The Mouse Trap
–by Janis Weber
PUBLICATION DATE: Jan 04,2021
Check out my archived articles on The Sylvania Advantage Website (SylvaniaAdvantage.com) titled Computer 101.

This topic is for Apple users. Have you noticed that everything that relates to Apple starts with an “i”? iTunes, iPad, iPhone, iPod, iCloud and iMac are all Apple terms. They all start with an “i”. I ask why the i and not an “a”? Well, here is the answer. Apple (Jobs) declared the “i” in iMac to stand for “Internet”; it also represents the product’s focus as a personal device (‘i’ for “individual”). Simple, yet as simple as when Steve Jobs was developing the brand. The group said, “let’s just call it an apple – how about Macintosh?” Thus, we have the Apple brand under the nickname of MAC or Macintosh.
Every few years it updates the peripherals (accessories) and the hardware too. A marketing strategy, yes, but at least you know where you are in the technology stream of things. A few years ago, Apple removed the radio jack for a headphone and offered an adapter. Ok, fine. Most laptops have removed the CD/DVD drive too. When is the last time you actually used this? More change, more frustration or confusion. I can go on and on, but you get the idea, right? Well, Apple has done it again. When you charge your iPad or iPhone you have been using what is call a Lightning Cable. It has a small head at one end and a USB on the other. Now we have the USC-C connection that looks different and oh, by the way, charges more than twice the speed as the former lightening. Apple has gone from a two-speed connection to a 3.1 speed. Yup, you can now charge your apple products much faster.

Let it be clear, you do not have to switch charging cables unless you feel like it. The cable runs around $10 for a standard-length cord. This is about the same as the Lightening. The difference is that you will also need the combatable cube to plug into the wall. This runs around $12 a unit. If you own a bunch of cubes it could be costly. I have seen cubes that accept both. Good compromise. So, if you want faster charging speeds, buy yourself a USB-C cable and cube. Compare and make your own choice. Nothing stays the same. I have an old record player. It works fine but sounds old.
The brand new iPads come with the USC-C cable. I bet you never noticed it. You probably thought is was the regular cable; just another one of them. Wrong. If you did not get the correct cube, then buy one and enjoy with faster charging speed of all your Apple products. Amazon has everything you need or want.

Sylvania Senior Center Classes
New classes with be held as soon as the center reopens. Check the SSC newsletter and website for the most current information. Included will be Windows 10 Computers Basics, Facebook, Microsoft Word, Google Docs and iPhone/iPad. If you have a topic and know some folks who are interested, call the Senior Center and ask for Susan Jennelle at 419-885-3913. Limited seating fills fast so call ASAP to reserve a spot. We are considering an Excel Club. Interested? Call the SSC.

I make house calls (I enter with a mask)
I will come to your home or office and help you with almost any predicament including repairs, upgrades and general software or hardware issues. I can be your resident “Geek.” I have an endless amount of patience and knowledge with years of experience. Give me a text or call at 419-290-3570. Do not forget to sign up for my free newsletter at OhComputerTraining.com. Subscribers will get a copy of this article plus added hints, tips, and trusted/valuable web-links.

BACK UP YOUR COMPUTER’S DATA TODAY – Critical action!
Janis Weber, B.A., owner of Ohio Computer Training & Support, is a professional computer adjunct instructor. E-mail any specific questions or comments to JwPCtutor@Gmail.com
or call her for assistance at 419-318-9112.
Private tutoring and repairs are just a phone call, text or email away.