The Plan

• Awareness: help you understand the kinds of information you might want to protect, and from whom, as well as techniques to improve privacy and security.
• Promote a sense of urgency -- without undue panic, hopefully.
• Vary the depth of coverage, depending on student background and questions.
• Follow Joe Kissell's e-book: Take Control of Your Online Privacy {TCYOP}
  though it's not necessary to have a copy since it's getting out of date
• Offer even more advice, and links to many articles: reviews, news, issues
• Start from the inside-out: you, your computer, network connection, the internet
• Explain just enough of the underlying jargon, infrastructure and technology to enhance understanding
• Emphasize preventive, proactive, personal measures -- rather than deal with post-loss emergencies -- though increasingly there will be some actions you need to take to deal with the aftermath of corporate and government breaches
• Plan & Prioritize (by difficulty/experience labels: [1, 2, 3]): manageable steps you can take to reduce your privacy and security risks -- though not completely from the NSA.
• Present trade-offs: convenience/effort for you vs. sensitivity/value of your info; one size does not fit all
• Update advice over time, based on new threats and tools -- check Course Updates section
• Guarantee that... -- sorry, there are no guarantees of absolute, eternal security or privacy. However, if you understand the risks, and follow much of the advice outlined here, you -- and your information -- should become more private and secure!

Who? | Advice Levels

Who

• You -- "ordinary" users with willingness to:
• Explore settings on your computers/devices and read articles
  -- or if you're not DIY, at least understand the risks/issues, while enlisting your 'techie' friend/relative
• Take action: make some immediate changes, and create a plan for later actions
• Avoid procrastination, panic, guilt or information overload
• Ask questions, especially about jargon (or see PC Glossary definitions of Computer and Internet Terms)

Advice Levels / Tags

• [#] prefix on advice/references suggests* experience, importance and/or effort:
• [1] Beginners: some familiarity with system/browser settings; high impact; mostly easy
• [2] Intermediate: more experienced; moderate, some complexity, less common
• [3] Advanced: savvy users, developers, administrators; more complex; special situations; research or future-oriented
• -- or Extreme: dissidents, journalists, whistleblowers, celebrities, lawmakers, lawbreakers, corporations, crytocurrency speculators, paranoids
• *categories are not rigid -- arguably, some items could shift +/-1
• This Chart Shows How Computer Literate Most People Are
  Distribution of Computer Skills (none, terrible, poor, medium, strong) Among People Aged 16-65, by country; 12/7/2016

Devices & OS | System Settings | Apps

Devices & Operating Systems

• Modern-day desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and phones provide similar connection capabilities,
  and most web browsers and email applications provide similar privacy and security features
  -- though often with different names and options.
• It would be difficult here to provide or discuss up-to-date recommendations and configuration advice
  specific to every site, device model, operating system version, application, and tool
  -- in every country & situation.
• As mentioned in the course description, Steve will list or demonstrate specific examples
  of settings for only most recent macOS & iOS (iPad, iPhone) -- not: watchOS, tvOS;
  location of settings may change in newer software updates.
• He will also demo (and sometimes recommend) specific applications in different categories,
  e.g., browser: Safari; email: Mail; local (disk) backup: Time Machine, Carbon Copy Cloner;
  remote (cloud) backup: Backblaze; password manager: 1Password;
  VPN (Virtual Private Network): Witopia; ad blocker: Wipr, Adblock Plus; etc.
  -- there may be other viable alternatives for you (platform, features, costs)
• If you're using Windows, Android, Chromebook, Linux, or an older version of macOS or iOS,
  or some other wearable or home device/camera/streaming box/system (e.g., "Internet of Things"), don't panic
  -- you should be able to locate corresponding settings by exploring your device or reading articles (I provide many).
• Each topic has links to articles in a References section, subdivided by platform and subtopics.
• Also, see section: Finding More Help: other e-books, classes, consultants.

System Settings

via Menu

• general setting format: OS: preference / application > menu/tab > etc., e.g.,
• Android: Apps > Settings > etc.
• iOS: Settings > General > etc.
• macOS: Apple menu / Launchpad > System Preferences >
Security & Privacy > etc.
• Windows: Control Panel > etc.

via Search

• And: How to use Android Pie's search bar to control your phone's settings Verge; 3/4/2019
• macOS: Launchpad > Search
• iOS: Settings > Search
• iOS: iOS (Spotlight search): from the Lock screen or first page of the Home screen,
  swipe right to enter the Widgets screen, which features a Spotlight search box

Before Change

• Save current system or account settings to make possible later undo much easier,
  e.g., via screenshot or movie; is there a Reset / Defaults button?
• macOS: shift-cmd-4; drag across area; screen image appears on Desktop; open in Preview
• Finder > Help: "Take pictures of the screen"
• How to Replace Your Mac's Screenshot Tool With Something Better LH; 1/18/2022
• How to Take Full Web Page Screen Capture on Mac with Firefox
  OSXD; 12/9/2021
• How to Change Your Mac's Default Save Location for Screenshots (and Why You Should) LH; 8/27/2021
• The Hidden Trick for Capturing Document-Modal Dialogs in Mac Screenshots TB; 7/23/2021
• How to Take Screenshots on Your Smart TV LH; 10/27/2020
• How to Change Where Screenshots Are Saved on Your Mac cmd-sh-5: Options; MR; 6/5/2020
• How to take a screenshot on a Mac -- the comprehensive guide ApIn; 8/19/2019
• How to Take a Screenshot on Any Phone or Laptop Wired; 9/11/2021
• How to Take Scrollable, Full-Page Screenshots of Websites on iOS LH; 2/11/2021
• iOS: press Home button, then power button immediately; screen image appears in Photos
• How to Take Full Page Screenshots in Safari on iPhone & iPad iOS 13, Safari; OSXD; 2/6/2020
• How to Take iPad Screenshots Using Keyboard Shortcuts OSXD; 5/14/2019
• How to take a screenshot on a Chromebook PC; 8/13/2021
• This Is the Best Screenshot Tool for Windows LH; 3/23/2022
• All the Ways to Take Screenshots in Windows 11 LH; 9/17/2021

After Change

• Save any new login name, password, recovery key, security answer, etc. in a secure place,
  e.g., password manager -- see Passwords section

Apps

• Check Internet-related Preferences, Settings or Tools for your device's apps, e.g.,
• web browsers: Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera -- in addition to Safari
• mail clients: Outlook, Thunderbird -- in addition to Mail
• communication, social networking, maps, etc.

Access

• macOS: "dock" / Launchpad; also "Other" folder, e.g., Disk Utility; Keychain Access
• Finder > Applications; also Utilities folder, e.g., Disk Utility; Keychain Access
• menubar (top right), e.g., WiFi; Time Machine; DNSCrypt; Bluetooth; 1Password; Dropbox
• iOS: Home button; double-click for open apps

Search

• macOS: Launchpad > Search
• iOS: swipe down on home screen > Search

Update / Buy

• macOS: Apple menu > App Store
• iOS: App Store

Summary | Not Covered | References, Check Lists

Summary

• Our topics parallel the sequence in Take Control of Your Online Privacy {TCYOP} discussed under Introduction: E-books -- plus pre-requisite offline practices for protecting local systems and info.
• We'll cover these topics over six 2-hour sessions, which should allow enough time for you to understand background, context, tradeoffs, see demonstrations of settings/apps, and ask questions.
• Typical privacy & security recommendations could be summarized in 15 minutes or so, e.g., free 1-page 'cheat sheet': Quick Start section {TCYOP-4: 11-12; TCYOP-3: 9-10} Fix the Easy Things; Choosing Better Passwords; About Two-Factor Authentication; Create Privacy Rules for Yourself; Purge Your Info from Data Brokers; Cope with Special Cases
• Or, you could read one of the ~50 overlapping 'fix this' articles available (Refs below) to improve some important practices, e.g., 'top-ten' check lists, best-practices, end-of-year reminders, New-Year's resolutions, after-the-fact-attack advice.
• However, the goal of this course is for you to understand which of these many recommendations are the most important, why, and how to implement.
  Yes, I've perused and prioritized all of them -- so that you don't have to!
• Introduction: The "Problem"
• Approach: TCYOP; Info & Advice; Level of Detail; Tradeoffs
• Audience: Who; Advice Levels / Tags
• Settings: Devices & OS, Apps
• Topics (this page): Table of Contents (TOC); below: # of Sessions; What We Won't Cover {TCYOP-4: 2-4; TCYOP-3: 2-4}
• Finding More Help: Online; Groups, People
• Discounts: E-books, 1Password, Witopia, etc.
• E-books: TCYOP; Formats(.pdf, .epub, Kindle); Editions; Other e-books
• Resources: this web site; article references
• Navigation: Text / Image Size; Links; Search within a page; Top/Bottom of page controls; Slideshows
• Handouts: print/pdf your own; e.g., print web page, with presentation points/discussion at top, possibly omitting References
• Privacy, Security and Anonymity: Definitions & Analogies {TCYOP-4: 17; TCYOP-3: 15}
• What Do You Have to Hide?: attacks, financial, health, identity theft, vehicles {TCYOP-4: 13-17; TCYOP-3: 11-15}
• Who Wants Your Private Data?: companies, governments, hackers {TCYOP-4: 18-28; TCYOP-3: 16-28}
• Develop a Privacy Strategy: Policy / Law; Behavior; Planning; Technology {TCYOP-4: 29-50; TCYOP-3: 29-38}
• Offline Systems & Data {TCYOP: mentions importance of these in passing}
• Passwords -- Introduction: Strength; Generate; Test; Store
• Accounts: computers, phones
• Backups: Incremental vs. Complete (Clone); Local vs. Remote (Cloud); also Death, Photos
• Software Updates: Minor & Major System; App Stores; Replacing a Device
• Encryption: archive or partition with files, notes; whole disk
• Erasing Your Device: Secure Erase; Cleanup; Redaction; Recycling
• Keep Your Internet Connection Private: connection encryption overview {TCYOP-4: 51-77; TCYOP-3: 39-63}
• Encrypt Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi & Router Passwords; WPA2 Encryption; DNS (Domain Name System)
• Use a VPN: Virtual Private Network, e.g., Witopia
• Avoid Malware: User; App Stores; Anti-Virus; Browser Extensions; Flash; Java; cyberattacks / cyberwar
• Turn Off Unnecessary Services: Lock Screen; Find My Mac/iPhone/iPad; Location; Camera; Microphone; Bluetooth
• Use a Firewall: hardware, software
• Browse the Web Privately: browsers {TCYOP-4: 78-109; TCYOP-3: 64-90}
• Go to the Correct Site: Links; Bookmarks; Fraudulent Sites; Search
• Use HTTPS: URLs; Updates; VPN; also, Certificates, OpenSSL
• Manage Storage of Private Data: Private Browsing; Cookies; Autofill; Tracking; Browsing; Search; Download History; Caches
• Block Ads: Popups, Tracking; Content Blockers, e.g., AdBlock Plus
• Protect Passwords: Introduction: Strength, Generate, Test; Identity; Strength; Password Managers, e.g., 1Password; 2-Factor Authentication/2-Step Verification; Biometrics
• Search Privately: Search Suggestions, Providers, e.g., DuckDuckGo
• Anonymity: [3] Censorship, Wikileaks; Dark Web / Deep Net; NSA, CIA; Tor
• Shopping: credit cards; ShopSafe; PayPal; Bitcoin
• Improve Email Privacy: webmail (browser) vs. email client (app) encryption; phishing; spam; remote content {TCYOP-4: 110-131; TCYOP-3: 91-108}
• Email: Anonymity: [3] additional encryption
• Talk and Chat Privately: messaging, audio, video {TCYOP-4: 132-136; TCYOP-3: 109-114}
• Keep Social Media Sort of Private-ish: Privacy Settings & Policies; Facebook; Twitter {TCYOP-4: 137-146; TCYOP-3: 115-120}
• Share Files Privately: Apps, Music, Photos; Networks; also, BitTorrent, Copyright, Piracy {TCYOP-4: 147-155; TCYOP-3: 121-129}
• Manage Your Mobile Privacy: Accounts; Backup; Encryption; Network; Location; Public Devices {TCYOP-4: 156-165; TCYOP-3: 130-139}
• Keep the Internet of Things Private: Smart TVs, Wearables {TCYOP-4: 166-170; TCYOP-3: 140-144}
• Maintain Privacy for Your Kids {TCYOP-4: 171-173; TCYOP-3: 145-147}
• Course Updates: summary of significant changes

What We Won't Cover

• Some intermediate [2] and most advanced [3] issues, unless there's time and student interest
• Problems with your specific device & configuration (esp. non-Internet related); however, I may include tips about usage and cost, and interesting how-tos; also see More Help section for learning, troubleshooting recommendations
• Other non-digital privacy / security issues: paper, home, surveillance, death, etc. -- some in Offline Reference sections
• Internet history, technology questions and social issues ask me to re-offer OLLI course: Internet History and Issues

