Brian

Yep. It’s probably a DNS / Name Resolution issue. While connected to your VPN, all of the Ethernet Traffic is going through the VPN and can’t find a local network folder. As soon as you disconnect, DNS resolves where the folder is. Is this shared folder on another computer or NAS?

Yes! Between the two, the more expensive one is a better buy. Not just because the CPU is faster, but the 8GB Graphics Card plays really well with PS CC. Getting a Graphics Card that performs well with PS is almost as important as the CPU chip. Between the two, I’m not a fan of a Fusion Drive and prefer a SSD. But it sounds like your choices are limited for now. I would also purchase a 32GB RAM kit to increase the RAM from 8GB to 40GB. RAM is fairly cheap now and a 32GB kit from Crucial.com should be around $150.

Yeah, you really don’t want to do that with a SSD Drive. Especially Defrag. Never-Ever-Ever run a defrag on a SSD Drive. In fact, Windows 10 won’t let you do it if it properly detects a SSD Drive. Doing it once won’t hurt things, but doing it over-and-over will be bad for the drive. Just let it delete your files to keep things tidy. It’s the secure-erase stuff is what really wears out the flash media cells.

You are right. Now for even more bad news, the Colormunki has been orphaned by the manufacturer and there will be no updates to the Calibration Software. That said, they do have a work-around and that is to use the i1Studio's Calibration software, which is compatible with the ColorMunki & Catalina. Here is the webpage with the details: ColorMunki - Don't Worry! Be Happy! Long term, I'm looking at getting the SpyderX Pro as I own a ColorMunki (and a iMac) and am in the same boat.

The very first question I am going to ask is, "What is your budget?" Photography, especially digital photography, has significantly lowered the costs, as each photo doesn't cost money, but it still isn't a poor-man's hobby. So I'm going to need a realistic budget that you are willing to spend and one that you might spend. For example, "I'm looking at $500 or so but can afford up to $1000." Something like that. Portraits and animals is a good subject to start with, and more than likely you will need a zoom lens in the 70-300mm range. Before we get to that, let's talk numbers.

First, THANK YOU FOR FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS!!! LOL!! You have no idea on how difficult is is for people to leave Facebook. The addiction is real. Second, here in "Ask Brian" I have things pretty locked down. Only you or myself will be able to comment in this thread. This way I can keep things simple and not have to worry about a bunch of people trying to give you advice or post silly pictures. Now for your question...

Yeah, I've answered this many times in the Windows Section. Anyway, I own G-Drives. I have the now discontinued (12TB version) of this drive, and this is the latest incarnation @ 14TB: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1480233-REG/g_technology_0g10427_g_drive_pro_14tb_thunderbolt.html I like the fact that it's 7200 RPM and a Enterprise Class HD. That is Server-Grade / Heavy Usage stuff. Thunderbolt 3 is pretty fast and since you are editing video, the throughput on that Drive is very nice. So much that I actually put all of my images on my EHD, and even edit off of it. Because it's so fast, I don't notice any real difference in terms of performance working off a EHD than my internal HD. Sure, the my Mac's internal SSD drive will be faster, but I haven't been crippled by it. I'm also working with huge D850 files. Please note, that G-Drive comes Mac-Formatted. All you would need to do is delete the existing partition, setup a GPT Disk and use the Wizard to create a NTFS partition. Should take less than 5 min to convert, and you don't need any fancy software to do this, it's built into Windows. Oh, speaking of Windows, you will need a 64-bit version, but I have a feeling you know this.

It sounds like the "Image" file that the factory used to install on your HD didn't transfer correctly. Chances are there is nothing wrong with your HD hardware-wise, it's just possibly screwed up software. 40GB of "Others" storage file seems large. I have zero on my iMac. Though I'm still on Mojave and you might be on Catalina. Anyway, keep an eye on it. If it starts to grow, I'd back up your data and schedule an appointment with the Genius Bar and have them format your HD and re-install a fresh copy of the Operating System. Granted, this will be a PITA but long term, it should fix your problem.

Looks good!

Any updates @Caidasmama? Have you disabled Time Machine and waited a few min? Or is your HD still filling up?

