All Things Apple! with Beryn Hammil
If you are new to All Things Apple! and would like to get on the contact list for classes, please register via email to Librarian, Bonnie Groshong at: bonnie.groshong@cityofsanrafael.org
Instructor Beryn Hammil will email you a welcome packet that includes detailed instructions on how to participate in the live Zoom meeting, stream from YouTube, or receive recap videos. You must register in advance on Zoom each week for each class you want to attend. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing links for joining the meeting 15 minutes before class.
Each topic will cover information for the Mac computer, iPhone, iPad and the Apple Watch (as appropriate). These class topics were put together based on input from students, and while some of these topics have been taught recently, there’s always something new to learn in each. The content of each topic description will be adhered to, but discussion is not limited to just what’s presented in this schedule as one thing often leads to another.
“Doors” for class will open 15 minutes prior to that class starting and we will start on time. When the class capacity of 100 participants is reached in the live Zoom room, those who get “locked out” will be able to view the class by live streaming it on YouTube. This is called the “Balcony Section.” Those who are registered to participate by half past the hour prior to class starting will receive an email with the link to the live stream. It will be sent out within 15 minutes of the class starting. If you’re viewing the class from the balcony, you will not be able to raise your hand to ask questions but can learn something new, nonetheless.
At the end of each class participants can stay for a Q&A session about that or any other topic. Because many people leave at the formal end of class, those who are watching the class from the balcony section will be able to join the live after-class Q&A to have their questions answered. Simply go back to the original link you received to the join the Zoom class and use that to get in.
A recap video of each class will be available so you can review material on YouTube, and you can build your own library of them, but you must participate in that class to receive access to it. Instructions for how to do this are given in the orientation email you received with your welcome packet as well as in the email for the live stream YouTube link sent out before each class starts.
Pre-registration is a requisite for each class. Once you receive the welcome packet from Beryn, invitations to register are sent out each THURSDAY morning for the following week’s class, and you must register for each class.
Time shown for the classes are Pacific Time.
MID-MAY – MID-JUNE 2025 SCHEDULE
TUESDAY, MAY 13h – UNDERSTANDING iCLOUD; BACKING UP vs SYNCING
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
iCloud is the backbone of how our Apple devices store and retrieve content,
backup and synch all the information that they contain. Let’s review this important
topic so we’re sure to be maximizing all that’s available to us.
TUESDAY, MAY 20th – STAYING SAFE ONLINE & OUT IN THE WORLD
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
The scammers have gotten more and more clever about how they try to separate us from
our valuable information and our money. Let’s review not just the basics of this
important topic, but delve into the nuances of how to keep our information secure and
private.
In anticipation of this class, I suggest that your do an on-line search of your name, phone
number or address. I assure you the amount of information that’s available for anyone to
glean is astonishing, and frightening.
TUESDAY, MAY 27th – ORGANIZING YOUR COMPUTER AND iPHONE
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
We’ve discussed organizing the proverbial “sock drawer” many times, and perhaps it’s
messier than we had hoped. In this class we’ll review some of the ways to organize
what’s on your computer for easy retrieval, and how to organize our iPhones and iPads to
find what’s there more quickly. Unfortunately, this is work only you can do; there’s no
magic wand that will instantly make it perfect.
ALL THINGS APPLE – ZOOM CLASSES
MID-MAY – MID-JUNE 2025 SCHEDULE
TUESDAY, JUNE 3rd – APPLE PAY & THE WALLET APP
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
What’s Apple Pay? We’ll review the different functions in this confusing topic.
Additionally, Apple has provided us with safe alternatives to using our credit cards and
cash in public. Learn how to use the Wallet app to store your credit card information
safely in your iPhone/iPad so making purchases doesn’t expose this sensitive information
when you’re shopping in a store or are at a restaurant.
Learn how the Wallet app can also store additional information like tickets, Covid
vaccine records, your driver’s license (in some states) and more for easy retrieval when
you’re in public.
TUESDAY, JUNE 10th – TRAVEL WITH YOUR APPLE DEVICES; TIPS & TRICKS
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Learn how to:
• set up your mobile devices for traveling so they don’t run up huge data charges,
including using eSIM cards,
• use 3rd party secure mobile wifi hotspots when traveling,
• create a list of the tech things you’ll need when traveling.
PLANNING AHEAD; THERE WILL BE NO CLASSES FOR THE REMAINDER OF
JUNE AND ALL OF JULY.