Rationalising information

2 views
Skip to first unread message

Adrienne Chalmers

unread,
May 6, 2020, 12:01:30 AM5/6/20
to talkingapple@googlegroups.com Googlegroups
Hi all

Haven’t heard from you for a while and I was wondering how you were all getting on with our current difficult circumstances.

Having a great deal of time on my hands, as we all seem to now, I was trying to organise all the various tips, instructions, or whatever, I’ve built up over the years for my various Apple devices. I’ve got a lot.

I was thinking of constructing some sort of compendium of all that are still relevant, but I was wondering how best to organise that?

Of course, I could simply do it alphabetically in a huge text file, but I wonder if there might be a more efficient way? 

Many years ago, I had a very useful little app called quickdex. It was literally like having a pile of electronic index cards, which you could use for anything, notes, addresses, appointments, etc etc.

 Don’t suppose any of you know of the existence of something similar, or some even more useful thing? It would be really good if it could be used across iDevices and Macs.

I hope the answer doesn’t involve spreadsheets, I’m rubbish at them.

Keep safe

Adrienne

Jonathan Cohn

unread,
May 6, 2020, 9:36:08 AM5/6/20
to talkin...@googlegroups.com
I would create a folder in the notes app to hold this  information. 
Best wishes,

Jonathan Cohn



--
--
this message is from the
"talkingapple" group.
To post to this group, please use your "reply key, as you would for any message. " or send email to talkin...@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
talkingapple...@googlegroups.com
Homepage: ,
http://groups.google.com/group/talkingapple?hl=en

---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "talkingapple" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to talkingapple...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/talkingapple/A0523C83-037A-4447-B8DA-68D8BC5D1DA1%40icloud.com.

Carolyn Haas

unread,
May 6, 2020, 1:06:00 PM5/6/20
to talkin...@googlegroups.com
Hi Adrienne: 
I don’t know how to create the kind of filing system you’re talking about other than making topic folders and adding files to them.  I confess I have fallen far off of the Mac wagon.  Apple was making so many changes and upgrades and I was starting to feel trapped in a never-ending maze of preferences and choices, many of which I could no longer figure out how to control.
Anyhow, still hanging in over here.  I hope you and family are well.  Our lockdown is supposed to begin to ease on Saturday in Denver, Colorado.  This is sure a strange way to live, being stuck at home when one isn’t even sick.
And forgive the cliche: Stay safe!


Carolyn Haas and Pilot Dog,   Bennet 

On May 5, 2020, at 10:01 PM, 'Adrienne Chalmers' via talkingapple <talkin...@googlegroups.com> wrote:


--

Mark Baxter

unread,
May 6, 2020, 2:47:50 PM5/6/20
to talkin...@googlegroups.com
You could use HTML to create a webpage-type marked up file, such that each topic or start of each tip was a link to a specific section of the larger file. Then just use hyper-reference statements to divide it up...


—Mark BurningHawk Baxter
Twitter:  @MarkBurningHawk
Sent from my iPhone

On May 6, 2020, at 11:06 AM, Carolyn Haas <chaa...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Adrienne: 

Adrienne Sinclair Chalmers

unread,
May 6, 2020, 4:46:14 PM5/6/20
to talkin...@googlegroups.com
Dear Mark

Clearly your assessment of my skills is somewhat optimistic. I think this is far beyond me. I’m sure it’s a very good idea though. 😎

Good to hear from carolyn and Jonathan too. Sorry carolyn has gone off Apple a bit.

Best to everybody

Adrienne 🏴‍☠️ and Misty The Dog🦮

Sent from my iPhone

On 6 May 2020, at 19:47, Mark Baxter <markba...@gmail.com> wrote:

You could use HTML to create a webpage-type marked up file, such that each topic or start of each tip was a link to a specific section of the larger file. Then just use hyper-reference statements to divide it up...

Daniel Hawkins

unread,
May 18, 2020, 9:14:19 PM5/18/20
to 'Adrienne Sinclair Chalmers' via talkingapple

the most basic way is to create a folder and save all your text files there. then under that folder, just start making new folder to start organizing the files. for example. Have a folder that says iPhone. Then inthat folder put down Safari and that folder will have all your directions for safari.


But I do agree with you, Apple keeps on changeing how the Mac is done. Most of my old instructions I had 4 years ago does not work. So, lately I been using Windows 10 on my Mac a lot more.


If you want, I can post all your instructions online. I have a small website putting various resources. It is iabilityi.com.

