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How to empty the Mac OS Trash automatically and periodically

December 12, 2020 by whyisdown Leave a Comment

At Downloadsource.es we have already shown you how to automatically delete files stored in the Windows 10 recycle bin. However, Mac devices with MacOS operating system also have a Trash in which unwanted files are sent and which you can also delete them automatically. The files that are in the Mac OS trash are still in the operating system and therefore occupy space on your computer’s hard drive.

Related: Show only your Mac desktop by hiding windows at a time.

When we delete files and send them to the trash on our Mac, these files are not actually completely deleted. The trash is an indefinite storage of the files that we do not want in the MacOS system but that we can bring back at any time in case we want to recover them. However, this will take up storage space and the more files we send to the trash, the less free space on our Mac will be.

MacOS offers 2 ways to empty the trash, that is, to delete the files stored there. One is manually from inside the MacOS Trash. The second option is to configure the Apple operating system so that it is the one that automatically empties the recycle bin and therefore delete all the files stored there without you having to interact.

That said, below we want to show you how to periodically and automatically delete files from the trash on MacOS either MacBook or Mac:

How to delete all files from Trash on Mac OS automatically every 30 days (Mac or MacBook)

1. The first thing will be to go to the desktop of your Mac.

2. Line followed you have to click on the Finder option in the upper left part of the screen.

3. In the drop-down menu you must solve the option Preferences…

4. A new window will open in which you will have to solve the option: Advanced (gear)

5. Now a list of options will be revealed, among which we must check the box: Delete the items from the trash after 30 days.

6. And voila now you can close the window and everything will be configured.

From this point on, the Mac OS Trash will be emptied automatically every 30 days, which means that all the files inside will be deleted. You must bear in mind that when the files in the trash are deleted, there will be no possibility of recovering them.

How to change the default browser on Mac with macOS

December 11, 2020 by whyisdown Leave a Comment

It is increasingly common to see users who own Mac instead of computers that use Windows. This means that many users come across the MacOS operating system for the first time, which means that they have to adapt to a new user interface that is very different from the one they used, especially if they come from the Microsoft operating system. This makes certain tasks such as changing the default browser on Mac with MacOS can become a somewhat more complicated task than normal.

Relating: How to make Google the default search engine for the Windows 10 taskbar.

By default, Mac devices with MacOS use Safari as the pre-installed web browser on the computer. This means that when we open a link from the mail or any other program or app, it will automatically open in the Safari Web browser.

If you are not a fan of the Safari browser or simply prefer to use another browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, you can do it quickly and easily, as long as you know where the corresponding configuration is. In this way, for example, when we open a link from any app, it will open automatically in the Chrome browser just configured as the default.

That said, below we want to show you in detail how to configure any Web browser as the default on a Mac with a MacOS operating system:

How to change the default web browser on Mac with macOS.

1. Turn on your Mac and log in.

2. Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the upper left corner of the screen.

3. This will show a menu in which you will have to select the option: System preferences.

4. When the new screen opens, you will have to click on the option: General.

5. In the new screen you will have to go to the section: Default web browser.

6. Click on the drop-down menu to show the complete list of browsers installed on your Mac. Here you will have to select the Web browser you want to use as default, either Chrome, Firefox or any other Web browser.

7. Finally, you can close the configuration window and your new browser will be configured as the default.

This is the best way to change your Mac’s default web browser as we will do it at the operating system level. However, the Chrome or Firefox browsers also allow you to set them as default from the browser’s own settings.

How to change icons of apps, folders and files on MacOS

December 10, 2020 by whyisdown Leave a Comment

The rivalry between Apple and Microsoft is known to all, especially regarding their operating systems for desktop devices such as Windows and MacOS. Windows lovers will argue that this operating system is much more customizable and flexible while MacOS users will point out that Apple’s system is much more reliable and secure. However, there is something that we want to point out and that is that MacOS is becoming more and more customizable and for example, we will also be able to personalize the icons of the applications or any element of the desktop of your Mac or Macbook.

Related: Show only your Mac desktop by hiding windows at a time.

Precisely in this tutorial we want to focus on how to change the image or icon in MacOS. This is really easy to do on Apple Mac, however not many users know that they can perform this configuration on their computers. Therefore, fans of customizations will be glad of it.

MacOS has default icons for any file or folder in the Apple operating system. But this is not all since each app or software that we install on our Mac or MacBook also has its own icons for both the app and the files related to said software. If you don’t like any of these icons, you can change them and use any other.

