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Mac Maintenance Apps – Notes & Links

March 15, 2022 by Pete Bockenhauer
Folder icon with screwdriver and wrench

Mini’app’les Topic Meeting – March 15, 2022

Mac Maintenance Apps

  • Running Mac OS X Maintenance Scripts
  • Cocktail – A perfect mixture for macOS
  • OnyX – Operating system utilities for Mac
  • Setapp – The best apps for Mac in one suite
  • CleanMyMac X on Setapp – Free up space, protect, and speed up Mac
  • Gemini 2 – The Best Duplicate File Finder for Mac. Smart selection and fast scan.
  • coconutBattery
  • MacUpdater – keep all your apps up-to-date effortlessly
  • OmniDiskSweeper – Quickly find large, unwanted files and sweep them into the trash
  • FreeFileSync – Open Source File Synchronization & Backup Software
  • DriveDx – the most advanced drive health diagnostics and monitoring utility
  • TinkerTool – gives you access to additional preference settings Apple has built into macOS
  • Change Privacy preferences in Safari on Mac – Apple Support
Category: Meeting Notes & Links, Topic Meetings

Mini’app’les Topic Meeting, Tuesday March 15 at 6:00 p.m.

March 10, 2022 by Pete Bockenhauer
Mac utilities folder with screwdriver and wrench

Mac Maintenance Apps

*** Please note: This meeting will be both in-person and online. ***

A good general rule of routine Mac maintenance: First, do nothing!

Modern Mac’s seldom require regular maintenance to operate at their best. Gone are the days of “rebuilding your desktop file”, “defragging” and “zapping your PRAM”. For most users, Mac’s can go for years without having to do much extra work to keep them running at their best.

That being said, there are special cases and considerations where you may need a maintenance app or utilities to either fix something or have more insight into. That may be freeing up disk space, deleting old disk images, or seeing what is using up system resources.

Let’s first discuss what maintenance macOS does automatically on its own, then review some good recommendations for maintenance apps.

Please join us at the next Mini’app’les meeting!

DATE

Tuesday, March 15

TIME

6:00 PM Social and Q&A
6:30 PM Topic discussion

LOCATION (both in-person and online options):

Southdale Library (Helen Young Room)
7001 York Ave S, Edina, MN 55435
Google Maps / Apple Maps

All visitors to Hennepin County libraries are required to wear face coverings.

Zoom online conference room
Please email [email protected] to request the access link.

You can also RSVP on Meetup and get the meeting link.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Category: Meeting Announcements, Topic Meetings

Mini’app’les Social Meeting, Tuesday March 1 at 7:00 p.m.

February 22, 2022 by Pete Bockenhauer

Social Meeting

Come join us for a virtual social meeting! There is no set topic and you can come and go as you want. You can also bring any questions or problems you have that you’ve been wrestling with.

Please join us at the next Mini’app’les meeting!

DATE:
Tuesday, March 1

TIME:
7:00 – 9:00 PM

LOCATION:
Zoom online conference room
Email [email protected] to request the access link.
(If you’ve previously attended a meeting, the link is the same.)

You can also RSVP on Meetup and get the meeting link.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Request Access Link
Category: Meeting Announcements

Easy Steps to a Smart Home – Notes & Links

February 16, 2022 by Pete Bockenhauer
A HomePod, MacBook Pro, iPad, iPhone and Apple Watch showing the Home app.

Mini’app’les Topic Meeting – February 15, 2022

Easy Steps to a Smart Home

  • Apple HomeKit
  • Philips Hue Smart lighting
  • Philips Hue White ambiance 1-pack E26
  • Philips Hue Smart light starter kits
  • HomeKit: The ultimate guide to Apple home automation | iMore
  • Thread smart home explained: Everything you need to know about the wireless protocol
  • Eve Room | evehome.com
  • Set up HomeKit Secure Video on all your devices – Apple Support
  • Aqara G2 Camera Hub
  • Apple TV & Home
  • Apple HomePod mini
  • What Is Zigbee?
  • Caseta by Lutron | Smart Light Switches, Controls & Dimmers
  • Home+
  • Home Widget for HomeKit on the App Store
  • WEMO
  • HomeScan for HomeKit on the App Store
  • HomeDevices on the App Store
  • eufy Video Doorbell
  • eufy Battery Surveillance Cameras
  • Every security camera with HomeKit Secure Video support 2022 | iMore
  • Matter | Smart Home Device Solution – CSA
  • Shane Whatley
Category: Meeting Notes & Links, Topic Meetings

Mini’app’les Topic Meeting, Tuesday February 15 at 6:00 p.m.

February 8, 2022 by Pete Bockenhauer

Easy Steps to a Smart Home

*** Please note: This meeting will be both in-person and online. Also note the earlier time. ***

The “Smart Home” has been around for quite some time, but only in the past few years has it become easily achievable for the average person. With the arrival of voice-controlled smart speakers like HomePod, Amazon Echo, and Google Home along with an ever-growing collection of smart devices, it may be hard to know where to start. What can (and should) I make “smart” in my home? Which ecosystem should I buy into? Do I really need my washing machine to be “smart”?

Let’s discuss how to get started with the “Smart Home”. A few group members will share their personal journeys and the decisions they made.

Please join us at the next Mini’app’les meeting!

DATE

Tuesday, February 15

TIME

6:00 PM Social and Q&A
6:30 PM Topic discussion

LOCATION (both in-person and online options):

Southdale Library (Helen Young Room)
7001 York Ave S, Edina, MN 55435
Google Maps / Apple Maps

All visitors to Hennepin County libraries are required to wear face coverings.

Zoom online conference room
Please email [email protected] to request the access link.

You can also RSVP on Meetup and get the meeting link.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Category: Meeting Announcements, Topic Meetings
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About

Welcome to the Minnesota Apple Computer Users’ Group based in the Twin Cities of metropolitan Minneapolis—St. Paul.

We’re a group of Apple users interested in sharing knowledge and experience with other Apple users and owners. Members vary from beginners to every day users to consultants. All ages are welcome. What we have in common is an interest and a desire to learn more about the Apple experience, regardless of focus. Within the group you’re bound to find someone with similar interests.

Come join us! There’s no obligation or cost to attend. Annual dues are very reasonable if you decide to join us.

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