Making sure you’ve set a lock on your devices is a method to keep your data secured. It is essential to have a password-protected PC to keep anyone from invading your privacy. It is also because you might not carry your laptop everywhere, and of course, your PC stays at home. Thus, confirming that no one steals away your data, or changes your settings, will do a lot of good.

Setting a pin or a passcode doesn’t affect the working of applications or tabs on your Windows. Therefore, stop worrying, and follow any of the nine methods mentioned below to keep your system password protected.

9 Ways to Lock Your Windows PC

Isn’t it amazing that you can opt to choose any method amongst multiple ways to lock your system? Do you want to know more about it? Read along and try the following methods:

Use the Start Menu to Lock Your PC

Nobody has ever paid attention to the Windows locking method offered by the ‘Start’ menu. Yes, you’ve heard it right! All you need to do is, click on the Start menu and tap on your profile name. Next, hit the ‘Lock’ option.

Using the Windows Key

Every keyboard has a Windows key that enables you to lock your Windows PC. If you check on your keyboard, a key will be present with a Windows logo on it. Press ‘Windows + L’ to lock your PC immediately.

Using the Keyboard Shortcut

Usually, the keyboard shortcut ‘Ctrl + Alt + Delete’ is used to close the apps that stop working. However, the keys can be used to lock your PC as well. All you need to do is use the keyboard shortcut and a menu will appear on the screen of your PC. Select the ‘Lock’ option.

Using the Task Manager

The steps to lock your PC with the help of Task Manager are:

1. Press ‘Ctrl + Alt + Delete’ on your keyboard and click on the ‘Task Manager’ app. Alternatively, you can also search for the same in the search bar of the Start menu.
2. A Task Manager window will open. Tap on the ‘Disconnect’ option on the bottom-right corner of the screen.
3. Click on the ‘Disconnect User’ in the pop-up menu for confirmation.

Using the Command Prompt

The steps to use the Command Prompt to lock your Windows PC are:

1. Open the Search bar in the Start menu and type ‘CMD.’
2. Click on the ‘Command Prompt’ app.
3. A Command Prompt window will open. Type the following code:
   • ‘Rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation’
4. Once the code is executed, your PC will get locked.

Using the Run Prompt

The steps to use the Run Prompt to lock your Windows PC are:

1. Open the Search bar in the Start menu and type ‘Run.’
2. Click on the ‘Run’ app.
3. A ‘Run’ dialog box will appear. Type the following command in the given space:
   • ‘Rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation’
4. Hit the ‘Ok’ button.

Creating a Desktop Icon

You can create a Desktop icon to lock your PC with a single click. The steps to do the same are:

1. Right-click on any space on your desktop.
2. A menu will appear. Select the ‘New’ option.
3. Click on the ‘Shortcut’ option from the drop-down menu.
4. A ‘Create Shortcut’ window will open. Type the following command in the given space that says ‘Type the location of the Item.
   • ’‘Rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation’
5. Click on the ‘Next’ option.
6. Assign a name to your icon and click on the ‘Finish’ button.

An icon with your assigned name will appear on the desktop. Your PC will lock whenever you double-click on the same.

Using the Screen Saver Settings

You can choose to enable the Screen Saver settings to automatically lock your PC after a certain amount of time. The steps to set the Screen Saver settings are:

1. Open the Search box in the Start menu.
2. Type ‘Screen Saver’ and click on the ‘Change Screen Saver’ option.
3. A Screen Saver settings menu will open.
4. Mark the checkbox for ‘On Resume, Logon Display Screen’ option.
5. Use the up and down arrows for the ‘Wait’ option to select the time before your PC gets locked.
6. Hit the ‘Apply’ button at the bottom-right corner of the window.

Using the Dynamic Lock

The Dynamic lock enables you to set up a mechanism where your system gets locked the moment you step away. All of this happens with the help of a Bluetooth signal that detects a weak signal when you’re away and automatically locks your PC.

