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Updated September 2026: in 2021 I argued that despite marketing claims, iPhones and iPads still depend on a laptop when things go wrong, such as restoring software or recovering a phone that will not turn on after a drop. I have rewritten it with when you still need a computer and when you do not.

Phones are marketed as all you need. My experience was that the claim holds until something goes wrong. When an iPhone behaves strangely, drains its battery after a drop or will not start, the fix often involves plugging it into a computer to restore its software.

When do you not need a computer?

For most everyday tasks. iPhones and iPads update over Wi-Fi, back up to iCloud automatically, and can be restored from an iCloud backup when setting up a new or erased device. Resetting settings and reinstalling apps can all be done on the device itself.

When do you still need a computer?

• Recovery mode: if an iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo or will not start, restoring its software usually needs a Mac or a Windows PC with Apple's software.
• A failed update: when an update stops midway, a computer restore is often the fix.
• Large local backups: a computer backup keeps a full copy without using iCloud storage.
• Moving large files: copying big videos off the phone is quicker by cable.

What if you do not own a computer?

Borrow one for recovery, or visit an Apple Authorised Service Provider, who can restore the software. Keep iCloud backup switched on, so that if the phone must be erased, your data comes back when you set it up again.

How can you avoid needing recovery?

Update when your battery is charged and you have stable Wi-Fi, avoid interrupting updates, and use a case to reduce damage from drops. Keep enough free storage for updates to install.

Is the laptop still necessary?

Less often than in 2021, but occasionally. Most people can live without one day to day. Just know where you would find a computer, or a service centre, for the rare day an iPhone refuses to start.

Keep reading

• Moving Google Photos to OneDrive With Takeout
• Why Stay With a Mac? Simplicity, Security, Caution
• Showing OneDrive Photos on a TV From an iPhone

Updated September 2026: in 2021 I found that OneDrive on iPhone could not cast to a Chromecast, although the Android app could, so I had to use Google Photos to show family photos on the TV. I have rewritten it into a guide to getting photos from an iPhone onto a TV, whichever service you use.

I stored family photos and videos in OneDrive, but the iPhone app had no Chromecast button. To show them on our TV I had to switch to Google Photos. For an iPhone user with a Chromecast, that was a real gap.

Why is casting from an iPhone limited?

Chromecast casting has to be built into each app, and not every iPhone app adds it. Apple's own system, AirPlay, works from any app that plays photos or video on iPhone, but needs an AirPlay-compatible receiver. Check the current version of the OneDrive app, since features change, but do not depend on it.

What are the options for photos on the TV?

• AirPlay: works with Apple TV and with many smart TVs from major brands that support AirPlay 2. Use Screen Mirroring or the AirPlay button in the Photos app.
• Google Photos app: supports casting to Chromecast and Google TV devices from iPhone.
• Smart TV apps: some TVs have their own OneDrive or photo apps.
• A USB drive: copy a selection of photos for a slideshow on the TV itself.

Does your TV support AirPlay?

Look in the TV's settings or input list for AirPlay, or check the manufacturer's site for AirPlay 2 support. If it does, you can show photos from the iPhone's Photos app directly, including those saved from OneDrive.

What if you only have a Chromecast?

Use an app that supports casting from iPhone, such as Google Photos, for the albums you want to show. Save a few favourite albums there even if OneDrive remains your main backup. Newer Google TV devices also support casting from more iPhone apps.

What is the simplest setup?

Match your TV device to your phones. In an iPhone household, an AirPlay-capable TV or Apple TV makes showing photos effortless from any app. In an Android household, Chromecast or Google TV fits better.

Keep reading

• Streaming Box for an Older TV: Budget or Apple TV?
• Moving Google Photos to OneDrive With Takeout
• Do You Still Need a Computer to Fix an iPhone?

 With the introduction of hi-tech mobiles and affordable internet services across globe, the online storage of files and easier access to old photos through cloud have become seamless. There are wide range of online cloud platform service providers and has often been dominated by Google, Microsoft, and OneDrive. I understand there are other cloud platform with affordable prices and storage plans, most of those are unreliable for long term and files protection in network breach is scarier. However, in this article I wanted to detail, why Amazon should launch their online cloud platform to enable its prime users to share files with ease. Here are my reasons why users would prefer Amazon drive over other competitors.  

• Lucrative bundled services: Amazon Prime has always been preferred subscription services for most users across globe and I prefer to select the prime subscription for the following reasons. 
• Shopping and free delivery: With Prime subscription can enjoy first access to shopping deals, order products at much discounted prices and Prime supported products delivery at FREE of cost. 
• Music Services: Most prime users were unaware about the availability of music subscription at FREE of cost and I prefer using the services frequently to enjoy ad-free music. 
• Prime video: With new movies and series launching every month, it has now become a necessity to have prime subscription to enjoy your favorite entertainment with Family. 
• Affordability: Amazon's prime subscription have always been the most affordable bundle services available right now and with introduction of Amazon Drive, it would be the must-have subscription for most users across globe.  

