Technology Class: Games on Mac, Online Games, and AI Tools

Whether you want a quick round of chess, a puzzle from the App Store, or a free online game, your Mac has plenty of safe, free options to try.

Mac computers include a built-in Chess app as part of the operating system — findable via Spotlight search or the Applications folder
The Chess app allows playing against the computer; difficulty settings may be adjustable
Voice commands can be used to direct the game via a microphone button
The Chess app has a user guide (not an animated tutorial) that explains voice commands
Chess is described as a native game — software installed directly on the device, not accessed via the internet

The App Store is accessible via the Apple menu → App Store
Key categories include:
- Arcade / Play — games; Play offers free access if you have an Apple subscription
- Create — photo editing, music, graphic design tools
- Work — productivity apps like note-taking, to-do lists, and word processing
- Develop — coding and development tools
Apps are labeled free, free with in-app purchases, or with a fixed price
Apps can always be downloaded and removed without consequence if you don't like them
To remove an app: open Launchpad, hold the mouse on the app until it wiggles, then click the X
Demo: searched for jigsaw puzzle games — many options available; larger computer screens make graphical puzzle games much more enjoyable than on mobile
Other game examples searched: bridge (including Bridge Baron for $65), darts, billiards, ping pong, Sudoku, color/matching brain games
The App Store is recommended over random internet searches for safety — Apple vets all apps

New York Times Games (nytimes.com): Wordle, Spelling Bee, Connections, Strands, and more
- All games are free to play without logging in; a subscription is only needed to track scores
AARP (aarp.org): Recommended as a safer alternative to searching the internet for games
- Includes mahjong solitaire, regular solitaire, bridge, crossword puzzles, and more — all free
- Navigate via: aarp.org → three lines (top right) → scroll to Games
- Note: AARP does include some advertising
Caution: searching for games directly on Google can lead to unsafe or ad-heavy websites

The class played a game from an Associated Press article: identifying which video, photo, or audio clip was not AI-generated
Results: the class scored 2 out of 5 — comparable to a general average, as only 8% of people score 100%
Key takeaways on staying safe:
- If unsure about a phone call, hang up and call back using the number on your statement or official documentation
- Avoid confirming your identity (even saying "yes") as responses can be recorded and reused
- AI "deepfakes" — fake voices, faces, and videos — are increasingly convincing and are used in scams, including fake relationships and fraudulent medical/investment advice
- Photos and videos on social media showing someone's location or identity can be entirely fabricated

Claude (claude.ai) is an AI platform well-suited for creating simple applications and games through plain-language prompts
Demo 1: Typed "create for me a memory game of 6 by 6 cards" — Claude instantly generated a working matching game
Demo 2: Requested a game with "an avatar walking through woods, finding mushrooms, avoiding zombies" — Claude generated a functional game with scoring and lives
Claude is free at the basic level; a paid subscription unlocks a more advanced model

Claude: preferred for coding/creating; considered more user-friendly than ChatGPT
Gemini: good for general search and comparisons; user-friendly
ChatGPT: widely cited as powerful but considered less user-friendly
Important caution: always verify AI-generated information — it can cite inaccurate or secondary sources
Brief discussion on privacy concern raised by a participant: using real photos of people in AI tools and potential facial recognition implications — the instructor was uncertain but noted that AI tools already read through device photo libraries

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