Blog

It's helpful to unplug occasionally and ignore email while on vacation or otherwise away from your work routine. And it's a good idea to set up a vacation auto-responder to tell correspondents what to do in your absence. It might be tempting to create such an auto-reply with a rule in Mail or on the Mac, but resist the temptation!

When you follow a link in Safari, you generally don't know where you're going to end up. Safari provides an easy way to look at the URL under a link. Check it out!

iCloud Photos (whichApple previously called iCloud Photo Library) is wonderful when it's working properly. Photos in iOS and macOS can pause syncing for a variety of reasons, and sometimes it doesn't restart when it should. Check out how to find the sync status and how to resume syncing now.

Storage issues on your Mac® — like aging — don’t hit you all at once. They sneak up on you as the weeks and months creep by. Then suddenly, much like yourself, your MacBook® or iMac® takes longer to start up, and even longer to get moving. Is there a fix? For you, lay off the pizza and hit the gym. For your Mac, it’s even easier.

For the first time ever, AirPods® are Apple’s best-selling accessory. The beloved dangling wireless headphones wrested that position from the hated dongle, the iPhone® product lost or damaged with almost stunning regularity. But now the dongle sits second on Apple’s accessory list, as the new AirPods are more magical than ever.

Samepage is a business collaboration tool that connects people with projects, conversations and files. Samepage helps teams work smarter and more productively. So even when you are on the go, you can access all your files and keep the conversation going — right from your smartphone or tablet.

It's maddening to want to read a serial number or other bit of fine print that you can barely see. But fret no longer - your iPhone or iPad makes a fabulous magnifying glass!

There's little worse than missing and important call or text because your iPhone was in Do Not Disturb mode or because the Mute switch was engaged. If there are certain people - a spouse, parent, or child - whose calls and texts you always want to break through the cone of silence, iOS has the solution: Emergency Bypass.

If you’re an Apple Music subscriber, you probably know that it can play music that’s related to a particular artist or track. But, did you know that Apple Music can create a special radio station just for you, based on tracks you’ve played before?

How would you capture a screenshot of a long Web page that requires scrolling? Rather than stitching multiple screenshots together, try this trick...

If the very latest iMac® — unveiled a couple of weeks ago — looks familiar, well, it should. If the very latest Porsche 911 — unveiled a couple of weeks ago — looks familiar, well, it should. Seemingly, both of these high-profile products have experienced evolutionary, not revolutionary, changes over the years. And why not? Both the iMac and the 911 have always offered drivers brilliant engineering and powerful performance in iconic head-turning form factors. But a closer look under the hood tells us otherwise with each iteration. And since this space is about technological, and not automotive, excellence, let’s focus on the new iMac.

Although Apple® recently revamped its iPad® product line with two new products, it’s the elevation of the Apple Pencil® that’s making news. While a new generation of Apple Pencil was introduced last November — and here’s where it gets confusing — the new 7.9-inch iPad mini® and new 10.5-inch iPad Air® products only support the first-generation Pencil. The news here is that they support it at all, making the new models infinitely more capable.

One could say Jessi Reed’s career path is right on target. The new Scheduling Assistant for CranstonIT has transitioned from a stay-at-home mom to a chaotic business environment and, essentially, little has changed.

Save up to $158 with two free tickets to the Pittsburgh Business Show, the event created to help business owners connect to the people, products and resources they need to succeed. Simply visit us at cranstonit.com for more details and your free tickets for both days of the show. The Pittsburgh Business Show will be held May 14 & 15, 2019, at PPG Place, 1 Fourth Avenue in Pittsburgh. While at the show, be sure to attend one of the several presentations delivered by CranstonIT President Patrick Cranston.

What determines whether a message goes into the archives or gets deleted? iOS hides that option...read more to see how to choose where your messages go.

Have you ever looked over your spouse’s shoulder and thought, “Hey, that’s a cool app.”? If you set up Family Sharing you can not only see what apps they have but you can download the apps you want with just a few simple clicks.

If you can't send or receive email, if photos aren't transferring via iCloud Photo Library, or if some other iCloud-related service isn't responding this is the first thing you should do.

Mulitnational tech companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook will never call or text you out of the blue.

We’re so pleased to announce the addition of Krista Craft to our team. Krista will manage Billing and Inside Sales for CranstonIT.

How to clear the clutter from your iOS device

Phishing is a scam where someone sends you a bogus email that attempts to fool you into revealing your passwords, login credentials, credit card numbers, banking information or other sensitive information. While phishing is a problem that often hooks individuals, attackers are now targeting businesses more frequently than ever before.

Need to check something in another message while composing a new one on your iPhone? Here's how...

