Always, always, always be cautious about clicking on a link in messages or email.
I AM aware of that. And just the notion that “someone” (identified only by their phone number) is sending me a file that really is INTENDED for me seems unlikely.
I use Hiya (on my iPhone) to check ANY phone number I am suspicious of, including ones on my Mac.
--? Jim Saklad jimdoc@...
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On Feb 14, 2025, at 12:41?PM, Paul via groups.io <paul@...> wrote:
To delete attachments in iMessage on an iPhone, you can:?
? ? Open the Messages app ? ? Go to the conversation with the attachment ? ? Tap the name of the person or group at the top ? ? Scroll down to a category, like Photos ? ? Tap See All ? ? Tap Select ? ? Tap each item you want to delete ? ? Tap Delete?
I didn’t get those options within messages, but when I clicked on the sender “name” (it actually was a phone number) an image of the pdf appeared.
I chose not to open it, but instead went to my Mac, where one choice was “open” the PDF, another was “QuckLook” (must admit I didn’t know whether that was safer or not, but I was able to tell it was bogus, looking for payment of a supposed violation of a toll road payment (I don’t think there ARE any toll toads in Montana). One option presented by my Mac was “delete from all devices.” I selected that.
--?
Jim Robertson
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Re: Using Font Book on iMac
Bev, thank you so much for your thoughtful replies. I followed the links you kindly provided, and started up in safe boot. Sure enough, it cleaned the cache and took care of the problem. After restarting in regular boot, font book is working well, and I did not even have to trash the fonts and reinstall them.
THANK YOU, BEV!
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On Feb 8, 2025, at 7:16?AM, Bev in TX via groups.io <Bev> wrote: I just found a better article on what safe mode does. ?It says that "third-party (user installed) fonts" are disabled in Safe Mode. ?So you won't see that 3rd party font you installed while in Safe Mode. ?Do boot to Safe Mode to empty the Font caches, and then reboot to normal mode to check whether that resolved anything.
What Does Safe Mode Do on Mac?
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Downloads in Messages is not automatic.?
Why not just open Messages and click Edit then Select. Choose the offending text conversation, and delete?
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On Feb 14, 2025, at 11:42, Paul via groups.io <paul@...> wrote:
? HI Jim
To delete attachments in iMessage on an iPhone, you can:?
? ? Open the Messages app ? ? Go to the conversation with the attachment ? ? Tap the name of the person or group at the top ? ? Scroll down to a category, like Photos ? ? Tap See All ? ? Tap Select ? ? Tap each item you want to delete ? ? Tap Delete?
You can also delete attachments by going to Settings, then iPhone Storage, then iMessage. From there, you can review and delete large attachments.
Paul ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Helping Los Angeles area computer users since 1988? On Feb 14, 2025, at 11:38?AM, jimrobertson via groups.io <jimrobertson@...> wrote:
On Feb 14, 2025, at 12:33?PM, Paul via groups.io <paul@...> wrote:
Always, always, always be cautious about clicking on a link in messages or email.
I AM aware of that. And just the notion that “someone” (identified only by their phone number) is sending me a file that really is INTENDED for me seems unlikely.
I read mail and messages both on my laptop and my iPhone. This came as an iMessage. Does that mean that the pdf has already been downloaded to my computer? If so, where would I find it?
--?
Jim Robertson
_
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A 19 Kb PDF, is probably not human readable, so it is malicious.?
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On Feb 14, 2025, at 11:35, jimrobertson via groups.io <jimrobertson@...> wrote:
? On Feb 14, 2025, at 12:29?PM, Jim McGarvie via groups.io <jim@...> wrote:
I certainly would not….
What’s the risk? Is it possible a 19 KB PDF could carry a malicious payload?
--?
Jim Robertson
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On Feb 14, 2025, at 11:34, Paul via groups.io <paul@...> wrote:
Always, always, always be cautious about clicking on a link in messages or email. Any company serious about your security will ask you to log into your account to get important information. They should not ask you to click a link for anything. Paul, I wish that were so. Providence (Medical Group) offers me a link every time they post something to MyChart. Most of the time it is to open a message, “secure email” within their system. My credit union and utility companies also offer me a link, and have for years. Stupid as it is. But I agree about not opening texts from unknown sources. If not a hack, it most likely is spam. Brent On my iPhone Xr
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If you don’t know who it is, then NO!
