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Updated September 2026: in 2021, with a terabyte of OneDrive storage per family member, I found it hard to keep track of how much each folder used, and wished I could set limits per folder. I have rewritten it into a guide to managing and monitoring OneDrive storage.

After a few months with OneDrive as my main storage, working on files directly from the OneDrive folder on my Mac, one issue stood out. With a whole terabyte available, it was easy to lose track of which folders were growing, and there was no way to set a limit on a folder.

Can you set storage limits per folder in OneDrive?

Not in personal and family plans. Storage is a single allowance per account. Business versions give administrators more control over overall storage, but not folder-level quotas for users.

How do you see what is using space?

• On the OneDrive website, open Settings, then Storage, and choose "What's taking up space" to see the largest files.
• On a Mac, Finder shows folder sizes if you enable "Calculate all sizes" in View Options.
• Check the recycle bin, which counts towards storage until emptied.

How do you keep storage under control?

Review the largest files every few months, move old archives to an external drive, and delete duplicates. Video files are usually the biggest users; compress or archive those you rarely watch.

What about shared family storage?

On Microsoft 365 Family, each person has their own terabyte, so one person filling their space does not affect others. That separation is one of the plan's advantages.

How do you keep local disk space free?

Use Files On-Demand and "Free up space" on folders you rarely open, so they stay in the cloud.

How do you organise folders so growth is visible?

Keep a small number of top-level folders, such as Work, Personal, Photos and Archive, and put everything inside them. Checking the size of four folders is easy; checking forty scattered ones is not.

What happens if you exceed storage?

Syncing stops and, after warnings, the account can become read-only. Keep a margin.

Keep reading

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Updated September 2026: in 2021 I found files disappearing from my iCloud folders on my Mac, and there seemed to be no option to keep them on the device. The cause was iCloud's storage optimisation. I have rewritten it into a guide to keeping iCloud Drive files available offline on a Mac.

Files I stored in iCloud Drive kept vanishing from my Mac, seemingly at random. I later worked out that macOS was removing local copies to save space, whatever free space the disk had. I could not see a way to keep particular files permanently on the Mac.

Why do iCloud files disappear from a Mac?

When "Optimise Mac Storage" is turned on, macOS keeps files in iCloud and removes the local copy of ones you have not opened recently. They show with a cloud icon and download when you open them. The files are not deleted; they are simply not stored locally.

How do you keep files on the Mac?

• Keep Downloaded: on recent macOS versions, right-click a file or folder in iCloud Drive and choose Keep Downloaded.
• Turn off optimisation: in System Settings, under your Apple Account, iCloud, then iCloud Drive, turn off Optimise Mac Storage to keep everything local, if you have the space.
• Download Now: for a one-off, right-click and download before going offline.

Does this happen with other services?

Yes. OneDrive's Files On-Demand and Google Drive's streaming mode work the same way, with options to keep chosen files offline.

What should you keep offline?

Files you need when travelling or without internet, and active projects you open often. Archives can stay in the cloud.

Is iCloud Drive a backup?

No. It syncs, so deleting a file removes it everywhere after a short recovery period. Use Time Machine as well.

What if a file will not download?

Check your internet connection and free disk space, then try opening the file again. If iCloud seems stuck, signing out and back in to iCloud on the Mac usually resets syncing, though large libraries take time to resync.

How do you recover a deleted iCloud file?

Sign in to iCloud.com and check Recently Deleted in iCloud Drive; files stay there for a limited time.

Keep reading

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Updated September 2026: in 2021 I was fed up with spam from the same domains with only the sender name changing, and wished Gmail would let me block a whole domain. I have rewritten it into a guide to reducing spam in Gmail with the tools it has.

Checking email had become a chore because of spam, often from the same domain with a different name before the @ each time. Blocking individual senders did not help. I wanted a way to block an entire domain.

Can you block a whole domain in Gmail?

Yes, with a filter. In Gmail on the web, open the search options, enter the domain in the From field, for example @example.com, choose Create filter and select Delete it. Every future message from that domain goes straight to Trash. You can also choose to skip the inbox or apply a label instead.

What else reduces spam?

• Report spam: marking messages as spam trains Gmail's filters.
• Unsubscribe properly: use Gmail's unsubscribe link for legitimate mailing lists.
• Use aliases: add +shopping to your address when signing up, then filter on it.
• Do not reply to spam, which confirms your address is active.

Why does spam still get through?

Spammers change domains and wording to avoid filters. Gmail's filtering is strong, and bulk senders now have to meet stricter authentication and unsubscribe rules, but no filter is perfect.

What about phishing?

Messages imitating banks, couriers or tax departments are more dangerous than ordinary spam. Check the sender's full address, avoid links in unexpected messages and log in directly through the official app or website instead.

Should you use a separate address for sign-ups?

Yes. A second address for shopping and newsletters keeps your main inbox for people and important services.

What if legitimate mail goes to spam?

