Background removal in photos used to require mad skills and big bucks, but Dr. Mac says today you can do it automatically (and convincingly) for free.
Bob LeVitus
Bob LeVitus, often referred to as “Dr. Mac,” is considered one of the world’s leading authorities on Mac OS X and one of the Mac community’s most trusted gurus for almost thirty years. He’s known for his trademark humorous style and unerring ability to translate ‘techie’ jargon into usable and fun advice for regular folks. A prolific author, LeVitus has written or co-written over 75 popular computer books with more than two million copies sold worldwide in a dozen languages. His most recent titles include: iPhone For Dummies, macOS Sierra For Dummies, and iPad For Dummies, all for Wiley Publishing. LeVitus is currently a columnist for the Mac Observer and has written the Dr. Mac column for the Houston Chronicle since 1996. While LeVitus has seen his work published in more than a dozen computer magazines over the past eighteen years, including: a three- year stint as Editor-in-Chief of the irreverent and unpredictable MACazine; and four different columns in MacUser magazine—Beating the System, Personal Best, Game Room, and the Help Folder (with Andy Ihnatko, and later, Chris Breen). Though best known for his writing, he’s also dabbled in broadcasting with a radio show (Inside Mac Radio, CNET Radio, 2001-2002) and a television series (Mac Today, Syndicated, 1992-1993). In addition to his writing, LeVitus runs a consulting business that provides expert technical help and training to Mac users anywhere in the world, in real time and at reasonable prices, via telephone, e-mail, and/or its own unique Internet-enabled remote control software. If you’re having a problem with your Mac or want to learn how to do almost anything with it, point your browser at: http://www.boblevitus.com. Always a popular speaker at Mac user groups and trade shows, LeVitus has presented more than 200 seminars, workshops, conference, and training sessions in the U.S. and abroad, including keynote addresses in three countries. (He also won the Macworld Expo MacJeopardy World Championship three times before retiring.) His most recent foray is Working Smarter for Mac Users, a site, newsletter, and more, all aimed at helping Mac users do more work in less time so they have more time for the things they love. Prior to giving his life over to computers, Bob worked in advertising producing television commercials, radio spots, and print ads at Kresser & Robbins and SelecTV. He holds a B.S. in Marketing from California State University and currently lives in central Texas with his wife, kids, and a plethora of pets
Articles by Bob LeVitus
iMovie’s Best-Kept Secret: Trailers
Check out this quick course in using iMovie Trailers, which Dr. Mac absolutely LOVES. You’ll be creating amazing memory videos in short order.
The Taming of Your iPhone
Dr. Mac demystifies iPhone features such as Notifications, Deliver Quietly, and Focus.
Smart Lighting by Twinkly: Innovative and Fun
Dr. Mac discusses Twinkly, a unique line of smart lighting products that are tons of fun.
EcoTank Printers are Super-Economical
Dr. Mac explains why he prefers Epson EcoTank printers and how they save him money year in and year out. For his usage, it’s a no-brainer.
Bluetooth Speakers for Dads & Grads
Dr. Mac names his favorite Bluetooth speakers for 2022 (at least so far).
How to Tweak Your Apple Headphones
Dr. Mac explains how to tweak your Apple or Beats headphones based on your hearing, so they sound even better.
Apps for Summer Travel
Dr. Mac praises a pair of apps that improve his vacation travels immensely.
Two Fixes for Spontaneously Rearranged Windows
Dr. Mac has discovered not one but two fixes for the longstanding “windows spontaneously rearrange themselves” bug.
ChronoSync 10: Better than Ever
Dr. Mac likes ChronoSync 10, which he calls “easily the best version yet,” and declares it “chock full of new or improved features.”
My Annual Advisory on World Backup Day
It’s World Backup Day and Dr. Mac has his annual reminder for you…make sure you have a solid backup plan and test your backups.
My Take on Mac Studio and Studio Display
Dr. Mac offers his take on the new Mac Studio and Studio Display Apple introduced last week.
FaceTime: Better than Ever
Dr. Mac is enjoying group FaceTime and SharePlay more than he expected.
WD My Cloud Home: My Support Nightmare
Find out why Dr. Mac no longer recommends Western Digital storage products in episode #474 of Dr. Mac’s Rants & Raves.
Apple Notes has Grown Up
Dr. Mac has ditched Evernote Premium for Apple Notes and saved a pretty penny.
How to Kill Some Time...
Dr. Mac shares some of his favorite ways to kill time…
Smart iPhone Tricks
Dr. Mac rhapsodizes about recent iPhone innovations he finds impressive.
"Focus" is the new "Do Not Disturb" (and it ROCKS)!
Do Not Disturb is now Focus, and Dr. Mac says it’s better than ever now.
When Good Macs Go Bad (Part II)
Dr. Mac offers up a few more things you can try before you throw in the towel when your Mac is on the fritz.
Gifts for Geeks (Part II)
As promised in his last column, Dr. Mac has more great gift ideas at reasonable prices for the geeks you love.
Just in Case...
Bob “Dr. Mac” LeVitus offers up a few of the iPhone cases that he’s found to be impressive in 2021, which is saying something considering how many cases cross his desk.
Gifts for Geeks (Part I)
Dr. Mac has some low-cost (and no-cost) gift ideas for the geeks in your life, including Apple Watch suggestions, tips on getting refurbished stuff, and more.
No to Monterey (still), but Yes to PopClip
Dr. Mac’s still having issues with Monterey but that hasn’t stopped him from finding a time-saving utility he’s become enamored with of late.
The Rocky Road to Monterey
Dr. Mac’s upgrade to macOS Monterey was neither pleasant nor pretty, and he lays out some of the pitfalls he’s experienced so you don’t have to!