Week 31 - General Troubleshooting

Question 1

What are Log files?

Answer 1

Show logged processes of OS/Software

macOS: Console

Windows: Event Viewer

Question 2

What is encryption?

Answer 2

Encoding data into an unreadable form o prevent unauthorized access to that data

Question 3

What is hashing?

Answer 3

Method to determine if a file has been altered

Data put through an algorithmic function that creates a unique fixed string of characters (the hash)

Data can later be run through the algorithm again and compared with the hash to check for tampering

Question 4

What is an SSV?

Answer 4

Signed System Volume

Question 5

What is a split macintosh HD?

Answer 5

Behind the scenes the system drive is split into a non-writable volume containing most OS files

These changes are designed to improve security and integrity of a mac

However, they add to the complexity of the system and sometimes pose obstacles and limitations

Question 6

What is the “first aid” disk utility on a mac?

Answer 6

Mac repair program for file system and volume structures. Not individual files

Question 7

When you see a folder with a question mark in it, what does it mean and what are some probable causes?

Answer 7

Can’t find startup disk

Potential Causes:
Hardware issue - Drive, PRAM
Data corruption

Question 8

When you see a circle with a slash through it, what does that mean and what are some probable causes?

Answer 8

Cant load OS

Potential Causes:
Booting a non-compatible version of macOS

Question 9

What is safe mode on a mac and how do we access it?

Answer 9

Invisibly runs first aid

Loads with minimum KEXTs (kernel extensions) aka drivers

Hold shift at boot

Question 10

What is macOS recovery/internet recovery?

Answer 10

Tool to help fix or reinstall macOS

Located on recovery volume

Hold cmnd + R at boot

Question 11

What is time machine?

Answer 11

A non-bootable backup of everything

Beware potentially restoring an issue that may be present in the backup

Question 12

How do updates, upgrades, reinstallations, and clean installs differ from each other?

Answer 12

Update: Incremental updates

Upgrade: New version of macOS

Reinstall: Overwrites existing macOS Preserves user data

Clean install: Full wipe

Question 13

What are apple diagnostics and how do we access them?

Answer 13

Built-in hardware testing - RAM, CPU, etc

Disconnect everything but keyboard (& possibly internet)

Hold D at boot

Question 14

What is cloning?

Answer 14

Typically used to make bootable copy of a macOS system partition

Reduces downtime

Can create an ideal installation

Might cause troubles with software authorization