Apple provides a useful suite of tools for troubleshooting and investigating network issues on OS X. Dan Moren gives you a quick overview of the Network Utility app. Immediately after your Mac restarts (some Mac computers play a startup sound), press and hold the command ⌘ and R keys until the Apple logo appears, then release the keys. Select Disk Utility, then Continue. Select your hard drive, then select First Aid at the top. A message telling you First Aid will check and repair errors.
Contents
- 2 Definition and Terms
- 5 Information on Different Types of Mac Computers
- 8 Other Features
Mac & MacBook: An Overview
The Mac is a staple in the computer world. Many Mac owners consider their Macs as one of their most highly valued electronics. If you are new to computers and Macs, you might find it challenging to weed out all of the inaccurate and biased information about Macs out there. Blade and soul outfit list. This article is intended to be a general overview of Macs and their features and to assist you with any Mac troubleshooting.
Definition and Terms
First of all, what is a Mac? Mac actually stands for “Macintosh.” It’s made by Apple, Inc, the same company that designs and develops the iPhone, iPod, and iPad. There is a lot oflingo associated with Macs and computers in general, and it is important that you do not get confused by the terminology.
Application
An application also called an “App” or “app,” is simply a software program that preforms a function. There are apps for everything these days. They range from design and word processors to stock market apps to game apps for your entertainment.
Dashboard
The Dashboard is an application in the Apple Operating System that allows you to control and monitor all of your widgets in one place.
Operating System
The Operating System is the software that is fundamental to the function of Mac computers. There are various versions of macOS and OS X, which is what Apple calls its computer’s operating system. It is analogous to the Windows operating system in PCs.
Widget
These are small scale apps that have reduced functionality. They are usually open on your dashboard all the time and give you information that you need quickly. For example, a weather widget can give you the current outdoor temperature continually on the dashboard.
USB
USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, and it is a port that allows you to connect different types of hardware to your Mac. The hardware can range from flash drives to keyboards.
Mac Troubleshooting Guides
A Short History
The original Mac was called the Macintosh 128k and released to the world in January of 1984. What was revolutionary about Macs is that they were very user friendly, and the average consumer could use them very intuitively. In the 90s, the Macintosh computer began losing sales to computers that ran on the Windows and Intel platform. Because of this, Apple introduced the iMac in 1998, which was an all-in-one computer that had great success. In 2001, Apple started making iMacs with CD-RW, which was a later introduction than PCs. In 2006, Apple transitioned to Intel microprocessors along with an aluminum physical architecture. Finally, Apple introduced MacBooks and transitioned away from its PowerBook line. Now, Apple offers 4 different types of Macintosh computers to the world, including the mini, the Pro, the iMac, and the variations of MacBook.
Information on Different Types of Mac Computers
Desktops
Mac Mini is a compact version of a Mac desktop computer. It’s a super small rectangular device and includes a few ports for you to plug in your keyboard, monitor, and mouse. The iMac is an all-in-one desktop computer marketed to the price conscious consumer. It comes with a monitor, mouse pad and keyboard. The monitor can be 21.5” or 27” diagonally. The Mac Pro is intended for professionals who need to be able to customize their computer. The hardware of this high powered desktop is contained in a sleek, modern looking and cylindrical computer tower.
If you are looking to purchase an used MacBook model, please refer to our comprehensive guide below
Mac Os X Troubleshooting How To Real Solutions For Mac Os
Laptops
MacBooks are the Laptop versions of Macintosh computers. Currently, there are two MacBooks on the market. The MacBook and MacBook Pro are very thin portable computers that use flash storage instead of a traditional hard disk drive. This dramatically lowers the weight and thickness of the computer making it extra portable.
macOS and OS X
macOS is the operating system that is currently used in Apple computers, and it is the successor to the Mac OS X operating system. What is unique about macOS is that it is designed to operate only on Mac computers. Many believe that this leads to a more seamless experience when using a Mac computer. macOS is the 11th version of Apple’s Computer Operating Systems. For Mac OS X, The “X” refers to the Roman numeral, which signifies that it is the tenth version of this operating system.
Mac OS X Troubleshooting Guides
Other Features
Because Macs occupy about 10% of the market among other reasons, they are rarely attacked by viruses and other bugs. While this is changing because of their increasing share of the market, Mac computers remain very safe. Furthermore, the build quality of Mac computers is regarded as some of the best on the market. They are made with very sturdy aluminum cases and have a very stylish look to them. This extends to most of their products. Furthermore, their exclusive use of Mac OS or OS X leads to a very customized experience that is different from Mac’s PC counterparts.
