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

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...

  QR Code Scanning and Saving Class began with hands-on training on how to scan QR codes using smartphones On iPhone, open the regular camera app and hover over the QR code - it will automatically detect it A banner or icon will appear to tap and open the website in Safari To save the website to home screen: tap the arrow pointing up (or three dots), then select "Add to Home Screen" Class practiced scanning the SFCT website QR code ( sfct.org ) Creating QR Codes In Chrome browser, navigate to the desired website, tap the three dots menu, then select "Create QR Code" QR codes provide an easy way to share website links without requiring manual typing When saving pages, always add a title so screenshots are easily identifiable Class Schedule and Resources Full class schedule available at sfct.org under " SFT Class Schedule " section First and second Thursdays focus on computer topics, third Thursday on other technology This month's fo...

  Storage Management Access storage information on iPhone through Settings > General > iPhone Storage or on Android through Settings > Storage Use the search function in Settings to quickly find storage options by typing "Storage" The Files app allows browsing through all content stored on the device Remove downloaded files when no longer needed to free up space on the device App Navigation Patterns Most Apple interfaces share consistent navigation with " Library " as a key element at the bottom of the screen Library is where you find saved content, playlists, downloaded items, and manage storage across apps: Music app : Library shows playlists, songs, and downloaded content Podcasts app : Library contains downloaded episodes that can be deleted to save space Books app : Library shows collections and downloaded content Photos Management Photos app has changed from bottom navigation to a vertical scrolling interface Free up space by fi...

  Class Overview This class focused on files and organization, storing digital content, file location, and managing storage space Key topics included music synchronization across devices, file management, document collaboration, and cloud storage options Music Synchronization and Services For Apple devices, music syncs through iCloud similar to photos, but requires Apple Music subscription Without Apple Music subscription, two options exist: Manually sync via cable connection Directly download music files to each device individually Popular music streaming services discussed: Apple Music Spotify Amazon Music (different from Amazon Prime Music ) Pandora HomePod requires a subscription service like Apple Music to access your music library File Management Basics Files are just files regardless of type (music, photos, documents) - you manage them the same way Creating new folders: File → New Folder → name the folder Moving files: Open two windows, then dra...

Class Overview This November class focused on digital organization of files, emails, photos, and messages across devices. The topic was chosen from curriculum created with residents at the beginning of the year. Next month's December class will review the year's learning and gather topics for next year's curriculum. Instructor's Personal Updates Jason Dare will be traveling to China to visit his ancestral family village. The trip includes 31 extended family members (originally 41, but 10 dropped out). They plan to visit five different villages to accommodate everyone's family connections. Jason launched " TravelReadyChinese.com ," a company teaching scenario-based language lessons to prepare travelers. The platform uses AI-powered "DingTalk" which transcribes conversations and displays both languages simultaneously. Email Organization Synchronization means your devices update from one central location (like email servers). IMAP is...