Is it possible to stay under 2K with a iMac? Sure. But you need to have realistic expectations. Yes, an iMac with upgraded features will perform better than a stock model, but that increases your cost. As for "When does this Photography Stuff start earning money?" It doesn't. LOL!! Photography calls many, but selects very few. Very much like the Music Business, you can have a guy playing the Blues in a dive-bar making $50 a night, or the Justin Bieber's of the world singing "Oh Baby! Baby!...Oh Baby-baby!!!" and have pots of money thrown at them. It's not fair, at all. It's even worse if you are an official business who pays their taxes. On the flip-side, Cutesy Name Photography who charges $25 a session for 5 edited photos doesn't make money either. To make money in Photography, you need to be really good at marketing / business and networking. You. Need. To. Hustle and have a different way-of-thinking. Just having a FB Biz-Page or Website with a cute logo who HASHTAG LOVES-LOVES-LOVES their client's doesn't help, nor leads to long-term riches. I speak from experience. I've seen many "Businesses" rise and fall over the years; both online and in-person. Anyway...this is a whole other topic, back to the original question. Fortunately, Photoshop actually runs SLOWER on a iMac Pro than a regular iMac! Spending $4000-$8000 will give you LESS performance than a $2299 iMac with upgraded options. Why? Photoshop is not programmed to take advantage of the features that make a iMac Pro so fast. Now if you were using Adobe Premier to edit 4K video, THAT'S a whole other story. For PS? Save your money. When I recommend things here in "Ask Brian," I have a 7-8 year time-frame in mind. I hate wasting money on this sh*t. The impulse buys or my favorite, "It's just as good as..." NEVER work out. Save up and buy the quality item. The one that you want. Even if you have to wait another 6 months. Your computer will last another 3-4 years if you buy it right the first time. Now, I get it. I'm not made of money either. It's taken me a LONG time to get where I'm at, and with the US-Tariffs from China, all the computer hardware prices have risen $300-$500. Fortunately, Apple has maintained their prices, though they were high to begin with. Let's talk numbers and what you are looking for. What is your MAX Budget? You want a iMac or are sticking with a laptop? I will say this, a 21.5" iMac is a complete waste of money. They can't be upgraded after the fact (easily) and contain slower items (motherboard, hard drives, video cards, etc.) that make them a glorified iPad. So they are off the table as far as i'm concerned.

The guy ad Best Buy does not know what he is talking about. Or, more than likely, he only knew what Best Buy sells, and that's pre-configured iMacs only, which usually have the standard options. I'm currently running a i7 CPU in my iMac as I type this. Yes, Apple has never been inexpensive. Even from the first Macintosh from 1984, and that debuted at $2495 (or $2499) which in today's money is about $6,176.46! That is the average price of a just-released Macintosh Pro. (Or somewhere in that price-range.) Anyway, what is the difference besides familiarity? A closed system. Apple is in control of everything and what they say...goes. If they say we are enforcing 64-bit software for their new Operating System, software developers better have a 64-bit coding in the works. Basically, you play by Apple's rules or you don't play at all. Apple has been about the "Customer Experience" since the beginning. Some people balk at that level of control and want choices, others don't mind. I fix Windows Servers and Computers / Networks / Printers all day long. When I come home, I just want my computer to work. The internet is the same. Photoshop is the same, I just don't have to screw around with staying on top of updates, worrying about malware and trojans an all that, my computer just works. (Yes, Macs are not 100% immune to things like this, but since the Mac Operating System is based on a version of Unix, it's tougher to write them. Plus, Macs are as prominent as Windows computers, so if you are looking to catch a lot of fish, you aren't going for the rare kind, you want the masses.) Yes, there is a quirk every now and then, as Macs are slightly different with their versions of software, like Microsoft products, but they are minor. My wife, who is an Accountant, can't stand MS Excel on my Mac. It's just slightly different and she has to remember the Mac-specific shortcut keys that don't exist on a Windows Computer. That said, she is a professional numbers person and I get it. For me, I don't go into deep into Excel as she does, so for me it's "fine." The other benefit, is the lack of hardware choices. That's right: Benefit. Meaning that since there is only a certain number of hardware devices in Apple's line-up, video cards, motherboard chip-sets, etc. etc. it's easier for software companies to develop things for Apple. When you only have 5 video cards to program for, instead of 100's or more, things are just easier. That's why I get so angry at Adobe when they screw up PS. They have programmed for Apple since their existence, they should know better by now. Anyway, I'm going to start digressing. The other nice thing is when it comes to repair. Apple, or an Apple Authorized Service Center are the ones fixing your computer. Not some HS kit at Best Buy (Geek Squad) who receives very little training and has a screwdriver toolkit off the sales floor. I speak from experience. I WAS ONE OF THOSE KIDS WAY-BACK-WHEN. Fortunately, I was in an Authorized Repair Shop and went through official Apple Hardware Training before I fixed the higher-end things. With the Tariff's today, it's actually a bad time for people to purchase a new computer. They cost $300-$500 MORE now than they did from a year ago. All the stuff comes from China (components, parts, cases, power supplies, etc.) Fortunately, Apple's prices have remained constant. Of course, they weren't cheap to begin with. Switching back to a Windows computer is going to be a bit of pain-in-the-ass, as the file formats are different. You will need to purchase some translation software in order to write to a NTFS Partition, or use a FAT32 thumbdrive and manually move stuff over. Keep in mind, this translation software is not 100% bullet-proof. So don't get rid of your Mac for at least a year, just to make sure you have everything. Now it comes down to the cost and how much you want to spend. With a Windows Computer, you are looking to spend between $1200-$1500 for something decent. Plus add the cost of a monitor, which is around $300-$500, depending on what you get and the size. So call it $2000 or so. That's right up there with stock Apple iMacs! Remember those Tariffs that I mentioned? Last year's $500 models are today's $800-$1000 models. The "Cheap" ones of today are the really cheapie ones from last year, which expect to only last 12-16 months. Apple wants you to "Go Big or Go Home." Do not ever think about buying a 21.5" iMac...THOSE ARE A WASTE OF MONEY. It's the 27" iMac or nothing when it comes to their desktop line. Even a base model $1799 27" iMac is a better deal than a high-end 21.5" $1499 iMac.

