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Miscellaneous

When is AI useful?

In my last post, I opined on whether AI can replace your IT consultant. TL;DR: not at this time. In this short post, I’ll share my very simple guidance on whether it’s relatively safe to use AI in helping you solve a problem. If you understand the question you’re asking, as well as the output…

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Miscellaneous

Can AI replace my IT consultant?

As the computer revolution has progressed over the decades, computers have become easier to use and more reliable. In parallel, people often feel less of a need to use the services of IT professionals. Let’s break down the reasons why customers resist hiring IT workers: So can AI help with IT? It sure can. I…

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Miscellaneous

Looking like Jeffrey Epstein

True story. I was jogging in Central Park today and saw a man who looked a lot like Jeffrey Epstein. It must suck royally to be him. My Jeffrey Epstein dude, if you’re reading this do something to look less like him. Dyeing your hair would be a simple first step.

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Miscellaneous

Student Mac support

MacMaven Consulting can help your children in elementary through high school with their computing needs:

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Miscellaneous

Doron Zanani passing

I was saddened to learn of Doron’s passing. I’m posting this for others who are concerned and might not have known. While I could not find a newspaper obituary, his synagogue posted a death announcement in November. He will be missed. Feel free to use the comment section below to share your memories of Doron.

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We do enterprise tech!

One of the key differences between MacMaven Consulting and run-of-the-mill Mac tech support is that we regularly implement enterprise technologies. Here are some examples: Linux and Windows are used without hesitation. While macOS is fantastic for most of our clients’ needs, some applications and services are best run on other operating systems. An in-house certificate…

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Why is server work expensive?

It’s commonplace for IT service providers to charge more for work on servers than regular workstations. It’s not so common for vendors to explain why this is the case. Allow me to take the mystery out of servers. Server software is typically more complicated to configure than desktop software. It can involve countless options to…

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Coronavirus data

Here are some websites I find useful for tracking the impact of COVID-19. While we’ve made tremendous progress in New York City, we’re not out of the woods yet. Given the high likelihood that the coronavirus is transmitted via aerosols, it’s critical to maintain proper precautions. It’s a fair assumption that the virus is still…

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Miscellaneous

Home sharing not working on Apple TV 4th gen

I enjoy streaming my iTunes music library to my Apple TVs (and connected speaker systems.) On my 4th generation Apple TV, the home sharing feature frequently can’t find the music library on my Mac. The Apple TV insists that iTunes Home Sharing needs to be turned on. It’s on Apple, it’s on! Apple has many…

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Miscellaneous

Fix for Brother MFC-7820N paper jamming

 My workhorse printer is a Brother MFC-7820N. I’ve had it since 2007. Over the past month, I’ve had constant paper jams. I tried cleaning the pickup roller that feeds the paper from the paper tray. That didn’t do squat. I figured it was time to buy a new printer, so I researched the current Brother models. For…