References: To Do (Not Do) / Check Lists

• Apple: macOS: Security
  Software Updates; Gatekeeper; FileVault 2;
  Privacy Controls; Password Generator;
  iCloud Keychain; Sandboxing; Runtime protections;
  Antiphishing; Find My Mac
• Apple: Manage Your Privacy
  Secure your Devices: passcode; Touch ID, Find My;
  Secure your Apple ID: password, security questions, 2-step verification;
  Stay secure: phishing, passwords, notifications;
  Sharing: iCloud settings, location data, apps, ads, private browsing, children's privacy, diagnostic data
• Apple: iOS Security
  System Security: Secure boot chain; System Software Authorization; Secure Enclave; Touch ID; Face ID
  Encryption and Data Protection: Hardware security features; File Data Protection; Passcodes; Data Protection classes; Keychain Data Protection; Access to Safari saved passwords; Keybags; Security Certifications and programs
  App Security: App code signing; Runtime process security; Extensions; App Groups; Data Protection in apps; Accessories; HomeKit; SiriKit; HealthKit; ReplayKit; Secure Notes; Shared Notes; Apple Watch
  Network Security: TLS; VPN; Wi-Fi; Bluetooth; Single Sign-on; AirDrop security; Wi-Fi password sharing
  Apple Pay: Secure Element; NFC controller; Credit, debit, and prepaid card provisioning; Payment authorization; Transaction-specific dynamic security code; Contactless payments with Apple Pay; Paying with Apple Pay within apps, or on the web or with Handoff Rewards cards; Apple Pay Cash; Suica Cards; Suspending, removing, and erasing cards
  Internet Services: Apple ID; iMessage; FaceTime; iCloud; iCloud Keychain; Siri; Continuity; Safari Suggestions; Siri Suggestions;
  Device Controls: Passcode protection; iOS pairing model; Configuration enforcement; Mobile device management (MDM); Shared iPad; Apple School Manager; Device Enrollment; Apple Configurator 2; Supervision Restrictions; Remote Wipe; Lost Mode; Activation Lock
  Privacy Controls: Location Services; Access to personal data; Privacy policy
  Apple Security Bounty; iOS11 white paper; 1/2018
• AARP: Online Safety AARP Technology Education and Knowledge (TEK) Center, e.g.,
  How Secure is Your Home Network?
  How to Practice Safe Browsing
  Keeping Your Computer Up to Date
  Seasons Cheatings: Protecting Yourself from Holiday Frauds & Scams
  Are Your Passwords Strong Enough
• Back Up and Secure Your Digital Life
  product reviews: Hard drive;
  Online backup service; Cloud sync; Local backup software;
  Password manager: free, paid; Two-factor authentication;
  Virtual private network service; Secure browser extensions;
  Things to skip: Hard drive data-recovery plans;
  Traditional or free antivirus suites;
  Identity-theft protection; NYT; 11/14/2023
• 9 Tips for Staying Safe Online with Your iPhone, Mac, or iPad
  1: Regularly Install Software Updates;
  2: Use Strong & Unique Passwords;
  3: Use a Password Manager;
  4: Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA);
  5: Be Cautious with Sketchy Links & Websites;
  6: Be Cautious with Email Attachments;
  7: Ignore Scary Pop-ups and Alerts from the Web;
  8: Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi Networks;
  9: Backup Your Devices; OSXD; 8/14/2023
• Let's bust these four myths of digital privacy and security
  1: Stop spammers by writing out “at” and “dot” in your email address;
  2: Digital criminals are dumb;
  3: You need a VPN to stay safe online;
  4: Your email address and phone number are secrets; WaPo; 2/17/2023
• Lock down your Mac with these 10 security tips
  Choose a strong login password;
  Change your Lock Screen settings;
  Use Apple's password manager (or other PM);
  Turn on Find My Mac; Set up multiple users;
  Lock down your Mail; Limit your app downloads;
  Keep your software up to date; Use a VPN;
  Augment Apple’s XProtect antivirus; MW; 1/5/2023
• Steps to Simple Online Security (ToC); articles:
  1: Always use strong passwords
  2: Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
  3: Enable Automatic Updates Everywhere
  4: Encrypt Your Computer's Storage
  5: Track or wipe a lost device
  6: Backups
  7: Secure Your Smartphone
  8: Free Antivirus Software Is Good
  9: Secure Your Web Browser
  10: Secure Your Wi-Fi
  Send messages and files safely
  Lock down social media accounts
  Extra security for financial and health data
  What to do if you think you've been hacked
  Secure small gadgets and smart-home devices
  Maintain privacy at international borders and protests
  Securely sell or donate old electronics
  Digital security for online dating and sexting; NYT; 4/1-4/22/2022
• How to lock down your data and enhance privacy on iPhone and iPad
  Set a strong passcode & use biometrics;
  Edit your Lock screen; USB connections;
  Make sure Find My is enabled;
  Turn on App Tracking Transparency;
  Manage your permissions;
  Delete unused (or untrustworthy apps);
  Enable privacy in Mail (tracking pixels);
  Review Apple's privacy access;
  Wipe your EXIF data (location);
  Use strong passwords; ApIn; 3/29/2022
• A Practical Guide to Securing Your Windows PC
  Click cautiously and install less;
  Don't put off automatic updates;
  Enable BitLocker;
  Back up your files;
  Set up Microsoft Defender properly;
  Secure your Windows login with a password (and consider logging in with Windows Hello);
  Remove software you don’t need (and any "bloatware");
  Do a permissions audit;
  Check your privacy settings;
  NYT; 3/4/2022
• A Practical Guide to Securing Your Mac
  Be careful what you click and install;
  Don't turn off automatic updates;
  Enable FileVault;
  Enable the built-in firewall;
  Back up your files;
  Use a login password (and enable Touch ID if you can);
  Consider a guest account;
  Delete software you don’t need;
  Audit your privacy permissions;
  NYT; 3/4/2022
• Privacy myths busted: Protecting your mobile privacy is even harder than you think
  settings alone aren't enough to secure your privacy,
  but they're a lot more powerful with the right apps;
  Use a PIN code to lock your phone
  -- not fingerprints or facial recognition;
  Disable location tracking;
  Turn off your mobile ad ID;
  Check your apps and accounts;
  Sign out of all other devices;
  Lock down your social media;
  Enable 2FA; Check for leaky apps;
  Fail-safe: Nuke your phone remotely;
  The real key to privacy: Add these five apps
  1. Signal Private Messenger App; 2. Surfshark VPN;
  3&4. Brave Browser and DuckDuckGo;
  5. BitWarden password manager; CNet; 1/9/2022
• Securing your digital life:
  the key to protecting your digital life is to make it as expensive and impractical as possible
  for someone bent on mischief to steal the things most important to your safety, financial security, and privacy;
  Part one: The basics
  What in my digital life can give away critical information tied to my finances, privacy, and safety?
  What can I do to minimize those risks?
  How much risk reduction effort is proportional to the risks I face?
  How much effort can I actually afford?
  Reducing your personal attack surface: mobile, computers, browsers;
  threat modeling; Ars; 10/25/2021
• Part two: The bigger picture—and special circumstances
  reduce the risks posed by data breaches and identity fraud
  Everything counts in multiple accounts
  When 2FA is not enough; Social exposure; Special cases; 10/27/2021
• Part three: How smartphones make us vulnerable
  Targeted SMS phishing;
  Fleece apps and fake apps;
  Pigs to the slaughter: fake app stores;
  Ars; 11/14/2021
• 6 Things You Need to Do to Prevent Getting Hacked
  Use Multi-Factor Authentication;
  Get a Password Manager;
  Learn How to Spot a Phishing Attack;
  Update Everything;
  Encrypt Everything;
  Wipe Your Digital Footprint;
  Wired; 8/29/2021
• Five Tech Commandments to a Safer Digital Life
  Thou Shalt Not Use Weak Passwords
  Use Multifactor Authentication
  Thou Shalt Not Overshare
  Thou Shalt Not Share Data About Friends
  Remember to Stay Skeptical; NYT; 3/24/2021
• How to Spring Clean Your Online Accounts Now That You're Stuck at Home
  Delete your unused accounts;
  Back up your stuff;
  Organize your photos;
  Declutter your devices;
  Catch up on your emails;
  Reset website permissions;
  Update your software;
  Analyze your fitness stats;
  Cancel some subscriptions;
  Turn on two-factor authentication; Giz; 3/26/2020
• The Complete Guide to Avoiding Online Scams
  Never, ever click a link to your bank or financial institution from an email;
  Don’t give out your passwords;
  Use strong passwords (and secret questions);
  Don’t buy anything from a random email you receive;
  Watch out for job postings that look too good to be true;
  Do not give out your personal info or Social Security number;
  Take advantage of your browser’s security features;
  Ignore website popups that say you have a virus; LH; 1/13/2020
• 8 Ways to Better Navigate the Internet in 2020
  Take back (some of) your privacy;
  Clean up after yourself;
  Mind your manners;
  Learn to fight fair;
  Write better emails;
  Think twice before you send that DM;
  Do a data ‘cleanse;
  Guard your health data; NYT; 12/26/2019
• Staying safe online
  Use unique user name and password combinations on different websites;
  Sign up for 2-step verification on sites that offer it;
  Set up alerts for account changes;
  Contact details up to date (email, phone number, address, etc.)?
  Review your account at least monthly;
  Request and review your credit reports from the 3 major credit bureaus;
  On social media, don't share too much personal information, and check privacy settings; Vanguard; 10/29/2019
• 10 Tips to Avoid Leaving Tracks Around the Internet
  Duck Google for email, search
  Jam Google (e.g., different gender)
  Avoid unnecessary web tracking
  Careful on public Wi-Fi
  Use Apple
  Don't "Sign in with Facebook"
  Identity theft, from a pro
  Don't use Facebook; NYT; 10/6/2019
• 7 Cybersecurity Threats That Can Sneak Up on You
  Rogue USB Sticks
  Zombie (unused) Accounts
  Untrusted Browser Extensions
  Bogus Online Quizzes
  Leaky Photo Uploads
  Smart Home Snooping
  Malicious Charging Cables; Wired; 10/6/2019
• 5 Cheap(ish) Things to Beef Up Your Digital Security
  1. A password manager, e.g., 1Password
  2. A virtual private network service (VPN)
  3. A two-factor authentication app, e.g., Authy (built-in to 1Password)
  4. A webcam cover
  5. A paper shredder; NYT; 9/25/2019
• NYT: Secure Your Digital Life in 7 (Easy) Days:
  1. Set Up a Password Manager;
  2. Check Your Smartphone's Privacy Settings;
  3.Protect Your Browsing;
  4. Protect (Encrypt/Locate) Your Laptop;
  5. Vaccinate Your Computer;
  6. Get All the Software Updates;
  7. Lock Down Your Most Important Accounts (2FA)
• 101 Data Security Tips: Quotes From Experts On Breaches, Policy, News 9/25/2019
• 9 Seemingly Harmless Things You Should Never Do Online
  1. Don't Take Personality Quizzes From Unknown Sources in Social Media.
  2. Don't Post Your Full Birth Date and Hometown Online.
  3. Don't Use Public Wi-Fi Without Verifying that it's a Legitimate Network.
  4. Don't Follow Up a Gaming Session with Some Online Banking.
  5. Don't Click on Links or Attachments in Emails Without Verifying the Source.
  6. Don't Use The Same Password For Multiple Accounts.
  7. Don't Click Links To "Promotions" Sent Through SMS; MF; 7/2/2019
• [2] 6 things you should do to protect yourself from hackers (but probably won't)
  #1: Know which public Wi-Fi to trust
  #2: Run tests for weaknesses
  #3: Disable and manage third-party permissions
  #4: Encrypt your data yourself
  #5: Overwrite any deleted files
  #6: Practice the ‘Principle of Least Privilege'; TNW; 4/14/2019
• 15 strategies everyone should know to protect their online information
  1. Use a password manager
  2. Be fully aware of what you're sharing
  3. Avoid clicking on links
  4. Be diligent, aware, and cautious
  5. Enable double-confirmation on all accounts
  6. Use credit locks and cloud security
  7. Remove personal data from your social media
  8. Do your research
  9. Check your settings
  10. Protect your online browsing
  11. Stop using the same password for everything
  12. Stick with reputable sites
  13. Close old accounts you’re no longer using
  14. Start over with a new credit card and new accounts
  15. Remove yourself from people search sites; TNW; 2/15/2019
• How to Do a Data 'Cleanse'
  1. Have you backed up your data?
  2. Are your phone's photos safe?
  3. Have you cleaned out your machine?
  4. Is your software up-to-date?
  NYT; 2/1/2019
• How to Protect Yourself on Data Privacy Day
  1. Own Your Online Presence
  2. Keep a Clean Machine
  3. Protect Your Personal Information
  4. Connect with Care
  5. Be Web Wise; National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA); OR DOJ; 1/29/2019
• Keep your digital life secure with these 6 simple tricks
  1. Set boundaries. Decide -- on your own, and in advance -- what data you're willing to share with apps and online services, and stick to those limits
  2. Burst your filter bubble. People who get their news primarily -- or exclusively -- from social media are subjecting themselves to the whims of the algorithms that decide what to display to each user
  3. Manage your passwords
  4. Turn on multi-factor authentication
  5. Delete apps you don't use
  6. Keep the apps you do use up-to-date; TNW; 1/12/2019
• Cybersecurity 101
  Why you need to use a password manager;
  Two-factor authentication can save you from hackers;
  How to protect your cell phone number and why you should care;
  How to browse the web securely and privately;
  How to choose and use an encrypted messaging app; TC; 12/25/2018
• Online security tools: The holiday gift that shows you really care
  Give a password management app or subscription;
  Add a second factor to complement a password;
  Sign them up for account breach notifications;
  Install free or paid anti-malware software;
  Set up online backups;
  Turn on FileVault on their Macs;
  Set up a VPN account;
  Credit freeze; MW; 12/5/2018
• Bad (Better) Consumer Security Advice
  unsecured Wi-Fi & VPN;
  proactively create accounts: Social Security Admin., IRS, USPS;
  two-factor authentication;
  strong passwords, unique for each account (but don't change frequently);
  credit freezes;
  airport outlets? Schneier; 12/4/2018
• After Marriott Breach, How to Protect Your Information Online NYT; 11/30/2018
• Guide to Not Getting Hacked
  Review Your Threat Model
  Keep OS and apps up to date
  Use a Password Manager
  Use two-factor authentication
  Don't use Flash
  Do use antivirus
  Do use an ad blocker
  Do use a VPN
  Disable macros
  Backup files
  Don't overexpose yourself for no reason
  Don't open attachments without precautions
  Do opt out of data broker websites
  Do sext if you want, but do it safely
  Mobile Threat Model
  If you can, get an iPhone
  If you love Android, get Pixel
  Lock up that Telephone Number
  Threat Model (privacy and surveillance)
  Signal
  Social Media
  Device Cameras, Microphones, and the Internet of Things
  Chatting
  Tor Browser
  Virtual Private Networks
  PGP
  Private Email Servers (don't do it)
  Encrypt your Hard Drive
  Credit Cards
  Data Retention for Lawyers, Journalists, and Anyone Else
  Log Off
  version 3: MB; 11/12/2018
• How to Make Your Mac as Secure as Possible
  Software Update
  Identified Developers
  File Vault
  Location
  Spotlight Suggestions
  DNS; LH; 10/5/2018
• How to Be Invisible Online (Without Going off the Grid) infographic;
  1. How to Anonymize Everything You Do Online: Go Incognito; Block 3rd Party Cookies; Tailor Permissions for Websites You Access; Use HTTPS Everywhere
  2a. On Facebook: Limits Access to Future Posts; Change Public to Friends-only; Stop People Using Your Personal Info for Finding You; Prevent Your Name Being Linked with Ads; Block Facebook Ads from Accessing Your Data
  2b. On Twitter: Prevent Twitter from Tracking You; Stop Including Location Data in Tweets; Stop Twitter from Using Your Contacts
  2c. On Instagram: Make Your Posts Private; Prevent Instagram from Sharing Info with other Social Network Sites
  2d. On Snapchat: Make Sure Only Your Friends Can Contact You; Select Who You Want to See Your Stories; Remove Yourself from the 'Quick Add' Section; Move Private Snaps Saved in your Memories to 'My Eyes Only'; Pay Attention to Screenshot Notifications
  3a. On iOS: Remove Website Tracking Data in Safari; Enable Fraudulent Website Warning; Block Ad Tracking
  3b. On Android: Opt Out of Ads Personalization; Disable Google Backup; 8/28/2018
• Gizmodo: 6 Ways You're Risking the Security of Your Gadgets Without Thinking
  1. Watching TV and movies illegally
  2. Sharing your accounts with other people
  3. Using short PIN codes and pattern unlock
  4. Practising poor USB security
  5. Leaving your webcam and mic uncovered
  6. Not updating your software; Giz; 7/4/2018
• Motherboard: Security Tuneup
  1. You Should Take Five Minutes to Update Your OS and Apps;
  2. It's Time to Actually Use Your Password Manager;
  3. You Should Be Using Two-Factor Authentication on Everything;
  4. Ad Blockers Are Good for Security, Too;
  5. Seriously, Stop Using Flash;
  [3] 6. Put an Extra Passcode On Your Cellphone Account (SIM hijacking)
  7. If You Use Word, You Need to Turn Off This One Feature: disable macros; MB; 5/23/2018
• Gizmodo: All the Annoying Tech Chores You Need to Do When You Have Time
  Update your software;
  Free up some space;
  Scan for problems;
  Get your photos organized;
  Update your router;
  Move to the cloud;
  Untangle your wires;
  Clean your gadgets; Giz; 1/2/2018
• 5 New Year's Resolutions to Protect Your Technology
  1. Update Your Software;
  2. Read Privacy Policies;
  3. Delete Unnecessary Apps;
  4. Use a VPN;
  5. Protect Your Hardware; NYT; 12/27/2017
• Guide to Digital Security choose your profile:
  [1-2] Civilian: You're a regular user, but hackers and malware are lurking;
  7 Password Tips; Basic Smartphone Security; Resist Phishing Attacks; Keep Your Kids Safe; Protect Yourself from Doxing;
  [3] Public Figure: Activist? Journalist? Politician? Consider yourself a target;
  How to Encrypt All Your Data; Google Advanced Protection: a Step-by-Step Look; Use Tor for more than just Browsing; Physical Steps to Amp up your Digital Security;
  [3+] Spy: Professionals are after you. Time to get serious;
  How to Remove the Mic from your Devices; Sniff Out Bugs Planted in your Room; Extra Paranoid Measures for Superspies; Wired; 12/9/2017
• [3] Physical Measures to Amp Up Your Digital Security
  Tape Over Your Webcam;
  Slap on a Privacy Shield;
  Use a Physical Authentication Key; Wired; 12/9/2017
• [3+] Extreme Security Measures for the Extra Paranoid
  The Air Gap Up There;
  Faraday Cage aux Folles;
  Frickin' Laser Microphones;
  Literally Put a Blanket Over Your Head; Wired; 12/9/2017
• Take These 7 Steps Now to Reach Password Perfection
  1. Use a password manager
  2. Go long
  3. Keep 'em (special chars) separated
  4. Don't change a thing
  5. Single-serve only
  6. Don't trust your browser
  7. Add two-factor too; Wired; 12/9/2017
• How to Secure Your Mac
  Part 1 secure setup, non-admin account, parental controls, privacy settings; MW; 11/9/2017;
  Part 2 [3] firmware passwords, iCloud two-factor authentication, Safari Browser, Time Machine; MW; 11/15/2017
• Gizmodo: 5 Incredibly Stupid Security Mistakes You Make Everyday
  1. Using the same login details everywhere/forever;
  2. Not protecting your phone’s lock screen;
  3. Not using two-step authentication;
  4. Sharing too much information;
  5. Using Wi-Fi without thinking; Giz; 10/4/2017
• How to Create a Strong Password
  make your passwords very long
  don't use a common phrase
  test your password
  don't reuse your password
  use a password manager
  don't store passwords in your browser
  follow the rules every time
  use two-factor authentication
  don't ruin all this by using security questions
  remember, everything is broken; LH; 8/14/2017
• A Hacker's Guide to Protecting Your Privacy While Dating
  1. Don't share your passwords or devices;
  2. Set up a Google Voice number to use for first dates;
  3. Use a VPN on shared Wi-Fi networks, including your home network;
  4. If you're going to make a sex tape, do it consensually and privately; Giz; 7/30/2017
• 10 ways to protect your privacy now
  1. Don't overshare on social media;
  2. Take control of your children's devices;
  3. Secure your Wi-Fi;
  4. Become a password master;
  5. Keep software up to date;
  6. Be browser-savvy;
  7. Be a ghost (Ghostery);
  8. Be app-aware;
  9. Arm your computer (firewall, AV);
  10. Shred your documents; MT; 7/9/2017
• Protecting Your Digital Life in 9 Easy Steps
  1. Download Signal, or Start Using WhatsApp to send text messages;
  2. Be wary of clicking on unfamiliar links or documents and apply software updates;
  3. Protect your computer’s hard drive with FileVault or BitLocker — and back up your data to an online backup service, external hard drive, or both;
  4. The way you handle your passwords is probably wrong and bad (use strong unique passwords, stored in a password manager);
  5. Protect your email and other accounts with two-factor authentication;
  6. Use a browser plug-in called HTTPS Everywhere;
  7. Invest in a Virtual Private Network, or VPN;
  8. Remember that incognito mode isn’t always private;
  9. Do sensitive searches in DuckDuckGo;
  Bonus: cover your webcam with tape; NYT; 5/16/2017
• How Not to Protect Your Privacy Online
  1. Deleting your browsing history doesn’t work;
  2. Using an incognito window doesn’t work;
  3. Installing an ad blocker doesn’t work; Giz; 3/31/2017
• How to Snoop-Proof Any Phone or Tablet
  passcode;
  lockscreen;
  apps (Signal, Whatsapp, browsers);
  VPN;
  minimize stored data; Giz; 3/3/2017
• Consumer Reports: 66 Ways to Protect Your Privacy Right Now
  1. Check Your Data Breach Status
  2. Stop WiFi Imposters
  3. Use 10-Minute (Temporary) Mail
  4. See Who Shared Your Private Data
  5. Lock Your Screens: Long PIN;
  6. Try to Be Unique;
  7. But Not Too Personal;
  8. Do Better Finger Art
  9. Snail Mail Privacy: Shred These 5 Document Types;
  10. Shut Off the Flow of Credit Card Offers;
  11. Receive Less Mail
  12. Return to Sender
  13. Turn On Automatic Updates
  14. Make Sure There's Info-Security Staff
  15. Make Unbreakable Passwords: Stop Making Sense
  16. Use a Password Manager
  17. Got a Great One? Okay, Write It Down.
  18. Be Password Loyal (password entropy)
  19. Stop ID Theft After a Death
  20. Two-Factor Authentication
  21. Activate a PIN
  22. Watch Your Bills
  23. Let Google Scan Your Files
  24. Check on the Kids
  25. Lock Down Your Baby Monitor
  26. Outwit Your Smart TV
  27. Shut Down Webcam Creeps
  28. Deploy Your Firewall
  29. Restrict File Sharing
  30. Cloak Your Computer
  31. Do All of This Automatically
  32. Use a VPN
  33. You Know What? Just Fake It.
  34. Use Everyday Encryption: Do Your Phone First
  35. Encrypt Your Computer or just Sensitive Files
  36. Encrypt Your USB Drive
  37. Stop Oversharing on Facebook: Keep GPS Data Private
  38. Turn on Log-In Approvals (two-factor authentication)
  39. Become Elusive
  40. Leave a Group
  41. Reduce Ad Overload
  42. Hide ID-Theft Clues
  43. Use Separate Browsers for low- and high-stakes websites
  44. Tuneup Home WiFi Privacy: Find an Ethernet Cable
  45. Get the Router's IP Number
  46. Update the Router Username and Password
  47. Change the SSID
  48. Then Hide It
  49. Embrace Encryption
  50. Update Firmware
  51. Make Sure Remote Management Is Off
  52. Shut It Down
  53. And, Uh—Maybe Get a New Router
  54. Check Links Before You Click
  55. Add HTTPS Everywhere
  56. Block Snoops
  57. Avoid Ransomware: Back Up Your Data
  58. Keep Software Updated
  59. Try Haggling (Ransom discount)
  60. But Not Right Away (if you're going to pay)
  61. Use Ubuntu OS
  62. Scoff at Fake Email Notices
  63. Call Customer Service
  64. Tighten Google Privacy: Tweak the Settings
  65. Make Google Forget You
  66. Keep Your Fitness Data to Yourself; CR; 2/21/2017
• Your 5 Totally Achievable Security Resolutions for the New Year
  1. Set Up a Password Manager;
  2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication;
  3. Make Backups;
  4. Know How to Use a VPN;
  [2] 5. Use End-to-End Encrypted Chat Apps; Wired; 12/29/2016
• Five Resolutions to Simplify Your Tech Life
  1. Clean Up Your Password Hygiene;
  2. Maintain Your Devices;
  3. Mind Your Infrastructure;
  4. Be Less Wasteful (recycling);
  5. Be a Smarter Shopper; NYT; 12/27/2016
• Let Your Whole Family Watch This Internet Security Basics Course
  How to choose a good password;
  How to know when to trust a website;
  Why we need all those software updates;
  How to protect your phone from hackers;
  How to protect your home from the Internet of Things;
  5 ways to protect yourself online; videos; LH; 12/15/2016
• EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation): Surveillance Self-Defense e.g., How-To Tutorials:
  Avoid Phishing Attacks;
  [3] Circumvent Online Censorship;
  Delete your Data Securely on Linux, Mac OS X, Windows;
  Enable Two-factor Authentication;
  Encrypt Your iPhone, Your Windows Device;
  [3] Install and Use ChatSecure;
  Use KeePassX password manager;
  [3] Use OTR (Off-the-Record) for Mac, Windows, Linux;
  [3] Use PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) for Linux, Mac OS X, Windows;
  [2] Use Signal for Android, iOS;
  [3] Use Tor (The Onion Router) for Windows, Mac OS X;
  [2] Use WhatsApp on Android, iOS; EFF; 12/1/2016
• A beginner's guide to beefing up your privacy and security online
  Install updates, especially for your operating system and your browser;
  Use strong passwords and passcodes;
  Encrypt your phones and computers;
  Two-factor authentication;
  Using a password manager (and good password practices);
  [2] Using Signal for SMS and voice calls;
  Using VPNs, especially on public Wi-Fi;
  E-mail security (is hard to do);
  Deleting old e-mails; Ars; 12/1/2016
• 3 Ways to Boost Your Family's Online Security This Holiday
  1. Download Firmware, Operating System, and App Updates;
  2. Securely Configure Wi-Fi Networks;
  3. Strengthen Email Password; Wired; 11/24/2016
• 11 security basics that keep you safe from holiday tech dangers slideshow
  1. Card skimming;
  2. Support scams;
  3. Phishing;
  4. Public Wi-Fi;
  5. Internet of Things;
  6. System and software patching;
  7. Ad blocking;
  8. Two-factor authentication;
  9. Check statements;
  10. RFID protection;
  11. EMV cards (Europay-Mastercard-Visa chip); MW; 11/22/2016
• 10-Minute Digital Privacy Tuneup
  Turn on Automatic Updates;
  Use Screen Locks on Every Device;
  Check Your Data-Breach Status;
  Use Temporary Email Addresses;
  Cover Your Laptop Webcam;
  Use the HTTPS Everywhere Browser Extension;
  Turn Off Location Tracking in Apps; CR; 9/20/2016
• 12 Security Tricks to Stay Safe Online
  1. Keep your software up to date;
  2. Trim down your browser;
  3. Turn on two-step verification;
  4. Check activity on your accounts;
  5. Protect your phone's lock screen;
  6. Protect your laptop account;
  7. Embrace end-to-end encryption;
  8. Be careful on public wi-fi;
  9. Don't share more than you need to;
  10. Check your key accounts;
  11. Get help with online security;
  12. Use a few real-world hacks, e.g., tape over webcam, wired connection, no passwords on post-its; Giz; 8/5/2016
• Mac News Network: security best practices:
  part 1 passwords, Wi-Fi, encryption, phishing; 6/6/2016;
  part 2 password managers, downloads, account security; 6/8/2016;
  part 3 unregistering devices, private browsing mode, VPNs; 6/10/2016
• Top 10 Tech Security Basics Every Person Should Follow
  1. Watch Out for Social Engineering Attacks;
  2. Make Your Phone's Lock Code More Secure;
  3. Back Up Your Computer Automatically;
  4. Install the Best Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software;
  5. Lock Down Your Wireless Router;
  6. Never Send Sensitive Information Over Email Unless It's Encrypted;
  7. Don't Use Public Wi-Fi Without a VPN;
  8. Use a Password Manager;
  9. Use Two-Factor Authentication;
  10. Regularly Review Your App Permissions and Security Settings; LH; 3/26/2016
• 9 Facts About Computer Security That Experts Wish You Knew
  1. Having a strong password actually can prevent most attacks;
  2. Just because a device is new does not mean it's safe;
  3. Even the very best software has security vulnerabilities;
  4. Every website and app should use HTTPS;
  5. The cloud is not safe -- it just creates new security problems;
  6. Software updates are crucial for your protection;
  7. Hackers are not criminals;
  [2] 8. Cyberattacks and cyberterrorism are exceedingly rare;
  [3] 9. Darknet and Deepweb are not the same thing; Giz; 8/9/2015
• Google: Comparing Expert and Non-Expert Security Practices
  Use antivirus;
  Install latest OS updates;
  Turn on automatic updates;
  Update applications;
  Clear cookies;
  Use unique, strong passwords; Don't write down passwords;
  Save passwords or use a password manager;
  Check if HTTPS; Look at the URL bar;
  Be skeptical of everything;
  Be suspicious of links -- don't click links from unknown people;
  Don't enter passwords on links in email; Don't open email attachments;
  Visit only known websites;
  Use two-factor authentication; 7/23/2015
• Oregon State Public Interest Research Group (PIRG): Resource Guide to Online Privacy
  1. Social Media Privacy;
  2. Secure Passwords;
  3. Stop Cookies;
  4. How to avoid viruses;
  5. Keeping your Social Security Number secure;
  6. Secure Websites;
  7. Scam Email; 11/7/2013
• Electronic Frontier Foundation: Ten Steps You Can Take Right Now Against Internet Surveillance
  1. Use end-to-end encryption;
  2. Encrypt as much communications as you can;
  3. Encrypt your hard drive;
  4. Strong passwords, kept safe;
  [3] 5. Use Tor;
  6. Turn on two-factor (or two-step) authentication;
  7. Don't click on attachments;
  8. Keep software updated, and use anti-virus software;
  9. Keep extra secret information extra secure;
  10. Be an ally to EFF; 10/25/2013

