Updated June 30th, 2024.
Major League Baseball (MLB) Playoffs Calendar for iPhone, Mac, and Google Calendars
Major League Baseball (MLB) postseason Calendar in ".ics" format for your iPhone and Mac. Subscribe to the calendar and get updates as game times and teams are determined.
(updated September 30, 2024)Use ChatGPT to Create Blog Post Ideas and Outlines
Save hours by using ChatGPT to create blog post ideas & outlines. Perfect for when you have Writer's Block or just aren't motivated to write.
(updated September 18, 2024)How to make Siri STOP listening on your iPhone and iPad
Siri keeps listening even after answering your question. This can be a problem! Here's how you make Siri stop listening.
(updated July 26, 2024)Use ChatGPT to Write Perfectly Tailored and Customized Job Application Cover Letters
Use ChatGPT to write customized, targeted job search cover letters that directly match your resumé to a particular job's requirements.
(updated August 2, 2024)Updated anti-phishing advice from Apple and me
New anti-phishing support document by Apple details the steps you can take to stay safe in email and on the web. Highlights by me, in this article.
(updated August 2, 2024)Use ChatGPT to summarize long documents
Too much stuff to read, and not enough time to do it? Let ChatGPT summarize long texts for you, with as much detail as you like.
(updated August 2, 2024)Use ChatGPT to generate social media posts
ChatGPT can create a pile of social media posts, perfect for long campaigns. Give it the details, including hashtags, and ChatGPT does the rest.
(updated August 2, 2024)Tailor ChatGPT’s answers to YOU
ChatGPT can be your personal tutor, customizing responses to your unique needs, making learning easier and more engaging. Here's how.
(updated July 4, 2024)Use ChatGPT to Quickly Create Images
ChatGPT can create images for you, in a variety of styles! All you have to do is ask. No, it's not really "art" but it sure is fun.
(updated July 2, 2024)Use ChatGPT to Clean Up Messy Data
Save time and boost efficiency by using ChatGPT to transform messy, ill-formatted data into organized tables, just the way you want them.
(updated July 2, 2024)Use ChatGPT for Easy Vacation Planning (Mobile Device version)
See how ChatGPT can effortlessly plan your perfect three-day getaway, offering personalized recommendations for hotels, restaurants, and attractions in seconds.
(updated July 4, 2024)Use ChatGPT for Easy Vacation Planning (Desktop and Laptop version)
Discover how ChatGPT can effortlessly plan your perfect three-day getaway, offering personalized recommendations for hotels, restaurants, and attractions in seconds.
(updated July 4, 2024)How to make your iPhone’s screen quit sliding down
It's so annoying when your iPhone screen slides down. Why is it doing that? How can we stop it? This article has the answers.
(updated June 26, 2024)Make your Mac laptop’s trackpad work the way YOU want
Tired of your Mac laptop’s trackpad doing things you don’t expect? Learn how to adjust the settings for a smoother, more predictable experience.
(updated June 25, 2024)Add the 2024 Leagues Cup Soccer Calendar to Your iPhone, iPad, and Mac Calendar Apps
Add the Leagues Cup Soccer schedule calendar to iPhone, iPad, and Mac Calendar apps. Works with Google Calendar too. Updates automatically.
(updated July 28, 2024)NCAA Women’s March Madness Calendar for iPhone, Mac, and iPad
March Madness NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament calendar in ics (iCal) format. Updates automatically! Teams, date, times, and TV. Works with Google Calendar too.
(updated March 18, 2024)NCAA March Madness Calendar for iPhone, Mac, and iPad
March Madness NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament calendar in ics (iCal) format. Updates automatically! Teams, date, times, and TV. Works with Google Calendar too.
(updated March 18, 2024)Mac Troubleshooting Guide: How to Fix the “Filter Failed” Error Message in macOS Sonoma When Printing
Solve the "Filter Failed" error message on your new Mac and restore your printer's function with these easy steps. Ideal for macOS Sonoma users.
(updated August 2, 2024)2023 Women’s World Cup Soccer Tournament Calendar for iPhone, iPad, and Mac Calendar apps
Women's World Cup Soccer Tournament schedule for iPhone, iPad, and Mac calendars. Works with Google Calendar too. Updates automatically. Free.
(updated August 26, 2023)NHL Playoffs Schedule for iPhone, iPad, and Mac Calendar apps
NHL Playoffs calendar in iCal (ics) format for iPhone, iPad, Mac, & Google Calendar. Times, dates, TV stations. Updated with scores as games go final. Includes links to 3-minute video highlights.
(updated June 23, 2024)UFL Schedule for iPhone, iPad, and Mac Calendar apps
UFL calendar in iCal (ics) format for iPhone, iPad, Mac, & Google Calendar. Times, dates, TV stations. Updated with scores as games go final.
(updated March 17, 2024)World Baseball Classic Calendar for iPhone, Mac, and Google Calendar
2023 World Baseball Classic calendar in ics format (for Mac and iPhone users), also in Google Calendar format. Dates, times, teams, TV.
(updated March 5, 2023)How to add your COVID-19 vaccination record to your iPhone’s Wallet, for Californians
Add your COVID-19 vaccination record to your iPhone's Wallet app, for quick, secure access. This article tells you how.
(updated November 1, 2022)NBA Playoffs Schedule for iPhone and Mac
NBA Playoffs Calendar for iPhone and Mac, updated as games are played and the schedule is announced. Subscribe and the NBA Playoffs will appear each year. Also works with Google Calendar.
(updated April 29, 2024)Sneaky Prime Video scam
Crooked website, masquerading as Amazon Prime Video registration page, almost tripped us up. Would have been expensive.
(updated November 1, 2022)Five Mac Safari shortcuts that you can’t live without
Speed up your web browsing with these five essential Mac Safari keyboard shortcuts.
(updated November 1, 2022)2024 NFL Prime Time Schedule for your Mac, iPhone, and iPad Calendars
2024 NFL Prime Time Schedule for your iPhone, iPad, or Mac Calendars in iCal (ics) format. Also works with Google Calendar. Subscribe once and have it every year.
(updated September 9, 2024)Modem’s OK, but internet doesn’t work? Here’s a fix.
Modem's OK, internet service provider says everything's fine, WiFi signal is strong, but you can't load web pages or get mail? Here's a fix.
(updated November 1, 2022)How to sync your AOL contacts with your iPhone and iPad
Here's how you get your AOL contacts onto your iPhone. Step by step instructions. AOL says it can't be done but they are wrong about that.