With above listed features, I hope one day Amazon would launch their own online cloud storage platform and enable its prime users to share files online. Amazon Drive would then be driving force for most users to select its subscription services and stay with the services forever. For more such articles, please feel free to check out the G R Team Sites. 

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• Google's Scattered Subscriptions Are Costing You More
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Updated September 2026: in 2021 I moved my older photos from Google Photos to OneDrive using Google Takeout, and ran into problems: the transfer took days, and the photos were not immediately usable in OneDrive. I have rewritten it into a guide to what to expect and how to do the move properly.

After choosing OneDrive, I used Google Takeout to move my existing photos. I expected a simple transfer. Instead, it did not happen at once, taking a day or two depending on the size of the library, and when Google confirmed the transfer, the photos were not accessible in OneDrive the way I expected.

How does Google Takeout move photos to OneDrive?

Takeout packages your Google Photos library into archive files. You can download them yourself, or choose to have them added directly to OneDrive or another supported cloud service. Either way, Google prepares the export first, which can take hours or days for a large library, and then sends it.

Why are the photos hard to use after transfer?

Because they arrive as compressed archive files, not as a browsable photo library. You need to extract them. Takeout also stores some details, such as dates and descriptions, in separate small data files next to each photo, so some apps may show the wrong date until those details are applied.

How should you do the move?

• Export in smaller archives, such as 2 GB or 10 GB each, which are easier to handle.
• Download to a computer and extract the archives there.
• Check the dates on a sample of photos; use a tool that reads the Takeout data files if they are wrong.
• Upload to OneDrive from the computer, organised in folders by year.
• Keep the Google copy until you have checked the OneDrive copy is complete.

How long does it take?

The export can take a day or more, and uploading a large library depends on your internet speed. Plan it over a weekend, and keep the computer awake during uploads.

Is it worth moving at all?

Only if you are leaving Google Photos for good. If you want both, keep Google Photos for browsing and use OneDrive for new backups, rather than moving years of photos twice.

Keep reading

• Showing OneDrive Photos on a TV From an iPhone
• Do You Still Need a Computer to Fix an iPhone?
• Introduction of Amazon Drive to Prime Subscription

Updated September 2026: in 2021, with my children using an iPad for online classes, I wished iPadOS had a kids-only mode, a way to lock brightness, and protection from unsuitable ads in apps and YouTube. I have rewritten it into a guide to setting up an iPad for children with the tools that exist.

My children used the iPad for classes, games and videos. Three things bothered me. There was no kids-only mode to stop them opening other apps, including YouTube with its adverts and unsuitable videos. They learned to turn the brightness up as far as they liked. And some apps showed adverts that were not appropriate for children.

Is there a kids mode on iPad?

Not a separate user profile; iPads for home use still support one user. But two tools come close. Guided Access locks the iPad to a single app until a passcode is entered, which is ideal for a class or a game. Screen Time with Family Sharing lets you set up a child account with app limits, content restrictions and approval for downloads.

How do you set up Guided Access?

Turn it on in Settings, Accessibility, Guided Access, and set a passcode. Open the app, triple-click the top or home button and start the session. The child stays in that app, and you can also set a time limit for the session.

How do you manage YouTube for children?

• Use the YouTube Kids app, or a supervised account on YouTube, with age settings.
• Block the main YouTube app for the child's account in Screen Time if needed.
• For fewer ads, consider whether a YouTube Premium family plan suits your household.

Can you lock the brightness?

Not directly; iPadOS has no brightness lock. Guided Access keeps children inside one app, which limits casual changes, and turning on Auto-Brightness keeps the level reasonable for the room. Talking to children about why bright screens tire the eyes helps too.

How do you reduce unsuitable ads in apps?

Choose apps made for children, which follow stricter advertising rules on the App Store's Kids category. Paid versions of apps often remove ads altogether. In Screen Time, restrict apps by age rating and require approval for new downloads.

Keep reading

• Importance of Early Myopia Assessment: Clear Vision for Kids
• Google's Scattered Subscriptions Are Costing You More
• Showing OneDrive Photos on a TV From an iPhone

Updated September 2026: in 2021 I listed what I loved about AirPods Pro: sound, automatic switching between my Apple devices, noise cancellation and long-wear comfort. I have rewritten it into a guide to the AirPods Pro features most people do not fully use.

I used AirPods Pro for long stretches of office work, and four things stood out: immersive sound with noise cancellation on, the way they connected automatically to my iPhone, iPad or MacBook Pro, the strength of the noise cancelling for such small earbuds, and comfort for long periods. Several useful features go beyond those.

How does automatic switching work?

AirPods connect to whichever Apple device you start using, if the devices share the same Apple Account. If switching is too eager, for example taking audio to an iPad you only glanced at, set each device to connect "When Last Connected to This iPhone" in the Bluetooth settings for the AirPods.

Which features are easy to miss?

