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Category: Problem Solving

Adam Engst 10 comments

Stanford Research Explains and Helps Prevent Zoom Fatigue

Do you find it tiring to spend a lot of time on video calls? You’re not alone—pretty much everyone does. A Stanford University researcher has now figured out exactly why… and what you can do about it.

Adam Engst 9 comments

A Pair of Books for Learning the Mac Command Line

If you’d like to enhance your command-line skills—either for your personal edification or to support your career as a Mac admin—you won’t go wrong by picking one of two books: the recently updated "Take Control of the Mac Command Line with Terminal" or the new "macOS Terminal and Shell."

Adam Engst 99 comments

Is It Safe to Upgrade to macOS 11 Big Sur?

Should you upgrade to macOS 11 Big Sur from a previous version of macOS? Only you can answer that question for sure, but Adam Engst has upgraded his primary Mac with no significant problems. Our recommendation is that it should now be safe to upgrade, though you might want to wait for macOS 11.3, due soon.

Adam Engst 12 comments

Are Cheap MagSafe-Like Adapters for USB-C Worthwhile?

Adam Engst loves his M1-based MacBook Air but is missing the stellar user experience of the old MagSafe charging technology from his old 2012 MacBook Air. He found a cheap magnetic charging solution from various Chinese manufacturers. 

Adam Engst 19 comments

Can’t Scroll a Message in Mail? Here’s One Reason Why

A report from a reader of the Dutch translation of TidBITS led us to discover both a message viewing bug in Mail and a problem with how we were building those translated issues. Read on to learn what not to do in email and how to work around Mail’s bug.

Adam Engst 48 comments

macOS 11.2.2 Protects MacBook Pro and MacBook Air from Non-Compliant USB-C Hubs and Docks

Some third-party, non-compliant, powered USB-C hubs and docks are bricking recent MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models. Apple has updated Big Sur to prevent the problem; the question is if Macs running Catalina or Mojave might still be at risk.

Adam Engst 111 comments

The Role of Bootable Duplicates in a Modern Backup Strategy

macOS 11 Big Sur has thrown a cryptographically signed monkey wrench into the inner workings of backup apps that make bootable duplicates. There are now workarounds, and Apple promises to fix the necessary underlying tool, but Adam Engst suggests that we need to rethink the role bootable duplicates play in a modern backup strategy.

Adam Engst 29 comments

Ensure Sufficient Free Space before Upgrading to Big Sur

If you initiate an upgrade to Big Sur from a previous version of macOS but don’t have sufficient free space—at least 35.5 GB—you could end up in a Boot Recovery Assistant loop that can be exceedingly difficult to escape. Never update macOS without enough space or a current backup!

Josh Centers 5 comments

Apple Replacing Some Batteries in 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro Models

If your 2016 or 2017 MacBook Pro won’t charge past 1%, Apple will replace the battery for free, and the company recommends installing macOS 11.2.1 Big Sur or macOS Catalina 10.15.7 Supplemental Update to prevent it from happening to other devices.

Adam Engst No comments

Apple Publishes Device and Data Access Safety Advice

Just because you once shared access to your Apple devices or accounts doesn’t mean you necessarily want to keep on sharing, especially if a relationship change means that you no longer feel safe with that person. Apple has published clear, sensible instructions for reviewing and revoking shared data and device access.

Adam Engst 16 comments

Thunderbolt Improvements in the M1-Based Macs

Although the M1-based Macs have only two Thunderbolt ports, they each have their own bus and support the Thunderbolt 4 option that enables the use of Thunderbolt hubs.

Adam Engst 30 comments

Hiding Apple’s Big Sur Upgrade Badges

macOS Big Sur has been out for only a short time, but Apple is already pushing it on users by badging the System Preferences Dock icon and displaying a Big Sur-only update to GarageBand. Adam Engst shares a few workarounds that can reduce the annoyance.

Josh Centers 76 comments

Big Sur Is Here, but We Suggest You Say “No Sir” for Now

Apple has released macOS 11 Big Sur, but we advise delaying upgrades to production Macs thanks to significant behind-the-scenes changes.

Adam Engst 33 comments

Apple Network Failure Destroys an Afternoon of Worldwide Mac Productivity

If you had problems launching apps on your Mac—or if it was just behaving weirdly—around 4 PM Eastern Standard Time on 12 November 2020, here’s why.

Adam Engst 3 comments

Apple Opens Service Program for AirPods Pro Sound Problems

If you’re experiencing crackling or static sounds in your AirPods Pro, or if Active Noise Cancellation isn’t working correctly, Apple will replace the affected earbuds for free.