To begin with, you’ll have to connect your Windows Bluetooth connection with your smartphone. The steps to do the same are:

1. Launch the ‘Settings’ app on your smartphone.
2. Turn the slider on for the ‘Bluetooth’ feature.
3. Next, go to the Settings menu on your PC and select the ‘Devices’ tab.
4. Select the ‘Bluetooth & Other devices’ option from the left toolbar.
5. Tap on the ‘Add Bluetooth or Other Device’ option.
6. Select the name of your phone and follow the on-screen instructions for pairing.

Once the PC and your smartphone are paired, follow the steps below to enable the Dynamic Lock feature:

1. Go to the ‘Settings’ app on your PC.
2. Select the ‘Accounts’ tab.
3. Click on the ‘Sign-in Options’ in the left toolbar.
4. Mark the checkbox for ‘Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away’ under the ‘Dynamic Lock’ section.

This is it! Now you know everything about locking your Windows PC following multiple ways. Thus, protecting your privacy and security is essential, and it is advised to keep your system password-protected to restrict any kind of invading.

SOURCE:- A Guide on Using Multiple Ways to Lock Your Windows PC

Remember when we all were kids and used to collect a lot of stationery? Well, using colorful stickies was the best part. It is an excellent way to jot down things as a reminder and paste them somewhere you could see it every time.

Who thought that the stationery version of stickies would come in a digital form? Yes, you’ve read it correctly. Stickies note is an app that fulfills the same perks as stationery stickies. You can make notes for yourself and paste them on the desktop of your Mac to keep yourself reminding about all the undone tasks.

If a particular task is at the top of the priority list, you can also keep it at the front to have a direct eye. Using digital stickies will not only save paper, but it is hard to lose them. Isn’t it interesting?

How to Create a New Stickies Note?

The steps to create a new Stickies note from the app in your Mac are:

1. Launch the ‘Stickies’ app on your Mac. A new note if automatically pop-up.
2. If a new note doesn’t appear, click on the ‘File’ option in the menu bar.
3. Select ‘New Note’ from the drop-down menu.
4. A new stickies note will open. Thus, start typing.

How to Paste a Stickies Note on Top of all Windows?

Pasting a Stickies note on top of all Windows means that it’ll follow you to every app or tab you open. The steps to do the same are:

1. Go to the ‘Stickies’ app on your Mac.
2. Open a new note, or you can open an existing note.
3. Click on the ‘Window’ option on the toolbar at the top of the screen.
4. Select the ‘Float on Top’ option from the drop-down menu.

How to Create a Translucent Stickies Note?

If you want to create a translucent Stickies note to avoid covering a tab opened on your screen, it can be done in no time. The steps to create a translucent Stickies note are:

1. Go to the ‘Stickies’ app on your Mac.
2. Open a new note, or you can open an existing note.
3. Click on the ‘Window’ option on the toolbar at the top of the screen.
4. Select the ‘Translucent’ option from the drop-down menu.

How to Collapse Stickies Note?

For some reason, you want to place the Stickies note on top of all other windows, but it takes a lot of space. Thus, you can create a clutter-free space by collapsing the notes into small bars. The steps to collapse a Stickies note are:

1. Go to the ‘Stickies’ app on your Mac.
2. Open a new note, or you can open an existing note.
3. Click on the ‘Window’ option on the toolbar.
4. Select the ‘Collapse’ option from the drop-down menu. You can also use a keyboard shortcut for the same, that is ‘Command + M.’

How to Expand Stickies Note?

The steps to expand the Stickies notes are:

1. Go to the ‘Stickies’ app on your Mac.
2. Open a new note, or you can open an existing note.
3. Click on the ‘Window’ option on the toolbar.
4. Select the ‘Expand’ option from the drop-down menu. You can also use the keyboard shortcut ‘Command + M.’

Customizing Stickies Notes

It would be so interesting to see different colors, fonts, etc, used to create a note and all of them floating on the screen of a Mac. Do you want to customize your Stickies as well? Read along to learn more!

How to Change a Stickies Note Color?

The steps to change a Stickies note color are:

1. Go to the ‘Stickies’ app on your Mac.
2. Open a new note, or you can open an existing note.
3. Click on the ‘Color’ option on the toolbar.
4. Select the color of the note from the drop-down menu.

