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OS-8: macOS Tools and Features

Status: not started

Domain:

  • 1.0 Operating Systems

Objective alignment:

  • 1.8 macOS tools and features

What You Need To Know

You may not use macOS daily, but the exam expects you to recognize common macOS tools, file types, folders, and features.

Focus on matching the macOS term to its job.

Memory Trick

Use F-D-T-K-S-I:

  • Finder: files
  • Disk Utility: disks
  • Time Machine: backups
  • Keychain: passwords/certificates
  • Spotlight: search
  • ICloud: sync

Security shortcut:

  • FileVault = full disk encryption
  • Privacy = app permissions
  • Rapid Security Response = urgent Apple security patches

macOS File Types

.dmg:

  • Apple disk image.
  • Mounts like a virtual drive.

.pkg:

  • Installer package.
  • Runs an installation process.

.app:

  • Application bundle.
  • Often removed by dragging to Trash, though some apps include uninstallers.

macOS Folders

/Applications:

  • Installed apps.

/Users:

  • User home folders.

/Library:

  • System-wide support files.

~/Library:

  • User-specific support files and preferences.
  • ~ means the current user's home folder.

/System:

  • Core operating system files.

macOS Tools and Features

System Settings:

  • macOS equivalent of the Windows Settings app/Control Panel.
  • Used for display, network, privacy, accessibility, updates, accounts, and more.

Finder:

  • macOS file manager.
  • Similar idea to Windows File Explorer.

Dock:

  • Quick app launcher and running-app indicator.

Spotlight:

  • Search for apps, files, settings, and information.
  • Shortcut: Command-Space.

Mission Control:

  • Shows open windows and desktops.

Spaces:

  • Multiple virtual desktops.

Keychain Access:

  • Stores passwords, certificates, keys, and secure notes.

iCloud:

  • Apple cloud sync for files, photos, contacts, calendars, messages, device backup, and cross-device integration.

Time Machine:

  • Built-in macOS backup tool.
  • Creates automatic backups and removes oldest backups when the backup disk fills.

Disk Utility:

  • Manage disks, partitions, images, erasing, verifying, and repairing file systems.

FileVault:

  • Full disk encryption for macOS.

Terminal:

  • Command-line access to macOS.

Force Quit:

  • Stops an unresponsive application.
  • Shortcut: Command-Option-Escape.

Continuity:

  • Apple cross-device features such as AirDrop, iPhone camera use, message forwarding, and handoff-style workflows.

Gestures:

  • Trackpad actions such as swiping, pinching, and multi-finger controls.

Remote Disc:

  • Uses an optical drive from another computer.
  • Mostly a legacy feature, but still an exam term.

Commands To Enter On A Mac

Run these in Terminal when you have access to your friend's Mac.

sw_vers

What it does:

  • Shows macOS product name, version, and build.
uname -a

What it does:

  • Shows kernel and architecture information.
whoami

What it does:

  • Shows the current user.
pwd

What it does:

  • Shows the current directory.
ls /Applications

What it does:

  • Lists installed applications in /Applications.
ls /Users

What it does:

  • Lists user home folders.
diskutil list

What it does:

  • Lists disks and partitions.
tmutil status

What it does:

  • Shows Time Machine backup status.
fdesetup status

What it does:

  • Shows whether FileVault is enabled.

Windows/Linux Comparisons

Finder:

  • Windows comparison: File Explorer.
  • Linux comparison: Files/Nautilus, Dolphin, or another file manager.

System Settings:

  • Windows comparison: Settings and Control Panel.
  • Linux comparison: GNOME Settings or KDE System Settings.

Terminal:

  • Windows comparison: Command Prompt, PowerShell, Windows Terminal.
  • Linux comparison: Terminal.

Disk Utility:

  • Windows comparison: Disk Management.
  • Linux comparison: lsblk, fdisk, GNOME Disks.

Time Machine:

  • Windows comparison: File History, Backup and Restore, system image concepts.
  • Linux comparison: distribution-specific backup tools or rsync-based workflows.

FileVault:

  • Windows comparison: BitLocker.
  • Linux comparison: LUKS/disk encryption.

Mini Lab

Goal:

  • Recognize macOS tools by doing safe lookups and comparisons.

On macOS:

  1. Open Finder and identify /Applications and /Users.
  2. Open System Settings.
  3. Search System Settings for FileVault.
  4. Search System Settings for Time Machine.
  5. Open Spotlight with Command-Space and search for Disk Utility.
  6. Open Terminal.
  7. Run sw_vers.
  8. Run diskutil list.
  9. Run tmutil status.
  10. Run fdesetup status.

Record:

  • macOS version:
  • Current user:
  • FileVault status:
  • Time Machine status:
  • Main disk name:
  • Where app privacy permissions are configured:

Without a Mac:

  1. Review the macOS term list.
  2. Match each macOS term to a Windows or Linux equivalent.
  3. Practice the OS-8 quiz.

Quick Check Before Quiz

You are ready for the OS-8 quiz when you can answer these without looking:

  • What does Time Machine do?
  • What does FileVault do?
  • What does Keychain store?
  • What is Finder comparable to in Windows?
  • Which shortcut opens Force Quit?
  • Which command shows macOS version?