PhotoActive Podcast, Episode 137: Chris Niccolls on Zoom Lenses

Chris Niccolls joins us this episode to talk about zoom lenses! Chris gets to shoot using most new cameras and lenses for DPReview TV, so we wanted to tap into his extensive hands-on experience with zooms. Do they require too many compromises? Why are some so expensive? And can we put to rest the idea that real photographers only shoot with prime lenses?

Find out more, and subscribe to the podcast, at the PhotoActive website. You can follow The PhotoActive on Twitter at @PhotoActiveCast to keep up to date with new episodes, and join our Facebook group to chat with other listeners and participate in photo challenges and more.

Intego Mac Podcast, Episode #283: Phishing Hackers Defeat 2FA via Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

Apple has finally stopped selling the Apple Watch Series 3, which can no longer get security updates. The FBI shuts down 11-year old malware. And a $300 hacking tool enables phishers to defeat two-factor authentication using automated man-in-the-middle attacks.

Follow the The Intego Mac Podcast, which I co-host with Josh Long. We talk about Macs and iOS devices, and how to keep them secure.

Should Writers Use AI Tools?

AI has been in the news in recent weeks, since the release of several AI text generation tools that have shown both the benefits and pitfalls of using this sort of program. AI can write coherent prose, yet sometimes it produces results that are clearly false. Even so, as long as care is taken to check their output, these tools can provide factual information that can be helpful to anyone doing research.

Should writers use these tools? What do they offer?

Read the rest of the article on The L&L Blog.

To learn how to use Scrivener for Mac, Windows, and iOS, check out my book Take Control of Scrivener 3.

The Next Track, Episode #251: 19th Century Technology

Doug moved, and we discuss 19th century technology and wires.

Help support The Next Track by making regular donations via Patreon. We’re ad-free and self-sustaining so your support is what keeps us going. Thanks!

Support The Next Track.

Find out more at The Next Track website, or follow The Next Track on Twitter at @NextTrackCast.

Intego Mac Podcast, Episode #282: ScamBots and ScAmazon

ChatGPT is helping scammers create phishing emails that don’t sound phony, and Amazon sells plenty of items that are scams. Scammers are using AI-generated voices to scam elderly people, and the EU wants messaging apps – including Apple’s iMessage – to be interoperable.

Follow the The Intego Mac Podcast, which I co-host with Josh Long. We talk about Macs and iOS devices, and how to keep them secure.

What does your Mac do when it’s sleeping?

Modern computers are designed to go to sleep when you’re not using them. When you put your Mac to sleep, the display turns off and most of the computer’s activity ceases. This standby mode is designed to save power. However, your Mac is a light sleeper; a lot goes on when your Mac is not awake.

In this article, I will explain what happens when a Mac goes to sleep, what different types of sleep modes exist, and how you can find out precisely what is happening on your Mac when it isn’t awake. Then we’ll take a look at some security implications to keep in mind regarding sleeping Macs.

Read the rest of the article on The Mac Security Blog.

The Complete Guide to Apple Watch Bands

One of the cleverest things Apple did when it released the Apple Watch in 2015 was to develop a system that allows users to quickly change watch bands (or straps, in the UK). Changing normal watch bands, using little spring bars, is difficult and delicate, so most people rarely change them unless they’re worn out. With the Apple Watch, you can change your band in seconds, so you can use a different band according to your mood or activity, or to match your outfit. This is especially useful if you want a waterproof band for swimming or working out, and a leather band for when you go out on the town.

To date, Apple has released more than 640 bands in more than a dozen different styles. Here’s a complete guide to all the Apple Watch bands that are currently available.

Read the rest of the article on The Mac Security Blog.

PhotoActive Podcast, Episode 136: Photo Preconceptions

Do you use a particular lens or photographic technique because someone said that was the only way to do it? In this episode, we break down some common photo preconceptions.

Find out more, and subscribe to the podcast, at the PhotoActive website. You can follow The PhotoActive on Twitter at @PhotoActiveCast to keep up to date with new episodes, and join our Facebook group to chat with other listeners and participate in photo challenges and more.