How to Change the Font of a Stickies Note?

The steps to change the font of a Stickies note are:

1. Go to the ‘Stickies’ app on your Mac.
2. Open a new note, or you can open an existing note.
3. Click on the ‘Font’ option on the toolbar.
4. Select the font under the ‘Show Fonts’ option.

How to Arrange Stickies Notes in an Order?

Are you reminding yourself about things by making multiple Stickies notes and pasting them on your Mac’s screen? The best part is arranging the notes in order, so you can view whatever you prioritize first and then all other notes.

The steps to arrange Stickies notes in an order are:

1. Go to the ‘Stickies’ app on your Mac.
2. Open a new note, or you can open an existing note.
3. Click on the ‘Window’ option on the toolbar.
4. Click on the ‘Arrange By’ option from the drop-down menu.
5. You can now arrange the notes based on four categories: Color, Content, Date, and Location on Screen.

Once you place the Stickies in order, a stack of bars will be set on the window’s left side.

How to Save Stickies Notes?

1. Go to the ‘Stickies’ app on your Mac.
2. Open a new note, or you can open an existing note.
3. Select the ‘File’ option from the toolbar.
4. Click on the ‘Export Text’ option from the drop-down menu.
5. Assign a name to your name and select a location.
6. Hit the ‘Save’ button.

The whole concept of using the Stickies notes app on your Mac sounds very interesting and colorful. Thus, if you’re newly introduced to the app and its features, try it now and refresh your memories as a kid.

SOURCE:- How to Use Stickies on Mac

Everyone has moved on from all kinds of traditional activities, including the use of a PC and a printer to get out the hard copies, pictures, etc. Now, the digital era has overpowered the old and clumsy methods of carrying out all the jobs.

Need to print something from your iPhone or iPad? No worries! Apple’s AirPrint technology is the most convenient option that enables the iPhone and iPad users to print anything wirelessly. Are you surprised? Well, you should be. AirPrint uses the Wi-Fi connection to convey anything that you want to print to the printer, eliminating the need for unnecessary cables.

All you need to do is set up the printer correctly, and you’re ready to experience the fun printing out your favorite pictures.

How to Print Using an iPhone and iPad?

Before starting the process of setting up a printer, it is essential to make sure that your printer supports AirPrint technology. Thus, you can check the same on Apple’s official site. Also, begin with connecting your printer and your iOS device with the same internet connection to work. Follow the steps mentioned below to set up the printer:

1. Open an image, document, webpage, etc, on your iPhone or iPad that you want to print.
2. Tap on the ‘Share’ icon at the bottom of the window.
3. A menu will open. Locate the ‘Print’ option and click on the same.
4. Another printing menu will appear. Click on the drop-down menu for the ‘Printer’ option to select the printing device you want to use.
5. All the printing devices connected to the same internet connection will appear in the next window. Tap and select the name of your printer to continue.
6. A Printer Options menu will open. Select the number of pages you want to print and re-check the page count.
7. Select the number of copies you want.
8. Once you’re done setting the info regarding the same, hit the ‘Print’ option on the screen’s top-right corner.

If you set up the printer and follow all the steps correctly, it’ll take no time to print as many hard copies as you want. Pretty easy, right? 

In case your printer does not support the AirPrint technology, you may look for other applications that offer you to print wirelessly. All you need to do is download the third-party apps from the App Store and link it with your printer. Applications like PrintShare and Cloud Printer can work fine in the absence of an AirPrint. Third-party applications are not as convenient as AirPrint, but they can work well if you don’t want a traditional and messy setup consisting of innumerable wire connections.

SOURCE:- How to Print Using a Printer From Your iPhone & iPad

You all surely miss attending get-together and having fun with your friends and family. Unfortunately, sitting at home is the only option to keep yourself protected and safe during this ongoing pandemic. What if there were virtual ways to have fun with your loved ones?

Just as you could attend virtual movie nights with your friends, Spotify has brought you a virtual listening party feature to make you feel closer to your confidants. The feature enables up to five people to listen to podcasts or music altogether.

