macOS Troubleshooting Flashcards

Which Terminal command lists all partitions and volumes on a Mac, useful for diagnosing disk issues?

Answer: diskutil list

'diskutil list' displays all disks, partitions, and APFS containers on the system, making it essential for diagnosing disk configuration issues.

A Mac fails to boot after a macOS update and shows a progress bar that stops partway. What should the technician try first?

Answer: Boot to Recovery Mode and run Disk Utility First Aid

A stalled macOS update progress bar is often caused by a file system error, and running First Aid in Recovery Mode can resolve it without erasing user data.

What is the purpose of the 'Erase Mac' option available in macOS Recovery on Apple Silicon Macs?

Answer: It erases the disk and reinstalls macOS, returning the Mac to factory state

'Erase Mac' in recoveryOS on Apple Silicon Macs erases all content and settings and reinstalls macOS, preparing the device for a new owner or for depot repair.

A customer requests that their data be migrated to a new Mac. Which Apple tool should the technician use?

Answer: Migration Assistant

Migration Assistant transfers user accounts, applications, settings, and files from an old Mac to a new Mac using Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Thunderbolt, or a Time Machine backup.

Which file system format does Apple recommend for the primary macOS startup volume on modern Macs?

Answer: APFS (Apple File System)

APFS is Apple's modern file system, required for SSD-based Macs running macOS High Sierra and later, offering features like snapshots and space sharing.

What information does the 'About This Mac > System Report' provide that is useful during diagnostics?

Answer: Detailed hardware configuration including serial numbers, USB devices, and installed RAM

System Report (via System Information) provides comprehensive hardware details including serial numbers, component specs, connected devices, and installed RAM for diagnostic purposes.