(updated November 1, 2022)How to make and use Shortcuts in iOS
Use Shortcuts to automate things on your iPhone and iPad. Includes step-by-step instructions for making a shortcut that reminds you to charge your iPhone when the battery falls below 50%.
(updated November 1, 2022)Can’t send mail from Mac Mail app? Here’s a fix.
If you can't send mail, but you can receive, and you're using the Mac Mail app, the cause could be malware. Here's the simple fix.
(updated November 1, 2022)One-handed quick-swipe method for deleting email on an iPhone
Here's a quick, one-handed way to delete emails and text messages. Once you've done it you'll wonder why you ever did it any other way!
(updated July 19, 2023)How to opt in to the COVID-19 Exposure Notification Express system on an iPhone
Here's how to activate the no-app-required COVID-19 Exposure Notification Express system on an iPhone. What it does, and how it works.
(updated November 1, 2022)Solve the “Attachment is Too Long” issue in Messages
Sending attachments to non-Apple people-- the green ones-- can fail with an "Attachment is Too Long" error. Here's how you fix that.
(updated November 1, 2022)How to use Widgets in iOS 14
Widget are an essential feature of iOS 14. Here's a brief iOS 14 Widget tutorial: what Widgets are, how to add Widgets, how to stack them.
(updated November 1, 2022)How to get your AOL calendar onto your iPhone and iPad
Here's how to get the AOL calendar onto your iPhone and iPad in iOS 12, 13, and 14. AOL's documentation says it can't be done, but it's wrong.
(updated November 1, 2022)How to get rid of “HPDeviceMonitoring.framework will damage your computer” pop-ups on your Mac
Here's how to fix the pop-up messages saying "HPDeviceManager.framework will damage your computer" in three easy steps. (HP's method takes 12 steps.)
(updated November 1, 2022)Another Apple Event, November 10th, 2020, 10 am Pacific time
Apple's going to show us something new Tuesday, November 10th, 2020 at 10 am Pacific time. I'm betting it's new Macs, using Apple Silicon.
(updated November 1, 2022)New Products to be announced at online Apple Event October 13th, 2020
New iPhones and a new HomePod too! Watch Apple's October 13th announcement on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV.
(updated November 1, 2022)How to password-protect a Word document on a Mac
Here's how you password-protect a Word document on your Mac. You can require a password for opening a document and another for editing.
(updated November 1, 2022)How to password-protect an Excel document on a Mac
Here's how you password-protect a Excel document on a Mac. Step-by-step instructions. Easy as pie. Keep your private stuff private.
(updated November 1, 2022)Major Apple iCloud issues September 29th, 2020
Apple's having big iCloud issues tonight. If you can't get your mail, or sign into iCloud, or synch your calendar... it's not you, it's them.
(updated November 1, 2022)Display Zoom comes to iPhone X, Xs, and 11 Pro in iOS 14
iOS 14 enables "Display Zoom" for the iPhone X, Xs, and 11 Pro. It makes everything bigger-- icons, buttons, text. Thank you, iOS 14!
(updated November 1, 2022)How to use the Back Tap feature in iOS 14
iOS 14 introduces "Back Tap," allowing you to perform actions with a double-tap or triple-tap on the back of your iPhone-- even in a case.
(updated November 1, 2022)How to solve “this page was reloaded because of a problem” in Safari 14 with macOS Mojave
If Safari 14 doesn't load pages properly on your Mojave Mac you might need to reinstall the system. It's easy, and it works. Here's how.
(updated November 1, 2022)How to add web page shortcut icons to your iPhone’s Home Screen
You can add shortcut icons for web pages to your iPhone's Home screen. They look like apps. When you tap one you're taken to that web page.
(updated November 1, 2022)Seven Tips and Shortcuts for the Mac Calculator app
The Mac Calculator app has hidden powers. Here are my favorite Mac Calculator tips: conversions, paper tape, commas, scientific functions, more.
(updated November 1, 2022)College Football schedules for your Mac, iPhone, and iPad calendars
Add the 2024 college football schedules for any team in America to your Mac, iPhone, and iPad Calendar apps-- or to your PC or Android.
(updated August 27, 2024)Eleven ways to add attachments to a Mac Mail message
Everything you need to know about attaching files to Mac Mail messages. Includes eleven ways to do it! The Definitive Guide.
(updated November 1, 2022)Why do some Mac Mail attachments appear as icons but others don’t?
The Mac Mail app shows attachments as icons, unless they're single-page PDFs or images. If you want everything to be icons that's doable.
(updated November 1, 2022)Best ad blocker for Safari on the Mac
You need an ad blocker for Safari, and Wipr is the best one. It's cheap, it's easy, and it works. Get it, set it, and forget it.
(updated November 1, 2022)Four ways to control which app opens for a given document
Many of us double-click icons and whatever happens, happens. Here's how to control which app is launched, and then some.
(updated November 1, 2022)Celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks on your iPhone and iPad
Put on your own fireworks show with a free iPhone app.
(updated July 4, 2024)Apple Special Event at WWDC20
Apple's World Wide Developers Conference kicks off with a keynote speech at 10 AM Pacific time on June 22nd, 2020. Watch it at apple.com.
(updated November 1, 2022)Fantastic special offer on fantastic creative software
Great creative Mac apps: Affniity Publisher, Designer, & Photo. 90 day trial. $49 each, one-time payment. Designer & Photo available on iPad too.
(updated November 1, 2022)My Ten Best Tips for the Mail app on the iPhone and iPad: Shortcuts, Swipes, and Taps
Here are my top ten tips for using Mail on an iPhone (or an iPad). They make using Mail faster, easier, and more efficient. Give them all a try!
(updated November 1, 2022)Top 10 things to do to maximize your Mac’s performance
Maximize your Mac's performance by making it faster and easier to use. Change a few settings now and save time and effort day after day.
(updated November 1, 2022)Mac Mastery Series: Save Time and Effort with Smart Folders
Find Word documents opened in last 2 weeks, or images more than 1000 pixels in height & width. Or... you name it. Automatically. Here's how.
(updated November 1, 2022)Mac Mastery Series: Save Time and Make Things Easier by Customizing the Finder’s Toolbar
Add text labels to buttons in Finder Toolbars. Remove unwanted buttons. Add buttons you want. Add favorite apps and folders to the Toolbar.
(updated November 1, 2022)Mac Mastery Series: Rename Multiple Items at Once
Rename multiple files at once using the Finder's "Rename Items" feature. Change "IMG0245" through "IMG0745" to "Texas 1" through "Texas 501."