Unfortunately, you cannot chat along with listening to music, but every participant can play, play, skip, and add other content for everyone to listen to. All you need to have is a Spotify Subscription and a mobile app, and you’re all set.

How to Create a Spotify Group Session?

The steps to start a Spotify listening party are:

1. Launch the ‘Spotify’ application on your Android or Apple device.
2. Play any song or a podcast of your choice.
3. While you play music or a podcast, click on the ‘Available Devices’ icon in the bottom-left corner.
4. A list with all the available devices will appear. You’ll see a ‘Start Session’ option if you’re a Spotify subscriber. Thus, click on the same.
5. Now, you’re available for other participants to join. If a participant is near you, they can join-in by scanning the group session code. Also, you can invite your friends by sending a unique code via third-party apps.
6. You can also copy the link to your session and share it with others.

How to Join an Existing Spotify Group Session?

The steps to join-in an existing Spotify listening party are:

1. Launch the ‘Spotify’ application on your Android or Apple device.
2. Play any song or a podcast of your choice.
3. While you play music or a podcast, click on the ‘Available Devices’ icon in the bottom-left corner.
4. Click on the ‘Scan to Join’ option beneath Start Session.
5. You can use the camera of your device to scan the code and join the group if the host or any other member is nearby. Else, you can ask for the link to the group session.
6. Once you receive the link, click on the same and you’ll land on the Spotify main screen.
7. A pop-up menu will ask you for your joining permission. Select ‘Join Session’ or ‘Not Now’ to decline.

How to End a Spotify Group Session?

The steps to end a Spotify group session are:

1. Launch the ‘Spotify’ app.
2. Open the song or podcast currently playing.
3. Click on the ‘Available Devices’ icon.
4. Click on the ‘End Session’ option.
5. Select the ‘Confirm’ option from the pop-up menu for confirmation.

Once you confirm ending the session, you’ll have to restart the listening party for another round.

Pretty simple, isn’t it. Spotify listening party is a great way to remain connected with your loved ones via music or podcasts. Make sure you buy the Spotify subscription to get your hands on this amazing feature.

SOURCE:- How to Host a Virtual Listening Party Using Spotify

Let’s say it straight away! As big as the Apple brand is, things could go off now and then. Therefore, knowing how to fix issues that happen with your Apple devices is the best possible solution.

Nowadays, everybody’s upgrading their home with smart appliances and new devices. Thus, HomePod is an essential part of the same. It is a speaker that delivers high-fidelity audio and adapts to its surroundings.

Things can not be in your favor all the time. Thus, HomePod can create issues, including disconnection, freezing, etc. If you own a HomePod that has gone mad and stopped working, you can try restarting the same before giving it a complete reset.

Below is a guide on fixing your HomePod before throwing it away if it doesn’t work later.

Restarting the HomePod

There are two ways to restart a HomePod: Direct restart and Using the Home app to restart.

Direct Restart

Directly restarting a HomePod is no science. It is a very simple method and the steps to reset your HomePod are:

1. Disconnect or unplug your HomePod.
2. Wait for a few seconds or a minute.
3. Plugin your HomePod.

Note: You’ll temporarily lose access to all the accessories connected to the hub, the HomePod.

Using the Home App to Restart

If you don’t want to use the Plug for restarting, you can use the Home app on your iPhone or iPad to restart your HomePod. The steps to restart your HomePod using the Home app are:

1. Go to the ‘Home’ app on your Apple device.
2. Click on the ‘Rooms’ tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Locate the Room where the HomePod is placed by swiping left or right.
4. Press and hold the HomePod section.
5. Click on the ‘Settings’ icon.
6. Locate the ‘Reset HomePod’ option and click on the same.
7. Select ‘Restart HomePod’ from the pop-up menu.

Resetting the HomePod

There are two methods to reset a HomePod: Direct resetting and Using the Home app to reset the HomePod.

Direct Reset

The steps to reset your HomePod directly are:

1. Disconnect or unplug your HomePod.
2. Wait for a few seconds or a minute.
3. Plugin your HomePod.
4. Place your finger on the touch panel of the HomePod.
5. Keep the finger placed until or unless the Siri light turns red.
6. When Siri announces the three beeps, remove your finger.

