Practical Mac and Apple tips explained in plain English. Click a topic below to read more.
Cloud storage isn't necessarily a backup
Cloud services such as iCloud, Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive and Dropbox are incredibly useful, but there's a common misconception that having something stored "in the cloud" automatically means it's backed up. These services are primarily designed for storage and synchronisation - keeping your photos, documents and other information available across your devices.
The important difference is that synchronisation can work both ways. If something is changed or deleted, that change may also synchronise to your other devices. Most cloud services provide some form of deleted-file recovery, version history or retention period, but how long information remains recoverable varies between providers, account types and plans. Sometimes this recovery period can be as little as 30 days, while some business services offer considerably longer retention periods. These recovery features are useful, but still shouldn't be considered a replacement for an independent backup.
For Mac users, Time Machine provides a different layer of protection by keeping a separate backup history on another drive. That's why I generally recommend using cloud storage and a proper backup rather than choosing between them. For particularly important information, having another backup stored separately or offsite provides even greater protection.
The simplest way to remember it is: "It's in the cloud" doesn't necessarily mean "it's backed up." Cloud syncing is excellent for convenience; a separate backup is there for recovery when something goes wrong. It's a little like insurance - hopefully you'll never need it, but when you do, you'll be very glad it's there.
Not sure whether you're actually backed up? I can check how your Mac, iCloud or other cloud storage is configured and make sure you have a sensible backup system in place.
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Getting ready to move to a new Mac
When transferring your information to a new Mac - or getting everything ready before purchasing one - there are a few things worth doing beforehand that can make the whole process easier.
The first thing I recommend is making sure you have a current backup. Apart from protecting your information if something unexpected happens, it gives us a fallback if something doesn't transfer correctly. I generally don't remove anything from the old computer during a migration either, so the original Mac remains another safety net while you make sure everything has arrived and is working properly.
It's also worth checking the software you regularly use and making sure you know the appropriate account details, logins or serial numbers. Many applications these days are activated through an online account rather than an old-fashioned serial number. Your Apple Account, Microsoft 365, cloud-based accounting software and other specialised applications may therefore ask you to sign in again on the new Mac. You don't need to give me passwords such as your Apple Account password to take away with the computer - anything sensitive that needs your login can be completed with you when the new Mac is set up.
A little clean-up beforehand can help too. Downloads folders often contain years of installers, PDFs and files that are no longer required, and the Trash can sometimes contain a surprising amount of data. There's no need to completely reorganise your computer before moving, but removing things you genuinely don't need means there's less unnecessary data to transfer.
How long does a migration take?
Depending on the amount of information being transferred and the speed and age of the old Mac, a migration can take several hours - sometimes considerably longer. That's why I often arrange to take the old and new Macs away and perform the main transfer overnight. I can then bring everything back, set up the new Mac and go through it with you the following day. This can be considerably more practical - and can save you paying for someone to sit onsite while a progress bar slowly makes its way across the screen!
While I have the Macs, I can also check for older or incompatible applications, install required software updates, update macOS where appropriate and make sure everything has transferred as expected. Once the new Mac is back onsite, I can reconnect and test things such as printers and scanners, complete any logins that require you to be present, and make sure the applications you actually use are working.
Don't rush to get rid of the old Mac
I generally recommend keeping your old Mac untouched for at least a couple of weeks after the migration. Use the new computer normally, open your documents, check your photos and email, use your usual applications and make sure everything you expect to be there actually is.
It also gives you a little time to become familiar with your new Mac. A newer version of macOS or a new computer can sometimes involve a bit of a learning curve, so part of the setup is making sure you're comfortable using it. I can also show you a few useful features and shortcuts along the way that might make everyday jobs a little easier.
If you'd prefer the entire migration to be performed onsite, that's absolutely an option too. Every setup is a little different, so we can work out the most practical way to handle yours.
Spotting scam emails and phone calls
Unfortunately scams continue to be a problem, and fake emails, text messages and phone calls are becoming increasingly convincing. Scammers regularly pretend to be banks, myGov, the ATO, internet and email providers, delivery companies and many other organisations we deal with every day.
While there's no single test that will identify every scam, there are a few simple things you can check before responding, clicking a link or providing any information.
1. Check who the email actually came from
Don't just look at the name displayed as the sender. An email might say it's from "Westpac", "myGov" or another familiar organisation, but check the actual email address as well. An unusual address, misspelt company name or completely unrelated domain can be a good indication that something isn't right. Keep in mind that legitimate businesses can sometimes use different domains or mailing services, so the sender address is one clue rather than absolute proof.
2. Look at how the message is written
Does it know who you are? Does the wording make sense? Is it unexpectedly asking you to update account information, make a payment or log in somewhere? Be particularly careful when a message tries to create urgency - for example claiming that your account will be closed, money is being transferred, a payment has failed or you must act immediately. Scammers don't want to give you time to stop and think.
