Author: David Bernal Raspall

The Finder is the cornerstone of our Mac usage. We use it to navigate through our folders, organize documents, and quickly access everything we need in our daily lives. Fortunately for us, it hides many more resources than it seems at first glance. Behind its seemingly simple options, there are settings that, with just one click, can substantially change the way we work. Remembering that the Finder’s quick actions can make us much more productive, let’s talk about 7 of these resources that, when configured correctly, will help us make the most of the Finder and increase our productivity.

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1. Show devices connected directly on the Desktop

If we usually connect USB drives, external disks, or SD cards, having them visible as soon as they are connected is a change that greatly simplifies file management. We can activate this feature from the Finder > Settings menu, in the General tab. This way, every time we connect a device, it will appear directly on the Desktop, ready for us to drag files or access its content.

This feature, ideal for those of us who frequently work with external storage, allows us to interact with these devices more quickly and directly, but also improves their management. From the desktop, ejecting a device to safely unplug it from the computer is as easy as dragging it to the trash.

2. Choose a default folder for new Finder windows

Opening Finder always in the default “Recents” folder may not be the most useful for our workflow. Fortunately, we can set Finder to automatically open a specific folder, such as “Documents” or “Downloads”. To do this, simply go to the Finder > Settings menu and, in the General tab, select our preferred folder in “New Finder windows show”.

In this way, every time we open a new window, whether with the mouse or with a simple Command (⌘) + N, we will be exactly where we need to be. A small adjustment, but one that saves us from repeating steps and, in the long run, significantly reduces the time to access our most frequent files.

3. Open folders in tabs and not in windows

Those of us who work with multiple folders open at once know how quickly our Desktop can become a small visual chaos. An effective way to avoid this is to enable the option to open new folders in tabs instead of windows. Thus, just as we can quickly merge two folders with the same name, we can organize everything in a much cleaner and more orderly single workspace.

To perform this opening, we hold down the Command (⌘) key while double-clicking on a folder, and it will open in a tab within the same window. This reduces clutter, but also makes it easier for us to switch between open folders, something we can do with Control (⌃) + Tab, without losing sight of the context of our work.

4. Use tags to organize and access our files

Tags in Finder are one of those tools that, if we set them up well, allow us to find and classify our files faster than any other system. We can assign tags of different colors to any file or folder and then access these tags from the Finder sidebar.

For greater productivity and simplicity, we can customize which tags appear in the quick menu when right-clicking on a file. This gives us the ability to tag and untag files, thereby organizing large amounts of information with a very visual and intuitive system.

5. Show file extensions to quickly identify formats

Although Finder hides file extensions by default, making them visible can be useful when working with various types of documents. From the Finder > Settings menu, within Advanced, we can check the option “Show all file extensions”.

Thus, we instantly identify if a file is a PDF, a JPEG, or an editable file, like a .docx. This simple change prevents us from opening incorrect files or conducting unnecessary searches.

6. Keep folders always at the top

When we organize files and folders in the same view, it can be somewhat uncomfortable to search between both types. With the “Keep folders on top” option, available in the Finder > Settings menu within the Advanced tab, we can ensure that folders always remain visible at the top of any list.

7. Set up automatic deletion of files from the trash

Do we leave the trash bin full of files for weeks or even months? Activating the option “Remove items from the trash after 30 days” in the Finder > Settings menu, and then within Advanced, ensures that those files we no longer need disappear automatically after a month. A setting that frees up space and also saves us from having to remember to empty it manually.

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These seven resources are just a sample of how we can customize the Finder to better suit our needs. With a few changes, we will transform our way of organizing and managing files, achieving a much more efficient and productive workflow.

The privacy of our conversations is one of the fundamental pillars of any messaging application, and Telegram knows this well. With a considerable amount of personal data circulating through our daily conversations, the ability to control access to the app with a code is truly interesting. A feature that allows us to have the security that only we can access our conversations —even on devices we share with others— and that, moreover, is extremely easy to set up.

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How to set up a code in Telegram

Telegram offers us one of the simplest configurations when it comes to protecting access to our app. Activating a code is very quick, and we can customize it to our liking. The steps to follow are simple:

1. We open the Telegram app on our iPhone or iPad.
2. We go to Settings.
3. We tap on Privacy and Security.
4. We select Passcode & Face ID.
5. We choose Enable Passcode.
6. We create a six-digit passcode.
7. We repeat the passcode to confirm it.

With this, we have taken the first step. From this moment on, Telegram will ask us for the code every time we try to open the app.

Here, it is important to mention that we can further customize this level of protection. In step six, by selecting Code Options, we have the possibility to choose between a four-digit code, a six-digit code, or even an alphanumeric password —an option that combines letters and numbers to offer even greater security—.