Once you manually reset the HomePod, you’ll have to reset all the settings with your iPhone or iPad.

Using the Home App to Reset

The steps to reset your HomePod and give it a fresh start are:

1. Go to the ‘Home’ app on your Apple device.
2. Click on the ‘Rooms’ tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Locate the Room where the HomePod is placed by swiping left or right.
4. Press and hold the HomePod section.
5. Click on the ‘Settings’ icon.
6. Locate the ‘Remove Accessory’ option and click on the same.
7. Click on the ‘Remove’ option to confirm.

This is it! Restarting a HomePod is not a difficult process. However, you’ll have to be very careful if you’re restarting the same via the Home app as one wrong click can reset the device. Also, opt to reset your HomePod when there is no possible fix left. Else, you’ll lose all the settings and will have to reset the same from scratch.

SOURCE:- How to Reset or Restart Your HomePod

 It’s good if you have backup habits for your important files and data stored on your device. If you are using an iOS device, then you can easily back up all your data by manually connecting your device to PC and then back up your data in iTunes or by visiting the Finder section. You have another option to back up your files and folder with the help of iCloud. This process is automatic, but sometimes users face some issues while backing-up their necessary data to iCloud services.

In case you are facing trouble with iCloud backup, follow these straightforward guidelines to fix this annoying issue.

Enabling iCloud Backup

First of all, it is recommended to ensure that you have enabled iCloud Backup for your device. It’s like a rule of thumb to perform smooth Backup.

Here is how to check and enable iCloud Backup on your device:

• First of all, tap the gear icon located on your iOS device.
• Once the setting page launches on your screen, hit the Apple ID panel parked at the uppermost section.
• Then, hit the iCloud option.
• Scroll your page down to locate the iCloud Backup option.
• Now, you have to ensure that the iCloud toggle is properly turned ON. A green light will blink if the service is activated.
• Then, press the OK button to verify if it is nor previously activated.
• Usually, iCloud Backup takes place at night if your iPhone is connected to a power source.

Checking Storage Space Before Backing Up to iCloud Services

The Backup will be canceled if you don’t have enough backup space for iCloud on your account. You have to ensure that your iCloud account has enough space just before going through the backing up process. To check the iCloud account storage, pursue these instructions. The complete instructions are easy to use for those who want to get acquainted with iCloud features and its associated services.

• First and foremost, tap the Settings icon located on your device, be it iPhone or iPad.
• Then, hit the banner related to your Apple ID situated at the uppermost portion of the Settings page.
• Then, hit the iCloud tab there.
• Now, you will check the iCloud storage of your account on the upper portion on the screen.
• Then, hit the Manage Storage option there.
• Press the Backups tab.
• After that, hit the device for which you desire to see the next backup size.

Steps to follow if the Previous iCloud Backup Failed

In case you see an error alert related to the failure of your last iCloud Backup, then there might be some reason behind it. You have to ensure these things:

• Check and ensure that you are properly connected to a strong internet connection.
• Now, ensure that your device is currently running with the latest edition of iOS or iPadOS.
• In case the WiFi is available, then it is recommended to use it.

Once you are all set with strong WiFi connectivity and updated iOS, then you may follow these guidelines to start the manually operated iCloud Backup:

• First of all, tap the Settings icon to launch.
• Then, click the respective banner of your Apple ID located at the top section of the page.
• After that, press the iCloud section.
• Scroll down the page and search the iCloud Backup option. Once found, tap the same.
• Now, press the “Backup Now” option.
• Then, you have to wait for a while; it may take several minutes to process the result based on the quantity of data you are backing up.

Conclusion

It is always recommended to backup your data before performing factory settings or resetting the device for the recovery process. In Apple devices, you can easily backup your data and essential files in Finder or iTunes library through manual mode. In case you opt for the iCloud process, you have to enable the device for automatic Backup through iCloud services.

SOURCE:- Cannot backup to iCloud? Here Are Some Fixes

Apple offers HEIF (High-Efficiency Image File) and HEIC (High-Efficiency Image Container) formats to its devices for default camera apps to enhance the quality of pictures. HEIF, HEIC, or HEVC are the most efficient formats for iOS consumers.

