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Demons and Pinball: A Perfect Match

There’s one very specific reason I keep a Wii U handy, and that’s so that I have an easy way to play the classic pinball game Devil’s Crush. Over the years, it has become a comfort game for me. I’m not entirely sure what it is, but there’s something about the combination of familiar pinball […]

Incorporating an Established Mac into Apple Business Manager Without Erasing: A Manual for Enterprises

# Optimizing Apple Device Management with add2abm

Apple Business Manager (ABM) and Apple School Manager (ASM) are pivotal resources for contemporary IT administration in organizations utilizing Apple devices. These systems streamline the deployment, oversight, and security of Apple devices, making them vital for IT managers. However, incorporating existing Macs into ABM can be difficult, particularly when devices have been obtained via consumer pathways or acquired through mergers. Traditionally, the process of adding these devices to ABM necessitates a complete reset, which can be disruptive. Here is where the add2abm tool proves to be essential.

## The Enrollment Challenge

Utilizing Apple Configurator to integrate a Mac into an organization mandates that the entire system be erased as standard practice. This method is inconvenient, necessitating backups, wipes, and prolonged data recovery. For devices currently in operation, this method is frequently unrealistic. add2abm provides a remedy by enabling IT managers to retrigger the Setup Assistant on a set-up Mac without losing any data.

## Functionality of add2abm

add2abm functions by temporarily removing the Apple setup marker and shifting local user data, deceiving the system into perceiving the device as new. This operation is fully reversible, allowing IT administrators to activate Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) on devices already in operation. The instructions to implement add2abm include:

1. **Physical Access Needed**: Confirm you have physical access to the Mac and are able to boot into macOS Recovery.
2. **Enter Recovery Mode**: Power down the Mac and press the Touch ID/power button to access macOS Recovery.
3. **Authenticate and Connect**: Authenticate as the volume owner and connect to the internet.
4. **Launch Terminal**: Navigate to the Utilities menu and select Terminal.
5. **Run Backup Script**: Execute the script to back up user data and reboot the Mac.
6. **Setup Assistant**: Follow the instructions in Setup Assistant up to the Country & Region prompt.
7. **Utilize Apple Configurator**: Bring an iPhone equipped with Apple Configurator nearby the Mac and connect it to the MDM server in ABM/ASM.
8. **Restore User Data**: After successfully integrating the Mac, restart and run the script again to restore user data.

Once these steps are finalized, the Mac will be recognized in Apple Business Manager, enabling it to be managed through your MDM solution while keeping all user information intact.

## Advantages for IT Managers

The add2abm tool considerably streamlines the integration of existing Macs into ABM, removing the necessity for device resets. This is especially advantageous for organizations with a mixed array of devices, as it simplifies the enrollment process and minimizes employee downtime. Nevertheless, it is crucial to verify that the device is not associated with Find My on an Apple account before continuing.

## Conclusion

The add2abm tool signifies a major leap for Apple IT managers, offering an effective solution for enrolling existing Macs into Apple Business Manager without loss of data. While an officially supported method from Apple would be optimal, add2abm efficiently tackles the challenges faced by IT teams overseeing a varied lineup of Apple devices. Those interested in utilizing this tool can find it on [GitHub](https://github.com/Inetum-Poland/add2abm).

Apple Announces Total Stock Exhaustion for Various Mac mini and Mac Studio Configurations

The stock of higher-tier models of Mac Studio and Mac mini is swiftly declining due to escalating supply issues and the likelihood of an M5 upgrade approaching. Numerous configurations are presently labeled as “currently unavailable” on the Apple Store, blocking customers from placing orders. This encompasses the M4 Mac mini with 32 GB RAM and at least two variants of Mac Studio.

Recently, sources have reported that the M3 Ultra Mac Studio featuring 256 GB RAM faced backorders extending until August or September, with shipping delays estimated at 4-5 months. However, within a week, supply has diminished to the point where Apple is no longer accepting orders for this variant. Furthermore, the M4 Max Mac Studio with 128 GB RAM is also out of stock, along with the M4 Mac mini equipped with 32 GB RAM. An update indicates that the Mac mini with M4 Pro and 64 GB RAM is now similarly labeled as ‘currently unavailable.’

A designation of “Currently Unavailable” often implies that the product may soon be entirely removed from the configurator, as noted with the 512 GB Mac Studio choice in March. While other models of Mac mini and Mac Studio still remain for sale, delivery timelines are discouraging. M3 Ultra Mac Studio models are quoting shipping periods of at least five weeks, meanwhile Mac mini purchasers encounter delays ranging from one month to three months, contingent on RAM and SSD storage configurations.

This scenario might signal a strong indication that an M5 upgrade for Mac mini and Mac Studio is about to happen. However, it remains uncertain whether this is genuinely the case or if Apple is experiencing the same RAM and storage shortages impacting the wider computing sector. Apple executives are anticipated to discuss these exceptional situations during the forthcoming quarterly earnings call on April 30.

Present Worth of Your Original Nintendo Game Boy

iconic devices that emerged in the ’90s. Collectively, the initial Game Boy consoles reached sales of 118.69 million units.

The classic Game Boy is a beloved artifact of pop culture and a highly sought-after item for collectors, prompting the question: What is its current value? A full Game Boy set, featuring the original handheld, packaging, and manuals, can fetch over $300 currently. Even the standalone handheld can be priced around $70 if it is in decent shape. If you happen to possess a brand-new, sealed original Game Boy, it could potentially sell for close to $2,000 in an auction.