We can also enjoy the convenience of biometric methods, such as Face ID or Touch ID. Keep in mind, however, that on a shared device this could mean that other people can access Telegram content. While the code we configured a moment ago does not have to be related to our iPhone or iPad code, Touch ID or Face ID will use the same settings we use to unlock the device.

Continuing with the customization options, we can also decide how much time should pass for the app to automatically lock and require us to enter the code again. We find this option in the Auto-lock setting, right after activating our code.

It is worth mentioning that even if we protect our app with a code, notifications of incoming messages may still appear with the iPhone or iPad unlocked. This could give access to certain information without needing to open the app. If we need to prevent this, Apple provides us with the necessary tools. From the Settings app, by going into Notifications and selecting Telegram, we can set the Show Previews option to Never instead of Only with iPhone Unlocked. This way, we will need to unlock the app to read the content of the messages, further enhancing our privacy.

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With so many options available, it is clear that Telegram prioritizes the security of our conversations. In a world where information flows at all times, having good control over who can access our communications is of vital importance. Although passcodes and biometric methods are not new in messaging apps, Telegram has managed to implement these tools in a particularly comprehensive and versatile way.

With an approach that combines flexibility and simplicity, Telegram offers us an effective solution to keep our conversations secure—regardless of whether we use an iPhone, iPad, or any other device. Remembering how to find out if we have been blocked on WhatsApp or Telegram or that Microsoft’s AI is already available on Telegram, this is another reason to choose this app in our daily lives.

Managing our files efficiently is essential, especially in a world where every minute counts. On our Macs, we have a tool that completely transforms the way we interact with documents, images, videos, and more: Quick Look. With it, we can view and edit files without even opening them in the associated applications, a small resource that, once discovered, becomes indispensable.

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What is Quick View and how it works

Quick Look is a built-in feature in macOS that allows us to preview almost any type of file in seconds. From PDF documents to images and videos, even compressed files. With just a tap, we can view the content of a file and decide what to do with it, all without leaving Finder or opening more applications.

Using Quick Look is extremely simple: we select a file in the Finder, the desktop, or even from an email, and press the space bar. Instantly, a window opens showing us the content of the file. If we need to view another file, we simply use the arrow keys to navigate between them —ideal for comparing documents or images—. Additionally, if we select multiple files, we can view them in a grid format, which is especially useful for photographs or graphic projects.

Quick Look is not only fast, but also adaptable. We can resize the window or even expand it to full screen, which gives us more space when working with files of greater detail. To exit the view, simply press the space bar again, and everything returns to normal.

How to Edit Files Directly from Quick Look

What makes Quick Look even more special is that it is not limited to previewing. We can perform basic edits directly from the same window, without needing to open any app. For example, when working with images or videos, Quick Look allows us to:

• Rotate images and videos with a single click. If we need to rotate in the opposite direction, we hold down the Option key while clicking the button that Quick Look offers us.
• Trim audio and video clips by selecting the part we want to keep. A pair of yellow handles allow us to adjust the start and end of the clip precisely, and we can preview the changes before saving them.

When it comes to documents, such as PDFs, the possibilities are not far behind. From Quick Look, we can add annotations, signatures, or even highlight the most important text. A way to review documents without the need to open heavy or complicated editors. When you stop viewing the document, the changes are simply saved.

And what if we want to share the file in question? From Quick Look, we have direct access to macOS sharing options, which includes sending files via email, AirDrop, or even uploading them to cloud services. All of this without leaving Finder.

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Quick Look is not just a useful feature —like these four keyboard shortcuts for the Mac that we should know or the Finder’s quick actions—, it is a feature that transforms how we manage our files. It allows us to interact with them more swiftly, which translates into a much more fluid and efficient daily routine. When working with multiple documents, the time lost opening and closing applications quickly adds up. Thanks to Quick Look, we can optimize that time, reduce distractions, and focus on what really matters.

The AirPods are a benchmark in sound quality. Their design and capabilities make anything we listen to, from music to a podcast or a call, sound simply spectacular—even more so if we use the AirPods 4. Do we need more? Whether we prefer more powerful bass or a balanced sound to enjoy every detail of the music, equalizing the AirPods allows us to personalize our listening experience. Let’s talk about how we can equalize music on our AirPods from our iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

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How to equalize music on AirPods from iPhone or iPad

To customize the sound of our AirPods from an iPhone or iPad, everything we need is in the Settings app. This is where we find the necessary tools to adjust the frequencies and enhance the sound according to our preferences. This adjustment refers, however, to the Music app, as it exclusively affects this app.

While other applications may offer their own independent equalization, for Apple Music the steps to equalize our AirPods are as follows:

1. We open the Settings app on our iPhone or iPad.
2. We go to Apps.
3. We go to Music.
4. We tap on Equalizer.
5. We select the setting that best suits our preferences.

The options we find here are very varied. From “Powerful Bass” for a vibrant rhythm, to “Classical” or “Jazz” for a more refined balance. If we are not sure which one to choose, we can always try different settings while playing our favorite music to notice the difference.

