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Chris Capelle
Macintosh Computer & Apple Products Expert
(Very Late) July 2017 Infoletter
203-761-7782

Happy (late) July! 


Sorry to have fallen behind in my schedule. Where has this summer gone?

This month, I'll be discussing an issue that I'm constantly asked about - when is it time to throw in the towel on your older computer and replace it with a new one. Also, a few words about some recent scams and, of course, a quick tip to make life better!
 
Thanks for reading and enjoy the rest of the summer!
 
-CC

All computers have built-in obsolescence.  Even Macs. 
When It's Time to Say Goodbye

No, I'm not talking about sending your kids off to faraway schools - this is about how long you should hang on to your older Macintosh Computer.
 
First of all, understand that Apple has stopped supporting computers pre-2013 - meaning if you have anything older than that, you're playing with house money. You've certainly gotten your money's worth out of that computer. As long as it's working well enough for your purposes, then all is good. But if it's starting to inhibit your productivity, then it might be time to start thinking about moving on. 
 
But, if there is a problem and you find yourself at the crossroads, deciding whether or not to perform any major repairs on it - a new motherboard, for example - chances are you should put that money towards a new computer. Having the motherboard replaced in an iMac from 2009 is analogous to putting a $2800 transmission in a car worth $2500. Definitely not the best use of your resources. (To learn your Mac's true age - see the "Quick Tip" section below.)
                                                                 
But there ARE some signs that your Mac is nearing the end. To continue reading and learn what they are, click   here . 

Just say NO! to anybody you think is a scammer (or just plain unethical). 
Scams: They Just Keep Getting Crazier!

OK, it's been a nutty summer as far as scams go. 

Yes, there are the typical "overseas call center" calls with agents claiming to be either from Microsoft and/or Apple. Then there are pop-up pages on seemingly legit Websites that makes outrageous claims about losing your data, firewall failure or something equally catastrophic. Along with emails that look authentic (from your bank, FedEx/UPS or PayPal, for example) that try to lure you into submitting your user name and password. Not to mention the standard "you're a descendent of royalty and you have a large inheritance awaiting you" nonsense.   

But here's a new one (for me, anyway): I got an email (as did another family member) about making money "wrapping your car" - basically becoming a driving billboard. (For Apple, in this instance.) Of course, I would never do that, but decided to Google it to see if it was a new scam or something that's been around for awhile and I never noticed. 

Sure enough, there are pages online dedicated to this (and similar) scams. Unlike the scams that prey on the older generation, this was squarely aimed at millennials who are at the dawn of their careers and could use a few extra bucks at this early stage of adulthood. Besides Apple, other "advertisers" were products that are of interest to that generation, such as energy drinks. Read about it here. 

Takeaways: 
  • Apple and Microsoft don't routinely call consumers directly. 
  • Nobody you don't know is going to tell you there's a problem with your computer. 
  • If you have to log in to one of your accounts, do it directly through a browser, NOT through a link in an email.
  • And NEVER wire money to anybody. Never. Period.
Quick Tip
How To Find Out The EXACT Age Of Your Mac

Age is a funny thing. Some things get better (leather flight jackets, Fender Telecasters, fine wine) with age, while others don't do as well (running shoes, tennis racquets, ability to tolerate the aforementioned fine wine). Most things that are "disposable" (cars, clothing, electronics) fall into the later category. Including your Mac, iPhone and iPad.

That said, there are a number of sites that can tell you the age of your Apple product. Some simply give you the range that particular model was produced, while others not only give you what week it was produced, but exactly where in that that's week's production. Interesting, but maybe more than you need to know. 

But - here are the top three sites to learn how old your Mac is. How much more you want to know is strictly up to you. See the caption to the right to find your Mac's serial number. 

AppleSerialNumberInfo.com (Not affiliated with Apple, Inc.)


Copy the serial number (highlight it and type Command-C) and paste ( type Command-V) it in the link as described to the left. 

Nine (hopefully) interesting, fun and/or useful links for July 2017. 
Third-Party CD/DVD "SuperDrive" ( MUCH Cheaper Than Apple's Version!)
Wilton Continuing Ed  (Where I'm Teaching in the Fall)
Connecticut Open Tennis  ( August 18 - August 26)
Internet Speed Test ( Find Out How Zippy Your Online Service Is)
Car iPhone Mount (This is the SAME One I Have)
Laptop Bag for Newer Apple Laptops   (Because They're Smaller Than Ever)
Buy This Hard Drive For Backup!  (You MUST Back Up Your Computer!) 
Southwest Cafe Margarita 5K Race (Saturday 7/29/2017 @ 7:00PM - No Excuses!)
The ALL NEW MacintoshGOD.com! (Still a work in progress...)