Apple’s macOS High Sierra introduced enough performance enhancements that my dual-core, 2011 MacBook Air felt like it had new life breathed into it. Occasionally, though – and more and more frequently recently – events would cascade such that my CPU would run at full tilt for 5-10 minutes before finally settling in. When that was happening, Activity Monitor and/or iStat Menus would show two system processes chewing up CPU: tailspind and spindump. Thankfully, we now know how to stop that.
Mac Set Up Guide: How To Get Started With a Mac
Getting a new Mac is exciting, and we’ll help you set it up.
Here's How to Create an Apple ID For Your New Apple Device
You’ll use this ID on any Apple device you have, whether it’s an iPhone or a MacBook.
3 iPhone Apps for Finding Friends, not Dates
Not knowing where to go—or even where to start—to find friends doesn’t mean you have to spend your time alone. We found three apps to help you make friends without resorting to dating apps.
How to Find Your iPhone with Amazon Echo and Alexa
Lost your iPhone at home and don’t have an Apple Watch to ping it? Your Amazon Echo can fill in and call your phone and use the ringer to track it down.
How To Manage iCloud Mail with Rules and Folders
You can combine a rule and a folder in iCloud Mail to emulate the smart mailboxes on macOS.
How to Install and Sign into Amazon Prime Video on Apple TV [Update]
Amazon Prime Video is available for the Apple TV. Here’s how to install the app and get logged in.
Here's How to Add Money to Apple Pay Cash or Change Linked Bank Card
Want to add money to your Apple Pay Cash account, or change the card it uses for payments? Read on to learn how to do both.
macOS: How to Export Apple Notes as Plain Text Files
I noticed that in a lot of the files, there is some weird HTML formatting in the text. This is normal though, because images or other attachments don’t get exported.
How To Rip Blu-Ray Movies to Watch on Your Apple TV
Note: In order to start ripping Blu-ray discs, you’ll need an Apple SuperDrive to use with your Mac, or another DVD drive compatible with macOS and Blu-ray.
How to Get 4K/UHD and HDR Content on Netflix with Apple TV 4K
Several technical pieces must be in place before you can enjoy 4K/UHD as well as HDR content with your Apple TV 4K and Netflix. John shows how to do it.
TMO's Holiday Tips and Black Friday Deals Roundup
Looking for some last minute help heading into the holiday season? The Mac Observer has you covered.
iPhone X: How to get the Best Shots with Portrait Mode's Stage Light Effect
Want to get the most out of Portrait Mode’s Stage Light effect on the iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X? Check out TMO’s tips.
How to Use Clips 2.0 and iPhone X for Cool Selfie Videos
Apple’s Clips 2.0 lets you make selfie videos with cool backgrounds, including the Millennium Falcon. Read on to learn how.
How to Move Just Your Health Data to a New iPhone
You can transfer just your health and fitness data from your old iPhone to your new one so you can get a fresh start with apps and data. Read on to learn how.
macOS: Enhance Your Mac File Search With File Comments
Note that this is used better with Spotlight. Siri doesn’t seem to be able to make use of file comments.
iOS 11: Enable Private Notifications to Dissuade Prying Eyes
This works on the iPhone X, or other models as long as you’re running iOS 11.
Here's How to Create an Ultra Low Power Mode for iPhone X
No one has quantified exactly how much this will stretch out your battery life. But the next time you’re in a situation where you need ultra low power mode, try this tip to give it extra oomph.
macOS High Sierra: How To Configure Advanced Content Caching
Here’s how to fine-tune caching for your network configuration on macOS High Sierra.
TMO's iPhone X Starter Guide
Getting started with your new iPhone X, or just want a few tips? Check out The Mac Observer’s iPhone X Starter Guide.