I’m still on Mojave, if that tells you anything. I’d wait a few more months, probably 1st quarter next year. Also, besides PS, you will need to upgrade any 32-bit software, and this really includes older calibration software. So you might have to upgrade your calibration device as well. When it’s all said and done, your mileage may vary. You can hurt yourself if you run with scissors. Upgrading to Catalina is a one-way proposition. I know the FOMO is strong and Apple keeps bugging you to upgrade, so if you do and use your camera professionally, then upgrade after 100% of your clients work is delivered. This way you can afford a month or two of possible headaches / problems / downtime.

Damn. I'm having trouble finding hardware in that price-point. The import Tariffs from China has increased ALL of the prices at least $300-$500. Today's $800 laptops are last year's Sub-$500 laptops. Desktops aren't much better. Honestly? It's better that you save up a little more money, say between $1200-$1500, you will have a much better configuration. Otherwise, you are just throwing $800 away, professional or not.

Unfortunately no, I'd skip that model. The display is a FHD and not IPS-based. Since you will be editing photos, a IPS screen ensures that colors and contrast are consistent from edge-to-edge. IPS laptops are tough to find but I did have a member find one, that is in your price-point.

I answered your very same question in another thread... "I’m just to write an article about these two new 16” MBP laptops. Yes, there is a performance difference from your current laptop, and between the two, the 2.3GHz ($2799) model is the better deal. Not only do you get double the HD capacity, you get a better video card as well. The important thing is to upgrade the RAM to 32GB in either model. I would also upgrade the Video Card to the 8GB Version. MBP laptops are sealed units and upgrading after the fact is damn near impossible. Unfortunately, Apple’s price on RAM is insanely expensive. The configuration that I’m recommending, with AppleCare should bring the cost to $3700 or so; I realize is an expensive pill to swallow. Apple wants you to “Go Big or Go Home” more than ever, especially with any model that has the "Pro" added to the title." if you do decide to go with the lower MBP model, I’d still get 32GB RAM which adds $400 to the cost. So if you still want to pursue a MBP, I can give you my recommended configuration. If you want to go with a 27" iMac, I can do that as well. Just let me know.

Personally, I do not like laptops for photo-editing and prefer a desktop. There are many reasons and one of these days, I'm gong to write that article / FAQ. Let's start with the primary item: BUDGET. Mac laptops are very expensive to say the least, and you will get more horsepower & longevity out of a desktop. So how much are you looking to spend?

Hmm. That's a weird one. 500GB is really large. By any chance, is this Mac OS Catalina and have you been using Time Machine? My best guess is what's happening is Time Machine is creating snapshots of your HD and instead of putting them on an External HD like it's supposed to, it's storing them on the Macintosh HD. The Mac OS doesn't know what to do with them so it's putting them in the "Others" section of the HD. Some info here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204015

Answered this in another thread. Convert it to a GPT Disk in order to go above 2TB. (A 64-bit Windows is required to accomplish this.) You do know that Windows 7 is being abandoned by Microsoft this January 14th? You might want to think about upgrading to Windows 10 64-bit in the very near future.

Yep. 2TB is a MBR or Master Boot Record Max Partition Size. In order to go higher, which is the GUID Partition Table (GPT,) you need to do two things, well have three things in place: Be running a 64-bit version of Windows. Delete any partitions on that drive. You want a blank (black) stripe across the Disk Manager Convert it to a GPT Style partition first, then use the wizard to format the partition, I use NTFS. Currently, the highest a GPT formatted disk will go in Windows is 256TB. It will be a few years before we get to that level. Probably around 10 - 15 years or so and then there will be another Partition Type or an enhancement of some kind with GPT.

