Apple Hardware & Software Troubleshooting Flashcards

A customer's MacBook Pro shows a blinking question mark folder at startup. What does this indicate?

Answer: No bootable volume is found

A blinking question mark folder means macOS cannot locate a valid startup disk or system folder.

Which utility should you use to verify and repair disk permissions on macOS Monterey and later?

Answer: Disk Utility First Aid

In modern macOS, Disk Utility's First Aid function repairs disk structure issues, replacing legacy permission repair.

A MacBook's battery is draining unusually fast. Which built-in tool provides the most detailed power usage breakdown?

Answer: Activity Monitor > Energy tab

Activity Monitor's Energy tab shows per-app energy impact and average energy use over time.

What is the purpose of the T2 security chip found in Intel-based Macs?

Answer: Provides encrypted storage and secure boot

The T2 chip provides encrypted storage, secure boot capabilities, and controls the Touch ID sensor on Intel Macs.

A user reports their iPhone charging slowly when connected to a Mac's USB port. What is the most likely cause?

Answer: USB ports provide limited power (500mA) compared to a wall adapter

Standard USB ports deliver only 500mA–900mA, which charges significantly slower than a dedicated 12W or 20W wall adapter.

Which macOS feature allows you to run iPhone and iPad apps natively on Apple Silicon Macs?

Answer: iOS apps are supported directly on Apple Silicon

Apple Silicon Macs can run iOS and iPadOS apps natively without any translation layer since they share the same ARM architecture.

A Mac displays a gray screen with a spinning globe at startup. What is happening?

Answer: The Mac is attempting to boot from the network via NetBoot or Startup Security

A spinning globe during startup indicates the Mac is attempting to boot from a network volume such as a NetInstall server.