http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/features/computing_with_bifocals/ en The Mac Observer Copyright 2009 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:06:49 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftips_for_iphone_fmac_older_icons_browser_privacy%2F&seed_title=Tips+for+iPhone%2C+Mac+Folder+Icons%2C+Browser+Privacy http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tips_for_iphone_fmac_older_icons_browser_privacy/ Nancy Carroll Gravley offers tips for deleting videos from the iPhone, changing folder and file icons on your Mac, and protecting your online privacy from the big bad browsers. Tips, How-To, Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:26:46 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_times_they_are_a_changing_-_so_keep_up%2F&seed_title=The+Times+They+Are+A+Changing+-+So+Keep+Up. http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_times_they_are_a_changing_-_so_keep_up/ Nancy Carroll Gravley has some strong words for readers who make excuses for not upgrading their operating systems. She’s about had it up to here with this nonsense, and in this installment of Computing with Bifocals, she lays down the law.Out of date, out of style, out of time Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:35:48 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthree_cool_apps_i_took_from_macworld_iworld%2F&seed_title=Three+Cool+Apps+I+Took+from+Macworld+%7C+iWorld http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/three_cool_apps_i_took_from_macworld_iworld/ Nancy Carroll Gravley wandered the aisles at Macworld and found some apps she thinks are particularly worthy of investigation. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals, Reports, Conferences, Macworld Expo Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:37:10 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_iphone_cases_of_macworldiworld_2012%2F&seed_title=The+iPhone+Cases+of+Macworld%7CiWorld+2012 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_iphone_cases_of_macworldiworld_2012/ Nancy Carroll Gravley takes a look at some of the iPhone 4/4s cases that were on display at Macworld | iWorld.  They vary from the minimilist to the exotic. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals, Reports, Conferences, Macworld Expo, iObserver, iPhone Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:36:15 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwhat_to_do_when_force_quit_doesnt_work_and_other_tales_of_horror%2F&seed_title=When+Force+Quit+Doesn%26%238217%3Bt+Work+%26amp%3B+Other+Tales+of+Horror http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/what_to_do_when_force_quit_doesnt_work_and_other_tales_of_horror/ Our Macs usually run fine and don’t give us headaches, but every now and then they cause us no end of frustration. Nancy Carroll Gravley examines some common horrors that can affect new users and provides solutions. Actually, three: frozen apps, lost passwords, and missing toolbars in Safari. Tips, How-To, Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:10:28 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftips_for_getting_the_most_out_of_ichat_while_dazzling_friends%2F&seed_title=Tips+For+Getting+The+Most+Out+Of+iChat+While+Dazzling+Friends http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tips_for_getting_the_most_out_of_ichat_while_dazzling_friends/ iChat can be plain vanilla or one of your most useful tools.  Nancy Carroll Gravley offers up some tips for making the most of that tool, with a little razzle-dazzle thrown in for good measure. Tips, Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:37:23 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fa_brief_moment_of_thanks_for_how_things_arent%2F&seed_title=A+Brief+Moment+of+Thanks+for+How+Things+Aren%26%238217%3Bt http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/a_brief_moment_of_thanks_for_how_things_arent/ Nancy Carroll Gravley looks back at an incident in the mid-80s when computers were still largely the realm of business, and she’s thankful for Apple’s role in changing that. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:42:52 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmy_love_affair_with_my_ipad_and_some_tips_that_make_it_work%2F&seed_title=My+Love+Affair+With+My+iPad+%26amp%3B+Some+Tips+That+Make+It+Work http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/my_love_affair_with_my_ipad_and_some_tips_that_make_it_work/ Nancy Carroll Gravley loves her iPad, and in this installment of Computing with Bifocals, she offers three tips in making it work even better for you. She even shares a deep dark secret about her love affair with her iPad. Tips, Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals, iObserver, iOS, iPad Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:10:12 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fsnow_leopard_didnt_die_-_how_about_some_tips%2F&seed_title=Snow+Leopard+Didn%26%238217%3Bt+Die+-+How+About+Some+Tips%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/snow_leopard_didnt_die_-_how_about_some_tips/ Some people are still happily using Snow Leopard thank you very much, and they are tired of being ignored. In this installment of Computing with Bifocals, Nancy Carroll Gravley offers up a few good tips to spice up their lives.  