(updated November 1, 2022)Mac Mastery Series: New Folder with Selection
Clean up and organize your Mac's desktop the fast and easy way using the Finder's "New Folder with Selection" command.
(updated April 20, 2020)Add airline tickets to your iPhone’s Wallet
Add airline tickets to Apple Wallet app and always have up-to-date flight information. Boarding passes pop up when you arrive at the airport.
(updated April 20, 2020)XFL Schedule for iPhone, iPad, and Mac Calendar apps
XFL calendar in iCal (ics) format for iPhone, iPad, Mac, & Google Calendar. Times, dates, TV stations. Updated with scores as games go final.
(updated March 25, 2024)Make web pages easier to read on an iPhone using Safari’s Reader feature
Safari's Reader feature makes web pages much easier to read on iPhones. Strip out ads, increase font size, change background color.
(updated April 20, 2020)2023-2024 College Football Bowl Game Schedule for iPhone, iPad, and Mac Calendar apps
College Football Bowl Game calendar in iCal (ics) format for iPhone, iPad, Mac, & Google Calendar. Times, dates, and tv stations. Updated every year.
(updated December 3, 2023)How to activate Microsoft Office 365 when stuck on “Loading”
Microsoft Office 365 for the Mac seems to have a bug that prevents activation in El Capitan and Yosemite. Here's the fix.
(updated April 20, 2020)MLS Playoffs Calendar for iPhone and Mac
MLS Playoffs Calendar for iPhone and Mac, updated as games are played and the schedule is announced. Subscribe and the MLS Playoffs will appear and update each year.
(updated April 20, 2020)Best Online College Football Schedules
Here is a collection of the very best college football schedules available online. Teams, times, TV-- you name it, it's here.
(updated September 16, 2021)Apple Special Event: September 10th, 2019
Apple will hold a "Special Event" on September 10th, 2019 at 10 a.m. PDT. Let's see what they announce. My guess: new iPhones, in purple and green.
(updated October 4, 2019)Mac Option Key tip #08: Option-Empty Trash
Skip the "Are you sure?" dialog when emptying the Trash by holding the Option key. Also helps when something won't delete. Try it!
(updated April 20, 2020)Mac Option Key tip #07: Option-Click to Download in Safari and Chrome
Trying to download a PDF form in Safari or Chrome? Hold the Option key as you click the link and the document goes to your downloads folder.
(updated April 13, 2020)Mac Option Key tip #06: Option-Drag to Duplicate
The Option-Drag technique works all over the place. It's one of the handiest Mac things to know. It lets you make copies of things, rather than move them.
(updated September 8, 2019)Show pixel dimensions of an image without opening it, on a Mac
Image dimensions are important: hi-res for printing, low-res for online viewing, etc. Quickly get the image you want by using this tip.
(updated October 3, 2020)Mac Option Key tip #05: Rotate the Other Direction
Rotate pictures 90 degrees counter-clockwise in iPhoto, Photos, and Preview. If you want to rotate the other direction, hold the Option key.
(updated April 20, 2020)Mac Option Key tip #04: Reveal a Contact’s Groups
The Mac's Contacts app reveals the Groups a contact is in, at the press of a key. Of course it's the Option key. This will help you one day.
(updated April 20, 2020)Mac Option Key tip #03: Close All Finder Windows
Close all of your open Finder windows with a keystroke. You know about Command-W; try adding the Option key. Or, Option-click a Close button.
(updated April 20, 2020)How to send messages with balloons and other screen effects from an iPhone or iPad
Here's how to send animated balloons & other screen effects from an iPhone or iPad. It's easy & fun-- but you need to know how! Here's how.
(updated October 12, 2020)How to remove adware and malware from your Mac
Adware and malware take over your searches, spy on your browsing, and slow down your Mac. Remove it with Malwarebytes for the Mac. Here's how.
(updated April 20, 2020)Mac Option Key tip #02: the Battery Status Menu
Hold the Option key while clicking on the Battery Status menu on your Mac laptop and find out whether your battery is in good shape or not.
(updated April 21, 2020)Mac Option Key tip #01: the WiFi Menu
Hold the Option key, then click on the WiFi menu to see some interesting stuff about your network. Handy for trouble-shooting. Try it!
(updated April 20, 2020)Blinking Yellow Light on an Apple Airport– what it means, what to do
Blinking yellow light on your Apple Airport needs attention. Fnd out what the problem is and update firmware using the Airport Utility.
(updated October 4, 2020)Apple’s WWDC 2019 Keynote Speech
How to watch Apple's June 3rd 2019 WWDC Keynote Speech on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV. What to expect. Possible surprises.
(updated April 13, 2020)How to get your AOL email working again on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac
iPhone and Mac users: did your AOL mail quit working, all of a sudden? Here's what to do.
(updated October 15, 2022)How to Fix iMessage “Waiting for Activation” on iPhone
Is iMessage on iPhone stuck, "Waiting for activation"? Apple's suggestions don't always work. Here's how to activate iMessage the right way.
(updated October 8, 2020)Clean up text with Paste and Match Style
If things look messy after you paste some text, undo it and try "Paste and Match Style" instead. It's right there in the Edit menu. And it works great.
(updated April 20, 2020)How to Open PDFs on a Mac with Preview instead of Acrobat Reader
Acrobat Reader is complicated and no fun to use. Here's how you can set Apple's clean and elegant Preview app as the default app for PDFs.
(updated July 16, 2023)Apple’s Special Event March 25th, 2019
Apple introduced Apple Card, Apple News+, Apple TV+, and Apple Arcade at its March 25, 2019 special event. Watch the show, read my summary.
(updated July 19, 2019)How to set up a Time Machine Backup
Time Machine backup software is part of the Mac system. It will back up your Mac automatically, every hour. Here's how to set it up.
(updated November 6, 2019)How to quickly Capitalize words you’ve already typed on iPhone and iPad
Here's the easy way to fix things when you forgot to capitalize something while typing on your iPhone.
(updated September 15, 2020)NFL Post-Season Calendar for iPhone and Mac
Get the NFL Post-Season schedule into your iPhone or Mac's Calendar app. Calendar includes teams, times, and TV info. Updated with scores. Also works with Google Calendar.
(updated October 1, 2020)How to forward (or delete) part of a text message conversation on an iPhone or iPad
Delete or forward part of text message conversations on your iPhone, maybe NSFW photos. You can delete an entire conversation; this is better.
