Trending Articles, Demos and tech notes
Deeply Comparing the 2021 MacBook Pro M1 M2 M3 and M4 Max
Apple's MacBook Pro range is the benchmark for performance in both creative and professional workloads. This article provides a thorough comparison of the M1 Max, M2 Max, M3 Max, and M4 Max processors found in Apple's 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models since October 2021. The Max moniker denotes the most powerfully equipped MacBook Pro that can be found, so this isn't about lower end bargain MacBooks, instead the focus of this article is on differences in performance, specifications, features, pricing, and suitability for various user needs of these top-end MacBook Pro computers.
TL;DR – The newly released M4 Max outshines its predecessors—the M1 Max, M2 Max, and M3 Max—in multiple performance aspects, including CPU and GPU power, SSD speeds, sustainability credentials and application efficiency, though it comes at a much higher price than a user or refurbished model. Users looking for peak performance and newer features without budget constraints should go for the M4 Max, while those on a budget can still find excellent value in the refurbushed market for M3, M2 or M1 Max models. The M1 Max is particularly noteworthy, delivering much of the compute power and most of the features that current new model has, at a fraction of the price, with software updates guaranteed for years to come! My pick would be a 14-inch M1 Max (MacBookPro18,4) or M2 Max (Mac14,5), maxed out as much as my budget and reputable refurbished availability allows!
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How to create and add SSH Keys to AWS EC2 Authorized Keys
Secure Shell (SSH) keys provide a method of authenticating connections to various services which is particularly useful with virtual servers like Amazon EC2 instances where it is often the best or only way to connect to the server in the AWS console. This guide details the process of creating and adding an SSH key from a local computer with Ubuntu Linux to the authorized_keys file of an AWS EC2 instance. It covers the creation of SSH key pairs, the procedure to access the instance and update the authorized_keys file, and considerations to ensure the continued accessibility of the instance.
TL:DR – The process of adding or replacing an SSH key on an AWS EC2 instance allows secure access management for different users. This includes generating a new SSH key, connecting to the instance via SSH, updating the authorized_keys file, and testing the connection. Regularly updating SSH keys is good practice to maintain security, especially in collaborative environments. Additionally, proper management of the authorized_keys file is crucial to prevent accidental lockouts.
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Grab some useful apps with Amazon Coins before they expire!
Ammazon Coins are no longer available for purchase as of February 20, 2025. You'll need to use any unused Amazon Coins in your account before August 20, 2025. After August 20, 2025, Coins can no longer be used in the Amazon Appstore, and any Coins you have purchased that remain in your account after August 20, 2025 will be refunded.
TL:DR – The deprecation or sunset of the Amazon Coins product means you need to act now to use any you may have accumulated.
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The absurd Complexity of Roaming Profiles v OneDrive Folders
Microsoft Word, particularly in its 2024 iteration, projects an image of user-friendliness and intelligent defaults. The ribbon UI, autosave, and cloud integrations imply a seamless experience. Underneath that polish is a brutal tangle of legacy architecture, operating system quirks, and cloud sync mechanics.
TL:DR – The complexity isn’t accidental. It is the cumulative result of decades of small, reasonable decisions layered atop each other without ever stepping back. The baffling difficulty of changing the default template in Microsoft Word 2024 reflects this perfectly. What appears to be a trivial task is, in fact, a product of legacy behaviours, invisible redirections, and unspoken assumptions. For anyone not steeped in the history of Windows profiles, Office defaults, and sync mechanics, it’s completely inscrutable.
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What is the best deal on Refurbished iPad Pros in the UK
When searching for the ideal refurbished iPad Pro in the UK, consumers face choices influenced by budget, specifications, and the condition of the devices on offer. Numerous retailers provide refurbished products in the UK, but the most reputable sources are the major chains. It is important to understand the differences between genuinely refurbished and just second-hand options, and evaluate the features of various models. This article will provide insights into purchasing refurbished iPads, emphasising the advantages, key considerations, and the best options available in the market today.
TL:DR – You can save 47% on refurbished iPad Pro's in the UK on the cost when new. The same iPad model can be over £300 cheaper on Amazon renewed than certified refurbished from Apple.
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Gen Z may prefer Google Workspace to Microsoft 365
Recent trends indicate that Generation Z is increasingly favouring Google Workspace over Microsoft 365 for their productivity and collaboration needs. This preference can be attributed to several factors, including user-friendliness, cost efficiency, and perhaps negatively, the ongoing integration of artificial intelligence. As such, understanding the implications of this shift is crucial for businesses and educators alike. In this analysis, we will explore the reasons behind this transition and how companies can respond.
TL:DR – Gen Z's preference for Google Workspace can be attributed to various differences, including greater storage capacities, ease of collaboration, and a user-centric approach plus familiarity through education use. As organisations take on Generation Z staff, acknowledging these preferences will be essential to remain relevant and inspire productivity.
