978-502-7672
978-502-7672
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Swear by your computer, not at it.

Swear by your computer, not at it.

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Book Learning

Book Learning

TekBasics uses and recommends the Take Control series of ebooks. They are highly practical… they cover much more detail than a magazine or web article, but they are shorter, more focused, and more timely than a typical printed book.

Download these free sample Take Control ebooks, read the Introduction and review the table of contents and sample pages. If the sample looks good, click the ‘Click here to buy’ link found at the bottom of any page.

Why are ebooks better than printed books?
  • They are PDF files so you can read them on any of your Apple devices.
  • They can be accessed on your device quickly for ready reference.
  • They can be searched instantly.
  • They are less expensive than print books.
  • They don’t weigh anything.
  • They don’t take up space on your bookshelf.
  • They contain links to additional information.
  • The publisher provides free updates!
Macintosh Books
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Take Control of Upgrading to High Sierra

Manage your upgrade to High Sierra with ease!
Although Apple has made upgrading to each new operating system easier and safer, there is still room for things to go wrong. In Take Control of Upgrading to High Sierra, Mac expert Joe Kissell outlines a process that will take the stress out of upgrading, showing you how to make the switch more efficiently and in the way that’s right for you. Learn what you need to know before you begin, how to prepare your Mac and make backups, and be ready to make decisions about installation questions.

Early Access Version:
This ia a preliminary version of this book while High Sierra is still in beta testing. As soon as possible after High Sierra ships, the free update to version 1.1 of this book will be released, which will cover all the changes in High Sierra that occur between now and then.

In this book, you’ll find out more about the changes Apple has made to the Mac’s file system in High Sierra, and what impact that might have on your upgrade. You’ll also find information about possible impediments to upgrading—including minimum system requirements, software incompatibilities, and lack of disk space—and how to resolve those issues.

You’ll experience an easy upgrade and deal quickly with post-installation quirks with these topics:
  • Start fast: A Quick Start overview helps you read lightly or more deeply, depending on your needs.
  • Take in the view: Find out what you can look forward to in High Sierra.
  • Compatibility check: Make sure your hardware and software are ready for High Sierra and consider whether this is a good time to buy new hardware, even if it’s not essential for your upgrade.
  • Backing up: Avoid upgrade anxiety by ensuring you can return to the previous state of your Mac—and that you can boot from your backup. Joe provides steps for carrying out this essential task in Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper.
  • Picking a plan: Go for an easy in-place upgrade or consider a more complex clean install. Find out which option is right for you.
  • Installing: Download and store the installer where it won’t be deleted, with special tips for people who want to install on multiple Macs or who have bandwidth limitations. And, although running the installer will be easy for many people, you’ll find full steps for what to click and when.
  • Post-installation tune-up: Make sure your new system is running smoothly by completing a few important housekeeping tasks and making a few key decisions.
  • Troubleshooting: Yikes! It is possible that something will go wrong during installation, or that once you’ve booted up under High Sierra that you’ll encounter a serious problem. Joe’s time-tested troubleshooting advice will help get your system working again.
Click here to download the free sample book
Click here to buy the full book for $10.00
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Take Control of High Sierra

Head off into High Sierra with Confidence!
Looking for a high-quality, in-depth guide to High Sierra? Look no further than
Take Control of High Sierra by former Macworld editor Scholle McFarland! An expanded version of Scholle’s popular Crash Course on macOS (previously for Sierra and El Capitan), Take Control of High Sierra covers all the changes Apple has made in High Sierra, and how best to adapt them to your own needs.

Early Access Version: This ia a preliminary version of this book while High Sierra is still in beta testing. As soon as possible after High Sierra ships, the free update to version 1.1 of this book will be released, which will cover all the changes in High Sierra that occur between now and then.

You’ll learn great details about High Sierra, like how it’s now possible to take live photos of a FaceTime conversation, type instead of talk to Siri, and easily share files through iCloud. You’ll also learn about the big changes Apple has made behind the scenes in High Sierra, including rolling out a new file system, improved video support, and support for VR. In addition, Scholle explains what has changed in Apple apps, including Safari, Mail, and Photos.
You’ll also discover lots of helpful tips on using High Sierra, including how to:
  • Find files, tweak System Preferences, and control apps (like iTunes) with Siri
  • Use Spotlight to find files and facts from all kinds of sources
  • Create tabs in a variety of Apple and third-party apps (not just Safari)
  • Open Mission Control view to easily see all of your windows at once
  • Navigate Notification Center, including the new Now Playing widget in High Sierra
  • Update your Safari preferences for specific sites and preventing advertisers from tracking your searches
  • Create, sync, and organize your Notes, and use new High Sierra features to Pin a Note and Add a Table in Notes
  • Use Universal Clipboard to copy and paste between Macs
  • Share files instantly between Macs, iPhones, and iPads with AirDrop
  • Use iCloud Drive to collaborate with other users
  • Set up separate user accounts to allow multiple people to use the same Mac
Click here to download the free sample book
Click here to buy the full book for $15.00
Macintosh Books
iPhone and iPad Books
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Take Control of iOS 11

