry trying to keep up with the changing names/shapes/capabilities of Apple's ports. One image has labels for 'normal' Apple ports. One important development is that Thunderbolt and USB-C connections/ports can be interchanged to some degree. In other words, you can use USB-C cables in the Thunderbolt ports to act like just USB connections. You may also be able to use Thunderbolt cables to act like a regular USB connection. I don't have anything that has a Thunderbolt port except for a small hub. I do have it using a Thunderbolt cable connecting it to the iMac. BTW, the "Lightning" cable/ports is pretty much dead.
The other images show various cables you might find useful; USB to USB extension cables, Type swapping plugs/cables, plugs with multiple connectors one each side.
I use an extension cable to reach a scanner to my wife's MBP because they are so far away from each other. I also use a USB to a short USB-C plug adaptor to connect her external backup drives to the MBP.
I bought a small hub for the iMac that has one Ethernet input, five USB (old A/B/2) inputs, three USB-C/Thunderbolt inputs. That is the second biggest change in the smaller/cheaper iMacs.
One of those USB A/B to USB C plugs should easily connect the 'pin drive' to the Mac. Much as I hate to recommend Amazing.com, they do have a huge variety of cables/plugs/adaptors. While you are shopping it might be wise to buy some shoebox sized plastic containers (w/lids) for storing your collection of connectors, I guarantee your collection will grow!
ERROR young Will Robinson! Download have exceeded the 1000KB limit! Remove or reduce the image sizes as appropriate!
8
Tech / Re: Amortization calculator/schedule
« on: March 18, 2026, 04:20:23 PM »
I would think that Numbers could do that for you. A basic spreadsheet. There seem to be many templates for that kind of need. Just search for something like "spreadsheet to track loan payments". Most will be for Excel but Numbers can use those if the math is not too complicated. I'd look for one that tracks payments (Yes/No) in one column, of course, you might want to add a column for 'date of payment' (if not included in the template.
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Tech / Re: Hello! Hi! Howdy! Hello!!
« on: March 18, 2026, 03:58:13 PM »
If you absolutely, positively have to have Wurd, go for it. Fortunately, I never had to use it and still cringe when my wife asks me for help with it. It is obviously an app designed by engineers who had run-a-way ideas for functions that would be little used but great for bragging about.
Pages has never failed to provide everything I've ever wanted as far as text on paper needs. Most complicated use I ever needed was a mini-booklet for our HS class reunion. Letter-sized page folded in half to create a booklet 8" by 5 ½" document. Paragraphs (in two columns) had to bleed from one column to the next and occasionally to the next page. The text also had to flow around a class member picture if we had one (I varied where that image was for each person; left column or right just to keep things from being boring). Included page numbers and two-sided print outs that were collated and needed only folding and stapling. Pages displayed Apple's usual copy and paste/drop methods. Images were easily adjusted if needed (grab/drag a corner).
Pages can also open and save to .docc/docs (or whatever wurd uses now days). I dare you to compare it's "any-where-on-the-page" ease of use with any MS app. And, of course, it's free for any Mac!
Pages has never failed to provide everything I've ever wanted as far as text on paper needs. Most complicated use I ever needed was a mini-booklet for our HS class reunion. Letter-sized page folded in half to create a booklet 8" by 5 ½" document. Paragraphs (in two columns) had to bleed from one column to the next and occasionally to the next page. The text also had to flow around a class member picture if we had one (I varied where that image was for each person; left column or right just to keep things from being boring). Included page numbers and two-sided print outs that were collated and needed only folding and stapling. Pages displayed Apple's usual copy and paste/drop methods. Images were easily adjusted if needed (grab/drag a corner).
Pages can also open and save to .docc/docs (or whatever wurd uses now days). I dare you to compare it's "any-where-on-the-page" ease of use with any MS app. And, of course, it's free for any Mac!
10
Tech / Re: weird keyboard behavior
« on: March 18, 2026, 03:22:37 PM »
Since you started this 'weird' thread...
As I was typing in TextEdit I noticed an icon pop up that was often blocking other text. It turns out that I did not have this frustrating icon back in Ventura. I don't know when this "feature" was added, but I now had it in Tahoe. Of course, there are "default write..." scripts that can be used in Terminal (and usually forgot by the time you need/want to reverse your changes...
Serendipitously, I also updated Onyx that same day! Lo and behold, I found a "Show the Caps Lock Indicator" setting in its "Parameters/Miscellaneous/Text" area. I'm sure it simply inputs the 'normal' "defaults write..." script, but at least I can keep many of those System edits in one place.
As I was typing in TextEdit I noticed an icon pop up that was often blocking other text. It turns out that I did not have this frustrating icon back in Ventura. I don't know when this "feature" was added, but I now had it in Tahoe.