(updated October 5, 2020)How to Print Mailing Labels from an iPhone or iPad
Print mailing labels from your iPhone or iPad. Or, make a PDF of labels and email them to someone else to print from a computer.
(updated November 13, 2022)How to Make and Use Smart Folders on a Mac
Smart Folders can quickly show you all of your images, all recent documents, and more, Quit losing time hunting for files. Use Smart Folders.
(updated April 21, 2020)Extend your iPhone’s battery life by closing unneeded Safari tabs
Long-forgotten Safari tabs, running in the background, can drain your battery, but closing one at a time takes forever. Here's how to close them all at once.
(updated April 29, 2019)Apple’s iPhone XR available for pre-order
The new iPhone XR (slightly cheaper version of iPhone XS) is available for pre-order. I prefer the XS for a few reasons. Ask me about it.
(updated April 29, 2019)How to watch Apple’s October 30th, 2018 event
How to watch Apple's October 30th event, and what to expect. New iPads are a good bet, as are refreshed MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs.
(updated April 13, 2020)iOS 12: First Impressions, and advice
iOS 12 is out, and even though it's the first version of 12, it's good enough to install right now. It's faster than iOS 11 and easy to get used to. My advice: if you're on iOS 11, upgrade to 12.
(updated April 29, 2019)How to sync text messages between your iPhone and your Mac
You want your iPhone's text messages to sync with your Mac and iPad-- all messages, green and blue both. Here's how you set it up.
(updated October 4, 2020)How to watch Apple’s September 12th 2018 Special Event
Here's how to watch Apple's September 2018 announcements on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad.
(updated April 29, 2019)How to Get Amazon Prime Video on your Apple TV
Get Amazon Prime Video onto your Apple TV and authorize it easily. An Amazon Prime account gives you access to a lot of movies and TV shows.
(updated July 21, 2019)iOS 11: Should you install it? (No, not yet)
iOS 11 wasn't so good. iOS 12 is better. If you're on 11, go to 12. If you're on iOS 10, go to 12. iOS 11 never really hit its stride but 12 is great.
(updated April 29, 2019)Christian Boyce on the radio
Hear me discuss Apple's new iPhones and the other things they introduced in their September 12th 2017 event. Should be an interesting talk.
(updated April 13, 2020)Watch the Apple Special Event Tuesday, September 12th, 2017
Here's how to watch Apple's event on September 12th, 2017. It starts at 10 AM Pacific time and you can watch on your Mac, your iOS device, or your Apple TV.
(updated April 29, 2019)Free 4th of July Fireworks Apps for your iPhone and Mac
A free fireworks app for your iPhone & iPad, & another free fireworks app for your Mac! Don't play with fire-- use these apps instead.
(updated July 4, 2019)How to make a free WordPress Blog (Part 3)
How to make a free WordPress.com website, including review of major features in the Dashboard. Posts, pages, menus, themes, and more.
(updated May 31, 2019)How to make a free WordPress Blog (Part 2)
WordPress.com blogging basics: how to make a new post, how to edit it, how to add an image to a blog post, how to create & assign categories.
(updated April 13, 2020)How to make a free WordPress blog (Part 1)
Learn how to make a free WordPress blog using this easy tutorial. All you need is a web browser and an internet connection.
(updated June 14, 2019)How to fix poor iPhone cell reception in your home and office
Improve reliability & sound quality of phone calls made from your iPhone by turning on WiFi Calling. The feature is easy to turn on, & free.
(updated June 6, 2019)How to use the Memories feature in iOS 11’s Photos app
iOS 10 introduced a feature called "Memories" in Photos. It makes shareable mini-movies of your photos & sets them to music. Here's how to do it.
(updated July 5, 2019)Make Your Own iPhone and Mac Text Replacements for Auto-Correct
Add custom Auto-Correct text replacements to your iPhone & Mac. Save typing: xpand a short string into a longer one Make fewer typos.
(updated July 13, 2019)Essential Mac Add-on Apps
Three apps that make using a Mac easier, faster, and nicer. I install these on my Macs and you should too! The apps: Moom, Paste, and Alfred.
(updated July 22, 2019)How to Quickly Unlock Your iPhone or iPad with iOS 10
iOS 10 removed "Slide to Unlock" & replaced it with a much-harder-to-use "Press Home to Unlock." Make unlocking an iPhone easy with this tip.
(updated April 29, 2019)How I Fixed an iPhone that Couldn’t Get Mail Unless On WiFi
iPhone's Mail app worked on WiFi, but not on cellular. Yet Safari worked fine whether on cellular or WiFi. Hmmm. Here's how I fixed things.
(updated October 3, 2020)How I Rescued a Mac Whose Finder Didn’t Work
The Mac started, but I couldn't open a Finder window or see any files on the Desktop. Fixing it was easy once I knew what to to.
(updated April 29, 2019)Know when it will rain, down to the minute
Darksky is the best weather app. It tells you when it will rain in your exact location. Highly recommended. Very precise. The best.
(updated April 13, 2020)New MacBook Pros Introduced at Apple’s Special Event
Apple introduced new MacBook Pros with "Touch Bars" and they look really cool. This article includes links to the introductory movie and the design movie.
(updated June 7, 2019)“Paste” for the Mac– Like Copy & Paste on Steroids
The "Paste" app extends Copy & Paste, letting you copy unlimited things and then paste them anywhere, in any order, at any time. I love it.
(updated July 13, 2019)What You Need to Know About Mac Ransomware
Ransomware hits the Mac. Here's what you need to know to keep your Mac safe. This is serious; you could be locked out of your own machine.
(updated July 13, 2019)Should I Upgrade my iPhone to iOS 10?
Thinking of upgrading to iOS 10? Here's what you need to know.
(updated April 21, 2020)Best Mac Anti-Virus Package: Intego Internet Security X9
Intego's Internet Security X9 is the best Mac anti-virus package you can buy. Includes network protection. Unobtrusive, yet effective.
(updated July 21, 2019)Mac Option Key tip #12: Open your Library folder
Your user "Library" folder is really important-- so important that Apple hides it. Here's how you can find it and open it up.
(updated August 29, 2019)Mac Option Key tip #11: Delete a Messages conversation with one click
Cut your work in half in the Mac OS Messages app. Deleting conversations used to be click-the-x, wait for a box, then click Delete. Now it's one click.
(updated April 13, 2020)Mac Option Key tip #10: One-click System Information
Apple's System Information app can be accessed by going to the Apple menu while holding down the Option key. You save one click this way. And you look cool.