Text is the new way to spread hack attempts and spam.?
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On Feb 14, 2025, at 10:57, jimrobertson via groups.io <jimrobertson@...> wrote:
? My morning crop of iMessages includes one from a phone number I don’t recognize in the 469 area code (DFW area) that contains a 19 KB PDF attachment but no text.
Safe to open that pdf?
--?
Jim Robertson
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HI Jim
To delete attachments in iMessage on an iPhone, you can:?
? ? Open the Messages app ? ? Go to the conversation with the attachment ? ? Tap the name of the person or group at the top ? ? Scroll down to a category, like Photos ? ? Tap See All ? ? Tap Select ? ? Tap each item you want to delete ? ? Tap Delete?
You can also delete attachments by going to Settings, then iPhone Storage, then iMessage. From there, you can review and delete large attachments.
Paul ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Helping Los Angeles area computer users since 1988?
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On Feb 14, 2025, at 11:38?AM, jimrobertson via groups.io <jimrobertson@...> wrote:
On Feb 14, 2025, at 12:33?PM, Paul via groups.io <paul@...> wrote:
Always, always, always be cautious about clicking on a link in messages or email.
I AM aware of that. And just the notion that “someone” (identified only by their phone number) is sending me a file that really is INTENDED for me seems unlikely.
I read mail and messages both on my laptop and my iPhone. This came as an iMessage. Does that mean that the pdf has already been downloaded to my computer? If so, where would I find it?
--?
Jim Robertson
_
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HI,
Opening an unknown PDF on an iPhone could be harmful because it could contain malicious code or links that could steal your personal information, install malware on your device, or redirect you to phishing websites, even though iPhones generally have strong security measures; always exercise caution when opening PDFs from unknown sources.?
Potential dangers of opening an unknown PDF:
Phishing scams: The PDF might appear legitimate but contain links that lead to fake websites designed to capture your login credentials or other sensitive data.?
Malware installation: The PDF could be embedded with executable code that automatically installs malicious software on your iPhone when opened.?
Data theft: Malicious PDFs may be designed to harvest personal information like your contact details or financial information directly from your device.?
Ransomware attacks: In some cases, opening a malicious PDF could trigger a ransomware attack, encrypting your data and demanding a ransom to decrypt it.?
Paul
++++++++++++++++++++++++ Helping Los Angeles area computer users since 1988?
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On Feb 14, 2025, at 11:34?AM, jimrobertson via groups.io <jimrobertson@...> wrote:
On Feb 14, 2025, at 12:29?PM, Jim McGarvie via groups.io <jim@...> wrote:
I certainly would not….
What’s the risk? Is it possible a 19 KB PDF could carry a malicious payload?
--?
Jim Robertson
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On Feb 14, 2025, at 12:33?PM, Paul via groups.io <paul@...> wrote:
Always, always, always be cautious about clicking on a link in messages or email.
I AM aware of that. And just the notion that “someone” (identified only by their phone number) is sending me a file that really is INTENDED for me seems unlikely.
I read mail and messages both on my laptop and my iPhone. This came as an iMessage. Does that mean that the pdf has already been downloaded to my computer? If so, where would I find it?
--?
Jim Robertson
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On Feb 14, 2025, at 12:29?PM, Jim McGarvie via groups.io <jim@...> wrote:
I certainly would not….
What’s the risk? Is it possible a 19 KB PDF could carry a malicious payload?
--?
Jim Robertson
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HI
I also wouldn’t open it:
iPhones can get viruses (its extremely rare) and malware from a pdf document. There are also several other ways an iPhone can be compromised. Always, always, always be cautious about clicking on a link in messages or email. Any company serious about your security will ask you to log into your account to get important information. They should not ask you to click a link for anything. If your email company, paypal, venmo, bank account (pretty much any service) sends you an unexpected email/message with a link DON’T click it. Instead close or delete the email/message. Also good to delete from the deleted file (on your computer). Then login how you normally would app or browser. If they have important information for you it will be presented when you log in. About your pdf document, delete it. I wouldn’t even open it. Some malware can be activated on ‘open’. If you do open it don’t click on any links. Paul
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On Feb 14, 2025, at 11:29?AM, Jim McGarvie via groups.io <jim@...> wrote:
I certainly would not…. On Feb 14, 2025, at 11:57, jimrobertson via groups.io <jimrobertson@...> wrote:
My morning crop of iMessages includes one from a phone number I don’t recognize in the 469 area code (DFW area) that contains a 19 KB PDF attachment but no text.