Local Groups, Classes | Online | People, Consultants, Companies

Local Groups, Classes

• OLLI Tech courses
• Ashland Mac Users Group (AshMUG); resource list
• Rogue Valley Senior Aces
• Ashland Senior Center
• Ashland Parks & Rec
• Choose Privacy Week May 1-7; American Library Assoc.
• Rogue Community College (RCC)
• So You Bought Someone a Gadget. Here’s How
  Not to Become Their Tech Support. NYT; 3/19/2020
• How to Fix Your Family's Tech Problems Without Going Crazy
  Make sure the device is running the most updated version of its software;
  Try restarting fussy devices; Try a different cable;
  Ask them to let you fiddle with their device directly;
  Instead of a frantic phone call, try a FaceTime;
  Ask them to factory-reset their device and set it up again;
  Take photos before you become the tech support; LH; 12/30/2019

Online

• Help / ? in your OS and applications -- as you look for and change settings.
• This course's References sections for each topic, especially for your OS
• Support sections on hardware / software vendor web sites: manuals, tutorials, FAQs, software updates, forums
• Take Control e-books
• How to Chat with Apple Support OSXD; 8/26/2020
• Tech blogs / magazines, e.g., LifeHacker.com [LH]; ArsTechnica [Ars]; macOS/iOS: Tidbits.com [TB]
• Online security tools: The holiday gift that shows you really care MW; Give a password management app or subscription; Add a second factor to complement a password; Sign them up for account breach notifications; Install free or paid anti-malware software; Set up nline backups; Turn on FileVault on their Macs; Set up a VPN account; Credit freeze; 12/5/2018

People, Consultants, Companies

• Your techie family and friends
• Knowledgable class members -- for extra credit, email Steve tips, specific settings for other platforms, links to articles to add to course
• AshMUG links to Rogue Valley consultants/developers as well as Mac tech and education sites
• Local individuals / consultants / companies, that students have used/recommended, in no particular order --
  inquire about rates, platforms, services, areas served, experience with your problem:
• Nick Viani (Mac); nickviani @ gmail.com
• Derek Enterprises (Mac, iOS); machelp @ toddderek.com
• Grey Jensen (Mac, iOS)
• Mike Davis (Mac, iOS); help4macintosh @ gmail.com
• Ashland Personal Computing Technologies Pierre Petetit; pierre @ ashlandpctech.com
• Audio and Video Solutions Josh Sommers ianmedia3 @ gmail.com
• Conrad Gardner (Win); conrad @ nethuns-digital.us
• Connecting Point (Mac, Win, iOS)
• Dr. Networking (Win, Mac)
• Geek Squad?
• EFF FOIA Suit Findings: FBI Relationship With Best Buy's Geek Squad Dates Back 10+ Years staff would tip FBI on unlawful customer data, in some cases be paid; 3/6/2018
• Any that you recommend -- or that I should remove?

Save $

• Time-sensitive discounts/promotions are sometimes available for software, services, and e-books,
  e.g., especially around "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" (after Thanksgiving)
  or special dates, e.g., World Backup Day (Mar 31 for backup products).
• Some member/referral discounts for password manager, e-books, backups, VPN and cell service are listed below:
• Tidbits.com members can receive discounts
• 1Password (password manager): 6 months free subscription
• Take Control e-books (Macintosh System, Apps; iPad/iPhone/iPod;
  Internet/Networking; Digital Photography; Windows): 30%
• and over 80 Mac and other products, e.g., Retrospect backup software: 20% to 40%
• Backblaze: if subscribing to Backblaze backup cloud service, use this referral link -- or code: 00gxf7 --
  to receive a free month; and Steve receives a free month credit.
• Witopia (VPN): if subscribing to PersonalVPN (aka Witopia) service, use this referral link -- or code: Q8Hg3YRM --
  to receive a 15% discount; and Steve receives a similar credit.
• For unlimited cellular voice and text (and limited 4G dataplan) in US, you can save money
  by having a monthly, pay-for-what-you-need cellular phone plan.
  I suggest checking your bills over past year to see your average monthly usage.
  I pay < 1/2 with Consumer Cellular for our calling, texting and data compared to AT&T.
  If you decide to switch to Consumer Cellular, mention that Steve Weyer referred you, and we'll both get a credit;
  if you're an AARP member, you'll save an additional 5% per month
• Consumer Cellular Offers Cheap, No-Nonsense Access to AT&T's Cellular Network TB; 7/12/2021

TCYOP

• As mentioned earlier, this course is based on Joe Kissell's e-book:
  Take Control of Your Online Privacy {TCYOP}, from the excellent Take Control series of technical e-books.
  TCYOP is suggested but not required for this course;
  this course generally uses the same chapter/section headings and sequence.
• 4.0; 4/11/2019; 178 pp.; reg: $15*
• 'cheat sheet'; free; 1 pp. .pdf
• sample; free; 43 pp.; .pdf
• older versions: 3.0; 4/2017; 152pp.; 2.0; 5/2015; 135pp.1.1; 3/2014; 123pp.
• "{TCYOP-4: #}" in course material refers to Chapter and Figure pages in the current .pdf edition
• "{TCYOP-4: #; TCYOP-3:#}" (in smaller font) refers to pages in older editions (for students from previous terms).
• *If there's enough interest before the class is offered, I can obtain discounted copies of TCYOP (@$3) for students.
  Or, you can save $ if you order multiple TakeControl e-books (many about related topics: Passwords; 1Password (password manager);
  Apple Mail; Backing up your Mac; Dropbox; FileVault; iCloud; iOS; macOS; Mac Security), or join Tidbits.com (30%)

Summary

• Passwords are now covered in a separate 3-session OLLI course: P@s$w0rdz
• As an introduction, each section below includes highlights copied from P@s$w0rdz --
  each Heading links to the corresponding detailed P@s$w0rdz section for the latest information.
• A later section Browse: Protect Passwords originally covered advanced password issues;
  it now provides only an updated list of Reference articles about Passwords

Weak Passwords? Stronger Passwords

• "Passwords are like underwear:... you don't let people see it, you should change it very often, and you shouldn't share it with strangers." ~Chris Pirillo (note: frequent changing no longer generally recommended, at least for passwords)
• "The 25 Most Popular Passwords of 2018 Will Make You Feel Like a Security Genius:...
  1. 123456; 2. password; 3. 123456789; 4. 12345678; 5. 12345; 6. 111111; 7. 1234567;
  8. sunshine; 9. qwerty; 10. iloveyou; 11. princess; 12. admin; 13. welcome; 14. 666666;
  15. abc123; 16. football; 17. 123123; 18. monkey; 19. 654321; 20. !@#$%^&*; 21. charlie
  22. aa123456; 23. donald; 24. password1; 25. qwerty123" ~from 5 million passwords that have leaked online in the last year
• During a recent password audit, an OLLI student was found using the following password:
        "MickeyMinniePlutoHueyLouieDeweyDonaldGoofySacramento"
  When asked why such a long password, the student replied...
        "I was told that it had to be at least 8 characters long and include at least one capital."
• "Don't use 'beef stew' as a computer password... It's not stroganoff."
• Crossword (by Steve) with weak passwords theme
• Unique: don't reuse passwords on multiple sites; don't login to 3rd-party sites using Google or Facebook credentials (SSO)
• Uncommon, Unpredictable: avoid common words phrases, patterns, etc.; sharing
• Unchanging: change only if they're weak, reused or compromised
• Long: the longer the stronger: 20-64 characters
• Memorable / Typable: you should only need to remember 2+ passwords:
  
• one for each device: random 8+ digits passcode/PIN for phone;
  random 4+ word passphrase for desktop/laptop, e.g., correct horse battery staple
  -- we'll discuss how/where to change these under Accounts
• 1 primary password for a password manager, which can generate/store/fill-in everything else
• -- or, Complex / Pastable: normal upper/lowercase, digits, symbols, e.g.,
  5iFt*b>Qyk[xpjrz@QoC2exanclhLvQ10izlX8hwxK6i=vwix14dwWVznQkvHrWh
• Reinforced: passwords-alone are often not secure enough;
  leverage other forms of authentication, if avail.: e.g., 'secret' answers, usernames, 2-Factor Authentication (2FA)
• Unknown: other sections of this course will discuss other Privacy & Security practices to keep passwords private

Generate Memorable / Complex Passwords

• Three types of passwords:
• 1. phone PIN/passcode -- memorable & typable; 8+ digits; optional: alphanumeric
• 2. computer/tablet passcode; password manager; some online accounts
  -- memorable and/or typable; 4+ word phrases; optional: customize w/ digits, puncutation
• 3. most online accounts -- complex & pastable: 20-64 complex character sequences
• Possible random password generators:
• Your imagination -- not so random, really!
• Diceware: roll die 5 times to select a word from a list of 7776 (6⁵) words in some language;
  repeat 4+ times to generate a random phrase; e.g., "correct horse battery staple"
  -- famous XKCD:cartoon
• Diceware-like functionality in macOS and 1Password -- "Memorable"
• OS: e.g., macOS: System Preferences > Users & Groups > Password > Change Password > "key icon": Password Assistant : Numbers Only; Memorable; Random
• a password manager, e.g., 1Password > Generate Password: PIN, Memorable, Random
• Misc. web sites: quality varies; not so private if site logs trial passwords!

Test Password Strength

• Different web sites can rate the same password differently: Poor, Good, Excellent.
• For more reliable, consistent result use one of these testers:
• OS: e.g., macOS Password Assistant; only up to 31-characters
• a password manager, e.g., 1Password, works for longer sequences
• recommended online tester: zxcvbn
  -- zxcvbn also directly embedded in P@s$w0rdz:Testing
• optional: disconnect network after loading page to prevent possible password logging (not necessary for zxcvbn).
• below demo heading, enter password/passphrase into input field
• goal for important accounts: entropy value: 75+ -- with crack time: centuries; explanation provided.

Store Passwords Securely

• paper: ok for accounts if well-hidden? good for backup in Safety Deposit Box.
• human memory: good for 2+ strong passwords -- for devices, password file/manager
• browser autofill: avoid -- possible exception: if all Apple devices via iCloud?
• "Single Sign-On" -- avoid entering Google, Facebook, Twitter credentials on 3rd party sites
• computer file: fine if strongly encrypted, e.g., Excel doc via 7-Zip or Keka (AES-256); more manual step;s
• Password Manager (PM): best. features: strong encryption (AES-256); sync/share between devices & family members;
  generate random passwords; autofill login credentials, organize/update passwords; credit cards; 2FA support; ...
  downsides: learning curve, possible cost
• recommended PMs: 1Password, LastPass, Dashlane

Updating Passwords

• Only change passwords if they're weak, reused or compromised -- or site insists on it.
• Check if any of your accounts have been hacked ('pwned')
• Plan an upgrade strategy for many passwords -- to avoid overload / procrastination.
• Use password manager, e.g., 1Password "WatchTower", to proactively identify Reused; Weak; Compromised; Vulnerable passwords.

Security Questions / Secret Answers

• "I don't have a bank account because...I don't know my mother's maiden name." ~Paula Poundstone
• Some sites use so-called 'secret answers' to questions as a pseudo-authentication factor besides a password.
• However, an answer isn't secret if hackers can find it in public records, from breaches from other sites,
  or on social media sites -- don't post such personal details widely, or participate in 'fun' quizzes that reveal this info!
• Instead, supply untrue, opposite, misspelled, foreign language, or unpredictable answers -- even random phrases.
• If you're using a password manager, no need to remember these -- just store; then later, copy & paste

Recovery; User Names

• Include email address and possibly phone # in account information, to facilitate account access and possible recovery , e.g., password reset.
• For a primary email account, specify a secondary email address to receive notices about suspicious activity.
• Most sites require an email address as a 'username';
  if so, provide a 'permanent' email address (rather than an ISP email address), or an email alias;
  if not, provide a unique username (not email) that marketers and hackers can't use to easily correlate your information.

Biometrics

• You still need a strong passcode -- not only for initial setup and after updates / restarts,
  but also if you want to grant access to someone you trust or if you injure your finger, face...
• A fingerprint or facescan is fairly reliable, and fairly secure (though subject to spoofing).
• Biometrics can be a convenient shortcut to avoid entering device passcode too frequently, but use apprpriate timeouts.
• Be extra cautious if using with important applications / sites, e.g., password manager
• Legally you can be compelled to provide a fingerprint or facescan -- it's considered public;
  a password/passcode is considered private ("self-incrimination"), but courts or border crossing agents may try to compel you anyway.

