Sunday, November 14, 2021

Using iCloud Drive and OneDrive Together on a Mac

iCloud and OneDrive folders

Updated September 2026: in 2021 I used OneDrive as my main cloud and a basic iCloud plan as a second copy, and wished folders in iCloud could sync directly with OneDrive on my Mac. I have rewritten it into advice on using iCloud Drive and OneDrive side by side.

OneDrive held my main files and photos, and I kept important files in iCloud as a secondary backup. The problem was that folders in iCloud Drive could not be synchronised directly with OneDrive. I had to copy files manually between them, and it was easy to lose track of which copy was current.

Can iCloud Drive and OneDrive sync with each other?

Not directly. Each service syncs its own folder on the Mac with its own cloud. Neither offers a built-in option to mirror the other. Third-party tools can copy between them, but they add complexity and can create conflicts if both copies are edited.

Is it a good idea to use both?

Yes, if each has a clear job. Problems come from keeping the same working files in both places. A simple rule avoids that: one service holds working files, the other holds archived copies or specific folders.

How can you divide the roles?

  • OneDrive: working documents, especially Office files you share or edit on other devices.
  • iCloud Drive: Desktop and Documents sync for Apple-only use, and files you open on iPhone and iPad.
  • A backup tool: Time Machine or similar for a full, separate copy.

How do you keep a second copy without manual copying?

Use a backup, not a second sync service. Time Machine to an external or network drive keeps versions of everything automatically. A second cloud copy for critical files can be updated periodically, for example monthly, rather than kept in constant sync.

How do you tell which copy is current?

Keep working files in one place only, and give archived copies a date in the folder name, such as "Tax 2025 archive March 2026". When you open a file, you then know whether you are looking at the live version or a snapshot.

What should you avoid?

Turning on iCloud Desktop and Documents sync and OneDrive's Desktop and Documents backup at the same time. Both will try to manage the same folders, which can cause confusion or duplicate files. Choose one for those folders.

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Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Introduction of Airplay feature in set-top boxes and TV's


Introduction of Airplay feature

Recent times, the OTT platforms and online sports streaming applications available in TV's have changed the way we watch entertainment. However, most applications and TVs now have in-built Chromecast support enabling Android phones to have slight edge over iPhones, as iPhone supports only Airplay feature. With technology advancements and increase in usage of iPhone users across the country, I feel puzzled at unavailability of Airplay as standard feature in set-top boxes and in-built in most TV's. Apart from Samsung, most major leading TV brands have boycotted airplay feature in their ecosystem and Apple should have enabled those brands to include Airplay feature in addition to Chromecast support. With lack of Airplay feature in most TV's and set-top boxes, Apple is losing its user base for the following reasons
  • Moving towards Android: Most mobile phone users will not be ready to switch their TVs in short-term and with those TV's having in-built Chromecast support, users will prefer mobile phones supporting Chromecast and gives Android phones an edge over iPhones. 
  • Users unaware of Airplay: Chromecast has been widely popular among all mobile phone users including iPhone users, that most users were still unaware of the Airplay feature available in iOS and are still hesitant to use these features in their phones. 
  • Application support for Airplay: Most Entertainment applications are now built-in with Chromecast support and even in iOS, the streaming and OTT apps support Chromecast support by default. Even if Airplay support is enabled within these applications for FREE by Apple, it would take another year or so, for the feature to be completely utilized by those developers. Only post successful utilization of Airplay in the entertainment apps, the users will find differentiating features and quality between Chromecast and Airplay.
To read more such articles, please feel free to check out the articles published in G R Team Sites.

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Thursday, September 9, 2021

Information about Sudoku puzzle online game

Recent COVID break has impacted people across globe both mentally and financially. People can overcome monetary impact in next few quarters either through salary increment or improved sales in businesses, as the economy across globe has started to show V-Shape recovery. The most important aspect that the experts across the countries worry is the mental health and well-being of the people through these challenging times. The easier and smart option for people to keep their mental health on stable condition would be to keep engaging their brains with intelligent activities. Online gaming is one of the smarter options available for people who were looking to engage themselves with intelligent and smart activities. However, most online games have standard templates and do not help people with intelligent puzzles. Recently I came across this interesting online gaming site known that offers Sudoku online as sudoku-topical.com. 