Currently, on the internet there are a large number of icon galleries or even any user can create their own icons. Once we have the desired icons, we can replace the default ones on Mac so that everything is displayed as the user wishes.

That said, below we show you step by step how to change and customize the icons in MacOS of MacBook or Mac:

How to customize the icons in MacOS and use the ones you like the most.

1. The first thing we will have to do is download or create the desired icon. We recommend that this be in ICNS format.

2. Once we have the desired icon on our MacOS, you must right-click on the application, file or folder that you want to change.

3. When the contextual menu is displayed, you will have to select the option: Get information.

4. This will open a new window with all the corresponding information as well as the current icon of the item.

5. Now you will have to drag the desired icon to the Information window of the folder, file or app. Specifically, you will have to drag it to the icon in this window.

6. To be sure that the action is carried out correctly, you will have to release the new icon, when it is superimposed on the one shown in the information window, showing the + sign in green.

7. Once you drop the desired icon, the old one will be replaced automatically.

8. Finally, if the app, file or folder is currently open in the Dock, you must close it and open it again so that the new icon is seen globally in the MacOS operating system.

Show only your Mac desktop by hiding windows at a time.

December 9, 2020 by whyisdown Leave a Comment

Apple works hard to improve the customization and functions of the MacOS operating system to compete with you with Windows 10. An example is the “shake to minimize” function of Microsoft’s OS; In this case, MacOS does not have an identical function, but nevertheless it has very similar options that allow you to automatically show the Mac Desktop, automatically hiding all the windows open at that moment.

Related: How to enable or disable “Shake to Minimize” in Windows 10

If you have multiple windows open on your MacBook (air or Pro) you can “Minimize” all these windows automatically and quickly with just a keyboard shortcut. In this way, only the desktop and the icons or files that you have located will be shown.

By default the fastest way to view the desktop (without setting up a new function) is to use a keyboard shortcut. The default keyboard shortcut will depend on how old or new your Mac is and are as follows:

– Command key + F3: use the keyboard shortcut cmd + F3 (Mission Control) to hide all open windows and automatically show the desktop. This shortcut works on most newer Macs.

– Fn + F11 key: If you have a somewhat older Mac or if the keyboard does not have the multimedia keys, you can use the keyboard combination F11 or the Fn + F11 key to show the desktop, hiding all the windows that you have open at that moment.

If none of these keyboard shortcuts have worked for you, it may be due to a change in Mission Control settings. If keyboard shortcuts worked for you but you want to change them so that open windows are automatically hidden by pressing a different shortcut, you can do it quickly.

With that said, below we show you specifically how to activate, configure or customize the keyboard shortcut that allows you to minimize all open windows on your Mac so that only its desktop is shown:

How to minimize open windows on your Mac so that only the desktop is shown

1. Click on the apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen.

2. In the drop-down menu you will have to select the option: System preferences

3. In the new window, select the option: Mission control.

4. Now you will have to locate the section: Show Desktop.

5. Here you will find two fields to configure. The leftmost one refers to keyboard shortcut settings, while the second refers to the use of mouse buttons.

Note: If the keyboard shortcuts shown above did not work for you, it may be because the first configuration box is shown blank or involving a different key than F3 or F11.

6. Click on the first configuration box and select any of the keys offered in the menu. If you prefer a combination of keys, you can press Shift, Control, Option, or Command. This will modify the list of keyboard shortcut options.

7. Once you have indicated the desired keyboard shortcut, you will be able to use it directly to check how all the windows open at that moment will be automatically hidden around the edges of the screen, exposing only the desktop.

Note: As we have mentioned, you can also configure a mouse action to display the desktop automatically. Here you can configure the Right Mouse Button or Middle Mouse Button.

Use hot corners to minimize all open windows on your Mac to show only the desktop

You may not know it, but there is a hidden feature on your Mac called Hot Corners. This feature allows you to perform actions simply by placing the cursor in one of the four corners of your Mac screen. Here’s how to configure it:

1. Go back to the Mission Control window (shown in the previous method)

2. In this window you will have to click on the Active Corners button at the bottom left.

3. Now a new window will appear in which you must configure one of the four corners of the screen.

4. By clicking on the desired box for the row followed by selecting the option: Desktop.

5. From this moment when you click with the mouse on the configured corner, you will see how the open windows will automatically be hidden and you will only see the desktop.