2-Factor Authentication (2FA)

• Although unique user names & random secret answers provide minor additional protection,
  for especially important accounts, e.g., financial, email, use a different second "authentication factor" (2FA)
  -- in addition to a strong password.
• Generally, a good 2nd factor is a temporary code, provided via SMS (texting); issues: spoofing, service access
• Best 2FA is a TOTP (Time-based One Time Passcode) provided via an "authenticator app" or physical token
• Once set up, both the site and app generate -- in sync -- the same, new random code, which changes frequently.
• Examples of authenticator apps: 1Password (built-in), Authy, Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator

Summary | Account Password | Permissions | Firmware/SIM |
References: General | Android | Apple ID / iCloud |
iOS | macOS | Windows

Summary

• [1] Set a strong account password / passcode:
  on your computer, tablet, phone to protect access:
• to still logged-in apps, e.g., messaging, email, browser windows;
• to files -- and encrypt also?
• to contacts
• to notifications, e.g., received (SMS/email) or generated (TOTP) account access codes (2FA).
• Don't forget other devices (IoT): home security/control systems, smart speakers/TV, ...
• [2] Setup separate accounts for each user to control access, e.g., non-admin, Parental Controls
• [2] Use non-admin account for everyday access -- require admin password for software install & updates
• [3] Set passwords for firmware and/or SIM
• References

[1] Set Account Password

• After setting a strong random password: 8+ digit PIN passcode for phone, 4+ word phrase for computers,
• set a suitable timeout to make sure it's required when others might try to access:
• longer: at home -- to minimize inconvenience;
• shorter: in public or travelling;
• immediate: when crossing border or leaving device unattended, e.g.,
  
• macOS: (apple) > Lock Screen
• There's no handy 'Lock Screen' button in the iOS Control Center;
  however, there is a workaround to display the Lock Screen and require a passcode -- maybe simpler to just shutdown device?
  in iOS 11, clicking power button quickly 5 times displayed Lock Screen-- now this sequence makes an Emergency Call
• iOS: Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Assistive Touch: on -- enable Assistive Touch (handy if power button broken)
• iOS: Settings > Touch ID & Passcode > iPhone Unlock: off -- disable Touch ID (so fingerprint can't be used on Lock Screen)
• iOS: (assistive button) > Device > Lock Screen -- Lock Screen appears; passcode required
• Limit number of login attempts? Auto-erase?
• Add contact info maybe -- in case of loss (vs. Privacy) -- see Services: Location section
• Avoid giving your password to to government entities who might access files, plant files or add spyware
• -- or to tech support, esp. remote scammers; if you do, change it immediately afterwards, scan for malware, etc.
• macOS: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Change Password
• System Preferences > Users & Groups > Password > Change Password -- to set initial password, or change other accounts
• System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Require password > (time)
• Use same strong admin password for whole disk encryption, i.e., encrypt main storage disk/SSD (FileVault) and backup drive/partitions: incremental (TimeMachine), clone(Carbon Copy Cloner via FileVault) -- see Backup section
• iOS: Settings > Passcode > Turn Passcode On
• iOS: Settings > Passcode > Change Passcode > Passcode Options: Custom Alphanumeric Code, Custom Numeric Code, 6-Digit Numeric Code
• This code automatically encrypts your information (ditto for Android)
• Use custom -- more than the default (4-6 digit); stronger, plus attacker won't even know length.
• Although letters and symbols can be included, a much longer numeric PIN can be entered more easily on larger number-only keypad;
  it would still difficult to brute force, esp. if OS limits login attempts -- unless law enforcement has a bypass cracking device.
• iOS: Settings > Passcode > Require Passcode > After x minutes/hours shorter when traveling?
• iOS: Settings > Passcode & gt; Allow Access When Locked : Today View, Recent Notifications, Control Center, Siri, Home Control, Return Missed Calls
• iOS: Settings > Passcode > Erase Data after 10 failed passcode attempts
• iOS: Settings > Touch ID & Passcode fingerprint sensor on selected models, e.g., iPhone 6
• Win: Settings > Accounts > Sign-in Options > Password > Add/Change
• Enable whole disk encryption, i.e., BitLocker

[2] Setup separate accounts/permissions for each user

• Admin account for installs/updates; 2nd admin backup account
• Non-admin accounts for routine use to avoid accidental malware
• Setup "Parental Controls" on shared computers?
• When: now, or the next time you upgrade your OS or replace hardware, and migrate user info
• macOS: System Preferences > Users & Groups
• Win: Settings > Accounts

[3] Set Firmware password, SIM PIN

• Prevent booting with other OS, accessing file system (though risk lessened with whole disk encryption)
• Set a SIM PIN on cellular devices, e.g., iPhone, some iPads -- see Connection : WiFi section

References

• sections: Refs: Android; Apple ID; iOS; macOS; Windows
• While my son was tapping away on his home computer, his ten-year-old daughter sneaked up behind him.
  
  Then she turned and ran into the kitchen, squealing to the rest of the family, "I know Daddy's password! I know Daddy's password!"
  
  "What is it? they asked eagerly.
  
  Proudly she replied,... "Asterisk, asterisk, asterisk, asterisk, asterisk!"
• Wikipedia: User Account; System Administrator
• How to Set Up Lock Screens on All Your Devices Wired; 2/13/2022
• How Do I Get Into My Phone if I Forgot My PIN or Password? And, iOS; LH; 12/11/2020
• The Safest Ways to Log In to Your Computer Win, Mac, Chrome; passwords, key fobs, fingerprints; Wired; 9/13/2020
• How to Protect the Data on Your Laptop strong account authentication; system-wide encryption; use specific app protections (if they're available); enable 'Find My Laptop'; Wired; 8/30/2020
• US district court rules that turning on a phone to view its lockscreen without unlocking it qualifies as searching the phone and would generally need a warrant Ars; 5/22/2020
• District court judge rules that authorities don't have the right, even with a warrant, to force suspects to unlock devices via biometrics Forb; 1/14/2019

Android

• Anyone Can Unlock Your Android Without the Password LH; 11/14/2022
• You're Giving Your Android Apps Too Many Permissions CNet; 7/22/2022
• How to Reset an Apple ID Password from Mac OSXD; 5/19/2021
• How to Set Up 'Guest Mode' on Your Android LH; 6/27/2019

Apple ID / iCloud

• How to Find Your Apple ID, Even When All Seems Lost LH; 10/30/2023
• How to delete an Apple ID account MW; 9/22/2023
• Don't Remove a Stolen iPhone From Your Apple ID (Do This Instead)
  scammers have found a new way to trick you into unlocking your stolen iPhone; LH; 12/19/2022
• You can't combine two Apple IDs -- but here's what you can do ApIn; 12/7/2022
• How to create an Apple ID MW; 9/9/22
• How to remove or change the phone number linked to your Apple ID MW; 9/7/2022
• Forgot Your Apple ID Password? Don't Panic, Here's How to Reset It CNet; 7/31/2022
• How to delete an Apple ID account ApIn; 2/23/2022
• How to set up a Legacy Contact for your iCloud account MW; 1/26/2022
• How to Use A Different Apple ID for Game Center on iPhone & iPad
  or to Sign Out altogether; OSXD; 1/8/2022
• How to Remove Old Devices from Apple ID on Mac OSXD; 1/7/2022
• How to Get an Apple ID Recovery Key on Mac OSXD; 10/18/2021
• Trying to set a legacy contact for iCloud? You can't do it quite yet MW; 10/6/2021
• How to cut your ex out of your iCloud account MW; 9/23/2021
• How to properly log your devices out of iCloud MW; 9/17/2021
• How to Designate an 'Account Recovery Contact' So You Don't Get Locked Out of Your Apple ID Forever requires iOS 15; LH; 9/14/2021
• How to Delete a Child Account from Family Sharing OSXD; 9/14/2021
• How to Create an Apple ID Recovery Key OSXD; 8/31/2021
• How to Remove a Device from your Apple Account OSXD; 7/10/2021
• How to Change Apple ID Profile Picture on Mac OSXD; 3/19/2021
• Screen Time: How to log out of an Apple ID account when Sign Out is unavailable MW; 3/8/2021
• The Mystery of Dustin Curtis's Locked Apple ID TB; 3/5/2021
• How to set up an Apple ID without a payment method MW; 3/5/2021
• How to split up an Apple ID among family members and forward their email MW; 2/16/2021
• How to check if an unexpected prompt for your Apple ID password is legitimate
  iOS: Settings > (account);
  Mac: System Preferences > AppleID/iCloud;
  Apple's services status web page
  MW; 2/12/2021
• How to remove an Apple device from your iCloud account without the device MW; 2/3/2021
• What to do when you forgot your Apple ID password ApIn; 1/18/2021
• How to unify your Apple IDs in macOS for Media & Purchases MW; 12/14/2020
• Apple ID adds recovery key option, but it’s not yet ready for you to use MW; 11/25/2020
• How to merge two macOS accounts into one MW; 9/30/2020
• How to set up a second shared Apple ID for the App Store you can use one Apple ID for media and app purchases and another for email, contacts, calendars, and messaging; MW; 9/2/2020
• Using a school-owned iPad with 2FA? You might run into a problem MW; 8/12/2020
• How to Reset Lost Apple ID from iPhone or iPad OSXD; 7/12/2020
• How to Create an Apple ID without Credit Card OSXD; 6/14/2020
• Migrating to a new Apple ID? Be prepared to lose data for your games MW; 3/23/2020
• How to use Apple ID to create passwords for your 3rd party apps up to 25 app-specific passwords; MW; 1/10/2020
• [2] Why Apple Asks for Your iPhone Passcode or Mac Password with a New Login (and Why It's Safe) TB; 9/26/2019
• Apple ID: How to change your email address If you're about to leave a job or abandon an address, make changes first; MW; 8/30/2019
• Make sure you save your data before deleting an Apple ID account MW; 8/23/2019
• How to Fix a Disabled Apple ID OSXD; 5/11/2019
• How to Create a New Apple ID the Easy Way, from iPhone, iPad, Mac, or PC OSXD; 4/27/2019

iOS

• Apple: Use Touch ID instead of your passcode
• How to bypass a forgotten passcode on iPhone or iPad MW; 3/20/2023
• 4 ways to get into a locked iPhone without the Password ApIn; 12/13/2021
• [2] How to bypass iPhone passcode PassFab iPhone Unlocker; ApIn; 8/2/2021
• Forgot Apple Watch Passcode? Here's How to Reset It OSXD; 7/30/2021
• How to Fix 'maximum number of free accounts have been activated on this iPhone' Error OSXD; 4/26/2021
• How to Get Around Activation Lock on iPhone OSXD; 4/11/2021
• How to Use 6-Digit Passcode on Apple Watch or longer; OSXD; 12/1/2020
• How to See Accounts & Passwords on iPhone & iPad OSXD; 6/24/2020
• What to Do When You're Locked Out of Your iPhone used device? AppleID? LH; 12/13/2019
• How to Find iPad Model Name & iPad Model Number OSXD; 7/13/2019

macOS

• How to recover a forgotten Mac password MW; 1/31/2023
• How to reset a Mac without a password MW; 1/20/2023
• Debugging macOS: Use a fresh new user account to help isolate your problem MW; 12/15/2022
• You Need a New Admin Account on Your Mac
  avoid losing admin access yourself from someone untrustworthy, e.g., an ex; LH; 11/11/2022
• How to migrate one user to another Mac MW; 7/1/2022
• New name? Here's how to change the username on your Mac to match MW; 5/23/2022
• Should I shut down my Mac every night? MW; 5/11/2022
• What to do if you can't log into your Google account on your Mac MW; 3/29/2022
• Mac Doesn't Have Admin Account in macOS Monterey or Big Sur? Here’s a Fix OSXD; 3/25/2022
• How to split a macOS account into two MW; 2/25/2022
• How to split a macOS account into two MW; 8/9/2021
• How to set up a guest account and guest sharing in macOS MW; 5/24/2021
• How to Change Keychain Password on Mac OSXD; 4/24/2021
• How to Reset MacOS Password in MacOS Big Sur, Catalina, Mojave OSXD; 4/21/2021
• [2] How to fix the wrong permissions on several files in macOS MW; 1/29/2021
• How to Set up a Used Mac When You Don't Know the User Name or Password LH; 9/13/2019
• How to buy a used Mac without being locked out accounts? firmware pw? FileVault? Find My Mac? iTunes? MW; 7/19/2019
• If macOS's Migration Assistant fails, here are other ways to move accounts MW; 1/7/2019

Windows

• Wife texts husband on a cold winter's morning: 'Windows frozen, won't open.'
  
  Husband texts back: 'Carefully pour some lukewarm water over it and gently tap edges with hammer.'
  
  Wife texts back 5 minutes later... 'Computer really messed up now. What's the next step?'; more Windows errors
• Microsoft: Create User Account
• How to Sign In to Your Windows PC Without a Password LH; 4/29/2022
• Lock down your Windows PC with a dedicated local administrator account PC; 4/5/2021
• Windows 10 basics: how to change your sign-in settings PIN, fingerprint, picture password; Verge; 5/20/2020
• How to remove your login password from Windows 10 though generally not recommended; PC; 12/20/2019

Quotes | Summary | Where? | Incremental | Complete | Offsite | What I Use | Other |
References: General | Android | Backblaze | Carbon Copy Cloner | Cloud | Death |
Dropbox | Future | Google | Hard Drive/SSD | iCloud | iOS | macOS |
Natural Disaster, esp. Cascadia Quake | OneDrive | Paper/Other | Photos |
Retrospect | SuperDuper | Thumb / USB Drive | TimeMachine | Windows

Quotes

• You can never be too rich, too beautiful,... or have too many backups. ~Anon
• "When was the last time you backed up your work?"... "Umm I don't do that.
  No one talks about backing up" ~Carrie Bradshaw; Sex and the City: My Motherboard, My Self video; 4:52; 7/15/2001
• Back up my hard drive?... How do I put it in reverse?
• "Having been erased,
  The document you're seeking
  Must now be retyped.
  
  Three things are certain:
  Death, taxes, and lost data.
  Guess which has occurred.
  
  With searching comes loss
  and the presence of absence:
  "My Novel" not found.
  
  A file that big?
  It might be very useful.
  But now it is gone.
  
  Rather than a beep
  Or a rude error message,
  These words: 'File not found.'" ~Haiku Error Messages

Summary

• "Data loss is when you no longer have access to your own data... For example, a file you need (or a portion of a file) disappears from your disk, or is overwritten or damaged in such a way that you can no longer read it. The data is just gone -- it doesn't exist anymore." ~Take Control of Security for Mac Users, Chapter 10: Prevent Data Loss and Theft
• "Data theft is when someone else gets access to your data illicitly... A curious thing about data theft is that -- unlike with theft of physical objects -- you usually still have your data after it's been stolen! But the point is, it's no longer under your exclusive control." ~Take Control of Security for Mac Users, Chapter 10: Prevent Data Loss and Theft
• Backup frequency poll (2020) -- never: 19%; annual: 39%; monthly: 20%; 12%: weekly; daily: 10%; ~Backblaze; 6/18/2020
• "3-2-1" backups: 3 copies of your data; 2 different, local methods (formats); 1 offsite
• Disks & solid state drives (SSDs) -- and CDs, DVDs and thumb drives -- will eventually fail /corrupt
• Recover from accidental deletions, theft, ransomware (Malware, Encryption), and incomplete system updates
• 3Rs: Redundancy, Resiliency, Reliability
• 1. Incremental: user files, settings -- to local or network external drive;
  often maintains some older file versions -- hourly/daily/weekly;
• 2. Complete: user files & settings plus system and applications
  -- ideally an exact copy and bootable clone -- to local or network external drive -- weekly/monthly
• 3. Offsite: cloud service -- ongoing (with internet connection), preferably automatically;
  partial: email, photos, contacts, notes, calendar, e.g., iCloud;
  selected files, folders (manually), e.g., iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive;
  passwords: synced between cloud & devices via password manager, e.g., 1Password;
  complete: cloud backup service such as Backblaze
• Backups don't usually take long, e.g., < 30 minutes -- start before a coffee break or meal
• World Backup Day March 31st (just before April Fool's)
• International Verify Your Backups Day every Friday the 13th; TB
• Check periodically that your backups actually occurred and that you can restore files!
• When changing device settings, it's best to 'backup' the current settings, either via paper or screenshot, in case you change your mind.
• References

Where to Backup?

• Device or disk manufacturer may provide backup software, e.g., Time Machine, Retrospect
• What is the total size (used + available) of your internal disk/SSD?
• Option 1: Separate external drives, one for incremental, one for clone
  -- if you're concerned about the risk of a single drive failing or disappearing;
  some (newer) partitioned drives don't support bootable clones
• Incremental (TimeMachine): size: 4x internal -- or more, if you'd like more versions and deleted files to be preserved
• format: Disk Utility > OS Extended Journaled -- Encrypted (recommended); save recovery key!
• you can enable encryption later: Time Machine Preferences > Encrypt Disk, which uses FileVault also
  -- however, enabling later is much s-l-o-w-e-r
• Bootable clone(s) [Carbon Copy Cloner]: size: 1x internal -- or more, if you'd like multiple macOS versions, each in a separate partition
• format: Disk Utility > OS Extended Journaled -- not Encrypted; CCC will convert to AFPS format (encrypt later)
• before backing up [first time], System Preferences > Spotlight > Privacy: exclude backup drives
• before cloning [each time], disable any automatic cloud-based backup,
  e.g., Backblaze Preferences > Settings > Schedule > Only When I Click Backup Now
• after cloning [each time], renable any automatic cloud-based backup,
  e.g., Backblaze Preferences > Settings > Schedule > Continuously
• to encrypt bootable clone backup, option-Restart; in Startup Manager, select backup disk/partition
• after clone booted, System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault: Turn On; save recovery key!
• after clone encrypted, option-Restart; re-select internal disk/SSD
• Option 2: [2] single local external disk partitioned to contain both incremental and clone backups -- convenient and economical; however, some cloned backups might not boot from newer partitioned drives?
• e.g., 1x: 250G (clone); 3x: 750G (incremental; multiple versions/deleted files accessible)
• Option 3: Cloud storage, e.g., iCloud, Backblaze. How secure is the cloud?
• Very -- depending on how files are encrypted and stored, and who has access.
• For brief explanation of different levels of security (via encryption) for Local and Cloud, see P@s$w0rdz:Storing:Encrypt
• Option 4: [2] Shared local network drive (possibly with redundant drive arrays, e.g., RAID)

[1] Incremental Backup

• Backup only what's changed, automatically: user files, multiple versions, settings, contacts, bookmarks
• Frequency: hourly/daily/weekly -- esp. if many files added/changed; also, before any system updates
• Alternatively, you could periodically backup selected files/folders manually to USB drive and/or cloud folder, e.g., DropBox, Box, Google Drive, Microsoft, OneDrive -- but, will you remember to do it?
• macOS: Time Machine > Open Time Machine Preferences: select disk; Backup Now
• (restore): Time Machine > Enter Time Machine [image]
• Win: Settings > Update & Security > Backup > Backup Using File History
• File History tool automatically saves multiple versions of a given file, so you can restore a file before it was changed or deleted

[1] Complete Backup

• A complete, bootable clone contains everything, including applications and system files, and can help you recover from incomplete software updates
• Frequency: weekly/monthly; also, before major system cleanup & updates -- and after successful updates
• iOS (USB): Finder > Preferences > Sidebar > CDs, DVDs, and iOS Devices
• macOS (to disk): Carbon Copy Cloner
• Due to increased security in macOS, backup apps need to be granted permission for 'full disk access':
• macOS: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Full Disk Access --
  apps provide directions, e.g., Carbon Copy Cloner, Backblaze; permission needed also for system cleanup tools like Titanium's Maintenance or Onyx
• Win: Settings > System & Security > Set up backup
• Backup and Restore creates a single backup of the latest version of your files on a schedule. It can also create a “system image,” which is a snapshot of your entire system -- operating system, programs, documents, and all -- which makes it easy to restore everything

[1] Offsite: Cloud and/or Other Physical Location

• Store backup(s) somewhere other than your house/office in case your device and local backups are damaged, stolen, hacked, ...
• USB/external disk/DVD at a remote site, e.g., bank Safety Deposit box, trusted friend's house
• For desktop systems, a cloud provider can provide an automatic, complete backup with 'unlimited' storage for relatively small cost, e.g., ~$5/mo.
• Frequency: ongoing
• macOS (to cloud): Backblaze
• Initial backup may take days, depending on number/size of files, and speed of internet connection
• Restore selected files via download; since restoring everything from a remote backup could take awhile, service may ship a loaner drive, e.g., Backblaze
• see References for other products, e.g., Retrospect; Carbonite: Windows ok, but Mac not, due to lack of private keys
• Other cloud options are available for mobile devices and selected data and settings -- often free if default storage used, e.g., iCloud < 5GB
• A password manager can store/sync encrypted passwords, e.g., 1Password on 1password.com, iCloud or Dropbox
• Email backup may not be necessary if using IMAP, i.e., messages already stored on ISP's mail server and cached on each device
• Share -- and backup -- documents & photos via services like Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud, Microsoft OneDrive
• Back up/sync system settings, bookmarks and certain types of documents and data via iCloud
• iOS: Settings > (your acct) > iCloud: Photos, Mail, Contacts, Calendars, Reminders, Notes, Safari, News, Home, Game Center, Siri, Keychain, Find My iPad/iPhone, iCloud Backup
• iOS: Settings > (your acct) > iCloud > Storage > Manage Storage > Backups: device; Documents&Data
• iOS: Settings > (your acct) > Family Sharing -- setup
• iOS: Settings > (your acct) > iCloud > Manage Storage > Share With Family -- share iCloud storage
• What's shared: Apple media purchases, Apple Music family plans, iCloud storage plans, Photo album, Calendar, Reminders, Locations, Find My iPhone family view
• Not shared: songs in iTunes Match (not purchased in the iTunes Store), in-app purchases, items hidden by a group member, some apps from the App Store (this is left up to each developer)
• macOS: System Preferences > iCloud: Photos, Mail, Contacts, Calendars, Reminders, Safari, Notes, Keychain, Back to My Mac (File/Screen Sharing), Find My Mac
• macOS: System Preferences > iCloud > Manage... (lower right)
• macOS: icloud.com > Settings (home) > Storage
• Is cloud storage safe?
• Encryption depends on the strength & security of the encryption key -- in addition to the password you use to login to cloud provider (plus its security practices)
• Encrypting in transit (via HTTPS:) is assumed; is file decrypted by provider before being re-encrypted?
• If cloud provider has that key, files are vulnerable to hacking or government request -- only you should know / control separate 'private key' (which is not same as login password)
• Conclusion: Extremely secure if file already encrypted 'end-to-end', e.g., password manager;
  or cloud service uses a separate (non-account) key which only you have, e.g., Backblaze
• Ideally, 2-step authentication is available to protect account login -- section: Passwords