Sometimes it's not convenient to have your Mac open on your desk next to the big screen. If you'd like to close your Mac's screen and just use the external display, you can!

Messages for iOS and macOS® devices generally works well, it does have its head-scratching quirks. Here are a few common solutions.

There are ways for groups to work simultaneously or sequentially. There are real-time collaboration features built into many apps. And possibly the most elegant of them all, Samepage, a business collaboration tool that connects multiple people with projects, conversations and files.

As your business becomes more successful, your IT environment becomes more complex. And at some point, the concept of depending on tech support only when needed becomes inefficient and costly. There is a better solution — managed IT services with device-management software.

New from CranstonIT, the Datto Networking Appliance ensures your business remains connected and productive during Internet outages with fully integrated 4G LTE Internet failover. This single, compact device is now a part of our managed services commitment to deliver the latest in advanced network security.

Few iPad® owners have ever really taken advantage of the suite of gestures. But if you take the time to learn and understand their functionality, you’ll realize more productivity benefits than you might think.

Password manager is a software app used to store and manage the passwords that a user has for various online accounts and security features. These apps store the passwords in an encrypted format and provide secure access to all information with the help of a single master password. For security reasons, CranstonIT always recommends you use a password manager...

They are questions potential clients ask CranstonIT all the time. So here are some foundational benefits for working with an Apple professional and why, ultimately, it is the right choice.

The new MacBook Air sets a higher standard for portability. The iconic wedge is noticeably thinner (almost an inch by width and more than half an inch by depth) and lighter (by about a quarter pound). It is also the greenest Mac ever, created from 100 percent recycled aluminum.

It’s a constant refrain in many homes — a kid clamoring to use an iPad®, iPhone® or even an Apple Watch® to play games, watch videos or chat with friends. As a parent, you know when enough is enough, and that too much screen time can often affect homework, family dinners or socialization in general. With iOS 12, Apple® is doing its part to limit device addiction. Screen Time is a feature that not only monitors how much time your child is spending on his or her phone or tablet, but provides the tools and guidance on how to control that usage.

Today I'm sharing a great tip on how to use email aliases and why it's an easier and more secure option.

Datto Managed Power device changes the paradigm of what a power strip can be for IT infrastructures everywhere. It also means CranstonIT, as your managed service provider, can now remotely or automatically reboot virtually any of your non-responsive electronic devices and save you time and money in the process.

Mac mini is back on our radar, and it’s back with a vengeance. Reintroduced two weeks ago, this powerful new Mac mini is aimed squarely (get it?) at professional users. Although it retains the same diminutive form factor as recent iterations — 7.7 inches square and 1.4 inches — there is no need to kick Mac mini's tires this time around.

The new 11-inch and 12.9-inch devices — the thinnest iPad Pro models ever — have been reengineered with Apple’s most innovative technologies and feature an advanced all-screen design, an enhanced Smart Keyboard™ Folio and a redesigned Apple Pencil® that is more capable than ever.

When does it make sense to have a contract with an IT Support Provider? I give you the answer in today's bionic business Vlog.

Today I'm talking about Datto, Inc.'s backup appliances and how having clone backups of your critical devices ensures your business stays functioning even when disaster strikes

Today, I'm discussing the importance of written procedures for on boarding/off boarding to make new employees as effective as possible and maintain IT.

In today's Bionic business vlog I unbox and test it out while giving my first thoughts and initial reaction to Apple's latest stylus.

My unboxing and first take of the redesigned iPad Pro.

I give my recommendations on which backup solution to use in today's

Do you have a critical backup and disaster recovery plan for your business?

In today's Bionic Business vlog, I discuss why you need to backup your O365 data and how to do it.

In today's Bionic Business Vlog, I'm talking about Datto, Inc.'s managed power strips and how they can save your company downtime and run more efficiently.

Is Apple's new #ipad Pro worth the upgrade? Watch to find out.

How secure is your computer? In today's vlog, I highlight what you need to know about the enhanced security the T2 chip delivers.

I give my take and recommendations on Apple's new iPad Pros, MacBook Airs and Mac Minis.

Today I reveal 6 technology pillars your business needs to make a bionic business and crush your competition.

Automatic, an innovative approach for automatically tracking mileage.

In this video, i explain the type of backups and what to consider when creating a backup policy.

What is secure email, why would you need it and how does it work?

Is your business network secure? Are you sure? Watch how easy it was for me to takeover a network with just my iPhone.

In this bionic business vlog I explain how important it is for businesses to understand and properly manage Apple IDs

Today I demonstrate real phishing attacks in action and how to defeat them.

Before you upgrade your macOS, watch this video by Patrick Cranston

In today's Bionic Business Vlog I explore #iOS 12's new battery features that help you check the health of your battery

Today's Bionic Business Vlog I explain the basics of cloud file sharing.