The site is one of the most intuitive online gaming sites available in web that offers wide range of sudoku puzzles for its users. The online gaming site also allows users to download the sudoku puzzle offline and enables them to solve new puzzles every day. The gaming site offers numerous puzzle option that if you feel bored of solving one puzzle, you get alternative puzzle option to keep you pre-occupied. Whether you want to solve sudoku puzzle online on the go or if you want to solve the game offline at your own comfort, the sudoku-topical.com online site has gotten it covered for all your sudoku gaming needs. If you were ever looking for reliable online gaming site that offers new sudoku puzzle option for users with distinct levels, then sudoku-topical.com online site would be the place you need to check out. For more information about the sudoku puzzle available in the online site and to explore various sudoku levels offline, please feel free to check out the above-mentioned link.



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Disclosure: this post contains one or more paid placements. Those links are marked rel="sponsored" and do not pass search ranking credit.

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Monday, August 9, 2021

Is Apple One Worth It? How to Decide

Updated September 2026: in 2021 I weighed Apple One against my existing subscriptions. Apple Music's new lossless and Dolby Atmos audio tempted me, but I already used OneDrive for storage, and iCloud+ features such as Private Relay needed a newer macOS than I ran. I have rewritten it into a guide to deciding whether Apple One is worth it.

With lossless and Dolby Atmos arriving in Apple Music, and the Apple One bundle priced not far above Apple Music alone, I was torn. But my photos lived in OneDrive, so the bundle's iCloud storage added little, and my Mac ran macOS Catalina, which could not use iCloud+ Private Relay.

What does Apple One include?

The Individual plan bundles Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade and iCloud+ with 50 GB of storage. The Family plan shares those with up to five others and includes more storage. Higher tiers, where offered, add more storage and other services. Check which tiers are available in India and their current prices.

When is Apple One worth it?

  • You would otherwise pay for Apple Music and at least one other included service.
  • Your family uses iPhones and would share the plan.
  • You would use iCloud storage for backups and photos.

When is it not worth it?

When you use only one of its services. In my case, Apple Music was the attraction; the storage duplicated OneDrive, and Apple TV+ and Arcade were extras I would rarely use. Paying for Apple Music alone was the cheaper choice.

What does iCloud+ add besides storage?

Private Relay, which hides your IP address and browsing from networks when using Safari, Hide My Email for creating forwarding addresses, and support for HomeKit Secure Video cameras. These need reasonably recent versions of Apple's operating systems, as I found with an older Mac.

Can you switch plans later?

Yes. Apple One and its individual services are monthly subscriptions that you can change or cancel in your Apple Account settings. That makes it easy to try the bundle during a free trial and drop back to a single service if you find you are not using the rest.

How do you decide?

List the Apple services you would pay for anyway, price them individually, and compare with the bundle. If the bundle is cheaper and you would genuinely use at least two services, it is good value. Otherwise, subscribe to the one you want.

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Friday, July 2, 2021

Controlling What OneDrive Syncs on a Mac

Updated September 2026: in 2021, soon after moving to OneDrive, I was annoyed that on my Mac it created fixed folders and did not seem to let me choose which folders to back up. I have rewritten it into a short guide to controlling what OneDrive syncs and backs up on a Mac.

I chose OneDrive for affordability and Office apps, and I use a MacBook Pro for both work and personal files. After installing OneDrive, it created its own folder structure, and I could not see how to pick specific folders on my Mac to back up, as I could with other tools.

How does OneDrive decide what to sync on a Mac?

OneDrive syncs one folder on your Mac, the OneDrive folder, with your cloud storage. Anything inside it is synced; anything outside is not. That is why it feels like fixed folders: you organise files inside OneDrive rather than pointing it at folders elsewhere.

Can you back up Desktop and Documents?

Yes. Recent versions of the OneDrive app offer to back up the Mac's Desktop and Documents folders automatically, so files there are protected without moving them manually. Look in OneDrive's settings for the backup option.

Can you choose which folders download to the Mac?

  • Use Files On-Demand, so cloud files appear on the Mac without taking space until opened.
  • Mark folders as "always keep on this device" when you need them offline.
  • Free up space on others to keep them cloud-only.

What about folders outside OneDrive?