What I Use

• two separate external drives: for TimeMachine and for Carbon Copy Cloner
• cloud services: iCloud, Backblaze
• incremental [ext disk]: macOS: TimeMachine -- files; several times/week
• incremental [cloud]: macOS, iOS: iCloud -- Safari, Settings, etc.; notes; ongoing; 1password.com
• incremental [cloud]: macOS: Backblaze -- all files; ongoing (also external non-backup partitions);
  if you subscribe to Backblaze, use this referral link (or code: 00gxf7) to receive a free month; Steve receives a free month credit.
• complete [ext disk]: macOS: Carbon Copy Cloner -- files, apps, system; monthly, esp. before macOS updates
• complete (via macOS) iOS: files, settings, etc. (Manual) before iOS updates -- see screenshot on right {???}

Other

• [1] Paper: important device & account passwords (esp. for password manager!) in SD box
• [1] Save .pdf of various paper documents, e.g., manuals for devices & appliances from manufacturers sites
• [1] While travelling, backup digital photos to local drive, other device or cloud
• [2] Customize photo storage settings to optimize space, cost, sync time, esp. if you have many GB of photos & devices
• [3] If you host a blog or website, make backups, e.g., WordPress.com > Dashboard > Tools > Export

References

• sections: Refs: Android; Backblaze; Carbon Copy Cloner; Cloud; Death; Dropbox; Future; Google; Hard Drive; iCloud; iOS; macOS; Natural Disaster, esp. Cascadia Quake; OneDrive; Paper/Other; Photos; Retrospect; SuperDuper; TimeMachine; Windows; see also Mobile Privacy
• topics: hardware reliability, music, restore
• Wikipedia: Backup; List of backup software; ransomware
• Computer Backup Options pros & cons: manual, external, online (by Backblaze)
• How to Back Up Your Digital Life Time Macine, Backblaze, iDrive, Duplicati; Wired; 3/31/2024
• Back Up and Secure Your Digital Life
  product reviews: Hard drive;
  Online backup service; Cloud sync;
  Local backup software; ... NYT; 3/7/2024
• A Reminder That Trusting Everything to Cloud Storage Can Screw You Over
  having just one copy of your files stored anywhere -- even if it's in the cloud -- isn't safe; LH; 11/29/2023
• Start Looking for Drobo and Retrospect (StorCentric) Replacements TB; 5/16/2023
• How to Prepare for a Lost, Stolen or Broken Smartphone NYT; 2/8/2023
• Best file compression apps for macOS and iOS ApIn; 1/27/2023
• International Verify Your Backups Day TB; 1/13/2023
• How to Create a PDF From Any Website, on Any Device LH; 6/21/2022
• The Best Mobile Scanning Apps
  Adobe Scan, SwiftScan, Microsoft Lens, Apple Notes; NYT; 5/27/2022
• Do I Really Need to Back Up All My Data? Wired; 4/25/2022
• Steps to Simple Online Security: 6: Backups NYT; 4/8/2022
• How to Back Up Your Computer NYT; 9/29/2021
• How You Can Lose a File Despite Three Layers of Backup (and How To Avoid It) TB; 9/27/2021
• What to do when your laptop is stolen (and how to prepare for it)
  Before: Encrypt your data; Keep a current backup;
  Enable your laptop’s tracking feature;
  After: 1. Locate and lock your laptop (Find My Device);
  2. Notify the authorities: File a police report, Tell your bank,
  File a claim with your insurance company, Contact your computer manufacturer;
  3. Protect your personal information: Wipe your data,
  Change your passwords, Disable autofill and clear your browsing data,
  Deauthorize your account and devices; PC; 7/14/2021
• The Best Ways to Compress PDFs for Free LH; 6/14/2021
• How to Back Up Your Most Important Emails Forward Emails to a Backup Account; Use POP and IMAP; Download Everything To a Desktop Client; Other Options; Wired; 1/24/2021
• How to Restore Apple Watch from Backup OSXD; 1/19/2021
• How to Backup Your Apple Watch automatically to iPhone; OSXD; 1/16/2021
• Poll Shows Backup Frequency Increasing, Results Still Depressing never: 19%; annual: 39%; monthly: 20%; 12%: weekly; 10%: daily; Backblaze's poll/report; TB; 6/19/2020
• How to create a backup strategy with terabytes of files MW; 1/29/2020
• We're Living in a Subscriptions World. Here's How to Navigate It. avoid losing control of content/data; Maintain Your Own Backups; Create a Personal Entertainment Cloud; NYT; 1/15/2020
• Get Those Records, Tapes and CDs Onto Your Smartphone NYT; 12/25/2019
• Unencrypted hard drives with payroll data, including names, bank account numbers, compensation info of 29,000 Facebook employees, stolen in a car break-in Bloom; 12/13/2019
• You Should Consider Replacing Your Old Surge Protectors every 3-5 yrs? LH 12/8/2019
• Myspace apparently lost 12 years’ worth of music, and almost no one noticed User uploads corrupted in server migration, and Myspace seemingly has no backups; Ars; 3/18/2019
• How to get your Mac or iPhone ready before you take it to Apple's Genius Bar AppleID email and password; device pw; sales receipt; backup! 3/16/2019
• How to Declutter and Organize Your Personal Tech in a Few Simple Steps NYT; 1/23/2019
• How to Delete Your Online Accounts but Keep Your Data Blogger, Facebook, Flickr, Foursquare, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Livejournal, Myspace, Pinterest, Snapchat, Tumblr, Twitter, Whatsapp, YouTube; LH; 1/7/2019

Android

• Manage & restore your device backups in Google Drive
• How to Back Up Your Android Phone Wired; 3/31/2024
• How to share large video files on Android PC; 6/18/2020

Backblaze

• Reminder: if you subscribe to Backblaze, use this referral link (or code: 00gxf7) to receive a free month; and Steve receives a free month credit.
• Backblaze 8.5 TB; 9/21/2022
• Backblaze Raises Prices to Address Changing Industry Conditions TB; 7/13/2021
• Backblaze review: No-hassle online backup is a no-brainer decision unlimited storage, no decisions on what to back up, no pressure; PC; 4/20/2021
• The Life and Times of a Backblaze Hard Drive TB; 11/4/2019
• Backblaze 7.0 Extends Version History, Supports Catalina extra $ for file versions beyond 30 days; TB; 10/8/2019
• Behind the Scenes of the Backblaze Price Hike amount of data being backed up increasing faster than the cost of storage was falling; TB; 9/18/2019
• Two Factor Verification via Auth Apps BB; 7/14/2019
• Introducing Furball -- Rapid Content Delivery ;-) BB; 4/1/2019
• Backblaze vs. Cloud Backup Services; Backblaze vs. Cloud Sync Services BB price increases 3/11/2019
• Backblaze Increases Pricing for Unlimited Backup higher prices after 3/11; TB; 2/12/2019
• Backblaze 6.0 Promises "Larger Longer Faster Better" Backups TB; 1/18/2019

Carbon Copy Cloner (Mac)

• Carbon Copy Cloner
• Carbon Copy Cloner 6.1.10 TB; 2/24/2024
• Carbon Copy Cloner Backs Up Cloud-Only Content TB; 10/6/2023
• Carbon Copy Cloner 5.1.26 TB; 5/10/2021
• [2] APFS Bug in macOS 10.15.5 Catalina Impacts the Creation of Bootable Backups MR; 5/28/2020
• Preparing your backup disk for a backup of macOS CCC; 10/29/2019
• Working with APFS Volume Groups CCC; 10/9/2019

Cloud

• Wikipedia: online backup; cloud storage; file hosting; Dropbox
• HowStuffWorks: How Cloud Storage Works; Cloud Quiz
• HowStuffWorks: Do I need to back up files that are already in cloud storage?
• HowStuffWorks: Are my files really safe if I store them in the cloud?
• Take Control E-Books: Cloud, Dropbox, iCloud
• free Take Control Cheat Sheets: Cloud
• The Best Cloud Storage Services Wired; 3/3/2024
• Online backup: We test the best services -- Carbonite, iDrive, Backblaze, Livedrive PC; 8/18/2023
• The best cloud storage services for Apple users Google One/Drive, Apple iCloud, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox?; MW; 3/8/2023
• The Best Online Cloud Backup Service Backblaze is top choice now; 1/24/2023
• Cloud Storage Forecast Unsettled, with Possible Storms TB; 2/4/2022
• 7 of the Best Cloud Storage Services That Are Cheaper Than iCloud, Google One, and OneDrive
  Microsoft 365 Family: 6TB storage, split six ways;
  iDrive: 5/10TB personal storage for the price of 1TB;
  TeleDrive: Free, unlimited cloud storage via Telegram;
  pCloud: Own cloud storage for your lifetime;
  Icedrive: A lot of storage, but privacy first;
  Mega: Take 20GB for free, and 8TB for cheap;
  WeTransfer: Free, but short-lived data transfer;
  LH; 1/12/2022
• How to Recover Any Version of a File
  access to your edits in Google Docs, Microsoft Word, and Apple Pages are just a click away; Giz; 6/25/2021
• WD My Book Live users wake up to find their data deleted Ars; 6/25/2021
• How to Prepare for the Next Time the Cloud Goes Down Giz; 8/31/2020
• The Cheapest Cloud Storage Services of 2020 for All Your Files LH; 8/13/2020
• 9 Tips to Keep Your Cloud Storage Safe and Secure
  1. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication;
  2. Audit Your File and Folder Shares;
  3. Clear Out Your 'Deleted' Files;
  4. Check Your Connected Apps and Accounts;
  5. Turn on Account Alerts;
  6. Deactivate Old Devices That Still Have Access;
  7. Enable Account Recovery Options; Wired; 7/26/2020
• Cloud storage plans you can use to replace your Mac’s external storage MW; 6/17/2020
• What's the Diff: Sync vs Backup vs Storage BB; 3/31/2020
• Cloud Computing More Energy Efficient Than Initially Thought TB; 3/3/2020
• Dropbox and iCloud Drive: How each service approaches cloud storage different approaches to reducing storage on a local drive; MW; 2/21/2020
• How to Deal with Running Out of iCloud, Google, and Dropbox Space TB; 2/17/2020
• How to Share Files Securely Online Firefox Send, Dropbox, WeTransfer, Google Drive, OneDrive, SendAnywhere, iCloud; Wired; 2/9/2020
• Google Drive vs. Microsoft OneDrive PC; 12/19/2019
• Stop paying monthly cloud storage fees with 3 lifetime options as low as $39.99 limited time; unknown companies? TNW; 11/11/2019
• More From Our Annual Survey: Choosing the Best Cloud for Backing Up types of backup: HD/NAS, cloud backup/drive/sync; BB; 7/16/2019
• [2] Backing Up VM Image Files to Internet Backup Services TB; 5/15/2019
• CloudBerry Backup for macOS: Feature-Rich but Unreliable TB; 3/7/2019
• Backblaze vs. Cloud Backup Services; Backblaze vs. Cloud Sync Services BB price increases 3/11/2019

Death, Divorce

• How to Keep Anyone From Accessing Your iCloud Data After You Die Advanced Data Protection (encryption); LH; 1/26/2024
• How to Close the Social Media Accounts of a Dead Relative LH; 1/3/2024
• Why You Need a Digital 'Dead Man's Switch'
  from alerting your family to trouble to ensuring folks have access
  to your accounts, there are several reasons to set one up; LH; 9/25/2023
• The Digital Fragments We Leave Behind After Death
  the photos, texts, playlists and to-do lists that we find after loved ones die can offer poignant glimpses into their lives; NYT; 5/3/2023
• There may be a problem with Apple's Digital Legacy feature ApIn; 3/7/2023
• What Stories Have You Learned From Digital Messages Left Behind? NYT; 12/15/2022
• Here's What Happens to Your Crypto When You Die LH; 12/8/2022
• You can take it with you: How to destroy the data you leave behind MW; 8/15/2022
• How to Preserve Your Digital Legacy (and Why You Should) LH; 5/10/2022
• How to Leave Your Photos to Someone When You Die Wired; 3/17/2022
• The Morbid War Over Online Obituaries
  'Obituary pirates' scrape websites and publish their own versions of death notices, reaping commissions on flowers and gifts; Wired; 12/26/2021
• How to arrange for your digital legacy Verge; 12/2/2021
• How to Decide What Happens to Your Data When You Die Giz; 12/2/2021
• Apple will soon let you pass on your iCloud data when you die
  new program coming to iPhones, iPads and Macs, Digital Legacy allows you to
  choose five Legacy Contacts who can see your stuff; MW; 11/10/2021
• What Should Happen to Our Data When We Die?
  Anthony Bourdain’s A.I.-generated voice is just the latest example of a celebrity being digitally reincarnated.
  These days, though, it could happen to any of us; NYT; 7/24/2021
• What to do about Apple devices and iCloud content when the owner dies ApIn; 1/2/2021
• How to recover data from a Mac with T2 or FileVault encryption and without a password short answer: it may not be possible; MW; 11/19/2020
• How to prepare your digital assets in case of death
  someone's passing could leave their data and devices locked up forever. But there are some preparations and techniques you could try;
  Make a plan before it's too late;
  Manage hardware;
  Retain account access; MW; 10/21/2020
• A look at startups that provide end-of-life services, from estate planning to online forums for grieving virtually, amid a surge in interest during the pandemic NYT; 7/16/2020
• How to Request Access to a Deceased Family Member's Apple Accounts TB; 6/17/2020
• Estate planning 101: Your guide to wills, trusts and all your end-of-life documents CNet; 6/8/2020
• Can I keep my partner’s Apple purchases and account after they die? MW; 6/4/2020
• What Happens to Your Domain When You Die? expires unless the hosting site exists and you've renewed ($); LH; 12/17/2019
• Twitter halts plan to remove inactive accounts until it can memorialize dead users Verge; 11/27/2019
• Get Your Digital Accounts Ready In Case of Death
  1. Share your account logins and other secure information with a password manager
  2. Record and save emergency info
  3. Set up dead-man switches and assign custody for your digital accounts
  4. Drill practice: teach your loved ones how to survive without you; NYT; 10/3/2019
• Please get your digital affairs in order password manager, backup codes; TC; 9/15/2019
• Who Gets Your Digital Assets: Heirs or Hackers? A digital executor can help ensure your heirs inherit online assets while protecting your privacy after death; NW; 8/29/2019
• Here's how billionaires are planning their immortality TNW; 6/28/2019
• We're all going to die -- what happens to our Facebook accounts? Verge; 6/12/2019
• Hacking My Mother's Phone to Save Her Memories After she died, breaking into her phone was the only way to put together the pieces of her digital life; NYT; 6/10/2019
• Dead Facebook users could outnumber the living by 2069 TNW; 4/29/2019
• R.I.P. to a Startling Facebook Feature: Reminders of Dead Friends' Birthdays NYT; 4/10/2019
• Facebook is introducing a new 'Tributes' section for memorialized accounts TC; 3/4/2019
• The weird rise of cyber funerals Digital undertaking is the act of erasing and tidying up your public data after you die -- contacting the social media companies, search engines or even media companies who publish personal information, and request for it to be deleted when their client dies; Wired; 2/17/2019
• What is a Facebook 'legacy contact' and why do you need one? allowed to have limited access to your account after your death; TNW; 2/15/2019
• Planning For Your Digital Legacy In Seven Easy Steps 1. Digital Executor; 2. Inventory Your Digital Assets and How to Access Them; 3. Determine the Terms of Service for Your Accounts; 4. Ensure Your Key Estate Planning Documents Contain Relevant Language; 5. Store Your Information in a Safe Place; 6. Decide and Document the Fate of Your Digital Assets After Your Death; 7. Consult Your Estate Planning Attorney; .pdf; IPPF; 2/2019

Dropbox

• HowStuffWorks: How the Dropbox Mobile App Works
• free Take Control Cheat Sheets: Dropbox
• Dropbox: What does Dropbox do to protect my stuff?
• Had It With the Dropbox App? Here Are Five Alternative Dropbox Clients
  Maestral, CloudMounter, Mountain Duck 3,
  Transmit 5, Strongsync; MR; 12/1/2021
• Replace a Shared Dropbox File without Changing Its Link TB; 12/13/2019
• Are Dropbox's Paid Plans Worth It? free: 2Gb; Plus($12/mo): 2Tb; Pro($20/mo): 3Tb; LH; 10/4/2019

Future

• A DNA-based storage system with files and metadata
  queries can take days, but it's possible to pull out specific files; Ars; 615/2021
• Microsoft's Project Silica offers robust thousand-year storage high purity glass extends storage reliability goals from "decades" to "centuries"; Ars; 11/7/2019

Google

• What Is Google One, and Should You Subscribe? Wired; 3/27/2022
• How to back up your Gmail Verge; 7/28/2021
• Google is finally doing something about Google Drive spam Ars; 7/23/2021
• How to Back Up All of Your Google Data LH; 3/11/2021
• How to Prepare For Google's New Cloud Storage Restrictions LH; 12/7/2020
• How to Access & Edit Google Drive Files from iPhone & iPad OSXD; 6/8/2020
• Google Drive gains an important security feature on iPhone Privacy Screen: authenticate using Touch ID or Face ID; PC; 5/5/2020
• How to get more space in your Google storage clear out the clutter; Verge; 3/19/2019

Hard Drive, SSD

• HowStuffWorks: How to Back Up a Hard Drive
• Best external SSD for Mac MW; 4/15/2024
• How to Choose the Right SSD to Buy LH; 2/21/2024
• Best external drives for backup, storage, and portability PC; 8/14/2023
• The best SSDs: Reviews and buying advice PC; 7/24/2023
• Best external hard drive for Mac MW; 6/26/2023
• Backblaze's 2022 Drive Stats Reveal Manufacturer and Model Reliability Trends drive failures by brand; BB; 1/31/2023
• Best external hard drive and SSD CNet; 11/17/2022
• Backblaze's 2020 Hard Drive Reliability Statistics TB; 2/12/2021
• How Do I Transfer Data When I Switch Out My Laptop's Hard Drive for an SSD? LH; 2/5/2021
• [2] Six Lessons Learned from Dealing with an iMac's Dead SSD TB; 4/27/2020
• The Shocking Truth -- Managing for Hard Drive Failure and Data Corruption BB; 7/11/2019
• How to Partition Your Hard Drive and Why You Would Want To dual-booting OS; emergency recovery partition; Mac: DiskUtility; Win: Disk Management; Giz; 1/22/2019

iCloud (Apple)