Patrick's secret to immediately improving performance and extending the effective life of computers in your business in 1 easy step.

Today I explain SSL encryption, why it's necessary and most importantly how it affects your business.

Today I'm explaining Data At Rest Encryption and why it's also important to your business.

Watch and learn how to make your business faster, stronger and more powerful. Bolster your IT knowledge and remain tech relevant

Now, with iOS 12, Do Not Disturb has gotten a lot smarter. Apple® claims the enhanced functionality is the result of six years of user feedback and pointed wish lists, along with a growing need for users to get more time away from their devices when necessary.

Continuity Camera links macOS® 10.14 Mojave to iOS12. This new feature allows you to snap a picture or scan a document with an iPhone® or iPad® running iOS 12 and have that image instantly appear on your Mac® running 10.14 Mojave.

If you use more then 5 Apple devices in your business, don't miss this video.

Today I discuss secure, more effective alternatives for internal business communications than email.

In this video, Patrick discusses Apple's business loyalty program, hardware discounts and creating your own custom Apple online store.

Use Apple products in your business? Learn what Apple Consultants Network is and how your business could benefit from it.

Your best security measure against malicious emails are well trained users. Discover how to test and train your employees to identify and defeat email attacks that make it to their Inbox.

Learn how to better manage your workflow with an automated software.

Password manager software is critical to your online security. Learn what a password manager is and which software CransonIT uses.

How 2 factor authentication works and why it's important to your business' online security

A hacker has access to your account and is demanding money to "protect your secrets" what should you do?

The next generation of iPhone® is here. Screens are bigger, technology is better and pricing is up, down and sideways, depending on your enthusiasm and budget.

Apple Watch® Series 4 has been fundamentally redesigned and reengineered to help wearers stay active and healthy and certainly connected. The new models are 1.1mm thinner and the all-new displays are larger.

CranstonIT is pleased to announce a new service to help your users address IT security, perhaps the biggest challenge facing organizations today.

With faster performance and enhanced professional features, Apple® has dubbed its new MacBook Pro® the most advanced Mac® notebook ever.

IT support has changed. Break-fix solutions no longer apply. As your IT environment grows and becomes more complex, the concept of depending on IT support only when needed is no longer sufficient.

Find My iPhone is an app that helps you find not only your iPhone, but your misplaced iPad®, iPod touch®, Apple Watch®, AirPods® or even your Mac®.

Although Apple TV® often receives less attention than Apple's other platforms, it still gains new capabilities with tvOS 12.

Getting too many notifications? With just a swipe, iOS 12 lets you group notifications from each app together and gives you the ability to manage notifications from the lock screen. Plus, a new feature called Instant Tuning helps you reduce the number of notifications you see, right from the Lock screen.

Apple’s preview of watchOS 5 demonstrated a significant update to the world’s most popular watch. And as most wearers focus on fitness and communication, Apple Watch® will become an even stronger companion to the healthy and connected with a host of new features.

iOS 12 enables new user experiences that just weren’t possible before, according to Apple, as well as makes everyday tasks faster, more responsive and just plain fun.

macOS Mojave has been previewed by Apple as the latest version of the world’s most advanced desktop operating system, with updates inspired by professionals but designed for everyone.

If you think everyone knows how to take out the trash, you would be mistaken. That’s because the Trash Can embedded in your macOS® is not your father’s trash can, and works very differently in macOS® than in any other operating system.

Slack’s goal is to unify your entire team’s communications with seamlessly integrated apps that help streamline workflow. It bundles colleagues, files, messages and calls all in one place. Slack has apps for macOS®, iOS, Windows and Android, and isn’t conceptually all that different from the popular Messages® app from Apple®.

The days before email became essential to doing business seem like a theme for a documentary on the History Channel. Gone are the days when businesses relied solely on snail mail and phone calls to communicate. Email is a critical component to business success and the ability for your mail server to multitask is just as important.

Patete Kitchens in Pittsburgh, PA is an all Mac shop, one that started with the original blue iMac and iBook Apple computers. They needed the best in computer support and managed services for macOS platform.

Pittsburgh PA based êlizur reconfigured its technology landscape to meet the demands of the healthcare industry. With the help of CranstonIT’s guidance, the company is now equipped with servers, macintosh Mac computer and iPad and iPhone devices. 

“CranstonIT’s timely software updates keep us running smoothly, and their automation of our backups ensures we maintain our data and avoid potentially catastrophic losses,”

As companies expand, existing workflow processes don’t always keep up — especially if you are still relying on spreadsheets, word documents or even paper.

Keep your whole team up to date by integrating Slack into FileMaker. Use notifications in Slack to keep you and your team up to date where ever you are.