How to connect the Playstation 4 controller with mac OS X

December 8, 2020 by whyisdown Leave a Comment

Although not very common, Mac and Macbook OSx users can enjoy certain video games on their computers. That is why many wonder if it is possible to pair the controllers of their Playstation 4 with their Mac OSx to improve their gaming experience. The truth is that until now you could also connect the PS4 controllers with your Mac, however after the last update MacOS Catalina 10.15 and later, it is much easier.

Related: How to connect the PS4 controller with Android or iPhone (eg Fortnite)

Once you have paired your DualShock 4 controller with your Mac, you will be able to enjoy video games in much the same way as you would on your PlayStation 4 console. It is true that many users would prefer to play video games using keyboards, however many others prefer to use the controls of their consoles.

This is usually common if the video games are racing or adventure since thanks to the analog controls the playability and precision in these specific cases is usually facilitated. In other cases, it is simply for a reason of taste or preference.

In this tutorial it is obvious that the user must have a PS4 DualShock 4 controller. If you don’t have one, you can buy it at any video game store or even on Amazon.

That said, below we want to show you step by step how to connect a PS4 controller to your Mac OS easily and quickly to be able to use it in your favorite video games:

How to connect the PlayStation 4 controller with your Mac OSx

1. How to link Playstation 4 controller to Mac (macOS 10.15 Catalina and later)

2. To get started, make sure the PS4 controller is turned off.

3. Now put the DualShock 4 controller in pairing mode by holding down the PS and Share buttons at the same time.

4. The controller is in pairing mode once the light bar starts blinking.

5. Turn on your Mac and once on the desktop click on the apple icon in the upper left corner.

6. In the menu you will have to select the option: System preferences.

7. When the window opens, you will have to select the option Bluetooth.

8. A window will open showing all the Bluetooth devices to which you can connect.

9. In this list you will find the PS4 controller. Click the button Connect shown next to it.

10. Your PS4 controller will automatically connect with your Mac.

Now that the PS4 controller is paired with the Mac, everything is ready for use in your video games. Just start your video game with the controller holder and start playing. Many popular Mac video games support controllers, including many titles from Apple Arcade, Fortnite, and more.

Your browser’s storage for MEGA is exhausted.

December 7, 2020 by whyisdown Leave a Comment

Mega is one of the most used and popular cloud storage platforms worldwide. This causes many users to use Mega for file sharing. Basically users upload files to their Mega accounts and then share this link so that other users can download said file. However, although in general the process of downloading files from Mega is quite simple, sometimes errors occur such as: The storage of your browser destined for MEGA has been exhausted. Free up some space for the download to continue automatically.

Related: How to check Dropbox security with the new official tool.

To download files from the Mega service, you don’t even need a user account. Usually you just have to click on the Mega link and then click on the button: Download.

This will automatically cause the file stored in Mega to start downloading automatically. However, before it is downloaded to the desired local location, the web browser (be it Chrome, Firefox, or Edge) creates a temporary file before starting the actual download.

This temporary file that MEGA creates is used for the platform to ensure that the download can be completed correctly. It is precisely during this point in the download process that the error usually occurs:

“Your browser’s storage for MEGA is exhausted. Free up some space for the download to continue automatically. “

When this error message is displayed when trying to download a file from the Mega cloud service, here is a step-by-step show how to do it:

How to fix the MEGA error: Your browser’s storage for MEGA is exhausted.

– When you receive the error message indicated above, it is because the Mega temporary file that is downloaded before proceeding with the local download of the file detects that your hard drive does not have enough free space.

– Open the Windows 10 file explorer and check the section: This computer as the primary hard drive of the computer has a free space less than the size of the file you want to download.

– This is precisely what causes the error, the lack of free storage space on your hard drive. To solve this you must free up storage space on your hard drive. You can do this either by using the Space Cleanup tool, by deleting files or by moving files to another disk or external storage device.

– Once you have freed up space on your hard drive, you must return to your Web browser and click OK.

– This will automatically resume the file download.

– When the process is finished, the file can be downloaded to your computer locally.

– At the end of the local download of the file you will be able to use it.

The solution is very simple, however, although the error message itself is quite illustrative, the truth is that when mentioning the Storage of our browser, this may confuse some users.

