Apple Update 8.3

The newest version of Apple OS for iPad and iPhones was recently released.  The new version provides choices of skin color and hair for male and female emoji icons.  It also allows user to change Siri's voice.  From what I read on a CNN article, Opps Apple's Diverse Emoji Turn into Aliens, if you do not upgrade, the male and female icons turn into aliens. I prefer not having to make an extra step and select the type of female icon each time - wish it would "remember" my preference.  Who knows what the future will bring with new updates. 

iPhone 6 Update IOS 8.0.2

Am loving the new iPhone 6.  Did not get the Plus - as it was too large for my needs.  There was a software update for the iPhone this week - IOS 8.0.2.  There was no noticeable difference after the install.  Of course, my last iPhone was several years old - but am enjoying the fingerprint recognition feature. I also like the feature which suggests words for messaging - as I realize it is there - I can write messages more quickly and accurately.

 Some complain about the new Tips app, but it provides a nice just-in-time learning feature.  Some of the apps had to be updated to use the new IOS, but that was automatic. 

Quickoffice Free App for iOS and Android Devices

Quickoffice is now a free office suite app for iOS and Android devices.  According to the app store description, you can create and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files and save them to your Google Drive.  You can also use it to access your Google Drive, open and view PDF files, attach files to emails, and share files.  On iOS devices you can also zip files.


In order to use Quickoffice, you have to have Internet access.  All files are stored in your Google Drive account.  Quickoffice offers up to  15 GB free storage. 

For more information go to https://support.google.com/quickoffice/answer/3381968?hl=en
http://lifehacker.com/quickoffice-now-free-on-android-and-ios-with-free-googl-1350259070
http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57603769-285/get-10gb-extra-space-on-google-drive-for-linking-with-quickoffice/

When you first open the app, you are prompted to login to your Google account. You have to accept the app managing your Google Drive files, viewing your email address, and basic information about your Google account.

The next window provides you with four tutorials:

• Explore a budget spreadsheet (two sample spreadsheets - no tutorial)
• Get started with Documents.docx
• Get stared with Presentations
• Get started with Quickoffice.pdf

If you use Google Drive, QuickOffice may be a perfect mobile solution.

PS - Quickoffice is also an extension for the Chrome web browser, although it is still a beta product. The extension differs from the app.  Chrome extension allows you to view any Microsoft Office files, not edit the files. 

New Apple iOS 7.0 Update

This morning I was greeted with the new iOS update for the iPhone and iPad.  The new iOS is a striking different look and feel.  The security feature is built-in when Find My iPhone is activated.  I was prompted to enter a 4 digit security code every time I unlock the phone.  The search menu is available from every screen by swiping down.  The changes are all very nice!

iOS Autocorrect Tricks

There is an autocorrect feature with most office tools, whether on the Mac or Windows computers.  The introduction of the iPhone and iPad provides autocorrect features when typing.  Unfortunately, the iOS may not recognize the word.  It can be annoying to click on the little "x" in the corrected word to tell the iOS you do not want to use the suggested word.  MacWorld has an article, How to Make iOS Autocorrect Word for you, at http://www.macworld.com/article/2031004/how-to-make-ios-autocorrect-work-for-you.html

The article includes some easy helpful hints using:

• keyboard shortcuts
• using the Contact 

Take a moment to read the article.  A few moments could save you lots of time and keep you from pulling out your hair in frustration.

Text Messaging with Pictures

I read an online article, Panda, Gun, Gift: Why Emojis are Everywhere, at http://www.hlntv.com/article/2013/01/24/emojis-taking-over-why-now-iphone-ios.  Had to smile when reading it because I use emoji images all the time when texting to someone who also has an iPhone or iPad.  In fact, my husband uses emojis almost exclusively to tell me that he has arrived at his office or on the way home.

He did confuse me one time when he was flying on a business trip.  The text message showed a jet icon and 3 mice.  I interpreted the message to indicate that there were mice on the plane!  He laughed and told me he meant to tell me that the plane had landed in Orlando, Florida where Disney World and the Mickey Mouse family are located.