These new formats enable the user to store more photos and data on their devices as they are storage-friendly because they consume less space than other formats.  The downside is that the images and videos taken in these newer formats are no longer supported by web and older devices. You may be asked to convert the image file to JPEG.  Conclusively, we can say that the HEIC or HEIF formats are not universally supported. For instance, if your friends have Windows PC or an outdated Android device or even earlier edition of Mac, in this case, if you share those HEIF or HEIC pictures, they won’t be able to view it. Here, you need to send them the image in a universal picture format that is JPEG.

Saving Pictures as JPEG format instead of HEIC or HEIF on iPhone

To save iOS pictures as JPEG instead of HEIF or HEIC, follow these straightforward instructions:

• First of all, you need to tap the gear-shaped icon called “Settings” on your device’s screen.
• Then, hit the Camera option.
• After that, press the Formats section and proceed with various tools and features on the screen. You need to modify the iPhone camera format to the option “Most Compatible” from the default one. The settings of “Most Compatible” will save images automatically as JPEG files and videos in the format “H264.”

Converting HEIC to JPEG on your iOS Device

In case you have an image saved in the format of HEIC, and you need to transform it into universally accepted “JPEG,” then it is recommended to follow these below-written methods:

• Email your images: Apple provided a built-in Mail app to its consumers. It can be used to transform HEIC files to JPEG automatically on sending as email, even if the real size is chosen.
• Using Photo Editing Apps: iOS users have the choice to edit images and convert to JPEG by using Photo editing applications. You can use “Adobe Lightroom CC” for this task. It supports launching image files in HEIC formats. You may then easily export these image files to JPEG format or any of the compatible file formats.
• OneDrive Camera Upload: OneDrive helps the users transform HEIC or HEIF files to JPEG prior to uploading it. It works similarly as Dropbox, and one can easily use the features of OneDrive on iPhone.
• Dropbox Camera Upload: If you have access to the Dropbox utility features to upload iPhone images automatically, you can easily configure to transform every item to JPEG just before uploading. In order to use the Dropbox camera features to convert your image file to JPEG, follow these instructions:
• Tap the Settings icon to launch.
• Now, hit the Account section.
• After that, press the Camera Uploads option and then hit the “Save HEIC Photos As” option. Now, choose the JPG option there.

Converting JPEG Formats Automatically on Transferring Image file to Mac or PC

Follow these straightforward steps to let the device to automatically convert JPEG images while transferring image files to PC or Mac:

• First and foremost, tap the gear-shaped Settings icon located on your screen.
• Then, tap the Photos option. You may need to scroll the page.
• Now, locate the option “Automatic” and tap on the same. The option will be located at the lowermost section of the display just beneath the option “Transfer to Mac or PC.”
• Finally, reboot the device.

Conclusion

While the HEIF or HEIC picture formats consume less space on systems stored, they are not supported universally. Users face issues in handling these formats. By following the steps mentioned above, you can save images as JPEG on your iPhone.

SOURCE:- How to Save Pictures as JPEG Instead of HEIC On iPhone

Time Machine is the backup application that comes inbuilt with Mac devices running on macOS. It can also be used as a desktop OS program developed by Apple. It performs backup tasks with the help of AirPort Time Capsule, Hard Disk, and the Wi-Fi router. The machine manages to create backups of several data files that can be quickly restored at any later date.

Backing up to a Windows shared folder using Time Machine on a Mac device is not a difficult task. Read on to learn more.

Set up a Windows Share Location

The user needs to have a shared location generated and accessibility to the Mac on which they wish to run the Time Machine. For instance in case you own a Windows PC with the name “Server” and a compatible network sharing folder on the same Windows machine named “share,” you need to test the connectivity issues by performing these instructions:

• At the start, tap the Finder section.
• Then, press the Go tab and then press the Connect to Server option.
• After that, you need to type “smb: //Server/Share.”  Here “server” is the name of the particular Windows PC, and “share” is shared-folder.
• Next, hit the Connect tab.
• Once you are all set with everything, you will be automatically prompted to provide a registered user ID and secured passcode. Type the same as directed on the screen. You may use these credentials to save for your device to log in if asked in the future automatically. You will see various options such as “Share in Finder” in the Shared section and also the Eject icon located just after it.