• Apple's Advanced Data Protection Gives You More Keys to iCloud Data
  requires latest OS on all devices; TB; 12/8/2022
• Apple will finally encrypt iCloud Backups as part of major security push
  iOS 16.2 and macOS 13.1 will include several new features to protect your data; MW; 12/7/2022
• How to use iCloud Folder Sharing and replace Dropbox ApIn; 5/30/2022
• Bad Apple #5: iCloud Drive Folder Sharing Risks Data Loss TB; 5/12/2022
• Apple turns off iCloud Documents and Data, but you can still find your files MW; 5/9/2022
• How to Make Sure You Can Recover Your iCloud Data Wired; 4/24/2022
• Apple will soon let you pass on your iCloud data when you die
  new program coming to iPhones, iPads and Macs, Digital Legacy allows you to
  choose five Legacy Contacts who can see your stuff; MW; 11/10/2021
• How to use iCloud Folder Sharing and replace Dropbox ApIn; 2/23/2022
• Apple releases iCloud for Windows version 13 update MW; 11/10/2021
• How to Share iCloud Storage with Family on Mac OSXD; 11/1/2021
• How to use iCloud Data Recovery Service MW; 10/11/2021
• Apple Outlines Security and Privacy of CSAM Detection System in New Document
  Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) scanning on iCloud; MR; 8/13/2021
• How to Share iCloud Storage with Family on iPhone & iPad OSCD; 7/29/2021
• How to Free Up iCloud Storage Space on iPhone & iPad OSXD; 4/21/2021
• Beware! iCloud Backups Deleted after 180 Days TB; 6/11/2020
• How to Sync and Access Your Data Across Devices switch between your phone and laptop seamlessly; Wired; 6/2/2020
• How to Access iCloud Drive Files from Windows PC OSXD; 5/27/2020
• How to use iCloud to cope with a Mac that's low on storage MW; 4/27/2020
• How use your Mac to get more info about your iCloud Drive storage Files for iOS and iPadOS omits nested information on folders; MW; 4/20/2020
• How to Recover Lost or Deleted iCloud Drive Files or Documents OSXD; 2/18/2020
• Folder sharing brings iCloud Drive closer to Dropbox, but there's work left to do MW; 2/7/2020
• How to restore deleted files, photos, bookmarks, and more from iCloud iCloud keeps many items you delete for up to 30 days; MW; 1/2/2020
• How to free up iCloud storage space MW; 1/1/2020
• Find the parts of iTunes now spread throughout different apps in macOS Catalina: Finder MW; 10/21/2019
• How iCloud Drive works with multiple users on a single Mac MW; 10/14/2019
• EFF Calls on Apple to Let Users Encrypt iCloud Backups as Part of 'Fix It Already' Initiative with user's own key; 2/28/2019
• Inside the illicit world of 'iCloud unlocking', where cybercriminals trick iPhone owners or Apple staff into removing an iCloud account to resell the iPhone MB; 2/6/2019
• iCloud storage plans and pricing if you need more than 5 GB of free storageApple; 1/18/2019

iOS

• Apple: Use Quick Start to transfer data from your previous iOS device to your new iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
• How To Backup Your iPhone iCloud, iTunes, Google Photos; Wired; 3/31/2024
• How to back up an iPhone or iPad MW; 9/8/2023
• How restore an iPhone from a backup MW; 6/29/2023
• How to transfer all your data from an old iPhone to a new iPhone MW; 1/5/2023
• How to Borrow iCloud Storage for Free to Transfer Data to Your New iPhone temporary iCloud backup that can be deleted in 21 days; LH; 9/21/2021
• How to Restore an iPhone Without the Password LH; 9/10/2021
• How to Reduce Your iCloud Backup Data Size on iPhone / iPad OSXD; 5/19/2021
• How to Open & Extract RAR Files on iPhone & iPad iZip; OSXD; 4/16/2021
• Can't Remember Password for Encrypted iPhone Backup? Here's What To Do OSXD; 3/31/2021
• How to set up a backup plan for your Mac, iPhone, and iPad for your New Year's resolution ApIn; 12/31/2020
• iCloud Backup Failed on iPhone or iPad? Here’s How to Fix & Troubleshoot OSXD; 12/19/2020
• How to Restore iOS Backups in MacOS with Finder (Big Sur & Catalina) OSXD; 9/28/2020
• How to get back 'Other' storage on the iPhone or iPad ApIn; 9/7/2020
• How to Backup iPhone or iPad to Windows PC OSXD; 8/24/2020
• How to Delete iOS & iPadOS Device Backups from MacOS Finder in Catalina OSXD; 3/18/2020
• How to open zip files on your iPhone or iPad MW; 2/19/2020
• How to Backup iPhone or iPad to Mac in MacOS Catalina with Finder OSXD; 1/13/2020
• Documents 7 review: Free iOS file manager puts Apple’s Files app to shame Documents 7 is a free iOS app for reading PDF, EPUB, Word, and Excel documents, opening ZIP archives, viewing images, downloading; MW; 1/2/2020
• How to transfer all your data from an old iPhone to a new iPhone MW; 12/24/2019
• Locate backups of your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Apple; 12/4/2019
• macOS Catalina: How to make your iPhone and iPad appear on the Desktop Finder > Preferences > Sidebar > CDs, DVDs, and iOS Devices (incl. iPadOS); MW; 11/11/2019
• How you back up your iPhone and iPad in macOS 10.15 Catalina iTunes app may be gone, but you can still back up your iOS device to your Mac; MW; 7/26/2019
• How to Archive an iTunes Backup of iPhone or iPad OSXD; 7/10/2019

macOS

• Wikipedia: FileVault
• Apple: FileVault 2
• Take Control: Backing Up Your Mac; Online Appendixes; free cheat sheet
• Carbon Copy Cloner; SuperDuper
• Proton Drive encrypted cloud storage service arrives on Mac TC; 11/23/2023
• Getting started with macOS Disk Utility: The basics ApIn; 5/13/2023
• What to do if your Mac is stolen
  Preventative measures: enable Find My, strong Lock Screen password, encrypt with FileVault, TimeMachine backup;
  Locate your device using Find My; Put your Mac into Lost Mode;
  File a police report; File an insurance claim; Erase using Find My;
  ApIn; 6/3/2022
• How much storage should you leave unused on a Mac’s SSD? MW; 5/30/2022
• How to Use Extra Space on an APFS Time Machine Drive TB; 5/20/2022
• Disk Utility in macOS 12 Monterey Manages APFS Snapshots TB; 11/11/2021
• How to copy a failing drive to a backup using Mac Recovery MW; 9/3/2021
• How to use Disk Utility in macOS to manage your hard drive MW; 8/25/2021
• How to check if your Mac has a Recovery partition installed MW; 8/20/2021
• How to verify your Mac's drive health using Disk Utility
  Disk Utility: First Aid; MW; 7/14/2021
• The best ways to back up your Big Sur Mac
  bootable external backup less feasible w/ protected system volume;
  focus on Data volume; MW; 6/4/2021
• Apple's moves point to a future with no bootable backups, says developer ApIn; 5/24/2021
• The Role of Bootable Duplicates in a Modern Backup Strategy TB; 2/23/2021
• Can't find the Scheme menu in macOS's Disk Utility? for backwards or multi-platform compatibility; MW; 1/27/2021
• How to restore a previous version of your Pages, Keynote, and other documents in macOS autosave; MW; 12/23/2020
• [2] This quirky method could let you use drives that won’t mount on your Mac after a bad ejection MW; 9/14/2020
• How to Create a New Disk Partition in macOS OSXD; 6/29/2020
• How to clone a macOS Catalina drive Time Machine, Carbon Copy Cloner, SuperDuper; MW; 1/20/2020
• What's the difference between Save, Save As, and Duplicate in macOS apps? MW; 12/16/2019
• How to perform backups more complicated than Time Machine allows ChronoSync; MW; 12/12/2019
• Why you might see a new "Data" disk in Catalina Catalina now splits the operating system and data files into two volumes, but they should never appear on the desktop; MW; 11/6/2019
• How to manage the dance of disk images, Time Machine, and excessively large backups MW; 9/10/2019
• How to Show All Drive Devices in Disk Utility for MacOS OSXD; 8/16/2019
• Don't use cloud backup services to make copies of your Time Machine volumes MW; 8/2/2019
• You need a backup plan before you move to macOS Catalina TimeMachines, online backup services; AI; 7/20/2019
• [3] How to Work with and Restore APFS Snapshots TB; 5/9/2019
• ChronoSync 4.9.2 TB; 3/6/2019
• The most important thing to do if your Mac has a Fusion Drive: Backup your data the Fusion Drive combines data on an SSD and hard drive, so the loss of either is a huge problem; MW; 1/11/2019

Natural Disaster

• OLLI Course: Disaster Preparedness: Almeda, Cascadia, Zombies
• The Best Emergency Preparedness Supplies reviews; 12 essentials; WireCutter (NYT); 10/7/2020
• Disaster Preparedness For Your Finances 10/7/2020
• To Prepare for a Natural Disaster, Call Your Bank LH; 10/14/2019
• Safe Deposit Boxes Aren't (Completely) Safe no federal protection; NYT; 7/19/2019
• The 7 Most Important Supplies for a Starter Earthquake Kit
  assembling relevant tools piecemeal is a better bet than buying a premade kit;
  water storage; gas shut-off tool; emergency radio; portable headlamp; first aid kit;
  phone chargers or battery packs; emergency contact numbers; NYT; 7/18/2019
• Keep These Financial Records in Your 'Go Bag' LH; 7/1/2019

OneDrive (Microsoft)

• Microsoft to Kill OneDrive for Windows 7, 8, 8.1 in Early 2022 11/6/2021
• OneDrive simplifies document sharing by making it even more complex PC; 7/1/2020
• Microsoft's OneDrive Personal Vault locks down a portion of your OneDrive cloud storage with time-limited two-factor authentication; PC; 9/30/2019

Paper, Other

• Prey an app designed to help you find a stolen or lost tablet, laptop or phone. The app will help you locate these items by taking pictures from the camera on the device, screenshots from the computer or even wipe data remotely from the device. Prey is a type of software installed on your devices and then tracked with an online system. There is a free version as well as various pay versions available.
• Stolen Property an international stolen property database. It allows users to report that their item has been stolen. You can also search the database to see if any device you are considering purchasing was stolen.
• Stolen Lost Found Another online database offered to track, find and report found, lost or stolen property
• Take Control of Your Paperless Office digitize your documents while reducing incoming and outgoing paper
• Should You Keep That Document or Shred It? LH; 9/18/2020
• What to Do If You Lose Your Credit or Debit Card While Traveling LH; 1/24/2020
• How to Scan Documents into Notes App on iPhone & iPad OSXD; 1/21/2020
• How to Go Paperless in Your Home Office NYT; 4/9/2019

Photos

• Apple: iCloud: Photos FAQs, Setup: iCloud Photo Library; My Photo Stream; iCloud Photo Sharing
• Apple: Reduce the size of -- your iCloud Photo Library: delete photos; optimize storage; buy more storage; your Photo Library: use just Camera Roll; manual backup of photos
• Apple: iCloud Photo Library FAQ esp. Can I use iCloud Photo Library to save space on my device?
• How to move photos to iCloud to save space on an iPhone MW; 1/12/2024
• How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Mac Without iCloud OSXD; 12/6/2023
• How to Transfer Your iPhone Photos to a Windows PC Wired; 10/18/2022
• How to Keep Photos and Videos from Taking Up Space on Your Phone Wired; 10/17/2022
• How to Leave Your Photos to Someone When You Die Wired; 3/17/2022
• How to Batch Convert HEIC to JPG (Mac & Windows PC) OSXD; 1/25/2022
• The Easiest Ways to Shrink Large Image Files on Your Mac LH; 1/19/2022
• How to Rescue Your Photos From an Old Computer Wired; 12/28/2021
• How to Lock Up Your Photos and Videos in Google Photos LH; 12/3/2021
• How to back up iPhone photos and video with iCloud Photos turned off MW; 10/14/2021
• How to copy your Photos library from one Mac to another MW; 8/25/2021
• Stingle is a privacy-focused open source photo backup application Ars; 8/8/2021
• How to Back Up All Your Photos Without a Cloud Subscription Giz; 3/11/2021
• Apple now lets you automatically transfer your iCloud Photo Library to Google Photos some things won't xfer; Verge; 3/3/2021
• How to Save All Photos from Facebook on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows PC OSXD; 2/27/2021
• How to Back Up and Move Your Photos Between Services leaving Google Photos now that it's no longer free and unlimited? Considering Apple Photos or OneDrive? Here's how to take your library with you; Wired; 12/1/2020
• How to Manage Your Google Photos or Move Them Somewhere Else LH; 11/13/2020
• Understanding how iCloud Photos optimizes photo storage and keeps your originals MW; 7/29/2020
• What the HEIC? Apple's Highly Compressed Image Format Still Confuses High Efficiency Image Container? HEIF and HEVC; TB; 6/26/2020
• Your Google Photos video backups may have been sent to complete strangers CNet; 2/4/2020
• iOS: What to do if iCloud Photos uploads are paused due to a low battery, but you’re actually near a full charge MW; 1/14/2020
• How to Access iCloud Photos from Windows PC OSXD; 1/8/2020
• How to switch from iCloud Photos to just plain Photos local only; MW; 10/15/2019
• Thoughts on Sharing Vacation Photos TB; 8/26/2019
• Can't download photos from your iPhone to your Mac? it could be a trust issue; MW; 7/3/2019
• How to use iCloud to help manage Photos libraries too large for an internal Mac drive MW; 4/12/2019
• Organizing Your Unwieldy Photo Collection Is Easier Than You Think on smartphone; People; Places; NYT; 4/10/2019
• How to cope with a Photos library too big to fit on an internal Mac drive MW; 4/2/2019

Retrospect

• Retrospect site
• Retrospect 18.5.2 TB; 3/27/2022
• Retrospect 17 Solo review: Backup software that gives you everything Win, macOS, Linux; PC; 4/23/2020

SuperDuper (Mac)

• SuperDuper
• SuperDuper 3.8 TB; 10/2/2023

Thumb / USB Drives

• How to format a thumb drive for both Mac and Windows ExFat format allows larger file sizes than the old FAT32; MW; 10/8/2020
• How to Back Up All the Devices That You're Not Backing Up Kindles; Games consoles; Memory cards and USB sticks; Media streamers and boxes; LH; 12/23/2019
• USB Storage with iOS 13: The FAQ TB; 10/16/2019

TimeMachine (Mac)

• Wikipedia: Time Machine
• Apple: Time Machine
• How to manage Time Machine snapshots using Disk Utility in macOS Monterey MW; 11/24/2021
• How to encrypt Time Machine backups MW; 8/27/2021
• How to delete Time Machine local snapshots in macOS ApIn; 6/26/2021
• Take control of Time Machine backups with the TimeMachineEditor utility free; advanced options; MW; 5/4/2021
• How to format a drive for networked Time Machine access
  use OS Extended (Journaled) (HFS+) -- APFS prevents networked access; PC; 4/26/2021
• How to reserve Time Machine space on an APFS drive MW; 1/19/2021
• macOS Big Sur supports Time Machine on APFS-formatted drives, but there are a few catches MW; 12/15/2020
• What to do when a Time Machine copy to an external drive is enormously larger than expected it's all about the hard links; MW; 7/8/2020
• Howard Oakley's Deep Dive into Time Machine TB; 1/23/2020
• [2] How to set your Mac as a shared backup destination for Time Machine MW; 11/18/2019
• Can't find your Time Machine backup after upgrading to Catalina? Look for a backupbundle MW; 10/17/2019
• Why you're prompted to erase an external drive when you use it with Time Machine not in the supported format; MW; 10/8/2019
• Time Machine: No FAT or exFAT drives, only HFS+ and APFS MW; 9/12/2019
• Understanding how Time Machine manages its file archive and how it affects what you can restore the deletion process only removes older versions of files; MW; 8/15/2019
• How to Use Multiple Hard Drives With Time Machine BB; 3/7/2019

Windows

• How to Reset Your Windows PC for a Fresh Start LH; 12/4/2023
• The best Windows backup software PC; 8/28/2023
• The best free backup software and services: Reviews and buying advice for protecting your data iDrive, iDrive Online Cloud Backup; PC; 12/6/2022
• How to Read Mac Formatted Drives on Windows PC OSXD; 9/16/2000
• How to check and monitor your hard drive's health PC; 7/31/2020
• How to Install & Setup iCloud for Windows PC OSXD; 11/29/2019
• How to partition a hard drive PC; 6/11/2019
• [2] Update WinRAR on Your PC Right Now LH; 3/16/2019

Quotes | Summary | When, What | OS | Apps | Add-ons |
Incremental Updates | Major Upgrades | Replace? |
References: General | Android | Apps | ChromeOS/Book |
Drivers, Firmware | iOS / iPadOS | macOS | Meltdown/Spectre |
Office Suites (and other apps) | Replace / Switch Devices | Windows

Quotes

• Definition. software upgrade:... A replacement of old bugs with new bugs.
• A client calls to hotline of internet service provider.
  Client: "I have a problem, internet stopped working two days ago, neither I nor my son nor anyone else can access it now."
  
  Hotline: "I see. Do you know what's the operating system on your PC?"
  Client: "Of course I do,... it's Facebook"
• "Chaos reigns within.
  Reflect, repent, and reboot.
  Order shall return.
  
  Program aborting:
  Close all that you have worked on.
  You ask far too much.
  
  Windows NT crashed.
  I am the Blue Screen of Death.
  No one hears your screams.
  
  Yesterday it worked.
  Today it is not working.
  Windows is like that.
  
  First snow, then silence.
  This thousand-dollar screen dies
  So beautifully.
  
  A crash reduces
  Your expensive computer
  To a simple stone.
  
  Serious error.
  All shortcuts have disappeared.
  Screen. Mind. Both are blank.
  
  There is a chasm
  of carbon and silicon
  the software can’t bridge.
  
  To have no errors
  Would be life without meaning
  No struggle, no joy.
  
  Seeing my great fault
  Through darkening blue windows
  I begin again.
  
  The code was willing,
  It considered your request,
  But the chips were weak.
  
  Errors have occurred.
  We won’t tell you where or why.
  Lazy programmers.There is a chasm
  of carbon and silicon
  the software can’t bridge.
  
  To have no errors
  Would be life without meaning
  No struggle, no joy.
  
  Seeing my great fault
  Through darkening blue windows
  I begin again.
  
  The code was willing,
  It considered your request,
  But the chips were weak.
  
  Errors have occurred.
  We won’t tell you where or why.
  Lazy programmers.
  
  I'm sorry, there's -- um --
  insufficient -- what's-it-called?
  The term eludes me." ~Haiku error messages
• Dear Tech Support,
  Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a slowdown in the overall performance, particularly in the flower and jewelry applications that had operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0.
  
  In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5, but installed undesirable programs such as NFL 5.0 and NBA 3.0. And now... Conversation 8.0 no longer runs and House Cleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system. I've tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail. What can I do?
  