Carolyn Haas

unread,
May 18, 2020, 10:02:03 PM5/18/20
to talkin...@googlegroups.com
I have been having some weird struggles with my iPhone and I’m not sure at this point if they are worse, better or just more weird since 13.4.1.
One long term issue I have had, ever since at least IOS 13.2 is the iPhone stalling out when moving from one application to Home.  I notice this a lot going from the mail app.  When I wrote Apple Access about it, they said they were aware of it and thought it had been fixed.  That has not been my experience.
In fact, I am now finding that after trying to hear voice mails, speech pretty much disappears, and only eventually seems to resolve itself, taking at least a minute.  In the mean time, I’m trying to get Siri to turn VO back on, or doing the 3-finger double-tap to try to turn speech back on.  Today, I used tripple click to turn VO off, and then back on again.  That seemed to resolve it.
So, I wonder if others are having similar issues.  
Also, since the latest update, emails open up giving a bunch of numbers and goblety-goop.  One has to sift through info sometimes to find th meat of the email.  This is most noticeable when reading emails from the NextDoor website.
Finally, I can not power my phone on unless it is plugged in.  When at times buttons don’t work while on a web site, powering the phone off and then on again will fix the issue.  This iPhone 8 has always been weird about the power-on.  But, now, it totally won’t cvome back to life without being plugged in.
Ok, I’m not just pitching a gripe here.  I really want to know if others have had more trouble recently.  
I will note that I have ordered an iPhone SE 2nd generation to try and improve my experience.
So, I’d love to have some input about anyone’s IOS experiences of late.
Thanks!
e 


Carolyn Haas and Pilot Dog,   Bennet 

On May 18, 2020, at 7:14 PM, Daniel Hawkins <computers...@gmail.com> wrote:



John Panarese

unread,
May 18, 2020, 10:09:47 PM5/18/20
to talkin...@googlegroups.com
   Have you tried doing a hard reset on the phone to see if any of the problems go away? Also, did Apple accessibility suggest doing a full restoration and setting up your iPhone as a new device? It’s an extreme measure, but I know this fixed a series of weird issues I was having with my phone a few years ago when iOS 11 was around.


Take Care

John D. Panarese
Director
Mac for the Blind
Tel, (631) 724-4479
Email, jo...@macfortheblind.com
Website, http://www.macfortheblind.com

APPLE CERTIFIED SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL and Trainer

AUTHORIZED APPLE STORE BUSINESS AFFILIATE

MAC and iOS VOICEOVER TRAINING AND SUPPORT




Carolyn Haas

unread,
May 18, 2020, 10:33:06 PM5/18/20
to talkin...@googlegroups.com
Hi John:
You know, I habven’t been training in a very long time. And I sure haven’t been thinking outside of the box, like a trainer.  So, no, I didn’t think of those things, nor did accessibility mention them.  
Darn: you just took away my excuse for getting a new Apple product!  
But, hey, thanks!


Carolyn Haas and Pilot Dog,   Bennet 

On May 18, 2020, at 8:09 PM, John Panarese <jpan...@gmail.com> wrote:

   Have you tried doing a hard reset on the phone to see if any of the problems go away? Also, did Apple accessibility suggest doing a full restoration and setting up your iPhone as a new device? It’s an extreme measure, but I know this fixed a series of weird issues I was having with my phone a few years ago when iOS 11 was around.

John Panarese

unread,
May 18, 2020, 10:41:31 PM5/18/20
to talkin...@googlegroups.com
   Well, you can always purchase a new iPhone. I’m not stopping you from doing that for sure!


Take Care

John D. Panarese
Director
Mac for the Blind
Tel, (631) 724-4479
Email, jo...@macfortheblind.com
Website, http://www.macfortheblind.com

APPLE CERTIFIED SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL and Trainer

AUTHORIZED APPLE STORE BUSINESS AFFILIATE

MAC and iOS VOICEOVER TRAINING AND SUPPORT



Adrienne Sinclair Chalmers

unread,
May 18, 2020, 11:32:21 PM5/18/20
to talkin...@googlegroups.com
Hi everybody

My goodness, if I’d been experiencing the problems that Carolyn has, I don’t think it would’ve been a hard reset, it would’ve been a chuck out of the nearest window.
Anyway I imagine that the factory reset will work absolutely fine. I had to do  one two or hree years ago and it wasn’t as traumatic as you might imagine.
However, I would not like to put you off buying, for example, the new SE. about half of our wee iPhone group decided to get one and we’re all very pleased with them. in fact, the only complaint has been transferring Sim cards. It’s really difficult on the round bezel to locate the little hole and get the drawer open.

Can I just add that I always find that calling apple Accessibility is a lot more productive than writing to them? At least it gets around the quote we have not been able to reproduce this problem“ Response, which is the usual first reply from them.
All the best and keep safe guys

Adrienne

Sent from my iPhone

On 19 May 2020, at 03:41, John Panarese <jpan...@gmail.com> wrote:

   Well, you can always purchase a new iPhone. I’m not stopping you from doing that for sure!