Creating a Sparsebundle Image

Now, you will need to create the respective image file that will be used as an APFS file system for the backup process on your Mac device. To create the image file on your system, follow these instructions:

• First and foremost, start the Utility Disk.
• Then, navigate to the File menu and then hit the New Image option.
• After that, press the Blank Image.
• Next, now you have to provide a new name to Save As to TimeMachine.
• Then, hit the drop-down arrow located just after the “Where” option.
• Choose your mounted Share option.
• Next, rename the name of the particular sparse bundle.
• Now, you will be required to choose the size of your backup location. In case you wish to get yourself at the stage of extreme least backup in regard to the entire contents of your complete hard drive, then it is recommended to select the size as equivalent to the size of your Macintosh HD drive.
• Once you are all set, ensure that the format is compatible adjusted to your Mac OS Extended.
• Hit the Save once you have finished all your steps.
• Tap the Done tab there.

Making Time Machine use the Remote Share and File

• Launch the Terminal.
• Type the path into the field “ sudo tmutil set_destination/Volumes_TimeMachine/.”  Here the Time Machine is the name you have provided to your sparse bundle generated with the Disk Utility feature.
• Now, type the secured passcode if asked.

Checking Time machine

Users are requested to check the Time Machine and verify disk performance and check that it is properly ready to use for backup.

Follow these guidelines to check the Time Machine properly:

• First and foremost, tap the System Preferences section to launch.
• Then, hit the Time Machine option there.
• Now, you will be able to see that the Time Machine has a particular backup location. Then choose the relevant DiskDisk, which shows the name of your sparse bundle.

When it comes to backing up Mac data to Windows shared folder, you need a utility program to complete the whole process. Time Machine lets the user backup any data directly from the Mac device to any shared folder. It can capture the most recent state of your data on the particular DiskDisk and restore the complete system or particular file from the recovery section.

SOURCE:- How to Back-up to a Shared Folder with Time Machine on Mac?

Want to hide your Mac’s desktop icons without the use of Terminals? We are providing some information on how to quickly hide your desired app icons without using Terminals. Before going in-depth, we want to describe what the terminals are. In general terms, it’s a command-line system that makes the user capable of managing and handling several kinds of macOS with several modification features.

Users can use third-party apps to hide or delete desktop icons directly on the particular device running on macOS. They can also use terminals if they want to do so.

Pursue these straightforward methods to hide or remove desktop icons on Mac:

Using Third-Party Programs to Hide Desktop Icons

Use a reliable program to hide or remove desktop icons as per your requirements, such as:

Hidden Me: It helps the user to remove the entire app icons directly from the desktop screen. In case you wish to avail premium services towards hiding or removing apps, then upgrade to the pro-edition that will unlock multiple features and display support tools.

Desktop Icons Hider: This app is highly-rated among top hiding apps that help you remove the desired icon from various screens at a time.

Using Terminal for Hiding or Deleting Desktop Icons

You can easily use the terminals if you know the correct commands. You can follow these straightforward instructions on Mac to remove or hide desktop icons by using built-in tools:

• First of all, tap the blank space directly on the screen of your Mac in order to make sure that no program is chosen.
• Hit the Go tab there.
• Tap the utility tab.
• Scroll your page down and then perform a double click on the option Terminal once the “Utilities” page appears on the Mac screen.
• Enter the default keywords “com.apple.finder_CreateDesktop False.”
• Then, hit the Return tab there.
• Now, you need to restart Finder and then hit the Return tab.
• The icons will be removed from the desktop screen of your Mac.

Bringing Back Desktop Icons on Mac through Terminals

Proceed with these steps once you are all set to view the respective icons on the desktop screen of Mac:

• First of all, tap the blank space on the home display of your Mac device in order to make sure that no program is selected.
• After that, ensure that the Finder is displaying at the left-hand side edge of your menu bar.
• Then, tap the Go button there.
• Hit the Utility option and then scroll down the page, then apply double-hit on the option “Terminal” once the utility window appears on your screen.
• Now, you need to enter “com.apple.finder _CreateDesktop_True.”
• After that, hit the Return tab.
• Next, restart the Finder and proceed.
• Then press the Return option.
• Now, you will see that all the apps icons have been successfully returned to your Mac home screen.

