Mac FAQ

I've worked on both sides of the computer industry. That's right, I didn't start out on the Apple side. I have my Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Certified Novel Administrator (CNA), A+ and others..

Growing up, my Dad and all my Uncles were Apple fanatics, my Dad still has his 1986 Mac Plus. I set up my first Mac when I was six, coincidentally when my Dad got his Mac Plus, but we still used to battle it out over which was better - PC or Mac.

It wasn't until I bought my first MacBook Pro, learned everything there was to it, and became an Apple fanatic (I hope my Dad and Uncles are proud of me now). We have too many iDevices in our home to count on all of our hands. We're even making a trek to Manitoba this July to setup my wife's BFF's (from grade 2) Apple home network. I just LOVE sharing the ease and power Apple products offer with my family, friends, and our clients - new and existing.

Then, just last week our 7 year old son asked my wife and I if we could buy him a Windows computer - THE SHAME!!!!

Anyways, family, friends and clients of ours ask us about Mac and comparing Mac to PC. Here are a few of our frequently asked questions:

Can I use Mac if all or most other employees are using Windows PCs?

Yes. The Mac is compatible with most USB devices and printers, and can join Windows wired and Wi-Fi networks. As Apple Consultants, Pure iTek can move data from a PC to your Mac, work with existing files, set up Microsoft Office for Mac or Office 365. We can even set you up to access corporate email supported for Microsoft Exchange Server.

Can I use my Microsoft Office applications on a Mac?

Microsoft Office is available for Mac, which means you can run Word, Excel, and PowerPoint just as you always have. If you are like us then you already love and use iWorks for Mac - a suite of productivity applications from Apple - includes Pages for documents, Numbers for spreadsheets, and Keynote for presentations. With iWorks you can even open, edit and save as Microsoft Office Files = seamless.

Doesn't the Mac cost more than a Windows PC?

Did you know that Mac typically has a great resale or trade-in value? You can check the current trade-in value by visiting Apple Store Reuse and Recycling, but note this is only available in the states to date as Apple just introduced Reuse and Recycle iPhone in Canada . For more information and to avoid making a costly mistake assuming PCs are more affordable than Macs check out this article "Learn How Resale Value Can Make a Mac Less Expensive Than a PC". 

How does the Mac protect my information?

The Mac has a multilayered system of defences that works to protect data, applications and services against malware. Built-in technologies provide data-at-rest protection by encrypting the entire drive on your Mac. Gatekeeper protects users from downloading and installing malicious software. Advanced security features such as sandboxing, library randomization, and tagged downloads offer runtime protection. 

What about protecting data in transit?

The Mac offers an easy-to-use application-based firewall and VPN clients - at no extra charge.

Contact us today for more information on how Pure iTek can inspire your business and take advantage of Macs in your organization.

Apples Newest iPad

Yesterday Apple announced the iPad with Retina display will replace the iPad 2.  This new iPad is a great alternative giving customers 4 models to choose from. 

iPad 4 starting at $399 with cellular $529

iPad Air starting at $519 with cellular $649

The iPad with Retina display is an affordable option for people to have an enjoyable experience from an iPad because, let’s face it, that iPad 2 was so slow and clunky running iOS7. Also, it finally gets rid of the 30-pin adaptor making all iPads Lightning cables, so there is no need to carry multiple cords.

Let’s not forget the iPad mini. For those of you who have started drifting off to sleep while reading your iPad in bed, or while laying on the couch, you know what happens next. Your eyes close, your arms get tired holding the heavy device and *Smack* you drop your iPad 2 on your head.

iPad mini starting at $319 with cellular $449

iPad mini Retina starting at $419 with cellular $549

So the only thing that's left to decide is - Which size works for you? Give us a call if you’d like to discuss.

Privacy settings that you should enable on your iPhone and iPad

Privacy Settings that you should enable on your iPhone and iPad 

Apple hides its System Services settings all the way down at the bottom of the Privacy > Location Services panel. If you've owned your iPhone for more than a few months you'll have dozens (if not hundreds) of app lists on this screen, making it a very long scroll. If you actually make it to the bottom of the list (most people don't) you'll see the fabled System Services setting and the explanation of what that little purple arrow icons means. 

Learn this screen and commit the meanings of the three little arrow icons to memory. Then notice when they appear in the top right of your iOS menu bar and come back to Settings > Privacy > Location Services to see which apps are using your location data. Audit this screen frequently to disable location access for apps that don't need it. 

Then touch System Services to reveal the most important privacy settings on your iPhone or iPad.

Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services

I recommend turning OFF the following:

Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Diagnostics & Usage

The Diagnostics & Usage setting monitors everything you do on your iPhone and "anonymously" sends it to Apple for "improving iOS."  If that option is on you're basically giving Apple your permission to monitor and record everything you do on your device.

Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Frequent Locations

Frequent Locations is equally bad, if not more so.

Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Location-Based iAds

iAds allows the company – and their "partners and licensees" – to "collect, use, and share precise location data, including the real-time geographic location of your Apple computer or device." 

You should also turn ON "Limit Ad Tracking" here:

Settings > Privacy > Advertising

Lastly, you should turn ON:

Settings > Safari > Do Not Track 

Apple's one of the few companies that still supports the aging Do Not Track standard in its mobile Web browser.