1.8 - macOS Overview

Q: What is a .dmg file and how do you use it?

• Apple Disk Image — a mountable drive image file.

• Mount it as a drive in Finder to access its contents.

• Common format for distributing software and large files.

What is a .pkg file and how does installation work?

Installer Package used to distribute software.

Runs through an installer script that handles the installation process automatically.

What is a .app file and how do you access its contents?

• Application bundle containing all necessary files to run the application.

How does the App Store handle OS and app updates?

Centralized updates and patches for both macOS and applications

How do you uninstall most macOS applications?

• Move the .app file to the Trash — the .app package contains all application files, making uninstallation simple and clean.

• Some applications include a separate uninstall program in the Application folder.

What is the purpose of the /Applications folder?

Centralized location where all installed applications are managed and stored.

What is stored in the /Users folder and how is it organized?

• User documents are saved in individual folders.

• The folder name matches the user name (e.g., /Users/alice for user Alice).

What is the difference between /Library and ~/Library?

• /Library contains system-wide support files, scripts, and fonts used by everyone.

• ~/Library (tilde = home directory, e.g., /Users/alice/Library) contains user-specific preference information — users shouldn't directly access this data.

What does the /System folder contain and what Windows equivalent does it have?

• Contains the operating system files.

• Functions similarly to the \Windows directory in Windows.

What is the difference between personal Apple IDs and Managed Apple IDs?

• Personal Apple IDs are used for personal products and associated with personal data and digital purchases.

• Companies use Managed Apple IDs through Apple Business Manager, which integrates with Active Directory, connects to MDM (Mobile Device Manager), and allows assigning/moving apps and digital content to selected users.

What backup schedule does Time Machine provide?

• Hourly backups for the past 24 hours

• daily backups for the past month

• weekly backups for all previous months.

• When the disk is full, oldest backups are automatically deleted.

Does macOS include anti-virus protection and what is the threat landscape?

• macOS does not include anti-virus or anti-malware.

• Many third-party options are available.

• macOS threat is emerging but still doesn't approach Windows levels due to lower desktop market share.

• Automate signature updates (new updates every hour/day).

How do you access macOS updates and what options are available?

• System Settings > General > Software Updates (not part of Apple App Store).

• Enable Automatic Updates to let macOS install patches automatically.

• Beta Updates allow accessing updates before public release (useful for lab planning, not recommended for production).

What is Rapid Security Response and when is it used?

• For critical patches that need quick installation (zero-day updates, widespread security issues).

• Part of Automatic Updates — can be enabled/disable in System Settings.

• Also available in iOS and iPadOS. After installation, macOS version number includes a letter (e.g., macOS 13.3.1a).