Safe to open that pdf?
--?
Jim Robertson
_._,_._,_
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On Feb 14, 2025, at 11:57, jimrobertson via groups.io <jimrobertson@...> wrote:
My morning crop of iMessages includes one from a phone number I don’t recognize in the 469 area code (DFW area) that contains a 19 KB PDF attachment but no text.
Safe to open that pdf?
--?
Jim Robertson
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My morning crop of iMessages includes one from a phone number I don’t recognize in the 469 area code (DFW area) that contains a 19 KB PDF attachment but no text.
Safe to open that pdf?
--?
Jim Robertson
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Re: A question for classical music lovers
On Feb 12, 2025, at 2:36?PM, Dane Robison via groups.io <macdane@...> wrote:
Here's what I can say: it plays as expected in the Apple SuperDrive, and the video quality is about as good as I'd expect from a transfer of such dated source material. Seems to me that all of the discs should work fine in a SuperDrive if one of them does, and that this would be well worth watching if watching is what you want to do. Does that help at all?
It certainly does. I mentioned recently that I found the DG audio/video recording of the Bernstein Ely Cathedral Mahler 2nd performance on YouTube, which I would have thought might be a patent copyright violation, but I doubt anyone would watch it for longer than 10 minutes, because it’s interrupted horrendously by commercials, and for reasons I cannot explain technically it seems to be inferior in quality (audio AND video) to what I streamed from DG’s “Stages-Plus” website during my one week time-limited subscription. So, I’m ordering the DVD from amazon. I have a 4K DVD player attached to my LG OLED 4K TV, and that will be where I’ll test it first. Then I’ll probably purchase a just-recently-discontinued SuperDrive from wherever I can find one and see if I can watch/listen on my M3 MacBook Pro as well.
Thanks so much,
--?
Jim Robertson
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Re: A question for classical music lovers
Apologies for having been too busy to keep track of this thread. I've begun receiving the DVDs from the library — not the #2 but " Das Lied von der Erde" which was recorded later and?features different performers in a different venue. I also have no way to play a DVD on my stereo system, so cannot comment usefully on the sound quality.
Here's what I can say: it plays as expected in the Apple SuperDrive, and the video quality is about as good as I'd expect from a transfer of such dated source material. Seems to me that all of the discs should work fine in a SuperDrive if one of them does, and that this would be well worth watching if watching is what you want to do. Does that help at all?
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On Feb 4, 2025, at 9:42?PM, Dane Robison via groups.io <macdane@...> wrote:
If you’re ok waiting a bit, I ordered the DVD from our library system and would be happy to let you know how it works in a SuperDrive.
Dane On Feb 4, 2025, at 7:51?PM, jimrobertson via groups.io <jimrobertson@...> wrote:
? On Feb 4, 2025, at 4:18?PM, Otto Nikolaus via groups.io <otto.nikolaus@...> wrote:
Apple called it a Superdrive. I ?have one in my 2012 MB Pro and also an external one in case the internal one stops working (I rarely play DVDs but routinely rip music CDs).
Thanks, Dane and Otto.
I’ll look for mine, plug it in to my M3 MacBook Pro, see if I can play DVDs with it, and if so, purchase that DG Mahler 1,2, 3 disc (performances at different venues). Most of the reviews are 5 star, but a few say they’re VERY upset with amazon because “they just don’t work.” That makes me think there was some incompatibility between the NTSC format of the DVD and the equipment on which it was to be played. And, I don’t know whether EITHER my computer or my TV (to which I ALREADY HAVE a 4k-capable DVD player attached) can play NTSC-formatted material.
One reviewer gave a critical review of the performance because Bernstein was “too theatrical.” Bernstein was BERNSTEIN. The reviewer also said the sound was not good and blamed the venue (the long, tall, skinny and rock-hard Ely Cathedral). If responses were possible to amazon reviews, I’d make one, the video I’ve just watched confirms Bernstein’s theatrics, but to expect a sonic experience equivalent to Davies Symphony Hall from a 1000 year old edifice is just plain WRONG!
--?
