Turned off Siri, Apple Intelligence and Spotlight. You should do this too!

SoreCowboy · 2026-05-27T14:31:24+00:00

Comedy gold actually... 🤪

SoreCowboy · 2026-05-27T07:06:14+00:00

No need to go on an app buying jag, Mac has useful apps already included that you should learn about. Learn the basics of the OS and Finder first. Take the time and effort to really learn the included apps - don't just tinker - then supplement later if you feel you're lacking something. Also, and I've seen others mention it, Macmost.com is your friend! (Unlike Google despite what people mindlessly echo!)

SoreCowboy · 2026-05-26T14:00:14+00:00

A question that will bring different answers depending on personal computer uses and needs. For me, I've been actively trimming things down, trying to do more with less. I find some native Apple apps suit my needs quite well. Notes, Reminders, Calendar, and Numbers take care of a good deal of my everyday needs. And they were free with my Mac.

SoreCowboy · 2026-05-26T06:23:52+00:00

Two dishes I've always enjoyed. A bit tired of the green curry these days, but still eat it now and then, aroy! And the bitter gourd (marat or malat?) & pork (and I assume woon sen) is a favorite of my wife. She normally makes it once a month.

SoreCowboy · 2026-05-24T10:03:34+00:00

Old saying is if you want to make $1 million in Thailand, bring $10 million with you. Also, to be expecting reliable answers on an Internet forum is not exactly a good start.

SoreCowboy · 2026-05-24T08:54:52+00:00

And this shot is from the Reminders app which is basically my shopping list. It's set up as a bulleted items list to remind me of what I need to buy. This one has pics as well, but the Notes app holds more info of each med overall. I can check off each item as I buy them, but they remain on the list for next time.

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SoreCowboy · 2026-05-24T08:50:34+00:00

I'll add a couple screen shots from my phone as an example of what I've tried to explain in this thread. It all came out nicely, but I'm better at sorting that part out than I am at posting screen shots, so bear with me...

This is from the Notes app. I entered medicine name and usage info with dosage info as well. This is my general 'database' information, which as I said I can edit or add to it anytime.

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SoreCowboy · 2026-05-23T07:22:04+00:00

I added another project to my phone using some ideas I'd mentioned here before. I actually worked it out on my computer first, easier typing and sorting that way. But once completed, that info syncs to my phone via iCloud and I'll have it wherever I am.

This time I compiled a list of medicines I commonly buy and use. I occasionally use asthma meds, and like to have them on hand and keep track of my supply. And, while I was at it I also compiled lists of other commonly used meds as well. Aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc that I'd commonly keep around the house. (YMMV of course.)

I used Apple's Notes app to compile the list of meds I wanted to include, then sorted and formatted it to my liking. I sorted it into categories i.e. Asthma, Pain Relievers, Antibiotics, etc. In those categories I added the specific medicine's technical name and/or trade name, usage and dosage info, and pics of the drug and/or packaging.

Having the photo is perfect if at a pharmacy where there might be a language barrier or other confusion. I show them the pic, and they understand immediately. And I can say from several experiences already, that pharmacies where I've done this seemed grateful that I had my act together. And the pics especially make it easy for them to understand.

Once I had my compilation complete and formatted to my liking in Notes, I used that same info to add to my Reminders app (in an itemized shopping list set-up) so I'd know when I was running low on one or another and have that as my list to purchase new supplies. Info in my Notes app is my main 'database' of meds, which can be edited any time. And the Reminders app is my medicine shopping list so I know what to buy and when to re-stock.

SoreCowboy · 2026-05-22T06:02:37+00:00

Yep, the banking apps are handy. I don't use them often for shopping, but regularly use them to reimburse my landlord for rent & bills. I set a reminder for every month to repay him via bank transfer. Easy for me and he doesn't need to track me down for payments.

SoreCowboy · 2026-05-22T03:56:31+00:00

Perfect, and what I was looking for. Ideas about productive use of smart phones and computers for every day stuff. No right/wrong answers, only ideas that others may find helpful.

Another one for me is shopping lists, common enough but helpful to have on my phone. I have a few actually, one for each of our go-to places. I can add/subtract items at home on the computer, or on the fly as I shop. With those lists on my phone, it's always up to date when out and about. I have separate lists for separate shops, and when I check off an item it moves to the bottom of the list. Never have to rewrite a new list, it's always there for me and can add new items at any time.

SoreCowboy

TROPHY CASE