• Ear tip fit test: checks the seal, which affects both sound and noise cancellation.
• Audio sharing: two pairs of AirPods can listen to the same iPhone.
• Find My: shows the last location and can play a sound from the earbuds.
• Personalised spatial audio: tunes spatial audio using a scan of your ears.
• Press and hold controls: can be set to switch noise modes or trigger Siri.

How do you get the best noise cancellation?

A good seal matters most. Try each tip size with the fit test, and replace worn tips. Keep the microphones' mesh clean, as blocked mesh can reduce noise cancellation and call quality.

Are AirPods Pro comfortable for long office days?

For many people, yes, as I found during long calls. Taking them out for a few minutes between meetings helps, as does using transparency mode when you need to hear the room. Some people prefer a headset for very long call days to avoid charging breaks.

How do you look after AirPods?

Clean them with a dry, lint-free cloth, avoid liquids near the openings, and keep the case closed in pockets and bags. Battery capacity declines over time with heavy use; if battery life drops noticeably, check Apple's battery service options.

Are they still worth it?

For people using several Apple devices, the switching and integration remain the strongest reasons. For Android users, other earbuds usually offer more for the money.

Keep reading

• Comparing Premium Earbuds: What Matters Beyond Looks
• Do You Still Need a Computer to Fix an iPhone?
• Apple's 80% Battery Health feature: Missing for Mac Users

Updated September 2026: in 2021, planning to replace my ageing MacBook Pro, I explained why I would stay with the Mac: simplicity, and security that meant I had not needed separate antivirus software, along with Safari's efficiency. I have rewritten it with a more careful look at what makes Macs easy and secure, and where caution is still needed.

I had used macOS for years and found it simpler than Windows for everyday tasks: settings that are easy to understand and apps that behave predictably. Security was my other reason. I had never felt the need for separate antivirus software, and I trusted Safari.

Is a Mac simpler to use?

For many people, yes. macOS has fewer settings to manage, updates are handled centrally, and apps tend to follow consistent conventions. People who work across Windows and Mac often find the Mac easier for personal use, while some business software is still Windows-first.

Do Macs need antivirus software?

Most home users do not need a separate antivirus product. macOS includes built-in protections: XProtect scans for known malware, Gatekeeper checks where apps come from, and apps run with restricted permissions. But Macs are not immune. Malware and, more commonly, phishing and scam websites target Mac users too. Safe habits matter more than any product.

What keeps a Mac secure?

• Install updates promptly, especially security updates.
• Download apps from the App Store or developers' official sites.
• Do not install pirated or "cracked" software, a common source of Mac malware.
• Be wary of pop-ups and messages claiming your Mac is infected.
• Use strong, unique passwords and the built-in Passwords app or a password manager.

Is Safari the best browser on a Mac?

It is usually the most power-efficient on Apple silicon Macs, which helps battery life, and it includes privacy features such as tracker blocking. Chrome and others work well too, with more extensions. Use what suits your work, but keep it updated.

Is staying with a Mac still a good choice?

For people who value simplicity and battery life, and whose work software runs on macOS, yes. Buy an Apple silicon model with enough memory and storage, since neither can be upgraded later.

Keep reading

• APFS vs NTFS: The Missing Link Between Mac and Windows
• Gmail Passkeys: Simpler, Safer Login
• Do You Still Need a Computer to Fix an iPhone?

Updated September 2026: the original 2021 post argued that data conversion is where many IT vendors fail, and that vendors should use a structured process, involve business experts, share capture templates and validate migrated data. I have expanded it into a practical guide to data migration for a new business application.

Data migration is often the least glamorous part of an implementation and the one most likely to delay go-live. Vendors focus on configuring the new system, and data is left until late, when problems in the old data surface all at once. A structured approach avoids most of that.

What are the stages of a data migration?

• Scope: decide which data moves: master data, open transactions, history, documents.
• Mapping: map each field in the old system to the new one, including code values.
• Cleansing: fix duplicates, gaps and outdated records before migrating, not after.
• Extraction and templates: capture data in agreed templates, often spreadsheets, from the old system.
• Loading: upload using the new system's tools or interfaces, in the right order.
• Validation: reconcile counts and totals, and have business users check samples.

Who should own each part?

The vendor owns the method, tools, templates and loading. The business owns the data: deciding what moves, cleansing it and signing off that it is correct. Migrations fail when business experts are not given time to cleanse and validate.

How much history should you migrate?

Less than people first want. Open transactions and a limited history, often one or two years, usually cover operational needs. Older history can stay in an archive or read-only copy of the old system, which is cheaper and reduces migration risk.

How do you validate migrated data?

Reconcile record counts and financial totals between old and new systems, then check a sample of records field by field. For finance, trial balances and open item totals must match exactly at cut-over. Record the checks and have business owners sign them off.

Why rehearse the migration?

Because the first full load always reveals problems: wrong mappings, missing dependencies, slow loads. Plan at least one full dress rehearsal with realistic data volumes, timed, before the real cut-over weekend.

Keep reading

• Moving Google Photos to OneDrive With Takeout
• TRAI Complaint Online, And Who Actually Fixes It
• Streaming Box for an Older TV: Budget or Apple TV?