3. Be careful with links
If an email asks you to click a link to sign into an account, don't assume the link goes where the text says it does. On a Mac you can often hover your mouse over a link to see the address it will actually open. Look carefully at the domain name rather than simply trusting the appearance of the email.
Better still, if you're unsure, don't use the link in the email at all. Open your normal browser (eg Safari, Firefox or Google Chrome) and go to the organisation's website yourself, use its official app, or contact the organisation another way.
4. If you're not sure - stop and check
If something doesn't look or feel right, don't follow the instructions simply because the message tells you it's urgent. Contact the organisation using a phone number or website you already know is genuine - not contact details supplied by the suspicious email, text message or caller.
The same applies to unexpected phone calls. If someone claiming to be from your bank, a government department or another organisation starts asking for passwords, security codes, financial information, remote access to your computer or asks you to install software, stop. You can hang up and independently contact the organisation yourself.
A genuine organisation can deal with you contacting them through their normal channels. One of the best habits you can develop is simply not allowing someone else to rush you into doing something. If you're unsure - stop, don't click, don't provide information and verify it independently. Better to be safe than sorry.
Want to know more?
I've also written Spotting Scams Down Under, an easy-to-follow Australian guide that goes into considerably more detail about recognising scams, protecting yourself and understanding some of the techniques scammers use.
Useful Mac keyboard shortcuts
The Option key can reveal extra commands and change the behaviour of many Mac actions. These are the main modifier keys you'll see on a Mac keyboard:
⌘Command
⌥Option / Alt
⌃Control
⇧Shift
Shortcut
What it does
⌥ Option + click another app
Switches to that app and hides the previous app.
⌥ Option + empty Trash
Empties the Trash without displaying the usual confirmation.
⌥ Option + click a window's minimise button
Minimises all windows for that application.
⌘ Command + ⌥ Option + Esc
Opens Force Quit Applications.
⌘ Command + ⌥ Option + drag
Creates an alias at the location where you drop the item.
⌘ Command + ⇧ Shift + 3
Takes a screenshot of the whole screen.
⌘ Command + ⇧ Shift + 4
Lets you select an area for a screenshot.
⌘ Command + ⇧ Shift + 5
Opens the screenshot and screen-recording controls.
⌘ Command + Space
Opens Spotlight search.
⌘ Command + Tab
Switches between open applications.
⌘ Command + Q
Quits the current application.
⌘ Command + W
Closes the current window.
⌘ Command + C / V / X
Copy / Paste / Cut.
⌘ Command + Z
Undo.
Tip: Holding Option while opening some menus can reveal additional commands and information.
Remove Email Attachments (Mail Downloads Folder)
Whenever you open an email attachment and don't save it manually, your Mac temporarily keeps a copy in a Mail Downloads folder. Over time these duplicate files can build up without you noticing.
✅ Clearing this folder won't delete attachments from your emails - it only removes the extra copies saved on your Mac.
To find and clear it:
Open Finder (the smiley face icon on the left side of the Dock), or go to your Desktop.
Click Go in the top menu bar.
Select Go to Folder... (or press Command + Shift + G).
This will open a folder containing subfolders that hold downloaded attachments. You can go through each subfolder individually, or simply move the contents you no longer need to the Trash.
When you double-click an attachment in Mail, your Mac can create a temporary copy in this Mail Downloads folder. This means you may end up with two copies - one associated with the original email and another stored in the Mail Downloads folder. Over time these extra copies can accumulate, and some may remain even after the original email has been deleted.
The Mail Downloads folder can also be included in your Time Machine backup. So if you accidentally remove something you later discover you need, you may still be able to recover an earlier copy from your backup.
Because the Mail Downloads folder is normally hidden away, it's easy to forget it's there. Checking it every month or two can be a useful way of removing unnecessary files and reclaiming some storage space, particularly if you regularly open large email attachments.
Some Useful Links
There is an enormous amount of information available online - although finding the useful information amongst everything else isn't always quite so easy! Here are a few websites I use or recommend that you may find helpful.
Apple
Apple Australia - Current Apple products, services and information.
Apple Support - Help, troubleshooting and support information.
MacDesktops - Desktop pictures and Mac customisation.
Games & Entertainment
Looking for something a little more entertaining? Here are a few places to find games, new releases and gaming information for your Mac and Apple devices.
Aussie Broadband - Internet plans and information using MacWizardry referral code 11334273.
Disclaimer: MacWizardry is not affiliated with the websites listed above unless specifically stated otherwise. While I recommend them as useful resources, external websites are operated independently and MacWizardry is not responsible for their content, availability or privacy practices.
ONE MORE THING...
There's even more help already on your Mac.
You may not realise it, but newer Macs also include Apple's own Tips app in the Applications folder. It contains helpful guides, suggestions and information about using your Mac and many of the apps that come with it.
It can also help you discover features and information for other Apple products you use - including iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Apple TV.
So if you're looking for a quick answer - or simply want to discover something new your Apple devices can do - the Tips app is well worth having a look through.
Hopefully these tips make using your Mac a little easier.
If you still need a hand, I'm only a phone call or email away.