If you have an iPhone or iPad, are you using emoji?  If not, try it because it is FUN! Emoji is a keyboard.  Go to Settings > General > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard... > Emoji.

After you have activated the keyboard, you will see a world icon on the bottom left corner of the keyboard you use to write text messages.  Click on it to find the pictures you want to use in your message. The most commonly used one will appear on the icon that looks like a clock face to the right of the world icon.

Smile, text away, and enjoy!

Taking Screenshots

Screenshots are great ways to create tutorials and provide a picture with an explanation.  There are several ways to create them.

Download Jing (http://www.techsmith.com/jing.html ), a free app

With Windows operating system (OS)

• The Snipping Tool is an app with some of the Window OSs.  
• In Microsoft Word 2010, click the Insert menu > Screenshot from the Illustrations section
• If you have OneNote, you can click the Windows + S key 

On the Mac

• Click Cmd + Shift + 4 keys
• Click Cmd + Shift + 3 keys (full screen)
• Click Cmd + Shift + 4 + space bar (open window)
• Go the Dock > Utilities > Grab

On the iPad or iPhone

• Click the on/off and Home button (takes full screen)

Apple Release of iOS 6.1

Apple has released version iOS 6.1.    I just updated the operating systems on my iPhone and iPad.  After the software installed and the device restarted there were several startup windows.  One allowed me to choose the email address and phone number that could be used for text messaging and FaceTime.  Another window prompted me to sign into iCloud.  There is a new setting that allows you to limit ad tracking.

About the Advertising Identifier - quoted from the article:
iOS 6 introduces the Advertising Identifier, a non-permanent, non-personal, device identifier, that apps will use to give you more control over advertisers’ ability to use tracking methods. You can reset a device’s Advertising Identifier at any time. And, if you choose to limit ad tracking, apps are not permitted to use the Advertising Identifier to serve you targeted ads. In the future all apps will be required to use the Advertising Identifier. However, until then you may still receive targeted ads.

You can read more about the updates at http://www.macworld.com/article/2026542/apple-releases-ios-6-1-update.html 

Google Drive - an Updated Version of Google Docs

As you probably know, Google Docs is now Google Drive.  If you are using the Chrome web browser, you can get Google Docs, Spreadsheet, and Presentation from the Chrome Web Store.  When you open a new Chrome tab, the apps will appear.  That means you can access your Google Drive with a single mouse click.  I added the three apps, but Presentation is not visible (Chrome told me that I had added it).  That is not really a problem, because when you open a new Google Doc, you still have a choice of the document type.

Another new feature is that Google Drive is a free app for the Android and Apple iOS devices. So, similar to Evernote, you can easily access any of the documents in Google Drive from your mobile devices.

We discussed Google office apps in the 4th edition of the Informatics and Nursing textbook.  That information is a bit dated now. The short video below provides an overview on Google Drive.

Switching from Windows to a Mac

Chris Breen has started a new column series that assists user to switch from the Windows platform to a Mac.  The first column in the series is online at http://www.macworld.com/article/2010716/mac-101-getting-set-up.html.  Chris has done numerous video tutorials for Lynda.com.  He is an excellent resource for learning about the Mac. 

Switching from Windows to a Mac

I have a couple of colleagues who will be switching from working on Windows to Macs.  Have done some homework to make their transition a little easier.

First, go to Apple Support Switch 101 at http://www.apple.com/support/switch101/  

Go to "On Windows, I used to" for a easy to understand table showing how to perform different functions on the Mac as compared with Windows.

If pertinent, learn to use the multi-touch trackpad, Using the Multi-Touch trackpad in Mac OS X v1o.5, 10.5 at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2514 

It shows how you can modify the trackpad using Preferences (equivalent to the Windows Control Panel).  In Preferences when you scroll over a function, there is a video display demonstrating the action and results.  The 2-finger touch (same as right-click) has be enabled.  Tapping the Control key and clicking also simulates the right-click for additional menu options.

An easy work around as you are getting comfortable with the Mac is to connect a two button external mouse.

If you need to use Windows applications that are not available for the Mac and have enough hard drive space on the Mac, consider partitioning the hard drive, so that you have the option to boot to a Windows operating system.