Jim Robertson
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Re: A question for classical music lovers
On Feb 5, 2025, at 3:03?AM, Otto Nikolaus via groups.io <otto.nikolaus@...> wrote:
I *think* an Apple Superdrive can read any DVD format so you should be able to rip it using Handbrake into any format that will play on your TV. I assume the TV can play files over your network, or from USB?
I just discovered Bernstein’s performance in Ely Cathedral on YouTube, but it’s interrupted every 10 minutes or so by advertising. Some equate being at a live performance almost like talking directly to God (or at least listening), but these interruptions make it more like ascending to Paradise but then having to put silver dollars in a Parking meter at those intervals.
--?
Jim Robertson
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Re: Apple support do not ‘hear’ when I press number 1.
In that circumstance, I would have an online chat about them not answering a phone call when pressing 1.
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On Jan 31, 2025, at 9:46?AM, ck368 via groups.io <ck368@...> wrote:
It seems I am not alone in this. ?A search for the answer shows many people have been asking, for a long time, all over Apple community.
?
One schedules a support call, when Apple calls they ask you to press 1 to show you are ready. ?They never ?‘hear’ this response however many times it is done. Eventually they go away……
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I have tried with Bluetooth on or off, by waiting till the Apple response finishes and then pressing 1. ?Nothing seems to work.
?
Does anyone have an answer that works?
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Bev in TX
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Re: iCloud Private Relay, yay or nay
Maybe, or maybe not.
The following article mentions one occurrence of hackers getting access to a single VPN appliance, and through it obtained access into a VPN and then obtained user information. ?It's not clear in the article as to whether they got physical access to that appliance. ?However, it says nothing at all about the frequency that actually occurs, which just means that it's been proven that it can happen. ? Perhaps someone who is an expert in this area could provide more information. ?(I'm far from being an expert.) It also provides insight into other types of situations in which a VPN can't protect you. ?For example, some governments have laws against using VPNs. ?They ?can't see what you are doing behind a VPN, but they can see that you are using one, which in turn means that they can arrest you for breaking the law.
The following article discusses the differences between a VPN and iCloud Private Relay:
And what VPNs can, and cannot, do:
I read another article about the UK government demanding that Apple give them the password that can open all iCloud Private Relay communications to them. ?The article said that Apple would stop providing that service in the UK rather than silently giving into that demand. ?
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On Feb 7, 2025, at 2:37?PM, jimrobertson via groups.io <jimrobertson@...> wrote:
Last April, when I joined a web forum “X marks the Scot” the site owner messaged me and advised me to turn off iCloud Private Relay because in his opinion it was basically a flavor of VPNs that purport to increase user privacy by bouncing messages through a somewhat random list of servers so that the original poster is harder to discover. The site owner claimed that VPNs actually are TARGETED by hackers and actually can INCREASE the risk of a stop along the way being hacked or the original poster being attacked.
Something made me review that warning again today, and I realized that no one here ventured a response to my original query. I turned next to Apple Web support, where the 2023 instructions regarding how to turn off Private Relay for a given site no long match what’s available in the current version of Safari for the Mac.
I can repost the original message, but I’d be curious to know if anyone has affirmation or refutation to offer regarding the value of Apple’s means of trying to protect Safari users.
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Bev in TX
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Re: Using Font Book on iMac
I just found a better article on what safe mode does. ?It says that "third-party (user installed) fonts" are disabled in Safe Mode. ?So you won't see that 3rd party font you installed while in Safe Mode. ?Do boot to Safe Mode to empty the Font caches, and then reboot to normal mode to check whether that resolved anything.
What Does Safe Mode Do on Mac?
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On Feb 8, 2025, at 6:07?AM, Bev in TX via groups.io <countryone77@...> wrote:
you haven't already done so ...
You could check whether the problem occurs?in Safe Mode. One of the things it does is to clear the fonts cache, which can become corrupted. ?It also does some other things, which could prevent conflicts.
Start up your Mac in safe mode
If the problem didn't occur in Safe Mode, reboot to exit Safe Mode. ?Check if the problem still occurs.
If the problem wasn't resolved by booting in Safe Mode, then backup your fonts by exporting them before continuing.? File > Export?
You can make Font Book validate one or more fonts. ?You can also check whether there is a duplicate font that could be interfering. ?See "Validate fonts" and "Resolve duplicate fonts" on the following webpage?in Apple Support's Font Book User Guide:
Install and validate fonts in Font Book on Mac
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Bev in TX
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Jim Saklad
Brent
Paul