(updated July 19, 2019)Mac Option Key tip #09: Special Characters
You can type many special characters using the Option key. This post includes a handy cheat sheet for commonly-needed characters like "ñ" and "é" and "."
(updated September 4, 2022)Should I update my iPhone to 9.3.4?
Should you update your iPhone to 9.34? If you're already on 9.x, then YES. Learn about the 9.3.4 update and why it's probably right for you.
(updated April 21, 2020)Should I update my iPhone to 9.3.3?
Should you update your iPhone to 9.3.3? Probably. Read about the fixes provided here and install the update soon.
(updated April 21, 2020)Should I update my Mac to 10.11.6?
Should you install the 10.11.6 update on your Mac? Probably yes. Download 10.11.6 Combo Update and install it the "pro" way.
(updated April 21, 2020)How to get better Google search results
Google can give too many search results, including some with terms you don't want. Here's how to eliminate results you don't want. The trick? A minus sign.
(updated August 29, 2019)How to search Google for the newest results
Want Google to show the newest, freshest articles-- like when you're searching for the best tacos in Austin? Here's how to get what you want.
(updated August 29, 2019)How to search Google for different kinds of pictures
Search Google for photographs, line drawings, cartoon-like, artistic, and more. Want pictures labeled for reuse? Here's how.
(updated August 29, 2019)How to search Google images by color
Search Google for images by color. Sometimes they make it easy for you with big "red" and "blue" buttons; I show you how.
(updated August 29, 2019)How to restrict your Google search to a single website
Restrict a Google search to a single website. Handy for filtering out results and returns better results than searching at the site itself.
(updated April 13, 2020)RepairPal.com helps you when you need car repairs
RepairPal.com provides a range of estimates for car repairs and certifies and rates shops that pass their inspections. It's a great resource.
(updated August 29, 2019)How to Expand Storage on MacBook Pro Retina and MacBook Air
There are two ways to upgrade MacBook Pro Retina and MacBook Air storage. One is very easy; the other is slightly less easy, but worth it.
(updated August 24, 2020)How to Show (and Hide) Invisible Characters like Paragraph Marks in Microsoft Word on a Mac
Light blue marks in your Word documents are "invisible characters" (returns, tabs, & spaces). Here's how to turn them off, and back on.
(updated October 3, 2020)What to Do When You Can’t Log Into Your User Account on a Mac
If your Mac turns on, but won't log into your user account, there may be an easy fix. Here's how to revive a sick user account on a Mac.
(updated May 30, 2021)How to Open a Mac App from an Unidentified Developer
Here's how to open an app that your Mac says can't be opened due to being from "An unidentified developer"-- while keeping your Mac secure.
(updated November 26, 2019)How to Watch Apple’s WWDC Keynote
How to watch Apple's 2017 WWDC keynote on your Mac, your iPhone, your iPad, your iPod touch, or your Apple TV. You can even watch it on a PC.
(updated April 21, 2020)How to Block Porn Sites and Phishing Sites AND Speed Up Your Home Network
Block porn sites, phishing sites, and make your network faster with one simple change. Use OpenDNS's server numbers at no cost. Here's how.
(updated September 4, 2019)Should I update my Mac to 10.11.5?
Download 10.11.5 Combo Update and install it the "pro" way. Should you install the 10.11.5 update on your Mac? Probably yes
(updated April 21, 2020)Should I install the iOS 9.3.2 Update?
Should I install the iOS 9.3.2 Update? Easy answer: yes-- unless you are thinking of updating an iPad Pro 9.7 inch. In that case, don't.
(updated April 21, 2020)How to Improve the Sound of Music on your iPhone
Enhance and improve the sound of songs played on your iPhone using Boom for iOS. It's truly amazing. Free five-day trial.
(updated April 21, 2020)WiFi security hack exploits the January 1st, 1970 iOS bug
An iOS bug can cause iPhones, iPads & iPods to self-destruct. Can be triggered over WiFi. The problem is prevented with the 9.3.1 update.
(updated April 21, 2020)How to Print from an iPhone
Here's how you print from an iPhone (or iPad). Print from Mail, Notes, Safari, and many other apps, through the air to a networked printer.
(updated January 20, 2020)Should I Update my iPhone or iPad to iOS 9.3?
Wondering whether you should update your iPhone or iPad to 9.3? This article will help you decide, and shows you how to do it the best way.
(updated April 21, 2020)Should I Update My Mac to 10.11.4?
Wondering whether you should upgrade to 10.11.4? This article helps you decide. Includes info for Macs on 10.11 and for Macs on older systems.
(updated April 21, 2020)How to delete an email from your iPhone with a single swipe!
Delete an email from your iPhone with one swipe! No need to swipe left and tap delete. No need to open the message and tap the trash can.
(updated April 21, 2020)How to forward a voicemail message from your iPhone
Here's how you forward a voicemail message from your iPhone to someone else. Send it as an email, as a Message, and other ways too.
(updated July 25, 2024)How to watch Apple’s March 21st 2016 keynote
You can watch Apple's March 21st keynote presentation using an iPhone, an iPad, a Mac, or an Apple TV. Here's a link to the replay.
(updated April 21, 2020)How to Make “Recent Items” More Useful
Increase the number of items in the Apple Menu's Recent Items list from the default 10 to 50 and increase your odds of finding what you want.
(updated April 21, 2020)How to Turn On the Mac’s Scroll Bars
Scroll bars give you visual information at a glance, IF they're turned on. They're off by default. Here's how to turn them on.