Move them into the OneDrive folder if you want them synced. For folders that must stay in place, such as app libraries, use Time Machine or another backup tool instead.

How do you move existing folders into OneDrive safely?

Let OneDrive finish its first sync, then move one folder at a time and wait for it to upload before moving the next. Check that the files open from another device. Moving everything at once on a slow connection can leave you unsure which files have actually reached the cloud.

Is OneDrive a full Mac backup?

No. It syncs files, with version history for a limited time. For a complete backup of the Mac, including apps and settings, use Time Machine alongside it. Many people use both: OneDrive for access anywhere, Time Machine for recovery.

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Sunday, June 13, 2021

Apple Watch vs Android Smartwatches: How to Choose

Updated September 2026: in 2021 I compared the Apple Watch with Android smartwatches for health tracking: Apple more expensive but more reliable, Android more affordable but less consistent. I have rewritten it into a current buyer's comparison. Health readings from watches are not medical diagnoses.

With Covid making health tracking feel more important, I wanted a smartwatch and set out the trade-offs. Apple Watch was expensive, worked only with iPhone, and offered trusted health tracking with ECG, heart rate and workout monitoring. Android wearables were cheaper and worked with both platforms, but I found their tracking less consistent and their apps less polished.

Is Apple Watch still iPhone only?

Yes. An Apple Watch needs an iPhone to set up and use fully. If you use Android, it is not an option, which settles the choice for many buyers.

How good are Android smartwatches now?

Much better than in 2021. Samsung's Galaxy Watch and Google's Pixel Watch run Wear OS with solid apps and health features, including ECG in many markets. Garmin, Fitbit and others offer strong fitness tracking, often with longer battery life than Apple Watch. The gap in polish has narrowed considerably.

Which health features matter most?

  • Heart rate and irregular rhythm alerts: widely available on good watches.
  • ECG: useful for some users; availability depends on country approval.
  • Sleep tracking: quality varies; battery life affects whether you wear it overnight.
  • Workout accuracy: GPS and heart rate during exercise, where Garmin is strong.

How should you choose?

  • iPhone users: Apple Watch for the best integration; Garmin if battery life matters more.
  • Samsung phone users: Galaxy Watch, which unlocks extra features with Samsung phones.
  • Other Android phones: Pixel Watch, Galaxy Watch or a fitness-focused brand.
  • Tight budget: a basic fitness band covers steps, heart rate and sleep.

How important is battery life?

More than many buyers expect. A watch that needs charging every day is often left off at night, which means no sleep data. If sleep tracking or multi-day trips matter to you, compare real-world battery life in reviews, not just the manufacturer's figure.

Can you trust the health readings?

They are useful for trends and alerts, not diagnosis. If a watch flags something unusual, or you have symptoms, see a doctor rather than relying on the watch.

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Monday, May 17, 2021

AirPods 3 Predictions vs Reality, and Which to Buy Now

Updated September 2026: in May 2021 I predicted AirPods 3 with a design closer to AirPods Pro, spatial audio support and better battery life. I have rewritten it to compare those predictions with what Apple released, and to help choose between standard AirPods and AirPods Pro.

After Apple's April 2021 event came and went without new AirPods, I wrote down my expectations. Leaks suggested an updated model, likely called AirPods 3, with a more modern design, a case resembling the AirPods Pro case, spatial audio support and improved battery life.

What did AirPods 3 actually bring?

Apple released the third-generation AirPods in October 2021. They had shorter stems and a shape closer to AirPods Pro, but without silicone tips or noise cancellation. They supported spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, had improved battery life, sweat and water resistance, and a MagSafe-compatible case. Most of my predictions held.

What has happened since?

In 2024 Apple replaced them with AirPods 4, offered in two versions: one without and one with active noise cancellation, both with an open design and a USB-C case. That made noise cancellation available without the in-ear tips of AirPods Pro.

Standard AirPods or AirPods Pro?

  • Choose standard AirPods if you dislike in-ear tips and want a lighter feel.
  • Choose AirPods 4 with noise cancellation for some noise reduction without tips.
  • Choose AirPods Pro for the strongest noise cancellation, a sealed fit, hearing features and the best sound in noisy places.

Do standard AirPods fit everyone?