Check the Spam folder occasionally, mark genuine messages as "Not spam", and add important senders to your contacts. You can also create a filter for a trusted domain with "Never send it to Spam".

How do you clean up an existing inbox?

Search by sender or domain, select all results and delete or archive them in one go.

Keep reading

• Managing and Monitoring OneDrive Storage
• Switching From Android to iPhone Smoothly
• EU Data Act Cloud Switching Costs

Updated September 2026: in 2021, filtering treadmills online, I started with price and found that the affordable starting prices hid important trade-offs. I have rewritten it into a checklist for comparing treadmills beyond the headline price.

I had decided to buy a treadmill online. My first filter was price and availability. Many treadmills looked affordable at first glance, but digging deeper, most lacked one important feature or another, and the cheapest options often had weaknesses that mattered.

Why is the cheapest treadmill often poor value?

Low prices usually mean a weaker motor, a narrow belt, little cushioning and a low maximum user weight. Such treadmills can struggle with regular use and wear out quickly. A slightly higher price often buys a machine that lasts years longer.

Which specifications should you compare?

• Continuous motor rating: more important than peak horsepower.
• Belt width and length: wider and longer for running and taller users.
• Maximum user weight: with a margin above the heaviest user.
• Incline: motorised incline adds workout variety.
• Cushioning and deck quality: kinder to joints.
• Speed range: enough for your intended pace.

What costs appear after purchase?

Installation if not included, a stabiliser where voltage fluctuates, a mat, lubricant for the belt and service visits after the warranty. Add these to compare real costs.

How do you judge reviews?

Look for reviews after several months of use, mentioning noise, motor reliability and service experience. Early reviews mostly describe delivery and first impressions.

What warranty should you expect?

A longer warranty on the motor and frame than on other parts is common. Check whether service is on-site and whether it covers your city.

How much space and noise should you plan for?

Measure the floor space including clearance behind the belt, and check the folded size if storage matters. In apartments, look for reviews mentioning noise and consider a thick mat to reduce vibration for neighbours below.

How do you shortlist?

Set a budget with some flexibility, filter by motor, belt and weight limit, then compare two or three on reviews and service. Price comes last, not first.

Keep reading

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• Switching From Android to iPhone Smoothly

Updated September 2026: in 2021 I suggested Apple could reach more people with a cheaper smart band covering basics like heart rate and steps, since the Apple Watch was expensive. I have rewritten it with what Apple did instead and the affordable options available now.

I liked the Apple Watch's health tracking, but its price kept it out of reach for many. I suggested an Apple fitness band with only basic features, such as heart rate and step counting, at a much lower price. Apple has not made one.

How did Apple lower the entry price instead?

Through the Apple Watch SE, first launched in 2020, which offers the core features, fitness tracking, heart rate alerts, fall detection and Crash Detection on newer models, without some sensors of the main Series. Apple also keeps selling older models for a time after new launches, often at lower prices.

What are the affordable alternatives?

• Fitness bands from brands such as Xiaomi and Fitbit, with heart rate, steps and sleep tracking, work with iPhone and Android.
• Budget smartwatches from Indian brands, with notifications and basic tracking.
• Discounted previous-generation Apple Watches for iPhone users.

What do cheaper devices leave out?

Usually ECG, advanced sensors, the most accurate heart-rate readings during exercise and deep integration with iPhone. For steps, sleep and general activity, cheaper devices are often good enough.

Which should an iPhone user choose?

If you want notifications, Apple Pay and safety features, the Apple Watch SE. If you only want activity and sleep tracking, a band that syncs with Apple Health is far cheaper.

How accurate are budget trackers?

Step counts and sleep trends are generally useful; heart rate during intense exercise varies more. Use them for trends, not medical decisions.

What should you check before buying a budget tracker?

Whether its app syncs with Apple Health or Google Fit, how long the battery lasts, whether the strap is comfortable enough to sleep in, and whether the brand keeps updating its app. A tracker whose app stops working after a year is no bargain.

Will Apple ever make a band?

Nothing suggests it. The SE remains Apple's answer to the price problem.

Keep reading

• Should You Wait for the Next Mac Chip?
• Setting Realistic Expectations for Apple Events
• Switching From Android to iPhone Smoothly

Updated September 2026: after Apple's April 2021 event, I was disappointed not to see a glimpse of a redesigned Apple Watch or any "one more thing" surprise. I have rewritten it into advice on setting realistic expectations for Apple events and what they actually tend to deliver.

I had hoped Apple would surprise everyone, perhaps with a preview of a redesigned Apple Watch and its trademark "one more thing". Instead, the event matched what analysts predicted. My disappointment said more about my expectations than about the event.

What does Apple usually announce at which event?

• Spring (when held): iPads, Macs and accessories.
• June, WWDC: software for all devices, sometimes Macs.
• September: iPhones and Apple Watch.
• October or November: Macs and iPads, often through press releases.