(updated October 9, 2020)Three cool things you can do with your iPhone, using apps that came with it
Three cool things you can do with your iPhone, using apps that came with itPart of the fun of the iPhone is discovering "new" features that were there all along. Here are three that might be new to you. 1. See if something is level. Believe it or not, you check for level using the Compass app. The way you do it is you swipe left while looking at the Compass. This brings up the little-known second page of the Compass app, which is really a level. After swiping left, lay the iPhone down flat to see if your pool table is level (watch the bubbles ) or put it on edge to see if your paintings and TV are hanging straight on the wall. Whether flat or on edge, when it's perfectly level the screen turns green. Easy, useful, and fun. [caption id="attachment_5359" align="alignnone" width="320"] Testing for level, iPhone laying down flat[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5361" align="alignnone" width="568"] Testing for level, iPhone on edge[/caption] 2. Have it read out loud to you. You have to take a trip to the Settings to enable this feature: go to Settings, then General, then Accessibility, then Speech, then Speak Screen (turn it ON). You will be able to control the speaking rate later so don’t worry about doing it now. [caption id="attachment_5391" align="alignnone" width="320"] Settings, General, Accessibility, Speech[/caption] The Speak Screen feature has been around since iOS 8 and it’s still one of my favorites. Works in Safari, works in Kindle, works in Books. Works just about everywhere. (The feature is called "Speak Screen" but it actually reads more than just the "screen." It will speak until it runs out of text, scrolling down past what you see on the screen, and even turning pages in Books. Yes, that's right: it turns pages in Books.) I use this feature to have my iPhone read news articles to me while I cook-- sort of like listening to the radio. After you've turned on Speak Screen, having your iPhone read to you is just a swipe away. But it's a very particular swipe: a two-fingered down-swipe, starting above the glass. You'll be an expert after doing it once, so give it a try. See the picture below. Of course this works better if your iPhone is displaying something worth reading. Do it with a web page, or in News, or somewhere else with lots of text. For web pages (in Safari) it makes sense to switch to the Reader mode, by tapping the Reader button at top left of the screen. [caption id="attachment_5378" align="alignnone" width="320"] Web page in Safari, regular mode[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5381" align="alignnone" width="320"] Same web page in Safari, Reader mode[/caption] Reader mode simplifies the layout (making it nicer for you to read by eye as well). So bring up a web page— maybe this one!— and then switch to Reader mode, and then…. put TWO fingers at the top of the screen. Actually, put them ABOVE the top of the screen—- on the part…
(updated March 29, 2016)Mac OS X 10.11.3 update: don’t do it
I’m seeing a lot of problems with Apple's 10.11.3 update. If you’ve already installed the 10.11.3 update and everything seems fine, consider yourself lucky; if you haven’t installed it, play it safe and don’t install it. I've never seen a more problematic update. UPDATE: the 10.11.4 update is out and I've seen zero problems with it. Read "Should I Update My Mac to 10.11.4" for more info. UPDATE #2: now we're at 10.11.5. It too has no problems. See my article about how to install 10.11.5 the pro way. (Join the mailing list and get notices like this in your email. Just click the big blue button.) You’re probably wondering what’s so bad about the 10.11.3 update. Well, nothing— unless you’d call a Mac that won’t start something to be concerned about! When things go wrong with 10.11.3, they go wrong very quietly-- the update appears to install, and then the Mac restarts, which is totally normal— but then it doesn’t finish restarting. It gets about 75% of the way through the startup and stops. Turning the Mac off and on again doesn’t help. Repairing the disk after starting from the Recovery Disk sometimes helps; reinstalling the system sometimes helps; waiting a really long time sometimes helps. In my case, I had to reinstall the system, and then delete my own user from the system, and then restore my user from a Time Machine backup. It took a long time. See below. If you simply must be 100% up-to-date, and can’t bear to be on 10.11.2, give yourself the best chance possible by installing 10.11.3 via the 10.11.3 Combo Update, the way the big boys do (except when the big boys are lazy and complacent, as I was when I updated using Apple’s automatic Software Update last week.) [jpshare] Combo Updates include everything needed to take you from the base system to the current version. In this case, it means it has everything needed to take you from 10.11.0 to 10.11.3. The automatic update only contains what’s necessary to go from 10.11.2 to 10.11.3. Installing stuff that you already have (such as the stuff that got you to 10.11.0 to 10.11.2) might seem like a waste of time but in my experience, it never makes things worse. In a way, with Combo Updates you’re refreshing the system, and that’s good. Combo Updates are always available but never via the automatic Software Update mechanism. Instead, you have to search for them on Apple’s site. I’ve done the work for you here— use my Big Blue Button. Personally, in the case of 10.11.3 I wouldn’t even do the Combo Update. I’d wait for 10.11.4. In addition to my own misadventure with it, I’ve seen three Macs with the same won’t-start-all-the-way symptom, and I’ve read about another one (Adam Engst’s, he of the TidBITS newsletter fame). That’s more trouble than I’ve seen for any Apple update in 25 years of helping people with their Macs. Do yourself a favor and steer clear of…
(updated May 27, 2016)iPhone and iPad Productivity Apps 50% off at the App Store
Hot on the heels of the Mac App Store's 50% off sale on Productivity Apps, Apple's put iPhone and iPad productivity apps on sale too. Choose from: Things: (to-do list/project organizer-- syncs with Mac version) Clear: (another to-do list organizer-- simpler than Things, syncs with Mac version) PCalc: (advanced calculator) ... and several more. This is your chance to get productive on the cheap. Click the big blue button and explore.
(updated January 24, 2016)Mac Productivity Apps 50% off at the App Store
UPDATE: the sale is over. But, the apps are still great. Check them out and if you don't get them now, put them on your wish list. Apple is discounting productivity apps by 50% for a limited time. Apps include: 1Password (best password manager-- syncs with iOS counterpart) Magnet (tiles windows on your screen-- neaten things up!) Things (to-do list/project organizer-- syncs with iOS counterpart) Clear (simple to-do list manager-- syncs with iOS counterpart) ... and many more. This is your chance to get organized for cheap. Make it your late-January resolution. Click the big blue button and explore.
(updated July 7, 2016)1Password password manager half off
1Password is the best password manager and you can get it at a discount.
