One of my best traits as a coach is that I observe my surroundings intently and notice things about how my clients use technology as well as other devices in their midst. Mentioning these observations sometimes jogs people’s consciousness and leads to new conversations.

Des(s)ertification

Mojave, the new version of macOS, is really sweet but even with four months of developer and public testing, there are still a handful of bugs. Just last night, I discovered that the Dictionary widget in Dashboard does not let the user change dictionaries and it has a visual interface glitch, too. I immediately sent Apple feedback.

You can trust that I, along with many early adopters, will test this initial release to your benefit. Likely after the first update is released, probably in 4–6 weeks, I’ll start talking to clients about upgrading if their Macs are compatible. For the most part, Mojave supports Macs released since mid-2012.

Home Networks, Wireless & Audio

Helping people get connected to the Internet reliably is a hot topic, along with enjoying music or other media on a device of choice. I’m not a total wiz at all audio, video, or networking systems—as Sara will tell you when her entertainment system malfunctions—but I can hold my own with a good bunch of them.

I was at Sallie’s last week and noticed an AirPort Express atop her cabinet, flashing amber. After I updated its software, I mentioned that she could also connect wired speakers and use it to play music wirelessly. This blew her mind. Then she asked if I could help her figure out her car audio system, too. “Yep!”

Got a Box of Cables?

Most clients I meet with have a box or bin of cables, software discs, and other accumulated miscellany from a decade(s) of using technology. I can help you sort through this mess, decide what might be worth keeping—like a USB cable for your old point-and-shoot camera—and what should be trashed or recycled.

Bay Area clients will also appreciate that the El Cerrito Recycling & Environmental Resource Center is a great destination for all community members to recycle electronics and other assorted waste. How many bubble envelopes do you really need to keep?

[Update: As of 2023, I partner with Tri-Valley Recycling and periodically schedule a pickup of electronic waste that I receive from various clients. Meanwhile, I deliver my plastic film waste to neighbors who subscribe to Ridwell.]