Adrienne Sinclair Chalmers

unread,
May 18, 2020, 11:39:32 PM5/18/20
to talkin...@googlegroups.com
Hi Daniel

A very kind offer, but probably not entirely practical. You have no idea how many little files and notes I have going back for ages for both Mac and iPhone. Well Apple TV, Apple Watch and iPad as well now.
It would probably be easier in the long term to teach myself how to code and design my own app for the purpose. That isn’t going to happen either, by the way.

I don’t know about the rest of you guys, but, despite having all this time on my hands in the past two months, I have achieved very little of worth. I see all these people baking and decorating their houses and making stuff and learning languages and it just makes me want to go and lie in a dark corner.

Best and keep safe

Adrienne

Sent from my iPhone

On 19 May 2020, at 02:14, Daniel Hawkins <computers...@gmail.com> wrote:



Carolyn Haas

unread,
May 19, 2020, 12:08:59 AM5/19/20
to talkin...@googlegroups.com
Hi Adrienne: 
I share that sentiment entirely. It’s just so depressing to have to stay in,  do you have everything close to not be able to go browse in the store, but I don’t do much of anything sometimes. Then I stay up all night and read books. 

I waste phenomenal amount of time looking at my phone reading stuff on Facebook, checking out the Nextdoor website.  All of this to say I think you’re probably in pretty good company Adrian. Take care, and Du stay safe Carolyn Haas and Pilot Dog,   Bennet 

On May 18, 2020, at 9:39 PM, 'Adrienne Sinclair Chalmers' via talkingapple <talkin...@googlegroups.com> wrote:



Adrienne Sinclair Chalmers

unread,
May 19, 2020, 12:43:58 AM5/19/20
to talkin...@googlegroups.com
note: this is wildly of topic and there are also a couple of dictation errors which I’m sure you will be able to spot. I just don’t have the energy to try and correct them.

Hi

Well I don’t get out much, as the particular group I am in is not supposed to go out apart from exercise. It’s very difficult to go out round here because I can’t keep far enough away from other people. The end of my block is a busy shopping street and right opposite me is a park.
Might be easier to sneak out for a wee walk early in the morning if I was up all night reading and listening to stuff on the phone.
I have, however, managed to read over 40 books. Although the real test will be if I ever get round to reading James Joyce‘s Ulysses. The number of times I’ve started that book. I couldn’t even get to grips with it in the middle of a 10 hour international flight. Oddly enough, the sighted person sitting next to me was trying to read his paperback copy of the same book and gave up at exactly the same page.

The thing I miss most is the theatre. That’s my main hobby. Of course, we are fairly well served with theatres in Edinburgh, So if you try hard you could manage to go to at least two or three plays a week. I would if I could afford it.
Meanwhile, the Misty dog is being taken to T V  park every day by friends who live round the corner. The cat is absolutely delighted that I am keeping him company all day and I get all my food shopping delivered.
I didn’t realise it was possible to get extremely jealous of people who can go to, say, the post office.
One good thing about being blind is that at least I can’t see how bad the roots of my hair are getting. If this carries on it won‘t be face masks we are needing it will be Burkas.

XXX



Sent from my iPhone

Daniel Hawkins

unread,
May 19, 2020, 4:37:56 PM5/19/20
to Talking Apple
I hear you on some of the issue. I agree with John, do a softand then a hard reset. If tht does not work, then doa. wipe and reinstall. just make sure you have all your passwords in line.

I have an iPhone 7 with 256gb. i notice since IOS 13, my phone is running a bit slower. There are times where the focus will just hang and not talk. I found out just go into app switcher and clse all the apps will help my iPhone run faster. But I am debating either the SE 2 or wait this fall for the new iPhone. lol.
Daniel Hawkins
Check out my website: iabilityi.com




Carolyn Haas

unread,
May 19, 2020, 4:47:41 PM5/19/20
to talkin...@googlegroups.com
hi Daniel:
This is hard to admit but I do not remember what a hard reset is. I know how to go into and do the factory reset. Is that what you’re talking about? And I know a wipe is the same as a factory reset. I don’t know when the iPhone SE I ordered will be here. So I might as well fix what I can now. thanks and it Vance.

Carolyn Haas and Pilot Dog,   Bennet 

On May 19, 2020, at 2:37 PM, Daniel Hawkins <computers...@gmail.com> wrote:

I hear you on some of the issue. I agree with John, do a softand then a hard reset. If tht does not work, then doa. wipe and reinstall. just make sure you have all your passwords in line.

Adrienne Chalmers

unread,
May 20, 2020, 11:44:59 AM5/20/20
to talkin...@googlegroups.com
I suspect we are calling things by different names, so instead I will ask if you tried the one where you, at least on my old phone, which has a home button, hold down-the power and home button until the phone restarts. I seem to recall you can also press the power button multiple times to do the same thing, I forget how many, but I would just keep going until it works.

Best

a
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages