Which anti-virus program do you need?

The answer is none. Is there really a need for an antivirus program if you're using an Apple computer? For those who do use anti-virus programs of any sort, how many viruses has your program of choice detected? As for me, I don't use any anti-virus program. There aren't any programs currently that will detect or protect against a virus until after it becomes known. Then, companies, including Apple, scurry to build up defenses—ex post facto. So far Apple has been able to do that very effectively and earlier than other companies. And it's free and painless. After all, who knows and cares more about its system and its integrity than Apple? Just be sure to keep your system software up to date. For an excellent commentary on reasons not to install an anti-virus program on your Apple computer, you may want to check out Gary Rosenzweig's excellent video podcast on the matter at <http://macmost.com/do-macs-need-antivirus.html>

My vote for the most effective anti-virus program is an up-to-date Mac OS X. That's all, folks! 

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Don't ask me

Yesterday one of my neighbors asked me, "Which tablet should I buy for my 10-year-old grandson?"

I get asked questions like that a lot and, invariably, I answer, "I don't know."

Of course, my inclination is to reply, "Get an iPad mini" because that's what I chose and thoroughly enjoy using. Why not an iPad Air or iPad Retina? My choice was based on three factors: bias, size, and weight.

Admittedly, I favor Apple products over those manufactured by other companies and I haven't even used others. Therefore, I cannot presume that one brand is better than any other. So much for bias… actually, blind bias.

As for size, I wanted something that could accompany me wherever I choose to go. Dimensions of my iPad mini are 7.87 x 5.3 x .28 inches, small enough to slip in and out of my handbag easily.

The weight of the iPad mini was also a determining factor for me. Initially, I purchased an iPad Retina but, when I found the additional ounces made it burdensome to hold for more than a few minutes, I exchanged it for the iPad mini.

The one thing I don't like about my iPad mini is how much it cost. Ah, well…

When a dot is not

What do you call this little mark between the parentheses (.) ?

Of course, if it appears at the end of a sentence like this one, you say it's a period. but, depending upon its use, you should call it something else. 

For example, when used in software version numbers, that little mark is pronounced point: Mac OS  X 10.6.8 is “ten point six.point.eight” and iOS 7.1 is “seven point one.” (Also, the "X" in Mac OS X is pronounced "ten" not "X.")

In URLs such as http://www.applepower4u.blogspot.com/ and in email addresses such as applepower@tptd.net, it’s pronounced dot.

End of speech lesson.

Meeting Site Entrance & Parking Lot

Generally, our user group meets the fourth Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. at Lehigh Valley Active Life (formerly Lehigh Valley Senior Center, 1633 Elm Street, Allentown PA 18103.

Here's a photo of the Lehigh County Active Life back entrance and parking lot on West Street.