(updated April 13, 2020)How to recognize phony virus scams on Mac and iPhone
Most of the blog posts I write are positive, upbeat, "Looky what you can do with your Apple thing!" articles. Lots of how-tos, lots of reviews, all designed to help you do more with your Macs, iPhones, and iPads. Basically, I show you what to do. This time, I'm going to show you what not to do. Namely, I'm going to show you how not to be taken in by expensive fake virus scams. I hate to take up time and space doing this but I've seen enough instances of this scam that I feel an obligation to let everybody know about it. I ran into one of these scams myself (late) last night. Luckily I was still awake enough to figure out what was going on, and to dissect the scam a bit so I could explain it better to you. I'll explain what happens, how it happens, show you some examples, and show you what to do (and not do). What Happens You're using a web browser like Safari, Firefox, or Chrome on your Mac (although this can happen on any computer-- and on an iPhone or iPad). All of a sudden a box like this pops onto your screen. Or maybe it's more like this one: Or maybe this one: Sometimes you'll hear an alert like an air-raid siren, sometimes you'll hear a message read out loud to you about how you need to Stop Right Now because your machine is at risk! Regardless, it gets your attention, and usually it's a show-stopper as far as your web-browsing is concerned. You have to deal with that box, one way or another, and in many cases, it keeps coming back. Important Fact #1: Apple is not watching what you do with your Mac. They have no idea that you've gone to this website or that one. They do not pop up messages saying "Your machine's been compromised, so please call this toll-free number." They don't. Neither does Microsoft, neither does Adobe. (Neither do I.) Google is watching where you go on the web but they are not popping up messages telling you to call them. If it's not Apple, not Microsoft, not Adobe, and not me popping up those messages, who is-- and why do they do it? Well, if you haven't guessed already, the answer to the first question is "bad guys" and the answer to the second question is they want to scare you into calling that toll-free number. Once they have you on the phone, they'll ask you to install something that allows them access to your machine (yikes!), and some time after that they'll ask you for money. It might take half an hour, it might take an hour-- I've heard about it taking longer than that-- but eventually they will get around to asking you for money. The bad guys spend a good bit of time and effort to convince you that something's wrong with your Mac, that your passwords and bank records…
(updated October 9, 2018)How to know when it’s going to rain
UPDATE March 2020: Apple likes the forecast.io people so much they bought the company. UPDATE: forecast.io has changed. It's still great, but it's now called darksky.net. Read my new article about darksky.net, written in October 2016. When it comes to rain, most of us have questions like these: "Do I have time to walk the dog before it rains?""Can I put off cutting the grass until tomorrow?""Do I need to carry an umbrella with me all day?""Is the rain going to stop soon?" These are simple yes-no questions, yet the typical weather forecast doesn't come close to answering them. Instead, they give us the ol' "40% chance of rain in Santa Monica" routine, with little or no specificity. What are you supposed to do, wear 40% of a raincoat? Wear it 40% of the time? Even if they say "Afternoon showers" that's not narrowing it down enough-- are you going to get wet if you go out to lunch? If you leave work at 4 will you be leaving before, during, or after the rain? These are reasonable questions to ask. What we need is a forecast that tells us things like "The rain will stop in 20 minutes." Something like the picture below. Thankfully, fortunately, someone's figured out a better way to predict the weather, especially when it comes to rain. The company's called Forecast.io, and they've developed their own "hyperlocal precipitation forecasting system"-- and it works. I don't know how they do it, but it works. UPDATE October 2016: Forecast.io is now Darksky.net. See my article about Darksky.net and the Darksky app. (That is, it works if you're in the United States or in the United Kingdom, or in Ireland. "More coming soon," they say.) Forecast.io's weather predictions focus on precipitation, and especially what's going to happen in the next hour. They're confident enough in their predictions to say things like "Rain starting at your location in 10 minutes." Originally, that's all they did: predict precipitation for the next hour. Now they've expanded into making predictions for the next week. I've used Forecast.io's predictions during Southern California's recent El Niño storms, as well as during thunderstorm season in Central Texas, and dang if they aren't pretty close to right on the mark. Here's how you can use Forecast.io's hyperlocal precipitation forecasting system for free. Go to the www.forecast.io website. Allow the site to use your location-- that way, you don't have to tell them where you are. They'll figure it out. On a Mac, Forecast.io's website looks like this (click for a larger version): Bookmark the site, add various locations (your hometown, your friend's place, Dad's new home in Oregon, etc.), and you'll always be just a click away from knowing when it's going to rain. Notice there's always the "Current Location" option near the top left. No matter where you are, one click provides the local-est weather report you can get. Also notice that big globe. If you click on it you'll start an animation. Click the…
(updated April 13, 2020)How to Track your Mileage Automatically, Using the MileIQ app on your iPhone
UPDATE: MileIQ will give you $40, and give your friends 20% off an annual subscription, when you refer them using your special link. You could pay for your own account through referrals, assuming you have enough friends. MileIQ is an iPhone mileage tracker, and you need it if you have to keep track of your business-related mileage. Maybe you get reimbursed by your company, or maybe you need the miles for your taxes. I used to track my mileage in a little notebook, or rather I tried to, but it was easy to forget to do it, and that's exactly what I did! At tax time I would simply guess how many miles I drove for work and I either cheated myself or the IRS. That's not going to be a problem for me in 2016 because now I'm using the MileIQ iPhone app. MileIQ keeps track of everything! Turn it on once and let it do its thing in the background-- it'll know where and when you start a drive, and where and when you stop. (If you turn MileIQ off it won't be able to track your drives automatically. You'll get a warning message if you do turn it off, in case that happens accidentally.) [jpshare] Think of MileIQ as "FitBit for your car." That pretty much sums it up. You can categorize your drives immediately upon arrival or (usually) sometime later, when you think to do it. Doesn't matter at all-- MileIQ remembers the drives forever, including little maps of starting and stopping locations, so you'll be able to recognize and categorize things down the road (so to speak). MileIQ is working really well for me and I'll bet it will work for you too. MileIQ is free (at the App Store) for up to 40 drives per month. You can upgrade to unlimited drives for $5.99/month, or save 20% and get a year for $59.99. The cost is probably tax-deductible so the real cost is even less. MileIQ will discount the annual plan by another 20% if you use this link (and MileIQ will give me credit for referring you, so we both win). That gets your first-year cost down to $47.99. Once subscribed to an annual plan, you can refer others and receive a referral fee yourself when they upgrade to an annual plan. Do that enough times and you're playing with house money. The app is easy to set up and it's even easier to use. After installing the app on your iPhone you'll create a MileIQ account and you'll allow MileIQ to access your location. The app walks you through a three-step tutorial and you'll know enough to use the app after that. From then on, it's as easy as swiping left or right (left for personal drives, and right for business). Here's an example of a drive that needs classifying. Since this was a personal drive I will swipe left. MileIQ lets you combine two (or more) trips into one (maybe you…
(updated April 13, 2020)How to Trade-in your old Smartphone for an Apple Store Gift Card
Apple is offering a trade-in program for old smartphones via this link. Just go online, click a few buttons, and see how much your old phone is worth. It doesn't have to be an Apple iPhone (though it can be) and you don't have to use the trade-in value toward a new iPhone (though you can). They'll take a BlackBerry, HTC, Motorola, Nokia, LG, or even a Samsung, and if it qualifies, Apple will pay you with an Apple Store gift card. If you'd rather have cash, look into It's Worth More and Gazelle. Prices vary so check them both. See below. If you have an old phone sitting around in a drawer now is the time to take it out and get something for it. ALSO: use this link to see about trading in your old iPad, Mac, or PC with Apple, this link for Gazelle, and this link for It's Worth More. DOUBLE-ALSO: Amazon will take a variety of things. Here's how Amazon describes their Trade-in program: "The Amazon Trade-In program allows customers to receive an Amazon Gift Card in exchange for hundreds of thousands of eligible items including phones, electronics, video games, books, DVDs, and CDs. The process is easy and convenient with free shipping, an immediate offer, and no required registration or listing." Pretty nice. They also pay for shipping. You should check it out.