What Kinds of Information Hackers Steal Using Spyware and How to Avoid It

December 6, 2020 by whyisdown Leave a Comment

Today much of our most important data and files are contained within digital devices and online storage sites. Although it is more than practical and useful, it can also be a problem if all this falls into the hands of hackers using malicious programs. Next, we will tell you everything you need to know about it and how to avoid falling into the trap of different spywares in order to continue working with complete peace of mind.

Despite the fact that most of our days are spent in front of a computer or mobile device, whether for work or fun, we also know that there are endless threats around us. Among them, of course, are hackers, who are always on the hunt for confidential information from both small users and large corporations. However, although there are various methods to violate the security of a computer, they are not usually known by everyone. For example, today there are several cloud-based antivirus systems to protect your files. In the following article, we will tell you some cases and how to prevent them.

To begin with, we can mention one of the best-known cases: an email containing a malicious PDF or text document, which once opened allows the hacker to enter our computer through spyware. Today there are a large number of kinds of spyware that can affect our security, but we can basically define them as software that is created in order to collect files and data from a computer or device and then send it to an external third party. All of this happens, of course, without one’s knowledge or approval for it to happen. In addition to text documents, spyware can also sneak in from other files.

Among the valuable information that hackers are most interested in are spreadsheets, text documents, scanned documents, everything that has financial information or passwords, any other data of interest. Once they have found them, the data is exported from the computer and not from a server, since the average user does not pay attention to the detail of the storage on a device, but to that of a server. However, there are various programs to avoid this. Here are examples of those tools that I consider valuable to use and keep working without worrying about cyber attacks. After all, it is important to bear in mind that the key to avoiding any problem is not to act quickly when we have been violated, but to avoid it beforehand.

To do this, you can choose the most effective option: install an antivirus protector that already has anti-spyware protection. Among the programs that we can recommend you are AVG, Malwarebytes and Avast. These software are characterized by having real-time protection and constantly updating the definition of malware and spyware, even working at the same time as us, without our realizing it since they do not use a significant portion of the power of our device. In addition, these programs are usually the most compatible with the antivirus protections that come by default in the latest generation devices, making our computers a true safe.

Now, for the specific protections to avoid the introduction of spyware to our machines, we can recommend five programs in particular: Adaware, SpywareBlaster, Spybot: Search and Destroy, Emsisoft Emergency Kit and SUPERAntiSpyware. These programs are characterized by being specialized, having a higher percentage of spyware efficiency and recognition than an antivirus in general. Although both exceed 90%, in the case of these programs it can reach up to 99%.

In addition, the interface of these software is simple and friendly for any type of user, either those who do not have a great experience or for those who spend a large part of the day in front of a computer. I especially recommend that you try your luck with one of these programs to forget about any problems that may arise and avoid unnecessary headaches. After all, whether we find ourselves working or enjoying leisure time, online safety is just as important as feeling safe on the street.

How we would be when we were small or old with Snapchat (Time Machine)

December 5, 2020 by whyisdown Leave a Comment

One of the applications of the year 2019 has been the famous Faceapp which is nothing more than a camera filter that is capable of aging the face captured by it or even a photo provided from the memory of your device. However, although this app is very interesting, the truth is that after learning that Russia is behind the rise of this app, many have questioned its privacy. Well, Snapchat already incorporates a new filter capable of aging the face of users.

Related: How to take a picture of old #AgeChallenge

Snapchat has lost a large number of its users to the detriment of its competitors. However, the app has not stopped evolving and making improvements. This has seen a huge number of new features and filters added since its decline began. All with the intention of refloating what was one of the most successful social networks.

Well, one of the new features incorporated into Snapchat is the ability to rejuvenate or age the face. This is now possible thanks to the application of a new filter which allows us to show in real time how we will look when we are old but also how we would be if we were several years younger. But it does not end here, since while many applications only show how we would look as elderly, Snapchat allows us to visualize a progression of aging.

Although Snapchat, like other apps and social networks, collects information, the truth is that we can be much safer than if the data were sent to Russia, since Snapchat is subject to much more exhaustive controls.

Having said that, below we want to show you step by step how to use Snapchat’s new filter (Time Machine) that allows us to gradually age or rejuvenate our face:

How to gradually rejuvenate or age thanks to the new Snapchat filter. (Time Machine)

– The first thing we will have to do is check that we have the latest version of the app for either Android or iPhone.

– Once the Snapchat app is updated, you must access it to go directly to the camera screen.

