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iCloud may seem simple, but complexity lurks below the surface. In this essential title from best-selling author Joe Kissell, you'll learn how to set up and use iCloud successfully on Macs (running 10.7 Lion or 10.8 Mountain Lion), iOS devices, second- and third-generation Apple TVs, and Windows-based PCs. You'll also find advice on handling Apple IDs and solving problems with shared Apple IDs, non-email Apple IDs, multiple Apple IDs, and more.
With setup completed, Joe explains the key aspects—and hidden gotchas—of iCloud's core features: iTunes in the Cloud (including iTunes Match), iCloud Backup, Photo Stream, Documents in the Cloud, Find My iPhone, Mail, Contacts, Calendars, Notes, Reminders, and Back to My Mac.
You'll learn how to handle many aspects of iCloud, including:
iCloud Web site: The iCloud Web site is your go-to spot for configuring certain iCloud settings. And, in some cases, the Web apps available there—Mail, Calendar, Contacts, Notes, Reminders, Find My iPhone, and iWork—have different or expanded features from what you'll find in their counterparts elsewhere. Joe provides all the necessary directions for making the most of your time on the iCloud site. Features of special note that are covered include shared calendars, shared reminder lists, Mail rules, and Mail VIP lists.
App integration: All the iCloud Web apps listed in the above bullet item have counterparts in iOS and on the Mac. Joe describes how these apps are the same and different on different devices, and tells you how to turn on app-related services—such as synchronized calendars and contacts—on your devices. He also explains interactions within Reminders and Notes on various devices.
iTunes in the Cloud: Learn how to turn on automatic downloads so nearly anything you buy from Apple—music, apps, and ebooks, though not TV shows or movies—appears on all your devices. You'll also learn how to re-download previously purchased items, and you'll read about Apple's optional, $25-per-year iTunes Match music service.
iCloud Backup: Find out what data on your iOS device backs up, how to handle your backup, and—most importantly—how to restore after a problem!
Photo Stream: Having all your recent photos appear on all your devices sounds great, but there are gotchas. Joe explains the 1,000-photo and 30-day limits, shared photos streams, and how to delete a photo from a stream.
Documents in the Cloud: Start changing your habits as your documents begin living in the cloud and within apps instead of on a local disk. But beware, since Documents in the Cloud isn't always seamless!
Back to My Mac: With Back to My Mac, you can connect to your Mac at home or the office over the Internet and use both file sharing and screen sharing just as though you were on the same network. Joe explains the basics.
You'll find answers to questions such as:
How do I set up iCloud-based calendar and contact syncing on my iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch?
How do I share calendars with people who are not using iCloud?
How quickly should I expect iCloud to sync my data?
How do I configure my email software to use my iCloud email address?
How do I add files to my Photo Stream from Windows?
How can I configure my AirPort Extreme to work with Back to My Mac?
What should I expect iTunes to do immediately after I turn on iTunes Match?
How can I use Find My iPhone, to locate not only my iPhone but also any (recent) iOS device or even a missing Macintosh?