Of course, there are "default write..." scripts that can be used in Terminal (and usually forgot by the time you need/want to reverse your changes... Serendipitously, I also updated Onyx that same day! Lo and behold, I found a "Show the Caps Lock Indicator" setting in its "Parameters/Miscellaneous/Text" area. I'm sure it simply inputs the 'normal' "defaults write..." script, but at least I can keep many of those System edits in one place.
11
Tech / Re: weird keyboard behavior
« on: March 18, 2026, 02:46:57 PM »
First, which key board are you using? There are usually two choices; U.S. or Unicode Hex Input System Menu (mine is between the WiFi and Search icons). You may not have that icon shown below if you haven't switched it ON in System Settings/Keyboard, Input Sources, Edit... button. (Sho Input menu in menu bar
I'd suggest U.S. but mine seems to want to default back to Unicode! I may 'remove/hide' the Unicode version in.
Lastly be especially careful not to have your thumb(?) resting on the option key. Pressing the option and 'u' and finally pressing the 'e'. That combination will get the 'ë' (umlaut). If you can press all those keys in the right order and with only one hand, congratulations!
You can also set up an automatic spelling correction in this same Settings with the "Text Replacements..." button just below that "Edit..." button. Then, 3 years and 2 months from now, when you really want a 'ë' you can pull a few more hairs out trying to figure out why the Mac thinks it is so smart!!!
I'd suggest U.S. but mine seems to want to default back to Unicode! I may 'remove/hide' the Unicode version in.
Lastly be especially careful not to have your thumb(?) resting on the option key. Pressing the option and 'u' and finally pressing the 'e'. That combination will get the 'ë' (umlaut). If you can press all those keys in the right order and with only one hand, congratulations!
You can also set up an automatic spelling correction in this same Settings with the "Text Replacements..." button just below that "Edit..." button. Then, 3 years and 2 months from now, when you really want a 'ë' you can pull a few more hairs out trying to figure out why the Mac thinks it is so smart!!!
12
Tech / Re: Hello! Hi! Howdy! Hello!!
« on: March 15, 2026, 07:08:44 PM »
Welcome BacK, sooz!
Great to hear that you are healthier!
Things are much, much quieter 'round here! People kinda got tired of not having any bakery items from you! Seriously, there's talk of not renewing our hosting this year. Traffic has simply evaporated. You'll have lots of humor to catchup on! 
I also got a new iMac a few months ago! Very similar to yours! It is still difficult not having that big 27" screen, however. I'm still not comfortable jumping from Ventura to Tahoe! Last week we had a thunderstorm a bit too close by and the WiFi router died. Things are almost back 100% except I still can't get my wife's MBP to see and use the printer connected to my Mac. I can use her printer but that just gives me something to do and keep me "off the streets!"
Great to hear that you are healthier!
Things are much, much quieter 'round here! People kinda got tired of not having any bakery items from you!
Seriously, there's talk of not renewing our hosting this year. Traffic has simply evaporated. You'll have lots of humor to catchup on! I also got a new iMac a few months ago! Very similar to yours! It is still difficult not having that big 27" screen, however. I'm still not comfortable jumping from Ventura to Tahoe! Last week we had a thunderstorm a bit too close by and the WiFi router died. Things are almost back 100% except I still can't get my wife's MBP to see and use the printer connected to my Mac. I can use her printer but that just gives me something to do and keep me "off the streets!"
14
Tech / Re: os Mojave how to disable grid...?
« on: January 29, 2026, 02:01:34 PM »
Not sure why you use Icon View but you could see a lot more of them by reducing their "Taille desôcnes" to something less than 124 pixels. I also like to have the icon titles just below the icon "En bas" rather than beside them "Ádroite". Your choice, of course. 
15
Tech / Re: os Mojave how to disable grid...?
« on: January 28, 2026, 05:09:29 PM »
I don't know what "Grid" means, I assume that is something like Icon View? I've never used that view...
No wonder you can't see the "View" menu! You've got your Mac running in French! Well, there's your problem!! 
Oh wait! I do see what you are talking about! However, when you click on your Desktop, you probably will be in Finder. However, there will still be a "View" or "Présentation" menu and near the bottom is an item called "View Options" ⌘ J. You will have to translate that to french yourself. "Voir les options"? In the little window that pops up, you can adjust the grid spacing, etc.
No wonder you can't see the "View" menu! You've got your Mac running in French! Well, there's your problem!!
Oh wait! I do see what you are talking about!
However, when you click on your Desktop, you probably will be in Finder. However, there will still be a "View" or "Présentation" menu and near the bottom is an item called "View Options" ⌘ J. You will have to translate that to french yourself. "Voir les options"? In the little window that pops up, you can adjust the grid spacing, etc.