Expecting a new Apple Watch in April was always unlikely; watches almost always arrive in September.

Does Apple preview future products?

Rarely. Apple generally announces products when they are ready to ship soon. Previews happen mostly for major new categories, such as Apple Vision Pro, shown months before sale.

How reliable are pre-event predictions?

Well-sourced analysts are often accurate about which products appear, less so about features. Treat single-source rumours cautiously.

What came of my Apple Watch hopes?

The Series 7 in September 2021 brought a larger display but kept the familiar shape. The thinner Series 10 in 2024 was the bigger design change. Expectations formed in April 2021 were about three years early.

How should you plan purchases around events?

If a product is due for an update at a regular event, waiting a few weeks can bring a new model or a discount on the old one. Otherwise, buy when you need it.

Where can you watch Apple events?

Events stream on Apple's website, the Apple TV app and YouTube, and recordings stay available afterwards. Apple's newsroom posts the full details of each announcement, including India pricing and availability, soon after.

Is the "one more thing" gone?

It appears occasionally, but it is no longer a regular part of events. Enjoy it when it comes; do not plan around it.

Keep reading

• Should You Wait for the Next Mac Chip?
• Affordable Alternatives to an Apple Watch
• Why Apple Should Extend Its Product Cycles

Updated September 2026: in April 2021, about to pay for OneDrive after Google Photos' storage change, I found the OneDrive app had dropped Chromecast support, so I could no longer show photos on the TV that way. I have rewritten it into a guide to showing cloud photos on a TV, whichever service you use.

After Google's announcement that new photos would count against storage, I chose OneDrive. Just before paying, I discovered the app had stopped supporting Chromecast. Sharing family photos and videos on the big screen was one of my main uses, so it was a real disappointment.

What are the options for photos on the TV?

• Google Photos: casts to Chromecast and Google TV devices, and has a TV app on many smart TVs.
• AirPlay: from an iPhone or iPad to an Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV, from any photos app.
• Screen mirroring: most Android phones can mirror to Chromecast or smart TVs, showing any app.
• TV apps: some smart TVs have their own cloud photo apps.

Does OneDrive work on a TV now?

Features change, so check the current OneDrive app for casting options on your device. Screen mirroring works regardless, since it shows whatever is on your phone's screen.

Should casting decide your cloud storage?

Only if you show photos on the TV often. For most families, storage per person and price matter more, and mirroring covers occasional viewing. If big-screen viewing is central, Google Photos has the strongest TV support.

How do you make a family slideshow easy?

Create an album of favourites in whichever app casts best to your TV. Many families keep backup in one service and a shared album in another purely for viewing.

Which setup works best for a mixed family?

If some family members use iPhones and others Android, a Google TV device handles casting from Android and Google Photos from iPhones, while mirroring covers the rest. An Apple TV suits all-iPhone households better.

What about privacy on shared screens?

Mirroring shows notifications too. Turn on Do Not Disturb before mirroring, so messages do not pop up on the family TV.

Keep reading

• Switching From Android to iPhone Smoothly
• Managing and Monitoring OneDrive Storage
• Apple should Enable iPhone Backups to External Drives

Updated September 2026: in early 2021, after months on my wife's Android phone and disappointment with the iPhone 12's price, missing charger and small mini model, I hunted for festive deals, found little on one shopping site and bought an iPhone 11 on another. I have rewritten it into a guide to switching from Android to iPhone smoothly.

I had been waiting for an affordable new iPhone. The iPhone 12's higher price, the charger removed from the box and a smaller mini model changed my plans. I looked for festive discounts on the iPhone 11 and had already bought AirPods Pro to go with it. The site I watched offered little, so I bought from another.

How do you move data from Android to iPhone?

Use Apple's Move to iOS app on the Android phone during iPhone setup. It transfers contacts, messages, photos, videos, calendars, email accounts and some free apps over a direct Wi-Fi connection. Keep both phones charged and close together.

What about WhatsApp?

WhatsApp chat history can be moved from Android to iPhone using the Move to iOS app during setup, following WhatsApp's instructions. Do this before using WhatsApp on the new phone, as setting it up first can prevent the transfer.

What should you set up first on the iPhone?

• Face ID or Touch ID and a strong passcode.
• iCloud backup and Find My.
• Your Google account for mail, contacts or calendars if you still use them.
• Banking and UPI apps, re-registered on the new device.

Which habits change most?

App permissions and notifications are managed per app in Settings. Default apps for mail and browser can be changed. The share sheet replaces Android's share menus. Most people feel at home within a week.

What should you do with the old Android phone?

Keep it for a week in case something did not transfer. Then back it up, sign out of your Google account, factory reset it and remove the SIM and memory card before selling, exchanging or passing it on.

Where should you buy?

Compare the effective price across sites after bank offers and exchange, as I eventually did. Buy from authorised sellers to get the full warranty.

Keep reading

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