– Here you will have to hold down the screen of your phone while you capture your face by said camera. In this way Snapchat will scan your face and reveal the filter carousel.

– In this carousel you must select the filter represented by two cartoons: One of a child and the other of an old man.

– After selecting this filter, a sliding bar will be displayed on the screen. If we slide this bar to the left while focusing on our face or the face of another person, it will rejuvenate.

– If we slide the bar to the right, the face of the person shown on the screen will age.

– As we have mentioned, the change is gradual, that is, you will be able to rejuvenate or age at various levels: more or less young / old.

– Finally, as with any other filter, you can take a photo or video while applying the filters and publish them in your stories.

How to disable the joyful animation of Outlook mail.

December 4, 2020 by whyisdown Leave a Comment

If you are a user of Microsoft’s Outlook email service, you may have noticed that a new feature called “happy animations” has recently been added. This new Outlook feature will automatically display a burst of bright, colorful shapes in the reading pane when you open a message that includes words like Happy Birthday and Congratulations.

Related: How to make a full backup of Outlook.com (mail, contact, calendar)

It should be noted that the Joyful Animations feature in Outlook is enabled by default so if you are not a fan of it, you will have to disable it manually. The truth is that the function is acceptable for personal accounts, however when we use our work account, this feature may not be the most appropriate.

The “cheerful animations“appear when we receive an email and display it in the reading pane of the web version of Outlook. Words considered” happy “are highlighted, and when you move the mouse cursor over them, you will see how a shower of glitter is displayed and confetti.

Note: These animations are only available in the modern version of the Outlook web app. If you’re still using the classic version, you won’t see them.

Having said this, if you want to deactivate the cheerful animation of the Outlook email service in its online version, then we will show you step by step how to do it:

How to disable the cheerful animations of the Outlook email service.

– The first thing will be to access the Web Outlook.com and log in with your credentials.

– Once the interface is displayed, we will have to click on the gear-shaped icon located in the upper right part of the window.

– In the settings menu we must select the option: See all Outlook settings.

– This will show a window in which you will have to go to the section: Mail

– This will give you access to a series of sub-categories in the central part of the screen from which we must select the one that says: Compose and reply

– Finally in the right part of the window you will have to scroll down until you find the option: Cheerful Animations. Under this section you will have to uncheck the box that is shown there.

– Once the box is unchecked, you will have to click on the Save button so that from now on when you receive emails containing the words Happy Birthday or Congratulations, you will see how the animation will never be displayed again.

How to activate or deactivate the guest account on Mac.

December 4, 2020 by whyisdown Leave a Comment

Many operating systems incorporate an account or the ability to create a Guest account and Apple’s MacOS couldn’t be different. This guest account allows Mac owners to use their device for third parties without them having access to personal information or the most sensitive system settings.

Related: How to hide the taskbar (Dock) on Mac (automatically)

By default, a Mac device with OSx operating system incorporates the Guest User account enabled by default. This means that when we turn on our Mac, in the User account selection screen, we find the Guest User option. By selecting this user you will not have to log in with a username and password, you will go directly to using the equipment.

Once inside the User account, you will have several limitations such as, for example, that each user who accesses as a guest will not save any file on the Mac; that is, when the guest user logs out, all the information and files in the home folder of the guest account are deleted.

You can also make the guest user only able to access the Safari Web browser by simply activating the File Vault. On the other hand, Mac owners will be able to activate parental controls to this account as well as give or remove access to shared folders to these guest users.

Be that as it may, the owner of a Mac Pro, Mac Air or MacBook, can always manually activate the Guest User account instead of having it always active. That is why below we want to show you step by step how to activate or deactivate the guest account in Mac OSx:

How to enable or disable Guest user account on Apple’s Mac OSX

The first thing you will have to do is access your user account with administrator rights. Once here you must click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen. When the menu is displayed, you will have to select the option System Preferences.

When the System Preferences window appears, you should select the option Users and Groups. In this new window, you will first have to provide the user password as a security measure before changing these Settings. To do this you will have to click on the padlock icon and then enter your user password.

Once this is done, you will have to select the account. Guest User from the left part of the window. Once here, you can activate or deactivate the Guest User account on the home screen by simply checking or unchecking the function box: Allow guests to connect to this computer.

In this screen you can also customize the characteristics of the Guest account as well as their accesses. Now you just have to close the window and log out to check if the guest user account is displayed or not on the home screen depending on the selected settings.