  Signed,
  Desperate
  
  Dear Desperate!
  First keep in mind, Boyfriend 5.0 is an entertainment package, while Husband 1.0 is an operating system. At the command line, try entering C:\ITHOUGHTYOULOVEDME and download Tears 6.2 to install Guilt 3.0. If all works as designed, Husband 1.0 should then automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5. But, remember, overuse can cause Husband 1.0 to default to Grumpy-Silence 2.5, Happy-Hour 7.0 or Beer 6.1.
  
  Beer 6.1 is a very bad program that will create snoringLoudly.wav files. Whatever you do, DO NOT install Mother-in-Law 1.0 or re-install another Boyfriend program. These are not supported applications and will crash Husband 1.0.
  
  In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have a limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. You might consider additional software to improve memory and performance. I personally recommend Hot Food 3.0 and Lingerie 9.9.
  
  Regards,
  Tech Support

Summary

• "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"?
• Even if you don't care about bug fixes or new features, privacy & security updates are very important.
• It's a myth (procrastination excuse?) that newer versions are always larger, slower, buggier.
• Take note of software upgrade/update notifications, e.g., popups, emails -- -- but don't interact directly with them.
• It's better not to click on links/buttons in unexpected notifications, even if they seem from legitimate sources;
  browser popups about Flash are a notorious avenue for malware
• Instead, check/update officially via app store, vendor, OS/app or settings.
• Although most updates are generally reliable, it's a good idea to backup first anyway.
• [1] Install Minor/Incremental Updates: System, Apps, Add-ons/Extensions -- within a few days
• [2] Install Major Upgrades -- within a few weeks
• [2] Consider replacing your device or browser -- if security updates are no longer offered; in the meanwhile, exercise extra caution when online; or run selected apps on a different more secure device.
• [2] Don't forget other network(ed) devices, e.g., router, smart TV, IoT
• [3] Run software and hardware diagnostics/repair utilities
• References

When, What to Update: System, Apps, Add-ons

• Backup!
• If you minimize number of applications and add-ons, esp. if infrequently or not used (see Erasing section), there will be fewer items to update.
• Each user will have different risk vs. benefit tradeoffs for what & when to update
• Most tech-savvy user in family might do updates for everyone (whose accounts lack admin privileges)
• Update sooner if the system or app security fixes are critical, i.e., browser, email, network, cloud
• It's usually ok to wait a few days -- for a few weeks for major versions -- if you're travelling or extra busy, or to research incompatibilities.
• Many bugs have already been detected and fixed during wider beta testing by developers (and daring users)
• Any problem with a software update itself is usually remedied in a day or two -- plus, upgrade servers will be more responsive
• Current/recent OS versions:
• Usually, the latest version numbers/dates will be listed below -- and on Course Updates page:
• The labels and color-coding suggest status/urgency for upgrading:
• green: up to date
• lighter green: Recent; incremental; upgrade soon
• orange: Old; major; upgrade when convenient
• red: Obsolete; upgrade asap, or replace -- if internet is used and security upgrades no longer avail

Operating System

• system: e.g., Android, iOS, macOS (formerly "OS X"), Windows
• for checking version / installing system update:
• iOS: Settings > General > About : Version
• iOS: Settings > General > Software Update
• macOS: [apple] > About
• macOS: System Preferences > Software Update
• Win: Settings > System > About
• Win: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
• [2] Update software/firmware on other connected devices, e.g., router, smart TV
• [3] Test/beta official OS versions -- only if you are a developer, bugged by a bug, can't live without a new shiny feature, or crave living on the 'bleeding edge'.

Apps

• Individual apps: check for updates via app store, upon startup (app preference), or manually (via menu)
• Ok to ignore updates for apps that you never use, e.g., built-in apps like GarageBand -- but why not remove if unneeded, or offload if easily re-downloaded?
• Install system & application updates only from official store, from within apps, or reputable developers
• Some apps offer option of automatically downloading and installing updates; it's up to you; I prefer to backup before installing most updates.
• [2] Generally, don't download from 3rd party sites, e.g., CNet, Soft32, ZDNET, download.com, etc.
• [3] Don't jailbreak your device with an unofficial OS, so that you can install nifty but questionable apps.
• iOS: App Store > Updates
• iOS: Settings > iTunes & App Store > Automatic Downloads > Music, Apps, Books & Audiobooks, Updates: ?
• iOS: Settings > iTunes & App Store > Use Cellular Data: ?
• macOS: App Store > Updates: apps installed from store
• macOS: Adobe Reader > Help > Check For Updates
• macOS: Backblaze > Check For Updates
• macOS: Carbon Copy Cloner > Carbon Copy Cloner > Check For Updates
• macOS: Firefox > Firefox > About Firefox
• macOS: Google Chrome > Chrome > About Google Chrome
• macOS: System Preferences > Java > Update
• macOS: LibreOffice > Help > Check For Updates
• macOS: Microsoft Excel/Word/Powerpoint > Help > Check For Updates
• macOS: Skype > Skype > Check For Updates
• macOS: Zoom > Check for Updates
• Allow easier installation of free apps?
• iOS: Settings > (your acct) > iTunes & App Store > Password Settings > Free Downloads > Require Password: off
• [2] Save $ by purchasing apps only once for each family device via accounts usually sharing same payment method
• iOS: Settings > (your acct) > Family Sharing
• macOS: System Preferences > iCloud > Manage Family
• [3] macOS: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > 'app was blocked from opening because it is not from an identified developer' > Open Anyway

Add-ons: Plugins, Extensions

• add-ons customize/extend an app, esp. a browser
• Once installed, most browsers check/update automatically, or via sytstem preference
• Do not update browser extensions, e.g., Flash, or apps when prompted via a browser popup -- use app store, or app or extension's own 'Check for Updates' command
• Look for install options -- often checked by default -- that might install unwanted extensions or adware, or change settings (home page, search engine); e.g., Oracle's Java installer
• plugins: e.g., Adobe Flash; Oracle Java -- or consider uninstalling altogether
• extensions: e.g., Adblock Plus, HTTPS Everywhere
• macOS: Safari > Preferences > Extensions > Updates : Install Updates Automatically
• macOS: System Preferences > Flash Player > Advanced > Updates

[1] Install Minor/Incremental Updates, e.g., #.1

• Backup -- both incremental and clone -- before cleanup; again before actual installation;
  see When, What to Upgrade; Backup section
• If you always keep your device up-to-date, it should be easier to migrate to future system & app releases
• You can usually wait a day or two -- or even longer if there are no security fixes for your particular device
• Update may contain bug fixes, and minimal new features
• Allow enough time for backup, download and install -- probably not before a trip or big presentation; updates usually go smoothly, but allow a little more time in case you need to troubleshoot or restore a previous system version.
• General update info in previous sections, specific directions for different OS in subsequent subsections -- and References

Android

• [Refs:Android]

iOS

• [Refs:iOS]
• iOS: Settings > General > Software Update
• iOS: App Store > Updates
• iOS users may want to use iTunes to update iOS: easy to backup first
• for OTA (over the air) updates via WiFi or cellular
• < iOS9: update can fail due to low device memory
• ≥ iOS9: update can be slower; apps are removed/reinstalled if needed to create temporary space

macOS

• [Refs:macOS]
• Out-of-cycle Security or Supplemental Updates may also be available, with no change to system version #
• macOS: [apple] > About > Software Update
• macOS: App Store > Updates -- macOS and selected apps
• macOS (10.14): System Preferences > Software Update
• macOS: System Preferences > App Store: download/install, password

Windows

• [Refs:Windows]
• Win: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update

[2] Install Major OS Updates, e.g., #.0

• Backup -- both incremental and clone -- before cleanup or running diagnostics;
  again before actual installation; see When, What to Upgrade; Backup section
• Install incremental or other updates to current OS and apps -- including Safari, iTunes for macOS -- before installing major updates
• Allow even more time for backup, download and install -- to anticipate and remedy incompatibilities -- and if things don't go smoothly, for troubleshooting or restoring previous system version
• Usually released about once/year: more major fixes, new features and possible incompatibilities
• iOS: you should upgrade 'as soon as possible'; usually less complex than desktop upgrades; security fixes sometimes available for previous iOS version
• macOS: incremental security fixes are still provided for previous system and browser for 1-2 years, so if there are really major changes, e.g., app incompatibility, user interface makeovers, missing features, performance issues, you could delay your upgrade -- though not indefinitely
• Generally, you could wait a week or two for ".1" version to be released to avoid major bugs, especially if there are no critical security fixes and there are significant changes, e.g., file system
• If there are multiple devices in a family, upgrade one first to test the process & outcome before upgrading others.
• When you are ready to upgrade:
• Read articles here about latest version, e.g., Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, or buy Take Control e-books to find out more about what's changed, compatibility/adequacy of your hardware (to run new os) and of apps (with new os), cleanup & backup steps, new features that you might actually like to have (or old features that might be removed that you can’t live without), installation advice
• Remove unused applications and browser add-ons -- see Erasing section
• Check if new OS version is incompatible with any important applications you have, e.g., upgrade info, release notes, vendor sites
• Apple: macOS versions, compatibility; iOS, iPadOS updates
• macOS: (apple) > About This Mac > System Report > Software > Applications: 64-bit(Intel) -- some 32-bit apps may still continue to work under High Sierra.
• iOS10: Settings > About > Applications: 'these apps may slow down your iPad and will not work with iOS 11 if they are not updated'
• For incompatible apps, consider upgrading version or finding a (free) alternative.
• For example, instead of Microsoft Office 2011, which may not work with macOS 10.13 (High Sierra): HS 32-bit app incompatibility; plus, Microsoft has stopped providing support and security patches
• offline apps: Microsoft Office 2016 -- $$; Steve's spouse upgraded to this
• macOS/iOS iWork suite: Pages, Numbers, Keynote -- free; Steve switched to these
• Open Office, LibreOffice, NeoOffice -- free
• SoftMaker: Free Office (free); Softmaker Office: Std ($20+) / Pro; comparison
• cloud-based storage & office suite (via browser): Microsoft: OneDrive: Word, Excel, PowerPoint Online -- free;
  Microsoft 365 -- subscription; includes apps (And,iOS,Mac,Win), 1Tb OneDrive cloud storage, 60 Skype minutes/mo.
• Google Drive: Docs, Sheets, Slides -- free
• Apple's iCloud: iWork (Pages, Numbers, Keynote) -- free
• [2] Check disk permissions, repair (less necessary recently)
• macOS (< 10.10): Disk Utility > Repair Permissions -- or run Maintenance (or Onyx) utility
• [3] Restart from Recovery partition; check main disk; repair (if necessary)
• macOS: restart w/ cmd-R > OS X Utilities > Disk Utility > Repair Disk
• [3] Check hardware, e.g., memory
• macOS: restart w/ D key; diagnostic runs automatically

[2] Replace Device?

• Strongly consider replacing your device if security/privacy problems are no longer patched in your OS version -- and you can't upgrade, e.g.,
• if your computer OS is more than 1-2 major versions behind -- see macOS, Win
• usually if your tablet/phone OS is 1 or more major versions behind -- see Android, iOS
• Your device doesn't support a newer OS -- or needs extra memory that you cannot (or do not want to) add
• Apps you rely on are no longer provided/supported on your old OS (e.g., 32-bit when 64-bit will be required) -- and no updates are available
• In the meanwhile, use an actively maintained browser, e.g., Firefox, Chrome -- rather than built-in browser, i.e., macOS Safari, Windows IE; and consider using the device only for casual (non-encrypted) browsing
• Do you need just browsing, email, basic document creation/editing, and simple photo manipulation? If so, you might consider a tablet (iPad) or Chromebook -- less expensive, and much simpler to maintain/update than a full-blown desktop or laptop computer with macOS, Windows or Linux.
• When purchasing a new device, especially a subsidized or less expensive one, request that vendor remove pre-installed bloatware, crapware, adware
• If you're switching between different OS (versions or vendors), check if migration tools are available for contacts, bookmarks, settings, photos, accounts, etc.
• When donating / discarding old device -- see Erasing section

References

• sections: Refs: Android; Apps including browsers, but not Microsoft Office; ChromeOS/Book; Drivers, Firmware; iOS; macOS; Windows; Meltdown/Spectre; Microsoft Office (and other apps); Replace / Switch Devices
• course section: Connection : Malware
• topics: beta testing, bloatware, emulators, lifecycle
• Wikipedia: Operating System (OS); firmware
• Wikipedia: Mobile OS; App Store; "sandbox"
• Wikipedia: plug-in software component that adds a specific feature to an existing software application
• Wikipedia: browser extension extends the functionality of a web browser in some way. Depending on the browser and the version, the term may be distinct from similar terms such as plug-in or add-on
• HowStuffWorks: How Operating Systems Work
• Why You Should Reset Your PC for the New Year LH; 11/30/2023
• 4 Helpful iPhone and Android Tricks You May Not Know About
  Point the Way (map/camera); Scan Stuff;
  Name That Tune; Emergency Help; NYT; 8/3/2022
• Steps to Simple Online Security: 3: Enable Automatic Updates Everywhere NYT; 4/1/2022
• How to Use Your Phone's Privacy-Protection Tools
  iOS 15; Android 12; NYT; 12/8/2021
• Emergency software patches are on the rise
  zero-day flaws have become more common; NBC; 9/14/2021
• Definitely not Windows 95: What operating systems keep things running in space? the updates don't come every spring and fall; Real-Time Operating System (RTOS); Ars; 10/2/2020
• Boeing 747s Still Use Floppy Disks to Get Critical Software Updates Giz; 8/11/2020
• Reset Your Computer Once a Year for a Happier Life restore your Mac, PC, or Chromebook to factory conditions; Wired; 3/8/2020
• How Updates in iOS 13 and Android Q Will Change Your Smartphone dark mode; speed; privacy enhancements; NYT; 6/5/2019
• Stop Ignoring Those "Update Your Device" Messages even though the Asus malware attack was spread through software updates, the best way to protect yourself online is to keep your software updated; NYT; 3/27/2019
• Trick Your Friends Into Installing Smartphone Updates LH; 2/18/2019
• [2] GPS devices with a poorly implemented GPS Time-to-UTC conversion algorithm may provide incorrect UTC following a week number rollover newer receivers built after, say, 2010 should be fine, provided they follow the specs and notice the rollover; older devices may fail after April 6 unless they've been suitably updated; Reg; 2/12/2019
• How to Submit a Bug Report to Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft plus Adobe, AMD, Asana, Dropbox, DuckDuckGo, Evernote, Facebook, Instagram, Lyft, Mozilla, Nintendo, Nvidia, Paypal and Venmo, Reddit, Slack, Snapchat, Sony, Trello, Tumblr, Twitch, Twitter, Uber, Valve, Wordpress; LH; 2/5/2019
• 42 of the Best Troubleshooting Guides from 2018 Mac, iOS; OSXD; 1/5/2019

Android

• "Imagine if Windows patches had to... pass through Dell and your ISP before they came to you? And neither cared? That is called Android."
• Wikipedia: Android; Android versions 1.5-8.x: 1.5 Cupcake; 1.6 Donut; 2.0 Eclair; 2.2 Froyo; 2.3 Gingerbread; 3.0 Honeycomb; 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich; 4.1 Jelly Bean; 4.4 KitKat; 5.0 Lollipop; 6.0 Marshmallow; 7.0 Nougat; 8.0 Oreo; 9.0: Pie; 10, 11, 12
• Wikipedia: Google Play (app store); Rooting
• Google: android.com
• HowStuffWorks: How Android Tablets Work; How do I upgrade the version of Android on my tablet?
• Android 14 review Ars; 10/29/2023
• The Android 13 Privacy Settings You Should Update Now Wired; 8/17/2022
• Do This Android App Privacy Audit LH; 7/7/2022
• These Android features will help protect your digital privacy TC; 4/30/2022
• The Android 12 Privacy Settings You Should Update Now Wired; 11/28/2021
• 10 Practical Privacy Tips for Your Android Phone NYT; 10/19/2021
• How to Speed Up Your Old Android Phone LH; 9/8/2021
• Switching from Android to iPhone made easy MW; 3/9/2021
• Samsung Promises 'At Least Four Years' of Security Software Updates for Recent Galaxy Devices MR; 2/23/2021
• This Android 12 leak looks an awful lot like iOS 14 PC; 2/9/2021
• 7 Simple Ways to Make Your Android Phone More Secure Wired; 12/1/2020
• Play Store identified as main distribution vector for most Android malware ZD; 11/11/2020
• On Older Versions of Android, Many Let's Encrypt-Secured Sites May Stop Working in 2021 < 7.1.1; 11/6/2020
• The Android 11 Privacy and Security Features You Should Know Wired; 9/27/2020
• Android 11: The Ars Technica Review Ars; 9/21/2020
• Android 11 is final with day-one updates from Google, betas for other OEMs Ars; 9/8/2020
• The 11 Best New Features in Android 11 Wired; 9/8/2020
• Android 11 is here, bringing minor changes to Pixel phones (and others soon) PC; 9/8/2020
• Samsung's Android update guarantee might actually be better than Google's PC; 8/8/2020
• Google says Android 11 Beta 1 is being pushed back to June 3 about a month behind schedule, but the final release is still on track for Q3; 5/6/2020
• Install the October 2019 Android Security Update ASAP LH; 10/7/2019
• Attackers exploit 0-day vulnerability that gives full control of Android phones Vulnerable phones include 4 Pixel models, devices from Samsung, Motorola, and others; Ars; 10/3/2019
• Android 10: The Ars Technica Review Ars; 9/5/2019
• Android 10 launches; Pixel phones get update Ars; 9/3/2019
• Take These Steps Before Installing Android 10 on Your Phone LH; 9/3/2019
• The Android 10 Privacy and Security Upgrades You Should Know About Wired; 8/22/2019
• Buying an old Android phone? What you should know about privacy and security if your Android phone is not running the latest software OS, your security and privacy might be in jeopardy; CNet; 5/10/2020
• Your old Android phone isn't dead yet: 7 ways to make it run faster and last longer PC; 5/4/2020
• How Spies Snuck Malware Into the Google Play Store -- Again and Again malicious Android apps from the so-called PhantomLance campaign targeted hundreds of users, and at least two slipped past Google's defenses; Wired; 4/28/2020
• Use Permissions to Keep Scammy Apps Off Your Android LH; 4/23/2020
• How to Update Your Super-Old Android So It Doesn't Get Hacked Update your device (as much as you can); Get antivirus protection; Switch to a third-party OS; Or just get a new phone; LH; 3/9/2020
• Google slams Samsung for 'unnecessary changes' to the Android kernel decreased security; 2/17/2020
• Google & Samsung fix Android spying flaw. Other makers may still be vulnerable Camera and mic could be controlled by any app, no permission required; Ars; 11/19/2019
• 146 New Vulnerabilities All Come Preinstalled on Android Phones The dozens of flaws across 29 Android smartphone makers show just how insecure the devices can be, even brand-new; Wired; 11/15/2019
• The Verge Guide To Android comprehensive resource that will help you learn how to use your Android phone's best features and further educate you about this popular and flexible mobile operating system; Verge; 10/14/2019
• Your Samsung Device May Now Be Getting Less Frequent Software Updates LH; 10/8/2019
• Inexpensive, unpatched phones put billions of users' privacy at risk users who connect only with cheap Android phones pay with their personal info; Ars; 10/7/2019
• The Internet's horrifying new method for installing Google apps on Huawei phones Just make a Chinese website your device's remote administrator. It'll be fine! Ars; 10/2/2019
• Goodbye Android Q, hello Android 10 Google's dessert-based code names are over; PC; 8/22/2019
• The Open Source Project That Keeps Google's Hands Off Your Android Data MicroG gives users control over what data is used, where, when, and how; MB; 6/7/2019
• Google bans 29 apps downloaded 4.3M+ times from the Play Store after researchers discovered they were being used to perform malicious acts like serve scam ads hard for many infected users to uninstall; Ars; 2/1/2019