There are several methods to remove or hide desktop icons on Mac devices such as third party apps and terminals. Use compatible and reliable third party apps for this task. If you are using terminals, then use the right commands to hide or remove your desired icons from the home screen of your device.

SOURCE:- How to Quickly Hide the Desktop Icons without Using Terminals?

If your Mac is running low on storage space, you can make more room by optimizing the storage space. Customizing and optimizing storage space on a Mac device is not a challenging process, but users need to perform some workarounds on their device.  Here is how to customize and deactivate Optimized Storage Space on Mac.

Stop Syncing Desktop and Documents folder in iCloud on Mac

One can easily stop the process of syncing various documents to the desktop in iCloud on Mac. Once you have disabled the syncing procedures, desktop files will no longer appear on the secondary Mac’s desktop, but you are easily able to see them in a separate file on iCloud.

To stop the syncing process on your Mac, follow these guidelines:

• First and foremost, tap the Apple icon located at the top-left edge of Mac’s display.
• Then, press the System Preferences section to launch on your Mac. This option is usually available in the pull-drop menu.
• After that, hit the Apple ID.
• Now, press the iCloud storage.
• Next, tap the Options section located just after the Drive of iCloud.
• Hit the uncheck box for Documents and Desktop folders.

Disabling Optimized Storage on Mac

Usually, the process of optimized storage automatically wipes up TV shows and iTunes movies that have been watched earlier by the user on a Mac device. It only keeps the latest mail items and attachments on your macOS once the hard drive begins to run out of the room. You might need to deactivate the Optimized Storage process on Mac just because you don’t wish to lose anything through the re-download process by Optimization.

In order to deactivate Optimized Storage on Mac devices, follow these straightforward instructions:

• At the start, tap the Apple icon situated at the top left-hand side edge of Mac’s home screen.
• Then, launch the System Preferences page by tapping the appropriate section of the same. This option will be available via the pull down menu.
• Now, press the Apple ID and tap on iCloud.
• Hit checkbox to uncheck the feature. The option is parked at the lowermost section of the respective window for Optimizing your entire Mac Storage.

Automatically Disabling Empty Trash on Mac

You may easily disable the Empty Trash automatically on Mac devices.

• Firstly, launch the Finder screen on your Mac.
• Then, tap the Finder button situated at the uppermost left-hand side section of your Mac’s display.
• After that, press the Preferences tab present into the pull drop menu.
• Hit the Advanced tab located in the section of the Finder Preferences page.
• Now, you have to unmark the checkbox related to the option of removing several contents and items directly from Trash after thirty days.

Customizing Apps and Programs on iCloud on Mac Device

If you wish to customize apps as per your desire, then follow these steps carefully:

• First of all, hit the Apple icon located at the top left-hand side edge of your screen.
• Then, hit the System Preferences tab situated in the pull-down menu.
• Next, tap on the secured Apple ID.
• Now, press the iCloud button.
• Tap on Options located just after the option of iCloud Drive.
• After that, you need to unmark the marked box related to the apps or programs whose contents or files you don’t desire to store on your Mac in iCloud storage.

Managing Files and Folders Kept in iCloud on Mac

• First and foremost, tap the Finder icon to launch the Finder page.
• Then, choose the option “iCloud Drive” by navigating the sidebar section.
• After that, perform a double click on the particular folder to show its contents.
• Choose a particular file that you desire to remove. You may choose more than one file at a time.
• Then, perform a right-click or tap Control + Click on the files you wish to select to delete.
• Now, choose the option “Move to Trash” to remove them.

It is recommended to remove unnecessary and annoying files and data to leave some space for important files. There are various methods to customize and disable Optimized Storage Space directly on a Mac device.

SOURCE:- How to Use or Disable iCloud Optimized Storage Space on Mac?