SFCT.NET - Technology Help & Repair for Seniors in the SF/Bay Area. PC, Mac, iOS training.

Digital Storage and Backup Class 3.5.2026 Storage vs. Backup: Understanding the Difference Storage : Moving files from one place to another, typically one copy only Example: Moving photos to external hard drive to free up computer space Risk: If something happens to that single copy, files are lost Backup : Having multiple copies of files in case of emergency Essential for important files Real example: Resident's desktop files disappeared but were recovered from backup Modern devices have larger storage capacity, making backup more important than just storage Local Backup: Time Machine (Mac) and Windows Backup Time Machine (Mac) and Windows Backup (PC) are built-in backup solutions Both require an external hard drive Versioning feature : Keeps multiple versions of files over time Can recover files deleted months or even a year ago Can restore previous versions of documents that were accidentally modified Backs up entire computer including system files, app...

AI Tools & iPhone Features 2.26.2026   Class Website & Resources The class website is sfct.net ( SanFranciscoComputerTraining.net ), which contains notes from all classes in chronological order The site has been updated with more SEO (Search Engine Optimization) keywords to improve searchability for terms like "computer help for seniors" AI-generated images are created for each class blog post using Gemini - the most recent image was generated based on class notes and accurately reflected topics covered (like pink dolphins and unicorns from the card-making activity) AI-generated images sometimes contain typos and errors (like "Penn's map" instead of what was intended), which can be used to identify AI-created content News organizations like Paris News 24 analyze social media for AI-generated images by looking for telltale signs like blurry text, misspellings, or objects that shift positions in videos AI Tools Overview AI assistants like Gem...

AI Tools and Applications Platform Independence AI tools like Notion work independently of operating systems (e.g., macOS ) Can use AI features without requiring the newest OS version Email Summarization on Mac Apple Mail now summarizes emails automatically (indicated by arrow and description) Feature can be toggled on/off in Mail Settings → Viewing → "Summarize message previews" Only available on newer Macs with M1 processor or higher Check processor: Apple Menu → About → Chip information Operating System Upgrades Upgrading to newest OS (Tahoe) doesn't guarantee AI features will work on older computers One participant experienced 8-hour ordeal with upgrade - mixed results on AI benefits New interfaces require retraining (e.g., iOS 26 "liquid display," redesigned icons) Apple Intelligence settings available on iPhone 15 or higher AI Search and Research Tools Google AI Integration Google automatically provides AI overviews in search re...

Mac Mail AI Writing Tool Located in the top right corner of new emails (star icon with pencil) Can check existing text or compose new emails from scratch Analyzes email threads to provide contextual responses System requirement : Requires macOS Sequoia or later (Tahoe is current version) Uses ChatGPT engine through Apple's partnership with OpenAI Apple is not developing their own AI but contracting with other providers Gmail AI Tool (Gemini) Accessible through web browser at gmail.com Sparkling icon appears in compose window Key advantage : Works on older operating systems since it runs in web browser Demonstrated creating a professional email to a new client referred by Bob about printer assistance Can refine, elaborate, or regenerate responses Uses Google's Gemini AI engine Microsoft Outlook (Copilot) Microsoft's AI tool is called Copilot Demonstrated composing email to coordinate dinner with 15 people Integrates with other Microsoft products: Wor...

Sharing Files Between User Profiles When two people use the same computer with separate user profiles, they are essentially using two different computers from a security standpoint Cannot simply copy and paste files between profiles - must share them as if sharing with any other user For notes : Use the share arrow icon, choose "Collaborate" (allows editing) or "Send a copy" (view-only) For music libraries : Best to use an external drive rather than creating duplicates Alternative: Can create a public folder for sharing, but setup is tedious and doesn't work for all file types Handling Spam and Phishing Emails Opening a spam email (even without clicking) sends a signal that the account is active, leading to more spam Clicking links or attachments in suspicious emails can lead to malware or phishing sites Best practices : Close preview windows in email to avoid accidentally opening spam If you click a suspicious link, immediately close the browser ...

  Password Managers Overview Two main password managers recommended for iPhone users: Apple Passwords (built-in) and Google Password Manager Use whichever manager works best for your browsing habits - Apple Passwords for Safari users, Google Password Manager for Chrome users Other password managers exist (like Data Vault ), but these two are recommended because they're already integrated with your devices Do not use both Apple and Google password managers simultaneously - they don't sync and will cause confusion Accessing Apple Passwords Pull down from middle of screen to search, type "passwords" The app icon shows as "Passwords" on newer iOS systems (older systems use "Keychain") Requires biometric authentication ( Face ID/Touch ID ) or device passcode to access Contains 4 main sections: All passwords, verification codes, Wi-Fi passwords , and deleted items Managing Stored Passwords Passwords are automatically saved from Safari...

 Technology Class: Password Security and Management 1-15-2026 Managing Open Applications Mac users : Apps with a dot under their icon in the dock are still open Hold down on the app icon and select "Quit" to close Alternative: Hold Control + click for more options menu Windows users : Open programs show a blue bar under the icon Right-click and select "Close window" to quit Close apps when computer becomes sluggish to improve performance Password Management Best Practices Keep passwords organized and logged in one place Avoid guessing passwords multiple times—this can lock you out of accounts Use a password manager to sync passwords across all devices Recommended password managers : Apple Keychain (for iPhone users) or Google Password Manager (for Android/Chrome users ) Password managers allow you to check, add, edit, and delete saved passwords Handling Compromised Passwords Password managers will alert you if passwords have been compromise...