Apps

• see also: Office
• How to Spot an App You Shouldn't Trust
  check the user reviews -- carefully; check the developer's history;
  check how the app is funded; check the permissions the app needs;
  check the apps you're already using; Giz; 6/19/2023
• Until further notice, think twice before using Google to download software
  malvertising; use device's app store; Ars; 2/3/2023
• Apps can pose bigger security, privacy threat based on where you download them countries; Ars; 9/27/2022
• 13 Reasonable Alternatives to Adobe's Expensive Apps LH; 4/19/2021
• Unsecured Cloud Configurations Exposing Information in Thousands of Mobile Apps 3/4/2021
• Declutter Your Devices to Reduce Security Risks
  Summon your willpower and delete those apps you haven't used, but keep telling yourself
  you will, because the odds are high that you won't use them; LH; 1/5/2021
• More Android 'Fleeceware' to Uninstall From Your Phone an app hides its terms, fees, and/or subscription costs, or otherwise has some clever way to cajole you into signing up for a 'free trial' that actually expires very soon and costs you a lot more than you expected when it's over; LH; 9/4/2020
• [2] How to Install Apps From Outside Your Phone's App Store sideloading apps removes the security protections that Google and Apple give you; better to stay within the 'walled gardens' most of the time; Wired; 8/9/2020
• The Internet's Most Censored Space app stores; NYT; 6/17/2020
• Alternatives for Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop and more PDF editors; PC; 6/15/2020
• Fleeceware apps discovered on the iOS App Store Android earlier, now iOS; abuse of free trials and trial cancelation; ZD/ 4/9/2020
• How to set up Family Sharing on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac
  Purchase Sharing: Media you buy on iTunes, Books, and most App Store purchases (but not in-app purchases!)
  iCloud Storage: If you have the 200GB or 2TB storage plan, you can share it with your family.
  Location Sharing: Family members share location or the location of their devices. You can always just share location to an individual in the Find My app.
  Screen Time: If you have a Child account in your family, you can set screen limits and view reports for it.
  Apple Music: You need a family plan on Apple Music to share with your family (it costs $15 per month, rather than $10 for an individual account).
  TV Channels: If you subscribe to a premium streaming service through the TV app you can share it with your whole family at no cost. This includes Apple TV+, which is technically a Channel.
  Apple Arcade: Apple’s gaming subscription service includes Family Sharing at no cost.
  Apple News+: If you have the premium magazine and newspaper subscription in the News app, you can share it with your family at no cost; MW; 1/8/2020
• How to Change the Default Apps on All Your Devices Wired; 10/27/2019
• More Than Half of PC Applications Installed Worldwide Are Out-of-Date Shockwave, VLC and Skype top the list; 1/22/2019

ChromeOS/Book

• The Best Chromebook NYT; 8/2/2023
• The best Chromebook to buy CNet; 7/21/2023
• The Best Chromebooks To Buy Verge; 6/27/2023
• Chromebooks vs. Windows laptops: Which should you buy? PC; 12/4/2022
• How to uninstall apps from a Chromebook Verge; 9/9/2022
• Why a Chromebook Is Probably All You Need They do almost everything you want, but cost less; CNet; 7/2/2022
• Google announces early access to Chrome OS Flex, a version of Chrome OS for businesses and schools that is designed to run on old PCs and Macs
  Chrome OS Flex; Verge; 2/15/2022
• The world's second-most popular desktop operating system isn't macOS anymore Ars; 2/17/2021
• Google updates Chrome OS (88) with security, smart display and personalization features PC; 1/27/2021
• How to Run Alternative Browsers on Your Chromebook Linux (Beta): Firefox, Vivaldi; or Android Play Store; Giz; 11/6/2020
• Is this Chromebook about to die? Why Google's expiration dates matter don't get stuck with a short-lived lemon; PC; 8/31/2020
• How to use a Chromebook: 10 must-know tips, tricks, and tools for beginners PC; 12/4/2019
• How to check which version of Chrome OS you're running Verge; 10/16/2019

Drivers, Firmware

• How to Check Your USB Devices for Unsafe Firmware LH; 2/19/2020
• [2] Getting Drivers for Old Hardware Is Harder Than Ever At least one major provider of hardware-level BIOS drivers is actively deleting old stuff it no longer supports, while old FTP sites where vintage drivers are often found are soon going to be harder to reach; MB; 12/12/2019

iOS / iPadOS

• Wikipedia: iPhone/iPad iOS; iOS versions: 1.0 - 17.x; App Store; "jail breaking"
• Apple: Manuals, Specs, and Downloads
• Apple: security updates for all products: macOS, iOS, AppleTV, etc.
• Apple: [3] Beta Software Program macOS, iOS;
  [3] About iOS beta software Archive an iOS backup with iTunes; Download the final version of iOS; Go back to the current version of iOS
• HowStuffWorks: How the iPhone Works; How the iPad Works
• Take Control: iOS 9: A Take Control Crash Course
• Q. How can you tell which one of your friends has the new iPhone 6 plus?...
  A. Don't worry, they'll let you know.
• iOS 18: Everything you need to know about the next iPhone update MW; 4/3/2024
• iOS 17 superguide MW; 4/3/2024
• Apple Releases iOS and iPadOS 17.4.1 and 16.7.7 TB; 3/22/2024
• iOS/iPadOS 17.4 Update Released OSXD; 3/5/2024
• iOS/iPadOS 16.7.6, iOS/iPadOS 15.8.2 Released for Older iPhone & iPad Models OSXD; 3/5/2024
• iOS versions: Every version of iOS from the oldest to the newest MW; 2/28/2024
• OS Updates: iOS 17.3, iPadOS 17.3 TB; 1/22/2024
• iOS 17 Cheat Sheet: Everything on Apple's Latest iPhone Update CNet; 1/9/2024
• iOS/iPadOS 17.2
  Apple's End-of-Year OS Updates Add Promised Features, Security Updates; TB; 12/11/2023
• iOS 16 superguide MW; 9/23/2023
• iOS compatibility: Find out the latest version your iPhone can run MW; 9/11/2023
• iPadOS 17: Everything you need to know MW; 9/6/2023
• Apple Releases 24-Jul-2023 Security Updates for All Active Operating Systems TB; 7/24/2023
• iOS 16.6 has been released with a bunch of important security updates MW; 7/24/2023
• Rapid Security Responses for iOS/iPadOS 16.5.1 (c) TB; 7/13/2023
• iOS 16.5.1 is released with important security updates and a Camera Adapter fix
  older devices get iOS 15.7.7; MW; 6/21/2023
• The Real System Requirements for Apple's 2023 Operating Systems TB; 6/19/2023
• iOS/iPadOS 16.5 TB; 5/18/2023
• iOS/iPadOS 15.7.6 Incorporate Rapid Security Response Fixes TB; 5/18/2023
• What Are Rapid Security Responses and Why Are They Important? TB; 5/2/2023
• How Apple's commitment to software upgrades for older iPhones allowed the company to capture a part of the US market once cornered by inexpensive Android phones
  the Unexpected Reason Apple Is Dominating the U.S. Smartphone Market; WSJ; 4/15/2023
• Why You Should Enable Apple's New Security Feature in iOS 16.2 Right Now NYT; 12/14/2022
• How to get apps for old iPhones and iPads
  Account > Purchased > MyPurchases > Download an older version of this app?; ApIn; 9/1/2022
• The top new iOS 16 features coming to your iPhone this fall MW; 6/6/2022
• iOS 16 vs iOS 15: Should you update this fall? MW; 6/6/2022
• Apple Releases iOS 15.5, iPadOS 15.5, ... TB; 5/16/2022
• How to Get Software and Security Updates on Your Old iPhone LH; 2/22/2022
• The Macworld iOS 15 superguide: Tips, how-tos, new features, and more MW; 1/20/2022
• How to Read Your iOS 15 App Privacy Report Wired; 1/9/2022
• iPhone setup guide: How to transfer data and master your new phone MW; 12/25/2021
• iOS 14.8.1 and iPadOS 14.8.1 Address Security Vulnerabilities TB; 11/2/2021
• iOS 15: Update now or wait? MW; 9/27/2021
• Apple Releases iOS 12.5.5 to Block Exploited Vulnerabilities TB; 9/23/2021
• iOS 15, iPadOS 15 Now Available and watchOS 8, and tvOS 15; TB; 9/20/2021
• Apple Issues Emergency Security Updates to Close a Spyware Flaw
  Researchers at Citizen Lab found that NSO Group, an Israeli spyware company,
  had infected Apple products without so much as a click;
  upgrade iOS 14.8; NYT; 9/13/2021
• iOS 14.8, iPadOS 14.8 Fix Security Flaws
  and macOS 11.6 Big Sur, watchOS 7.6.2, Security Update 2021-005 Catalina; TB; 9/13/2021
• iOS 14: Guides, tips, tricks, and everything you need to know about Apple's new iPhone OS MW; 9/13/2021
• [3] How to Install AltStore on iPhone & iPad
  sideloading unofficial apps from desktop; OSXD; 6/15/2021
• How iOS 15 transforms the way we think of iPhone updates
  older iOS security updates; MW; 6/16/2021
• [2] Run iOS 4 on a Modern iPhone with OldOS OSXD; 6/16/2021
• Apple Releases iOS 12.5.4 to Block Security Vulnerabilities in Older iOS Devices TB; 6/14/2021
• Apple announces iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 Ars; 6/7/2021
• Here are the devices that can run iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS Monterey, and watchOS 8 Verge; 7/7/2021
• iOS 14.6, iPadOS 14.6, macOS 11.4 Big Sur, watchOS 7.5, and tvOS 14.6 TB; 5/24/2021
• Apple Releases iOS 14.5.1, iPadOS 14.5.1, macOS 11.3.1, and watchOS 7.4.1 TB; 5/3/2021
• Apple Releases iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, macOS 11.3, watchOS 7.4, and tvOS 14.5 TB; 4/26/2021
• Fix 'Unable to Install Update' Error for iOS & iPadOS OSXD; 3/24/2021
• iOS 14.4.1, iPadOS 14.4.1, macOS 11.2.3 Big Sur, and watchOS 7.3.2 Address WebKit Security Vulnerability TB; 3/8/2021
• How to Limit Google's Apps From Tracking You on Your Apple Devices LH; 2/25/2021
• watchOS 7.3, iOS 14.4, iPadOS 14.4, and tvOS 14.4 Address Serious Security Exploit TB; 1/26/2021
• Apple fixes another three iOS zero-days exploited in the wild ZD; 1/26/2021
• iOS 12.5.1 Released for Older iPhones with Exposure Notification Bug Fix OSXD; 1/11/2021
• iOS 14: Tips, guides, tricks, and everything you need to know about Apple's new iPhone OS MW; 12/18/2020
• Surprise iOS 12.5 and watchOS 6.3 Updates Bring Exposure Notification and a Security Fix TB; 12/15/2020
• Apple Releases iOS 14.3, iPadOS 14.3 TB; 12/14/2020
• iOS Update Failed? Here's How to Troubleshoot Failed Software Updates on iPhone & iPad OSXD; 12/6/2020
• Apple developers can now let you share free copies of your in-app purchases with your family iOS & Mac; Verge; 12/4/2020
• Apple Releases iOS 14.2, iPadOS 14.2, watchOS 7.1, HomePod Software 14.2, and tvOS 14.2 TB; 11/5/2020
• Apple Updates Numerous Operating Systems for Exploited Security Vulnerabilities: iOS 12.4.9 TB; 11/5/2020
• A bevy of new features makes iOS 14 the most secure mobile OS ever Ars; 9/18/2020
• iOS 14, iPadOS 14, watchOS 7, and tvOS 14 Now Available TB; 9/16/2020
• iOS 13.7 Integrates Apple's COVID-19 Exposure Notifications TB; 9/1/2020
• iOS 13.6.1, iPadOS 13.6.1 TB; 8/13/2020
• iOS 13.6, iPadOS 13.6, macOS 10.15.6, watchOS 6.2.8, and tvOS 13.4.8 add News Features, Car Keys, Symptom Tracking; TB; 7/15/2020
• Apple releases iOS and iPadOS 13.6, macOS 10.15.6, and watchOS 6.2.8 Ars; 7/15/2020
• iOS 14 Will Completely Change the Way You Use Your iPhone Giz; 7/9/2020
• How to Fix Your iPhone When an iOS Update Causes Issues LH; 7/2/2020
• iOS 14, iPadOS 14 Features & Screenshots; OSXD; 6/22/2020
• Kernel Vulnerability Causes Apple to Update All Operating Systems TB; 6/1/2020
• Apple releases important security patches: iOS and iPadOS 13.5.1, watchOS 6.2.6, tvOS 13.4.6, and macOS 10.15.5 MW; 6/1/2020
• [3] Jailbreak iOS 13.5 with unc0ver, Available to Download Now OSXD; 5/26/2020
• Why You Shouldn’t Make a Habit of Force-Quitting iOS Apps or Restarting iOS Devices TB; 5/21/2020
• iOS and iPadOS 13.5 now available with COVID-19 contact API, FaceTime and Face ID tweaks MW; 3/20/2020
• Apple releases iOS 12.4.7, iOS 13.5, iPadOS 13.5, tvOS 13.4.5 updates ApIn; 5/20/2020
• iOS 13.4.1 and iPadOS 13.4.1 Fix FaceTime Bug TB; 4/7/2020
• iOS 13.4 and iPadOS 13.4: Trackpad Support, iCloud Drive Folder Sharing, and More TB; 3/24/2020
• Apple Releases iOS 13.3.1, iPadOS 13.3.1, watchOS 6.1.2, and tvOS 13.3.1 TB; 1/28/2020
• Apple Pushes Out iOS 13.3, iPadOS 13.3, iOS 13.3 for HomePod, macOS 10.15.2 Catalina, watchOS 6.1.1, and tvOS 13.2 TB; 12/10/2019
• [3] What the newly released Checkra1n jailbreak means for iDevice security There are reasons to embrace it. There are reasons to be wary of it. Here's the breakdown; Ars; 11/15/2019
• iOS 13.2.2 Stops Killing Background Apps TB; 11/7/2019
• Quickly Access App Updates in iOS 13 tap&hold on App Store icon; TB; 11/7/2019
• iOS 13.2 and iPadOS 13.2 Serve Up Deep Fusion, HomeKit Enhancements, and HomePod Features TB; 10/28/2019
• 16 Useful Gems in Apple's New iOS 13 NYT; 10/24/2019
• iOS 13.1.3, iPadOS 13.1.3, and Catalina Supplemental Update Tackle Bugs TB; 10/15/2019
• Four More Apple Updates: iOS 13.1.2, iPadOS 13.1.2, watchOS 6.0.1, and watchOS 5.3.2 TB; 9/30/2019
• How to Make the Most of Apple's New Privacy Tools in iOS 13 minimizing location sharing, silencing robocalls, 'Sign in with Apple'; NYT; 9/28/2019
• iOS 13.1.1 Fixes Bugs and Keyboard Security Issue TB; 9/27/2019
• iOS 12.4.2 Provides Important Security Fix to Older iOS Devices TB; 9/26/2019
• Here's What Sets iPadOS Apart from iOS TB; 9/25/2019
• Apple releases iPadOS 13.1, iOS 13.1, and tvOS 13 Ars; 9/24/2019
• iPadOS: 5 best new security and privacy features for your iPad new permission controls; sharing pictures w/o location; Bluetooth permissions; Sign in with Apple; HomeKit upgrades; CNet; 9/24/2019
• iOS 13.0 Now Available; iOS 13.1 and iPadOS 13.1 Moved Up to 9/24 TB; 9/19/2019
• iOS 13: The first 6 things to do after you upgrade MW; 9/19/2019
• 19 Things You Can Do in iOS 13 That You Couldn't Before Giz; 9/19/2019
• iOS 13: Here are the new security and privacy features you need to know TC; 9/19/2019
• iOS 12.4.1 Update Available to Download Now OSXD; 8/26/2019
• Apple Releases macOS 10.14.6, iOS 12.4, watchOS 5.3, tvOS 12.4 -- plus iOS 10.3.4 and 9.3.6 TB; 7/22/2019
• How to Enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 7 Plus & 7; iPad, iPad Air, iPad Mini, Early iPad Pro; iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, X; iPhone 8 & 8 Plus OSXD; 6/13/2019
• iOS 13 Compatible Devices List: All iPhone & iPad Supporting iOS 13 & iPadOS 13 OSXD; 6/5/2019
• How to Check iOS Feature Availability Per Country OSXD; 5/25/2019
• Apple releases iOS 12.3.1 fixes VoLTE & Messages issues; Ars; 5/24/2019
• Apple Agrees to Tell Users If an iOS Update Will Slow Down Their iPhones MB; 5/23/2019
• Apple Releases iOS 12.3, macOS 10.14.5, watchOS 5.2.1, and tvOS 12.3 and Debuts New Apple TV App TB; 5/13/2019
• You Need to Update to iOS 12.2 Right Now to Fix More Than 50 Security Holes Giz; 3/26/2019
• iOS 12.2 and macOS 10.14.4 Add Apple News+ and Enhance Apps; TB; 3/25/2019
• How to Prioritize App Downloads in iOS requires 3D Touch: force-press on a grayed-out app to activate a context menu, and tap on the "Prioritize Download" option; LH; 3/20/2019
• How to download prior versions of apps onto an older iPhone or iPad that can't run iOS 12 ApIn; 3/10/2019
• Apple removes VoIP app clones from the App Store App Store Review Guidelines aren't always enforced; other duplicate apps for printing photos in Walgreens or CVS stores; TC; 2/27/2019
• How to Completely Google-ify Your iPhone if you prefer Google's apps and services -- and can manage privacy settings; Giz; 2/25/2019
• Get more familiar with your iPhone with this list of 30 easy to follow tips ApIn; 2/23/2019
• How to Check What iOS Version is Installed on an iPhone or iPad Settings > General > About : Version; OSXD; 2/18/2019
• How to Enable Automatic iOS Updates for System Software on iPhone or iPad OSXD; 2/15/2019
• Dozens of porn and gambling apps found using iOS Enterprise Certificates to get to users outside the App Store, likely violating Apple's terms TC; 2/12/2019
• Apple Re-Enables Group FaceTime with iOS 12.1.4 and macOS 10.14.3 Supplemental Update and other security fixes; TB; 2/7/2019
• Apple issues Group FaceTime bug mea culpa, promises software update next week MW; 2/1/2019
• Apple Releases iOS 12.1.3 with Bug Fixes and macOS 10.14.3, watchOS 5.1.3, and tvOS 12.1.2; TB; 1/22/2019
• How to Cancel an Over-the-Air iOS Update in Progress MR; 1/20/2019
• How to Passcode Lock an App in iOS Settings > ScreenTime; MR; 1/18/2019
• How to See the Size of App Store Updates on iPhone or iPad App Store > Updates > more; OSXD; 1/9/2019