Tips, How-To, Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals, Reports, Mac OS, Lion, Snow Leopard Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:10:23 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fa_tale_of_mac_success%2F&seed_title=A+Tale+of+Mac+Success http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/a_tale_of_mac_success/ With each new advancement in our technology it sometimes does us good to stop and remember the little reasons we love our Macs so much. Nancy Carroll Gravley shares a simple little story of how a Mac, a job, and a little guidance helped someone change her life. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:57:22 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fsome_tips_to_help_novice_users_get_started_with_lion%2F&seed_title=Some+Tips+to+Help+Novice+Users+Get+Started+with+Lion http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/some_tips_to_help_novice_users_get_started_with_lion/ Nancy Carroll Gravley evaluates the advantages of novice Mac users moving up to Lion, and thinks it’s a great idea for most new Mac users. Better yet, she has some tips to help them along with the process. Tips, Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals, Reports, Mac OS, Lion Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:55:07 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fspecial_tips_for_address_book_and_keychain%2F&seed_title=Special+Tips+For+Address+Book+%26amp%3B+Keychain http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/special_tips_for_address_book_and_keychain/ Nancy Carroll Gravley has found three tips for Address Book and Keychain that she hopes will open up new experiences for beginners. One involves controlling information on a vCard, the next is about working with Groups in AddressBook, and the third is a great tip for accessing your keychain on another computer. Tips, How-To, Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:55:37 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2F3_tips_repairing_permissions_screenshot_drop_ipad_keyboard_magic%2F&seed_title=3+Tips%3A+Repairing+Permissions%2C+Screenshot+Drop%2C+%26amp%3B+iPad+Keyboard+Magic http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/3_tips_repairing_permissions_screenshot_drop_ipad_keyboard_magic/ Nancy Carroll Gravley shows how disk utility can come to the rescue in time of need, shares a shortcut for getting images in some of your Apple applications, and discovers a cool hidden attribute for the iPad. Tips, Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Thu, 09 Jun 2011 17:56:56 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmac_tips_your_friends_may_not_even_know%2F&seed_title=Mac+Tips+Your+Friends+May+Not+Even+Know http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/mac_tips_your_friends_may_not_even_know/ Nancy Carroll Gravley has tips about others being sneaky with your Mac, one for when you want to be sneaky, and two to save you time.   Tips, How-To, TMO Quick Tip, Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Thu, 19 May 2011 14:18:56 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ffree_is_good_fourhandy_mac_apps%2F&seed_title=Free+Is+Good%3A+Four+Handy+Mac+Apps http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/free_is_good_fourhandy_mac_apps/ Nancy Carroll Gravley discusses four free useful Mac applications that any beginner can use, including SwordfishExpress, Art Text 2 Lite, Monolingual, and EasyEnvelopes for Mac. Reviews, Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:30:04 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fa_little_something_for_everyone_-_four_new_tips_for_beginners%2F&seed_title=A+Little+Something+For+Everyone+-+Four+Mac+Tips+For+Beginners http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/a_little_something_for_everyone_-_four_new_tips_for_beginners/ Nancy dug into her bag of tips and came up with four secrets to help your spelling problems, cool keyboard shortcuts, making Sticky Notes more powerful, and determining primary fonts in TextEdit.  And then there’s that whole brain damage thing… Tips, How-To, Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:58:50 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthey_came_they_waited_they_bought_-_a_new_ipad_that_is1%2F&seed_title=They+Came%2C+They+Waited%2C+They+Bought+-+A+New+iPad+That+Is http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/they_came_they_waited_they_bought_-_a_new_ipad_that_is1/ Apple launched the iPad 2 last Friday, and at the Barton Creek Apple Store in Austin, Texas they lined up by the hundreds hoping for a chance to buy one. Their reasons for being there were diverse, their goals all the same. Nancy Gravley spoke with people in line to find out why they wanted Apple’s latest tablet. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals, iObserver, iPad Mon, 14 Mar 2011 08:10:20 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fsolving_frustrating_problems_on_your_mac%2F&seed_title=Solving+Frustrating+Problems+On+Your+Mac http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/solving_frustrating_problems_on_your_mac/ Nothing is more frustrating for new Mac users than simple problems for which you can not seem to find a cure.  Nancy identifies three of those problems and the evasive cures that will keep you going. Tips, How-To, Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:20:07 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwhats_in_store_for_attendees_at_macworld_2011%2F&seed_title=What%26%238217%3Bs+In+Store+For+Attendees+at+Macworld+2011 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/whats_in_store_for_attendees_at_macworld_2011/ With Macworld Expo 2011 is less than two weeks away, Nancy Gravley spoke with event organizer Paul Kent to find out what he’s excited about, and to find out who this year’s feature presenters will be. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals, Reports, Conferences, Macworld Expo Fri, 14 Jan 2011 09:44:29 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ffree_tips_no_standing_in_line%2F&seed_title=5+Free+Mac+Tips%2C+No+Standing+In+Line http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/free_tips_no_standing_in_line/ Nancy Carroll Gravley offers up five shortcuts and tips to help make your Mac life easier while you rush through this busy time of year. She covers backwards tabbing, to font controls, iCal shortcuts, duplication tips, and using Find in Safari Tips, How-To, Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:17:37 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Flets_talk_about_ipads%2F&seed_title=Lets+Talk+About+iPads%3A+Case+%26amp%3B+Keyboard+Advice http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/lets_talk_about_ipads/ If you have an iPad, you might have some questions about it. What kind of case do I need? Can I use a keyboard? Where can I get help? Nancy Carroll Gravley tackles these mysteries (with pictures!) in today’s Computing with Bifocals. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals, iObserver, iPad Fri, 05 Nov 2010 13:58:22 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fme_mac_tmo%2F&seed_title=Me+%2B+Mac+%3D+TMO http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/me_mac_tmo/ September is usually a milestone month in my family. My twin and I celebrate our birthday as does our younger brother. It was also the month that our parents, who were married for 69 years, were married. But this particular September is causing a bit of reflective time. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Fri, 17 Sep 2010 13:54:54 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftips_for_september%2F&seed_title=Safari+for+Sore+Eyes http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tips_for_september/ Having trouble reading Web pages? Nancy Gravley shows you how to make Safari help out your eyes. She also has some tips on how to deal with Mac and application crashes, along with a reminder why DigitalColor Meter is a handy app to keep around. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:05:03 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fsome_things_you_can_only_do_in_snow_leopard%2F&seed_title=Some+Things+You+Can+Only+Do+in+Snow+Leopard http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/some_things_you_can_only_do_in_snow_leopard/ Nancy Carroll Gravley has gathered together some of the Snow Leopard features that I most enjoy using, and now she want to share them with you. Tips, Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals, Reports, Mac OS, Snow Leopard Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:56:55 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftips_to_make_you_more_independent%2F&seed_title=Tips+To+Make+You+More+Independent http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tips_to_make_you_more_independent/ Nancy Carroll Gravley offers up a more tips to help her readers be more independent when it comes to their Macs. Tips, How-To, Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals, Reports, Mac OS Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:16:11 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fipad_release_day_-_austin_texas%2F&seed_title=iPad+Release+Day+-+Austin%2C+Texas http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/ipad_release_day_-_austin_texas/ Nancy Carroll Gravley provides a look at the iPad release in Austin, Texas Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals, iObserver, iPhone, iPad Sat, 03 Apr 2010 14:34:42 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fof_tips_tweets_and_david_pogue%2F&seed_title=Of+Tips%2C+Tweets%2C+and+David+Pogue http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/of_tips_tweets_and_david_pogue/ Nancy Carroll Gravley has several tips to share for Address Book users, and talks about David Pogue, Twitter, and David’s new book, The World According to Twitter. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:35:48 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_easy_quick_fairly_guilt_free_way_to_ask_for_help_with_your_mac%2F&seed_title=The+Easy%2C+Quick%2C+Fairly+Guilt+Free+Way+To+Ask+For+Help+With+Your+Mac http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_easy_quick_fairly_guilt_free_way_to_ask_for_help_with_your_mac/ You don't have to leave your desk to get help with your Mac thanks to iChat's built-in screen sharing feature on Mac OS X 10.5 and 10.6. Nancy Gravley explains how you can use this feature to help your friends -- or get your friends to help you. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:19:57 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fand_the_beat_goes_on%2F&seed_title=And+The+Beat+Goes+On http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/and_the_beat_goes_on/ Macworld 2010 Products I Want To Get My Hands On Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals, Reports, Conferences, Macworld Expo Sat, 13 Feb 2010 13:13:17 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Falive_and_well_from_macworld%2F&seed_title=Alive+and+Well+From+Macworld http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/alive_and_well_from_macworld/ Despite concerns that Macworld Expo 2010 wouldn't have the same energy as past years, the event seemed to hit the ground running. Nancy Gravley is one of The Mac Observer's on-location team, and she has a few thoughts to share on how the first expo day turned out. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals, Reports, Conferences, Macworld Expo Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:21:02 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fgetting_it_right_with_numers_templates%2F&seed_title=Getting+It+Right+With+Numbers+Templates http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/getting_it_right_with_numers_templates/ In this installment of Computing With Bifocals, Nancy Carroll Gravley shows you how easy it is to work with templates in iWork's Numbers spreadsheet. Tips, How-To, Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:20:48 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fnancy_offers_tips_from_her_new_beginners_manual%2F&seed_title=Mail%2C+Address+Book+and+iChat%3A+Tips+for+Staying+in+Touch http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/nancy_offers_tips_from_her_new_beginners_manual/ Mac OS X includes a few applications that can help you stay in touch with friends, family and co-workers. Nancy Gravley culled her recently updated Mac tips book for some pointers for Mail, Address Book and iChat users. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:15:44 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fa_kinder_gentler_snow_leopard%2F&seed_title=A+Kinder%2C+Gentler+Snow+Leopard http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/a_kinder_gentler_snow_leopard/ Behind all of Snow Leopard's glamor and the "under the hood" changes, someone has paid attention to some of the little things as well -- such as simpler directions and basic terminology. Nancy Carroll Gravley shares some of the features she's found in Snow Leopard that are easier to use and understand. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals, Reports, Mac OS, Snow Leopard Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:36 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmore_tips_for_beginners%2F&seed_title=Sharing+Images+with+Mail+and+iChat http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/more_tips_for_beginners/ Nancy Carroll Gravley shares some great tips for sending high resolution images to friends and family, resending email messages, and annotating images quickly and easily so you can get back to checking out your photo collection. Tips, How-To, Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:00:34 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fnancys_tips_for_cover_flow_mail_and_preview%2F&seed_title=Nancy%26%238217%3Bs+Tips+for+Cover+Flow%2C+Mail%2C+and+Preview http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/nancys_tips_for_cover_flow_mail_and_preview/ Nancy Carroll Gravley has rounded up some new tips concerning Cover Flow, Mail, and Preview; and she explains the difference between backup software and Time Machine. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:00:28 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fit_doesnt_sing_it_doesnt_dance_but_it_talks_and_you_can_talk_to_it%2F&seed_title=Speech+Recognition%3A+Making+Your+Mac+Listen+to+You http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/it_doesnt_sing_it_doesnt_dance_but_it_talks_and_you_can_talk_to_it/ You can verbally direct your Mac to find a phone number, open an application, send an email, or insert text in a document.  Nancy Carroll Gravley gives you the how-to, along with some ideas on how to use speech recognition on your Mac. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:20:45 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fbuilt-in_utilities_every_beginner_should_know_about%2F&seed_title=Built-in+Utilities+Every+Beginner+Should+Know+About http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/built-in_utilities_every_beginner_should_know_about/ The cool thing about a Mac is that is comes with all kinds of built-in stuff to make your life easier.  But you have to know what it does and where to find it.   Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Thu, 04 Jun 2009 08:00:52 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_to_scan_without_a_scanner_-_but_you_do_need_a_camera2%2F&seed_title=How+to+Scan+Without+a+Scanner+-+But+You+Do+Need+A+Camera http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_scan_without_a_scanner_-_but_you_do_need_a_camera2/ There's more than one way to get printed documents into your Mac, and Nancy Gravley takes a look at one clever option that takes advantage of your digital camera: Prizmo. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Tue, 12 May 2009 13:27:37 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fcool_stuff_built_into_your_os_x_operating_system%2F&seed_title=Cool+Stuff+Hiding+Inside+Mac+OS+X http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/cool_stuff_built_into_your_os_x_operating_system/ Mac OS X includes a long list of features, and some that you might overlook can come in handy every day -- or even save you a few dollars. Nancy dives into some of her favorites and shares how they make her Mac even easier to use.  Tips, Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:58:21 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fnancys_tip-a-palooza%2F&seed_title=Nancy%26%238217%3Bs+Tip-a-palooza http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/nancys_tip-a-palooza/ It's time a plain old tips column. In fact, it has been way too long. I have been tied up reviewing cool products from Macworld Expo, but nothing really replaces tips for beginners. So here are some that have either come my way recently, or I have stumbled across them myself trying to solve problems. I hope you find them helpful. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:30:31 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2Fkensington_slimblade_mouse_with_nano_receiver%2F&seed_title=Kensington+SlimBlade+Mouse+with+Nano+Receiver http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/kensington_slimblade_mouse_with_nano_receiver/ Kensington's new SlimBlade mouse packs a full-sized wireless laser mouse and receiver in a small package, but it's still equally useful for road warriors and desk jockeys alike.  Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:22:06 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2Fmacspeech_dictate%2F&seed_title=MacSpeech+Dictate http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/macspeech_dictate/ The venerable keyboard isn't the only way to fill your documents with text, and MacSpeech Dictate proves that your voice can work as a typing tool, too. The voice dictation package includes software and a headset, but is it worth the price? Nancy Gravley says it is. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:45:21 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fnancys_macworld_expo_product_roundup%2F&seed_title=Nancy%26%238217%3Bs+Macworld+Expo+Product+Roundup http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/nancys_macworld_expo_product_roundup/ Nancy Gravley takes a look at some of her favorite products from Macworld Expo 2009 from iPod chargers to laptop cases. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:51:15 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fnancys_mac-themed_cookie_recipe_for_the_holidays%2F&seed_title=Nancy%26%238217%3Bs+Mac-Themed+Cookie+Recipe+for+the+Holidays http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/nancys_mac-themed_cookie_recipe_for_the_holidays/ The TMO editors have asked me to reprise my column on holiday cookies. This is actually a nefarious scheme on their part to get me to make a new batch of cookies so they can conduct "product tests." [Editor's note: NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM.] Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:27:33 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2Fclamshell_mode_follow-up%2F&seed_title=Clamshell+Mode+Follow-up http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/clamshell_mode_follow-up/ In a blog entry last month, I commented that neither I nor an Apple employee could get clamshell mode to work with a new MacBook Pro (MBP) connected to a new LED Cinema Display at the Apple Store. That is, once we closed the lid on the laptop, the Cinema Display turned off and would not turn back on. Subsequently, I contacted Apple about this and they assured me that clamshell mode does work with the new hardware. So I hoofed it back to the Apple Store for a retest. Computing with Bifocals Tue, 25 Nov 2008 07:30:56 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FBento_2%2F&seed_title=Bento+2 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Bento_2/ Bento 2, FileMaker's new consumer-focused database application, is shipping and promises more features while remaining easy to use. Nancy Gravley took Bento 2 for a spin around the block and lets us know if it lives up to those promises and is a worthwhile upgrade. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:00:07 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FNancys_Tip_Removing_Startup_Items_Using_Safe_Mode%2F&seed_title=Nancy%26%238217%3Bs+Tip%3A+Removing+Startup+Items+%26amp%3B+Using+Safe+Mode http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Nancys_Tip_Removing_Startup_Items_Using_Safe_Mode/ Today I bring you a tale of computer frustration and the things I learned to bring that frustration to an end, including removing troublesome startup items and booting up into Safe mode in Leopard. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:00:23 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FProfessional_Beginners%2F&seed_title=Professional+Beginners http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Professional_Beginners/ Being tagged as a beginner Mac user isn't a bad thing, and it isn't always a title that people want to shed as they gain more experience because there's always more to learn. Nancy Gravely shares her perspective on the Mac as a professional beginner, and offers a couple of tips for the beginner in all of us. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:00:03 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FSimple_Security_Steps_for_Average_Mac_Users%2F&seed_title=Simple+Security+Steps+for+Average+Mac+Users http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Simple_Security_Steps_for_Average_Mac_Users/ Nancy Gravley went digging to find out what the average Mac user should know about their computer's security. Read on to find out what she discovered, and what the average Joe can do to help protect their Mac from hackers and Internet bad guys with the tools that are included with Mac OS X. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:00:47 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fcomputing_with_bifocals&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FBeginner_Web_Design_with_Freeway_Express%2F&seed_title=Beginner+Web+Design+with+Freeway+Express http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Beginner_Web_Design_with_Freeway_Express/ Nancy Carroll Gravley offers up a passel of tips on beginning Web design, and explains why Freeway Express 5 is a great choice for getting started in making Web pages of your own. Columns and Opinions, Computing with Bifocals Sun, 08 Jun 2008 14:00:10 -0400