MAC Fundamentals
MAC Fundamentals

MAC Fundamentals

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Zach Hill
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Operating System Navigation

Finder: Learn how to use Finder for navigating the file system, managing files and folders, and understanding the layout of macOS. Dock: Understand how to customize and use the Dock for quick access to applications and files.

File System

File System Structure: Get familiar with the macOS file system structure, including directories like /Applications, /Library, /System, and /Users. File Permissions: Learn how to manage file permissions and ownership using the Get Info panel and command-line tools like chmod, chown, and chgrp.

Top macOS Terminal Commands

  1. pwd – Print Working Directory

    2. Shows your current location in the file system.

  2. ls – List

    3. Displays files and directories in the current folder. Add options like ls -la to see hidden files and detailed info.

  3. cd – Change Directory

    4. Moves you between folders. Example:

    cd ~/Documents
  4. mkdir – Make Directory

    5. Creates a new folder. Example:

    mkdir Projects
  5. touch – Create Empty File

    6. Makes a new empty file quickly. Example:

    touch notes.txt
  6. cp – Copy

    7. Copies files or folders. Example:

    cp file.txt backup.txt
  7. mv – Move or Rename

    8. Moves files or renames them. Example:

    mv oldname.txt newname.txt
  8. rm – Remove

    9. Deletes files or folders. Be careful—there’s no recycle bin. Example:

    rm file.txt
rm -r foldername   # delete a folder
  9. open – Open with Default App

    10. Opens a file or folder in Finder or its default app. Example:

    open .
open report.pdf
  10. man – Manual

    11. Displays the manual (help) for any command. Example:

man ls

System Monitoring and Management

Activity Monitor: Use Activity Monitor to view and manage system processes, CPU, memory, disk usage, and network activity. System Logs: Access and analyze system logs using the Console application and log files located in /var/log.

Hardware and Device Management

System Information: Use the System Information app to view detailed information about the hardware and software configuration of the Mac. Disk Utility: Learn how to use Disk Utility for managing disks and storage devices, including formatting, partitioning, and repairing disks.

Configuration and Settings

System Preferences: Understand how to configure system settings using System Preferences for various aspects like network, display, and user accounts. Network Configuration: Learn how to configure network settings, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN, and proxy settings.

Networking

Network Tools: Use built-in network tools like ping, traceroute, netstat, and Network Utility for network troubleshooting. Remote Access: Learn how to use remote access tools like Screen Sharing, SSH, and Apple Remote Desktop for managing remote systems.

Security Features

User and Group Management: Manage user accounts and groups using System Preferences and command-line tools like dscl and dseditgroup. Firewall and Security: Configure the built-in firewall, enable FileVault for disk encryption, and understand the security features like Gatekeeper and System Integrity Protection (SIP).

System Updates and Software Management

Software Updates: Learn how to check for and install macOS updates and software updates through the App Store and System Preferences. Package Managers: Familiarize yourself with third-party package managers like Homebrew for installing and managing software packages.

Backup & Recovery

Time Machine: Understand how to set up and use Time Machine for automatic backups and how to restore data from backups. Recovery Mode: Learn how to use macOS Recovery Mode for troubleshooting, reinstalling macOS, and using Disk Utility for repairs.

Virtualization

Virtualization Tools: Explore virtualization tools like Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, and VirtualBox for running virtual machines on macOS.

Software Installation & Removal

Installing Software: Learn how to install software from the App Store, downloaded .dmg files, and using command-line tools. Uninstalling Software: Understand how to properly uninstall software using the Finder, Launchpad, and command-line tools.

Command Line Interface

Terminal: Get familiar with the Terminal app and basic command-line operations, including navigation, file manipulation, and running scripts. Shell Scripting: Learn the basics of shell scripting with bash or zsh to automate tasks and enhance productivity.

Security Policies and Practices

Keychain Access: Understand how to use Keychain Access for managing passwords, certificates, and secure notes. Privacy Settings: Configure privacy settings for apps, location services, and data sharing to enhance security.

Troubleshooting Tools

Diagnostic Tools: Use built-in diagnostic tools like Disk Utility, Apple Diagnostics, and third-party tools for system diagnostics and troubleshooting. Common Issues: Learn how to troubleshoot common macOS issues such as application crashes, system performance problems, and connectivity issues.