Discover what’s new in iOS 11!
Take a spin through the newest features of iOS 11 with Take Control of iOS 11 by TidBITS Managing Editor Josh Centers. Whether you use an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch, you’ll find lots to explore in this book, from major changes to Control Center, to new Instant Markup features, to the Files app, which offers access to files stored in iCloud and on your device. Learn how iOS 11 is a game-changer for the iPad, with new multi-tasking capabilities that take it one step closer to being a peer to the Mac.

Early Access Version: This ia a preliminary version of this book while iOS 11 is still in beta testing. As soon as possible after High Sierra ships, the free update to version 1.1 of this book will be released, which will cover all the changes in iOS 11 that occur between now and then.

Other aspects of iOS that have seen changes in this new version are: the Lock Screen, Control Center, the Home Screen, Files, Siri, Keyboard, HomeKit, the App Store, the Camera, Maps, Messages, Photos, Notes, and Settings. As you dive into the details, Josh also shows you how to customize iOS 11 to fit your needs, helping you decide which settings and apps would be most useful to you.

If you need a refresher on everything that iOS can do, you’ll also find that in this book. Josh provides extensive guidance about the ins and outs of using iOS, including how to:
  • Manage the Lock Screen, Home Screen, and Control Center
  • Search with Spotlight
  • Switch between apps and use Handoff to transfer your work
  • Use Siri effectively
  • Master Keyboard tasks (typing, dictation, emojis, autofill)
  • Use Share Sheets
  • Make use of iCloud services
  • Optimize the App Store
  • Turn on Family Sharing
  • Make the most of special iPad features like drag and drop
  • Take photos and organize them
  • Manage Messages
  • Make calls and use FaceTime and Voicemail
  • Search in Safari
  • Use Maps, Find My iPhone, and Find My Friends
  • Organize your Wallet and use Apple Pay
  • Control your home with HomeKit and Siri
  • Learn about privacy settings
  • Manage data usage and battery life
Click here to download the free sample book
Click here to buy the full book for $15.00
iPhone and iPad Books
Other Subjects
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Take Control of the Cloud, Second Edition


Cut through the hype, understand cloud services, and enhance your privacy and security!
To some people, the Cloud is a hard concept to grasp; what does it mean exactly? For others, it’s the sheer complexity of the Cloud that is confusing; how to choose among the ever-increasing number of options. And for yet others, it’s the security of the Cloud that is a concern; do I need to worry that my data isn’t safe?

With Take Control of the Cloud, Second Edition, award-winning author Joe Kissell cuts through the confusion and gives his expert advice on how to make the Cloud work best for you, no matter your needs. From a detailed explanation of what the Cloud is, to his top picks for cloud products and services, to how to enhance privacy and security in the Cloud, Joe covers the topics that are crucial to a clear understanding of what the Cloud can (and can’t) do for you.

Free Webinar As an added bonus, this book includes a free webinar for additional advice and problem-solving! (Although the webinar has already occurred—twice—purchasers can view recordings of the events at their leisure.)

Cloud-related topics covered in this book include:
  • Basic concepts, like “cloud computing” and “personal cloud”
  • Storage
  • Syncing
  • Backups
  • Productivity apps
  • Entertainment apps
  • Virtual private servers
  • Computing engines
  • Privacy and security
  • Mobile devices
  • The personal cloud
  • Choosing cloud providers
  • The Internet of Things
  • Automation
Click here to download the free sample book
Click here to buy the full book for $15.00
Other Subjects
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I’m Dave Price and I've used Macintosh since it launched in 1984. I've always been the go-to Mac guy during my teaching years and high-tech career. I started TekBasics in 2010 because of the need for an Apple resource in the Nashua area. I look forward to working with you, whether it's troubleshooting or learning more about Apple technology.

When I'm not on my Mac I enjoy spending time with my family. I'm a husband and father to three grown kids and I'm blessed that my two grandkids live nearby.

Contact Us
Call 978-502-7672 between 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday.

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Contents © 2018 TekBasics. Apple, Macintosh, Mac, OS X, and macOS are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.