No. Because they have no tips, their fit depends on the shape of your ears; for some people they fall out easily, and for others they are more comfortable than any in-ear design. Try them in a store if you can, or buy from a seller with an easy return policy.

How accurate are Apple leaks in general?

Design leaks from supply chains are often close, as the AirPods 3 leaks were. Timing and features are less reliable; products slip by months and rumoured features sometimes never appear. Treat a single leak as a hint, not a plan.

Should you buy now or wait?

If your current earbuds work, wait for a sale or the next model. If they are failing, buy the current model; Apple's audio products tend to receive useful software updates for years.

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Thursday, April 15, 2021

Swollen Laptop Battery? What to Do Right Now

Updated September 2026: in 2021 my 2012 MacBook Pro's battery swelled. I opened the back panel and removed screws near the bulge to relieve it, then read that continuing to use it was unsafe. I have rewritten it into safety guidance for a swollen laptop battery.

My MacBook Pro's battery had visibly swollen. I opened the back panel, checked the connections and removed some screws above the swollen area, hoping to extend its life. Then I read that using a swollen battery is not advisable, and the swelling was growing each day. I had to replace either the battery or the laptop.

Why do laptop batteries swell?

Lithium-ion batteries can produce gas inside the cells as they age, are overcharged or get too hot. The gas makes the battery puff up. It is a sign of damage, and a swollen battery can press on the trackpad, keyboard and case, and in rare cases catch fire.

What should you do immediately?

  • Stop using and charging the laptop.
  • Do not press, puncture or try to flatten the battery, and do not remove screws to make room, as I did.
  • Keep it away from heat and anything flammable, on a hard surface.
  • Back up data if the laptop still starts, then shut it down.

Can you still use it plugged in?

No. Charging a swollen battery can make it worse. Some people run laptops on mains power with a swollen battery, but that keeps the damaged battery in the charging circuit. Replace it before using the laptop again.

Who should replace it?

An authorised service provider or an experienced repair shop, which can remove it safely and dispose of it properly. For older models where the original part is no longer made, ask the shop about reputable replacement batteries with a warranty.

How do you dispose of a swollen battery?

Take it to an e-waste collection point or return it through the repair shop. Never put it in household rubbish, where it can be crushed and catch fire.

Is it time to replace the laptop instead?

For a machine as old as a 2012 MacBook Pro, which no longer receives current macOS security updates, a new battery may extend its life, but a replacement laptop is often the better long-term choice.

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Monday, January 18, 2021

Running Day-to-Day Operations in a Small Business

Updated September 2026: the original 2021 post aimed at young people starting a business, but was mostly a list of enterprise software marketing points about financial visibility, logistics and supply chains. I have rewritten it into practical guidance on running day-to-day operations in a small business. This is general information, not financial or legal advice.

Many young people in India are starting businesses, and most discover that profit rarely arrives from day one. Day-to-day operations, not the idea, decide whether a business survives its first years. The basics are simpler than enterprise software brochures suggest.

Why do new businesses struggle in the first year?

Usually cash, not demand. Customers pay late, stock ties up money, and costs arrive before revenue. A business can be profitable on paper and still run out of cash. Understanding cash flow is the first operational skill.

What should you track every week?

  • Cash in the bank and money owed to you and by you.
  • Sales against your target, by product or customer.
  • Stock levels, if you hold inventory.
  • Your main costs, especially ones that grow with sales, like delivery.

A simple spreadsheet or basic accounting software is enough at the start.

How do you keep finances in order?

Keep business and personal money in separate bank accounts. Record every transaction, and keep invoices and receipts. If your turnover requires GST registration, file on time; late filing brings penalties. A chartered accountant, even part-time, is usually worth the fee early on.

How do you manage suppliers and delivery?

Have more than one supplier for anything critical, agree payment terms in writing, and compare delivery partners on cost and reliability. Late or damaged deliveries cost repeat customers, which small businesses depend on.

How do you avoid costly early decisions?

Test before committing. Rent before buying equipment, start with a small stock order, and sign short contracts where you can. Many early losses come from large commitments made on optimistic forecasts. Growing a little slower with less risk is usually the better trade.

When should you invest in business software?

When spreadsheets start causing mistakes or taking hours. Start with invoicing and accounting, then inventory. Large enterprise systems are for later, if ever. Buy software for a problem you have now, not one you might have in five years.

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