How to equalize music on AirPods from Mac

If we listen to music from a Mac, the possibilities expand. The macOS Music app includes a built-in equalizer that allows us to fine-tune the sound with even more precision. In addition to the adjustments we’ve seen on the iPhone or iPad, we can apply custom settings to perfectly adapt the equalization to our listening style.

The simple steps follow:

1. We open the Music app on our Mac.
2. We go to the Window menu and select Equalizer.
3. We activate the equalization by checking the selection box.
4. We adjust the frequencies manually or choose one of the available presets.

This equalizer offers controls for each frequency. For example, we can increase the bass, reduce the treble, or enhance the mid-tones. If we prefer something simpler, presets like “Dance” or “Rock” are an excellent starting point. Additionally, let’s take note of the gain control that allows us to adjust the overall volume without altering the frequency proportions.

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Equalization is not an exact science. It’s about finding the setting that best suits our ears and the content we listen to at a specific moment. The most important thing here, therefore, is to try and experiment, as each musical style or even each song may require a slightly different approach.

With the equalization tools available on our iPhone, iPad, or Mac, we can easily customize the sound of our AirPods. Whether we are looking for more powerful bass or a balance in the treble and not forgetting that AirPods can also be used to recover Ferraris, the options are at our fingertips to enjoy music to the fullest.

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) has put Apple back in the spotlight, with Europe demanding really profound changes in iOS and the rest of the ecosystem. In this situation, Meta has found the opportunity to pressure Apple and, with it, open the doors to a massive intrusion into our data. If this becomes a reality, Apple warns, it could completely change the way we manage our privacy.

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“This is getting personal:” Meta, the DMA, Europe, and the privacy that could disappear

The DMA was introduced as legislation aimed at preventing anticompetitive practices by big tech companies. In principle, the goal seems commendable. However, the implementation of these rules is creating truly concerning situations for users. Meta, for example, has demanded full access to Apple’s technologies, citing interoperability guidelines. This would include features like AirDrop or AirPlay, as well as permissions that would allow their apps to run in the background without restrictions.

In response to Meta’s requests, the European Union has published a document with the list of changes that Apple has to implement. Apple, for its part, has published a detailed explanation stating, among other things, that the situation “is getting personal.”

Apple has indicated that these demands pose a real threat to privacy. If Meta (or other developers) were to access all the technologies it requests, they could analyze our emails, messages, photos on our device, and even our calendar events. Furthermore, according to Apple, it could also record all the applications we use, our calls, and even our passwords.

“If Apple had to grant all these requests, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp could allow Meta to read all a user’s messages and emails on their device, see every phone call they make or receive, track all the apps they use, scan all their photos, view their files and calendar events, record all their passwords, and more. These are data that Apple itself has decided not to access in order to provide the strongest possible protection to users.”

Meta justifies its stance by claiming it needs access to improve the experience of devices like Meta Quest or Ray-Ban smart glasses. Apple, however, asserts that interoperability is already possible without compromising our security. The question, then, is what does Meta really intend with this expanded access? And why does Europe seem willing to work against its own GDPR?

Apple continues to state the following:

“The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which Apple has always supported, establishes a robust set of privacy rules that all companies must comply with. The DMA was not designed to provide a way to circumvent these rules. But the end result could be that companies like Meta—which has been repeatedly fined by regulators for privacy violations—gain unrestricted access to users’ devices and their most personal data. If Apple is forced to allow access to sensitive technologies that it has no capacity to protect, the security risks would be substantial and practically impossible to mitigate.”

An uncertain future for all of us

The DMA aims to ensure that the digital market is fair and accessible, but it is necessary to balance these objectives with the protection of our data. Meta’s intentions, under the pretext of improving interoperability, are a clear example of how a good idea can be used for questionable purposes. Apple highlights four examples:

• Messaging: Meta seeks access to users’ SMS and iMessage capabilities to send, read messages, and access message history. An unprecedented violation of the privacy of users’ most sensitive data.
• AirPlay: Although Apple already allows apps to use AirPlay, Meta wants direct access to TVs and smart speakers, raising privacy and security concerns by collecting data about users’ homes.
• App Intents: Meta intends to gain access to all data shared by other apps through App Intents, which could give it total control over users’ devices.
• CarPlay: Meta desires access to CarPlay to activate iOS apps and project additional content, which could compromise users’ choices and control over their devices.

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Europe has set January 9, 2025, as the deadline for consultations on this case. This means there is still time to adjust the legislation. While we remember the privacy of Apple Intelligence or how China is also trying to weaken it, the outcome of this situation will be crucial for the future of technology and our relationship with it. In a world where data is the target of too many companies, we must be aware of the implications these decisions have.

As Apple states at the bottom of the document, “we hope that the European Commission will seek to implement interoperability requests in a way that respects the General Data Protection Regulation.”