Work as well as a Wacom Tablet or Cintiq? No. Be a "Poor Man's Version?" Yes. You will need a iPad Pro, a Apple Pencil 2 and a App called Duet Display ($10.) So basically you are at a automatic $1000 investment. Plus figure in a SpyderX Elite Calibration Device ($270) to not only calibrate your Mac, but your iPad as well. You are doing IPS, so accurate colors are a must AND you need to spend extra not only on a 12" iPad Pro, but a blasted case & keyboard / holder thing, so that adds to the cost. After Taxes and AppleCare, you are around $1500. Are you sure you want to go this route? I hate-hate-hate wasting money on this sh*t. From the reviews I've read, a 12" iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil 2 & Duet Display works about as good as a 5 year old Wacom Tablet. In my honest and humble opinion, just get a blasted current Wacom Tablet. LOL!! There are some times that "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should..." and this is one of those times. Nerds love tinkering and getting things to work. Does it work well? "Meh" is my answer while shrugging my shoulders.

You aren’t the first person to go through this. You have a “Amazon Copy” of Adobe Photoshop, not a full-fledged Version. After so many years, software gets abandoned / orphaned and Amazon will not guarantee digital downloads after a certain amount of time. The problem is, Adobe WILL NOT BUDGE. Since you are more than likely be forced to upgrade, do not get snookered into getting the $19.99 a month plan. Just get the PS CC $9.99 plan. Now for the good news, you get PS, Bridge and LR for that cost. Believe it or not, you are actually going to pay LESS for PS CC than if you out-right bought it. Let me explain...pretend it’s 20 years ago and you wanted to buy Photoshop, it would have retailed for $749. Maybe $699. I can’t remember, it’s been awhile. Anyway, if you figured the cost of the upgrade for your particular version, every two years at $299. So let’s say that is a 4 year time-span or 48 months. $699+$299=$998 and we haven’t even added sales tax. So let’s keep it simple and say it’s $1000 / 48 months. That’s $20.83 per month over four years. You are spending half that amount per month for the same thing AND you get Lightroom thrown in for free. The problem is, people generally didn’t upgrade when they were “supposed” to. (Every 2-3 years.) Combine that with Photoshop being the #1 most pirated software in the world, doesn’t make a good case for Adobe continuing the “owned” software model. That’s why they switched; losing millions per day in Pirated Software Torrent Downloads, and people keeping their copies of PS forever...Adobe can’t sustain that long term. The good news is, it’s affordable and costs you half of what it used to. The bad news is, you don’t own it and can’t keep your version forever. Unfortunately in your case, Amazon didn’t allow this either.

You would need to find the download file (setup.exe) that’s located on your old computer hopefully somewhere. You can’t just copy a program’s folder from one computer to another. It doesn’t work that way. It might be in some sort of downloads folder. Adobe has really abandoned CS6. If you do find the CS6 installer files, just put them on a EHD or Thumbdrive and copy them over. The other two options is to contact Adobe and see if they will let you download CS6, but I’m confident they will fight you tooth-and-nail and do a hard sell for PS CC. The other method is to download CS6 illegally via the Torrents. Though you do have a legitimate serial number, so this puts it into a gray area. No, I’m not going to tell you how to do it this way. I stopped being a Software Pirate long ago and so much has changed.

Again, current MINIMUM specs: Intel i7 or i9 16GB RAM / 32GB Preferred 500GB Main HD / 1TB Hard Drive Preferred A Dedicated Video Card with its own video memory. 4GB is fine, one that contains 8GB is better. Windows 10 / Windows 10 Pro Preferred

I hate stupid 256GB SSD Main drives. HATE-HATE-HATE THEM!!! Pass. 500GB main at a minimum. 1TB preferred. The main issue is, almost all of the "PS is complaining about the Scratch Disk," "PS is locking up and error messages are popping up..." almost ALWAYS there is a 256GB or even worse, 128GB SSD Main Drive. 256GB is for the Operating System ONLY. Maybe a program or two. No data files, no current photos sessions, nothing. You have to be super-anal at all times on what gets installed on that HD. You will not be able to go, next-next-next...ok...ok...next-next-finish when it comes to programs. Or anything else for that matter. You will have to make it a point to use the D Drive at all times. I realize finding a larger HD in a pre-configured system is next to impossible. Manufacturers LOVE 256GB drives for one reason only: they are dirt cheap. I'm sure with a large HD quantity bulk purchase, those drives are costing them $20-$30 and they get to claim that their computers boot in under 15 seconds. Unfortunately, this doesn't serve the end-users that well. While you could get away with a 256GB drive for daily computing, PHOTOGRAPHY IS A WHOLE OTHER BALLGAME. The storage requirements go up. PS 2020 is being really picky, even with brand-new computers. You just can't go with your "Basic" configuration these days. Even more-so with today's entry-level camera sensors being 24MP. The more Megapixels, the higher the requirements are for a computer.