Related Posts:
Mac Os X Troubleshooting How To Real Solutions For Macs
Updates:(Safari Tech Preview 117, OS Release Candidates 2, Acrobat/Reader, News)
Mac Upgrades/Mods | Storage | Video | Audio/Home Theater | macOS Updates/Tips/WiFi= Recent Articles/Updates =
| Safari Technology Preview 117 Update
See the release notes for a complete list of improvements & bug fixes.
A download is available for macOS Big Sur and Catalina.
(If a previous version is installed, use software update in System Prefs.)
| Apple Beta Updates/Release Candidates
Current Developer releases as of Dec. 10.
(RC is Release Candidate, previously called GM Seed.) - macOS Big Sur 11.1 RC (20C69)
- iOS 14.3 RC 2 (18C66)
- iPadOS 14.3 RC 2 (18C66)
(below from Dec. 8) - Xcode 12.3 RC (12C33)
- tvOS 14.3 RC (18K561)
- watchOS 7.2 RC (18S563)
(FYI: One of the M1 Mini owners with Display problems said 11.1 seems to have helped.) Apple also has Public betas. See Beta FAQ for info on joining or unenrolling.
(Public beta version updates are usually shortly after developer releases.)
| HomePod Software Update 14.2.1
About HomePod Software Updates says version 14.2.1
'includes general performance and stability improvements'.
| Apple/Products related News, Updates, Tips, PR [= skip =] - Free 'Copy That' File Management App for iOS/iPadOS from OWC (sponsor blog)
- For iOS 13.0 or later. (See 'Pricing & Availability' notes.)
- Apple introduces AirPods Max, the magic of AirPods in a stunning over-ear design (pr)
- Apple Fitness+: The future of fitness launches December 14 (pr)
- How to Set Up Dynamic Desktops in MacOS Big Sur (sponsor blog)
- Apple Preps Next Mac Chips With Aim to Outclass Top-End PCs (bloomberg)
- Apple Music Now Available on Google Speakers, Expanding Market (bloomberg)
- How to Take Advantage of the Battery Options in macOS Big Sur (sponsor blog)
- iOS GarageBand v2.3.10 Update
- This update contains stability improvements and bug fixes.
- Pixelmator Pro version 2.0.1 (for macOS 10.14.4 or later, with 64-bit processor)
- See linked app store page for list of improvements & fixes.
- Thunderbolt on the M1 Mac mini - When 2 Does Equal 4 (sponsor blog)
- Apple Is Sued in EU Over iPhones That Wear Out Too Quickly (bloomberg)
- Apple presents App Store Best of 2020 winners (pr)
- SoftRAID 6 Beta, Big Sur, and the New M1 Macs (sponsor blog)
- With download of v6 Beta. (Working on an M1 Mac compatible driver.)
- Several threads in Apple's Mac Mini forum about M1 Mac Mini Displays not working properly. Examples here, and here. (Dual displays especially problematic. Some blame HDMI port.)
(Remember you should use a Premium Certified cable for HDMI 2.0x.)
FYI: A M1 Mac owner with Display problems said macOS 11.1 seems to have helped.
- iPhone 12 & 12 Pro Review: New Design and Diminishing Returns (anandtech)
| M1 MacBook Air Video Tests vs 16' MacBook Pro (8-core i9)
(from sponsor OWC) - VIDEO TEST: M1 MacBook Air Beats 16-inch MacBook Pro
- M1 MacBook Air (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
- 2019 16' MacBook Pro (2.3GHz 8-core Intel i9, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD)
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| Little Snitch version 5.0.4 Update
Dec. 1st dated Little Snitch 5.0.4 update for macOS Big Sur.
The release notes lists improvements, bug fixes and known issues.
(The 'Known Issues' list with Big Sur 11.0.1 notes 2 items are fixed in macOS 11.1.
And lists incompatibile 3rd party software, including security related apps & Ad blockers.)
| Apple Pro Display XDR Firmware Update 4.2.30
Info from Apple's What's new in firmware updates for the Pro Display XDR. Display Firmware 4.2.30
- Adds support for in-field recalibration of the display using Pro Display XDR Calibrator. Enables specific color workflows that may require custom calibration by an in-house spectroradiometer. Learn more.
- Minor stability improvements. Requires macOS 10.15.6 or later. Sims 4 cc objects furniture. The article includes how to check your display firmware version.
(If your XDR Display Presets are missing after an update, see this tip.)
| Micromat MachineProfile 1.4.1 Update
Changes in MachineProfile version 1.4.1 (use in-app update check):
- Updated for macOS 11 'Big Sur' support.
- Added Apple Silicon processor support.
- Added MacBook Air (M1, 2020) support.
- Added MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020) support.
- Added Mac mini (M1, 2020) support.
- Now requires OS X 10.9 'Mavericks' or greater.
- Fixed generic volume icon issue in Drives tab.