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RCS Messaging between iPhone and Android
Rich Communication Services (RCS) support in iOS and from your mobile operator means you can send texts, high resolution photos and videos, and links to both Apple and non-Apple devices. Historically, Apple's messaging system has differentiated itself with features linked to iMessage, and its reluctance to embrace RCS or even acknowldge its existence had raised questions about its strategy regarding cross-platform communication. Now, Apple aims to enhance the messaging experience by integrating RCS support which significantly improves multimedia communication interoperability between iPhone and Android users.
TL:DR – The integration of RCS in iOS broadens the messaging capabilities for iPhone users by allowing for higher quality multimedia exchanges, emoji reactions, and more with Android devices. However, end-to-end encryption remains absent, limiting the security of RCS messages compared to established alternatives like iMessage. Apple has committed to collaboration with the GSMA which is the industry organisation that represents the interests of mobile network operators, to address encryption concerns associated with RCS.
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Create a Joomla server on macOS using Homebrew
Setting up an Apache server with Homebrew on macOS Sequoia 15 can enhance your local development and testing capabilities significantly. This guide serves to walk you through the necessary steps to install Apache, make the required configuration adjustments, and enable your environment for local testing of websites. Importantly this method does not interfere with the system version of Apache which is made complex by Apple. If you have not yet installed Homebrew, you may first want to do so as it simplifies package management on macOS.
TL:DR – The installation of Apache on macOS Sequoia 15 with Homebrew is straightforward and involves editing configuration files, setting permissions, and ultimately testing your server. This setup is designed for local development, allowing you to test your websites, and in my case Joomla content management system extensions, before deployment. Follow each step diligently, and you’ll have your server operational in no time. I wouldn't recommend macOS for production web site hosting anymore though. Best to use a hosting provider for that.
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UK MacBook pick of the week
The UK refurbished MacBook market continues to adjust in response to Apple’s recent M4 MacBook and MacBook Pro release. Supply is healthy, but standout deals remain elusive. This week, Amazon Renewed listings show a price decrease of around £50 on desirable configurations after a rise last week.
16 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD configurations offer significantly better longevity and maintain higher resale value, particularly among professional users seeking balanced capability. An emerging trend worth noting appears to be the increased availability of 1 TB models which provide ample storage for most use cases and these models are rapidly becoming the new baseline for informed buyers.
TL:DR – My pick of the week is (MacBook Air 13-inch M2, 2022) 16 GB / 1 TB at £815 on Amazon. Theres also a great value Macbook Pro (14-inch, M1, 2021) at £849. These are astonishing value! Always read the fine print and compare prices widely before deciding.
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UK Online Safety Act Compliance: What You Must Do Now
Introduction and a Warning About Illegal Harm
The UK Online Safety Act is a transformative piece of legislation designed to make online spaces safer for users. Platforms that fail to comply risk hefty fines, reputational damage, and, in extreme cases, criminal liability. Illegal harm online, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM), terrorist content, and hate speech, is now under tighter scrutiny.
The regulations are international in their reach and apply to online services that have links with the UK, regardless of where the provider of the service is based or registered.
TL:DR – The deadline has passed for completing a risk assessment. You should still complete one immediately because if your business provides an online service (a service made available over the internet), such as a website or an app, the Act may apply. The Act introduces new regulations for online service providers to help keep people in the UK – especially children – safe from illegal and harmful content online.
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Moving VMware Mac Fusion to PC Workstation is easy
VMware’s decision to make VMware Workstation and VMWare Fusion free for all users has opened up new possibilities for developers, IT professionals, and businesses. This move simplifies virtualisation, allowing users to run and manage virtual machines (VMs) on Windows and Linux without additional costs. One of the biggest advantages is the ease of moving virtual machines between different platforms, particularly from macOS (using VMware Fusion) to a Windows or Linux PC running VMware Workstation.
TL:DR – Moving virtual machines in VMware virtual machine format is easier than ever between Intel based Mac computers, Windows PC's and Linux desktops.
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- Why the Enshittification of Notepad on Windows Matters to You
- Better SEO in Joomla by eliminating duplicate canonicals
- Choose wisely which Mac Mini 2024 M4 to buy
- Creating a Joomla plugin and component with AI help
- Joomla Intro and article image sizes for Retention
- Using AWS to bring Windows Server apps to the cloud
- Is Teams Essentials Worth It?
- Warning: AI guardrails are not in place.
- Behind the curtain is AI just Smoke and mirrors?
- Windows 11 24H2 update - theres a lot to unpack
- A password manager for Windows, macOS, and Linux - KeePassXC
- Java on macOS Sequoia - especially for android app developers