(updated April 13, 2020)2015-2016 College Football Bowl Game Calendar for iPhone and Mac
UPDATE: I've created the 2016-2017 College Football Bowl Game calendar for you. Click here to get it. When asked whether you want to subscribe, click YES. UPDATE: here is the 2016 College Football schedule, for each team in America. The nice people at collegefootballcalendar.net have put out a calendar showing every college football bowl game. It has dates, times, teams, and TV channels (and it will update to show the scores). Subscribe to the calendar, set it to refresh daily (so you get the scores), and you'll be all set. Here's how you do it. Use this link to go straight to the right place. When you get there look for a "subscribe to the bowl games" link (upper left). If you're using a Mac, when you subscribe to the calendar (as with any calendar) you'll get a box like so: Don't change anything there-- that's the address of the calendar, and it won't work if you change it. You can make changes in the next box, the one that shows up after you click "Subscribe." You can change the Name, the color, the refresh frequency (change it to "Every day"), and you can come back and change it again later if you'd like. Hint: where it says "Location" you should choose "iCloud" if you can. That way, when you add the calendar on your Mac, it will show up on your iPhone (and iPad) too. If instead of using your Mac, you're subscribing by using your iPhone or iPad, you'll get this screen: Tap "Subscribe" and you're all set. Note, however, that this will not automatically add the calendar to your Mac. And, it's harder to get rid of a calendar when you add it this way, so add it from your Mac if you have that option. (Hint: Settings/Mail, Contacts, Calendars/Subscribed Calendars, tap the calendar, tap Delete Account button). As always, if you're stuck, contact me and I'll help you out. It's good to know how to subscribe to calendars so learn it now and be able to do it with other calendars later (sports teams schedules, phases of the moon, movie releases, and so on). BONUS: Our friend Scott Craver at southendzone.com has created the NFL post-season schedule. Whether on an iPhone or a Mac, simply click this link: webcal://www.southendzone.com/ical/postseason.ics. As above, click the "Subscribe" button, then choose a color, a refresh frequency, and save it with your iCloud calendars if possible so it's available on all of your devices without doing any more work. Hint: set the refresh frequency to 1 day or less so you'll get the schedule for next week's games in a timely manner. Those games aren't set until the first round is finished.
(updated April 13, 2020)The Clever Coffee Dripper
I think of The Clever Coffee Dripper* as an essential Mac accessory because it makes the coffee that fuels this here website (and a lot of other stuff that keeps me up all night.) The beauty of The Clever Coffee Dripper is the water doesn't just run though the cone and into your cup. Instead, it stays in the Dripper, steeping as it were, until you set it down on top of a cup, which activates a valve, releasing the brewed coffee. The longer it steeps, the stronger the coffee, and you will quickly figure out how long is just right for you.It comes with a coaster and a lid. The coaster keeps the counter from getting any stray drips, and the lid keeps the coffee hot while it's steeping and after you've served the first cup. I get two medium-sized cups out of a full cone of water, and the second is almost as hot as the first. Ridiculously easy to clean and the coffee is fantastic. Mom likes it too. We both say "go get one." The Clever Coffee Dripper takes a number 4 paper cone filter,* so order some of those too. I also like the Aeropress.* Dad introduced me to this one. Perfect if you want to make one really great cup of coffee at a time.
(updated December 22, 2015)How to password-protect a Numbers document on your iPhone or iPad
Here's how you password protect a Numbers document on your iPhone or iPad. Open with Face ID or Touch ID also.
(updated October 15, 2020)How to password-protect a Numbers 3.5 document on a Mac
Apple's Numbers 3.5 app on the Mac has a nice feature that lets you protect a document with a password. Without the password, the document won't open. You don't need this every day but someday you will, and here's how you do it. (You do it exactly the same way you do it for a Pages 5.5 document. If you know how to password-protect a document in Pages 5.5 you know how to do it in Numbers 3.5 too.) First, get your Numbers document up. Go to File and slide down to Set Password... Next, enter a password, enter it again, and enter a hint. The hint is there in case you forget the password. Warning: I can't get your document open if you forget the password. Give yourself a good hint. If you check the box to remember the password in the Keychain you will never have to enter it again, as long as you're logged onto the Mac with the same username and password. That reduces the value of having a password on the document so my advice is to NOT check that box. That's all there is to it. From then on, whenever someone tries to open that document he'll get a box asking him to enter the password. Even if he's a she. Get it right and the document opens right up. Otherwise, the document remains closed. Don't check that "Remember password in my keychain" this time either. That was easy.
(updated December 19, 2015)How to password-protect a Numbers ’09 document on a Mac
You can password-protect a Numbers '09 document. That means no one can open the document unless he has the password. This can be very handy if you share your Mac with other members of the family, or if you have roommates who "borrow" your stuff, or if you have a very, very special cat. You password-protect a Numbers '09 document just like you password-protect a Pages '09 document: 1. Open the Inspector (View menu/Show Inspector) 2. Click on the Document button in the Inspector (top left), then click "Require password to open" 3. Enter a password, enter it again, and enter a hint. The hint is very important because no one will be able to get you into a password-protected Numbers '09 document if you forget the password. That's all there is to it! From now on, when you go to open that document, you'll be asked for the password. If you get it right on the first try the document will open right up. I would not recommend saving the password in your keychain because if you do, the system will not ask for the password anymore. That sort of defeats the purpose, doesn't it. If you don't remember the password just keep trying. The hint shows up on your third try so don't give up after two. Easy stuff, when you know how.
(updated December 19, 2015)How to password-protect a Pages document on your iPhone or iPad
You can password-protect a Pages document on your iPhone or iPad. No one can open it without the password. This way, if your iPhone or iPhone is unlocked, your document is still protected. It's really easy to do.With a Pages document up on your iPhone or iPad, look for the wrench at top right and tap it. Tap where it says "Set Password" Give your document a password, enter it a second time, and enter a hint. There's no back-door into a password-protected Pages document so the hint is essential should you forget the password. Pages documents show locked icons when they are password-protected. See below. When you try to open a password-protected Pages document on your iPhone or iPad you'll see a message asking you to supply the password. If you can't remember it, try again. If you still can't remember it, try one more time-- the password hint doesn't appear until the third failure. And that's all there is to it.
(updated November 20, 2015)