- Updated machine and location identification strings.
- Other minor fixes and enhancements.
| Recent Apple Support/How-To/Troubleshooting Article Updates (later first) [= skip =] - If You Forgot the Passcode for your iPhone, or Your iPhone is Disabled
- How to Move your data from a Windows PC to your Mac
- How to create a bootable installer for macOS
- Covers Big Sur to El Capitan.
- Apple web server notifications (security fixes)
- iMovie for macOS supported Cameras
- Cameras supported by Final Cut Pro X
- What's new in Apple Configurator 2.13.3 (was called 2.13.2)
- Supports Big Sur/M1 Macs. See requirements for this version.
- Measuring and calibrating Apple Pro Display XDR
- How to get old versions of macOS
(Replaces previous separate articles on how to upgrade to older OS versions.)
- About Startup Security Utility (for Macs with Apple T2 Chip)
- Identify your MacBook Air model
- Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty
- was titled 'Vintage and Obsolete products'.
- Safely open apps on your Mac
- How to use Screen Time on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
Page of How-To, Troubleshooting & Tips for Mac/OS X/iOS Users from Airplay to Thunderbolt.
| iPhone 11 Display Replacement Program for Touch Issues
Apple has a iPhone 11 Display Module Replacement Program for Touch Issues.
Here's a clip from the program page: 'Apple has determined that a small percentage of iPhone 11 displays may stop responding to touch due to an issue with the display module. Affected devices were manufactured between November 2019 and May 2020. If your iPhone 11 has been exhibiting this issue, please use the serial number checker (on linked page) to see if your device is eligible for this program. If so, Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will provide service, free of charge.' See linked program page for details on the service process.
| = from my sponsor =
OWC Envoy Pro Elektron
Fast, Tough Mini-Sized USB-C Bus-Powered SSD, from $99 | Other News, Tips, Software/Firmware Updates, PR, OT (later first)
- Security Updates for Adobe Acrobat and Reader (adobe bulletin)
- Updates for Mac & Windows versions released Dec. 9th.
- Brent Bushnell on the Future of Gaming & the VR Experience (sponsor blog)
- December 2020 Microsoft Patch Tuesday (sans isc)
- Samsung 870 QVO & Sabrent Rocket Q 8TB SSDs Reviewed (anandtech)
- PS4 Upgrade: SSD vs. HDD Shootout (sponsor blog)
- Chrome 87.0.4280.88 Stable Channel Update (google)
(The previous version was the first to have native support for Apple M1 devices.)
- About the security content of iCloud for Windows 11.5 (apple)
- Sony A8 Series OLED TVs Firmware Update v6.4960
- Sabrent Rocket Q4 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD review (storagereview)
- 2020 LG BX OLED TVs Firmware Update 03.21.10
- To fix problems launching or installing apps in certain conditions.
- 2020 LG CX/GX/WX OLED TVs Firmware Update 03.11.30 (info & download)
- 'Update to allow PC and Console gamers smooth VRR playback'.
| Recent Updates, Tips, DIY Upgrades and Repairs:
List of Updates, DIY Upgrades, Repair Articles, Tips and more you may have missed. (Topics range from OS/software/driver updates and troubleshooting, to hardware upgrades and repairs.)
| = From my Sponsor =More Memory = A Faster Mac
Use our memory guide to see how much RAM your Mac can use and the cost.
Our installation videos make this a simple 'DIY' job for almost any Mac.
Or Search for Upgrades for Your specific Mac Model | Previous News Archive Summary:November 23rd to 27th, 2020 News Archive- Carbon Copy Cloner 5.1.23 Update.
- Windows Migration Assistant v2.3.0.0 for Big Sur.
- Little Snitch version 5.0.3 Update.
- Why Are The Memory Options So Limited on New M1 Macs?
- Developers say App Store Small Business Program is good for business.
- Teardown & Benchmarks: M1 Mac mini, MacBook Pro, & MacBook Air.
- How to Use the New Control Center in macOS Big Sur.
- Webkit blog article on MediaRecorder API.
- iOS Chrome for iOS version 87.0.4280.77 (for iOS 12.2 or later).
- Pixelmator for iOS version 2.6.3.
- What Is Apple's 'Thunderbolt / USB 4' vs. PC-Windows Thunderbolt 4?
- Yamaha Steinberg USB Driver V2.0.4 for Mac macOS 10.15-10.12.
- Apple Support/How-To/Troubleshooting Article Updates.
- Mac computers with Apple silicon.
- About macOS Recovery on Intel-based Mac computers.
- How to Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac (Intel-CPU Macs).
- How to Reset the SMC of your Mac (Intel-CPU Macs).
- Enterprise management of legacy system extensions in Big Sur. For links to older news pages, see the Archives.
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