Categories
Applications Security

Bitwarden password manager

I’ve been a fan of 1Password for years. It has served me very well, and I recommend it without reservation to most of my clients. Unfortunately, I had to stop using it because of DoD CMMC requirements. When storing CUI (controlled unclassified information), any cloud service must be either FedRAMP authorized or have FedRAMP-equivalent security.…

Categories
Mac hardware

iMac Target Display Mode

Several MacMaven clients have inquired about whether their old iMac can be used as an external monitor with a recent Mac model. The short answer is it depends. It depends on the specific Mac models, whether DisplayPort or Thunderbolt is being used, and the operating system versions of each computer. The community consensus is that…

Categories
Customer service

Is your Mac consultant a rip-off?

MacMaven clients know that their bills will be fair. Can you say the same thing about your consultancy? If you feel like your bills are excessive, bad news, they probably are. I’ll explain MacMaven’s billing practices. MacMaven charges a range of billing rates, depending on the complexity and experience level needed to perform a job.…

Categories
Mac hardware

August 2022 MacBook lineup

The only MacBook that’s a well-timed purchase is the 2022 M2 MacBook Air. It’s a solid choice for those who want a general use, very portable Mac. The 256 GB configuration should be avoided, due to its single storage chip. Configurations with larger storage use dual chips, allowing for much faster parallel processing. I would…

Categories
iOS devices

Horizontal vs. vertical photos and video

There is a strong tendency for smartphone users to take vertical photos and video. This is understandable. It’s more comfortable to hold the phone vertically for taking and viewing the shot. It’s the default orientation, but artistically, it’s often the wrong choice. Back in the olden days before cellular phones, people used a portable device…

Categories
Security

Mac security log collection

In corporate environments, the collection and analysis of security logs isn’t just best practice. It’s often a compliance requirement. As with most business solutions, there are server and client components for log collection. The client software reads the security log generated by the operating system. The server ingests the logs sent by the clients. Additional…

Categories
Mac hardware

March 2022 Mac lineup

If you’re considering a Mac purchase, always refer to the MacRumors Buyer’s Guide. Using historical release dates, it will tell you whether it’s a good time to buy a particular model. At this time, many Macs models are due for an update, labeled caution or don’t buy. I’ll provide my brief opinion on your purchasing…

Categories
Miscellaneous

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…

Categories
iOS devices

Wireless iPhone charging

Judging by the offices and homes that I visit, wireless charging is used by a small fraction of iPhone owners. Qi charging pads have plummeted in price, so there’s no reason not to start using one if you have an iPhone 8 or newer. AT&T is currently offering a basic, but functional 10W charging pad…

Categories
Miscellaneous

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…