Remember that the state of the device plays a significant role in determining its worth. The original Game Boy’s display deteriorates with time and usage, causing Game Boy games to appear less appealing than recalled. If you invested countless hours gaming on your Game Boy during your youth, only to let it sit idle in a damp attic, its value may diminish. Conversely, a flawless unit preserved in a climate-controlled space over the past several decades might fetch a substantial amount from collectors.

Original Game Boy games hold substantial value today

Causes of Headaches While Wearing Noise Cancelling Headphones

budget or premium noise-canceling headphones. You may experience a sensation of pressure in your ears, akin to what one feels when flying in an airplane or being submerged underwater, which can lead to headaches in extreme cases.

To grasp why this occurs, it’s important to know the functionality of noise-canceling headphones. They come in two varieties: active noise cancellation (ANC) and passive noise cancellation. The latter simply reduces sound by covering or fitting snugly over the ears, whereas ANC employs two microphones to sense and neutralize low-frequency noises with counterbalancing signals. These signals negate each other, leading to that serene and quiet feeling upon wearing the headphones.

The pressure you encounter when utilizing ANC headphones isn’t genuinely occurring in your ears; it’s entirely psychological. Essentially, your brain anticipates the ambient noises it’s accustomed to — such as the hum of the surroundings or the sound of passing cars — thus it perceives the absence of sound as pressure. Luckily, this indicates that ANC pressure is not something you must simply endure.

How to alleviate headaches when using ANC headphones

Comprehending Facebook’s Ad Selection Procedure and How to Adjust Your Preferences

Facebook Help Center, the platform utilizes various elements when deciding which advertisements to display, and you can discover these by clicking on the “Options” button (the three dots) located in the upper right corner of the ad and selecting “Why am I seeing this ad?”. The dropdown will enumerate several components, including the intended audience of the company and your recent interactions on Facebook. For example, under “Your activity,” it will showcase advertisements and pages you have engaged with. That FunisFun LED Keyboard Clicker you purchased on Amazon for a friend? You learned about it via Facebook, prompting Meta to assume you’re keen on acquiring more fidget toys. Any interaction on Facebook, or with a business that advertises on Facebook, will result in similar advertisements appearing for you.

Regrettably, this revelation is standard for Facebook users. Merely using Facebook messenger gathers a significant amount of data compared to other messaging applications. It offers a customized experience, and you might indeed stumble upon something worthwhile to buy through those ads — engage with enough video game groups on Facebook, and you may receive an advertisement for the ideal controller for your Steam Deck. However, on the flip side, numerous individuals might perceive these advertisements as a breach of privacy.

How to modify the advertisements you encounter on Facebook

<div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit-image-wrap " data-post-url="https://www.bgr.com/2141062/how-facebook-chooses-ads-to-show-you-explained/" data-post-title="Here's How Facebook Determines What Ads To Present To You (And How To Alter Them

$15 STM32U575 Board Offers FPC Display Connector, microSD Slot, Dual 48-pin GPIO Headers – CNX Software

STM32U575VGT6 development board

A few days ago, we looked at the WeAct Studio STM32U585CIU6 development board, which features an ultra-low-power STM32U5 Cortex-M33 MCU and was added to MicroPython v1.28. If you’re looking for another STM32U5-based option, especially for compact UI projects, Maker Go now offers an STM32U575 board with a display connector, a microSD card slot, and many more GPIOs While the STM32U585 on the WeAct board features cryptographic accelerators, the STM32U575VGT6 MCU on the Maker Go board is closely related and still offers the same high-performance Cortex-M33 core running at 160 MHz, along with ultra-low-power capabilities. This new board also adds 8MB of external flash and is designed to accept 1.47-inch or 2.0-inch LCDs directly via a ribbon cable. STM32U575VGT6 board specifications: Microcontroller – ST STM32U575VGT6 Core – Arm Cortex-M33 Armv8-M core clocked at up to 160 MHz with FPU, Arm TrustZone Memory – 786 KB SRAM Flash – 1024 KB (1 […]

The post $15 STM32U575 development board features FPC display connector, microSD card slot, two 48-pin GPIO headers appeared first on CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.

Is the ‘Holy Grail of batteries’ finally ready to bless us with its presence?

Earlier this year, a relatively unknown startup from Finland made a startling announcement: It had finally solved solid-state batteries. Not only that, but Donut Lab, a spinoff of Verge Motorcycles, said that its solid-state battery – long considered the “Holy Grail of batteries” for their high-density, durable, fast-charging abilities – would go into production later […]

Assessing the Feasibility of Acquiring DDR4 RAM in 2026

persistent AI-associated chip deficit, prices for computer components such as RAM and graphics cards have surged dramatically, with DDR5 RAM projected to increase further, potentially reaching 63% as per TrendForce. If you’re considering assembling a new PC in the near future, you have a couple of alternatives. You could opt for slightly older components, which might be available at a lower cost, or you can invest significantly more than you would prefer in the latest parts. But do older components still hold value? And primarily, is DDR4 RAM still a worthwhile purchase? Here’s what you need to understand.

Initially, it’s crucial to highlight that DDR4 remains pricier than it ought to be, as all RAM prices have escalated due to heightened demand. For instance, a 32GB DDR4 RAM kit on Amazon was approximately $170 back in January 2026. However, owing to the rising demand spurred by AI advancements and data centers, the cost of that same RAM kit has soared to as high as $260 before stabilizing around $220.

In contrast, a 32GB DDR5 RAM kit has consistently been over $360 since January, with prices peaking at $439.99. Although the pricing seems to have stabilized somewhat, with a slight decrease in market rates, it remains uncertain whether the demand for DDR5 will diminish significantly enough to impact prices. Furthermore, this doesn’t even consider the escalating costs associated with SSDs.

DDR4’s absence of future-proofing