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Data Management and Backups Flashcards

6 cards from real ACSP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. What does the 'tmutil' command-line tool allow a technician to do that the Time Machine GUI does not?

    Answer: Start/stop backups, list snapshots, delete specific backups, and get detailed backup status information

    'tmutil' is the command-line interface for Time Machine that exposes advanced capabilities including scripted backup control, snapshot management, backup deletion, inheritance, and detailed status/log output.

  2. What is the difference between a Time Machine 'local snapshot' and a full Time Machine backup to an external drive?

    Answer: Local snapshots are stored on the Mac's internal drive using APFS, while full backups go to the designated external/network backup destination

    Time Machine creates local snapshots on the Mac's own APFS volume using APFS snapshot technology, storing them internally. These provide fast local recovery but are separate from (and supplementary to) backups sent to an external drive or network destination.

  3. A user's Mac was stolen, but they had iCloud Drive sync enabled. What data recovery options are available?

    Answer: Files synced to iCloud Drive can be accessed from any device or iCloud.com; remote erase via Find My can protect remaining data

    iCloud Drive syncs files to Apple's servers, making them accessible from iCloud.com or other signed-in devices regardless of the stolen Mac's status. Find My's remote erase secures remaining data without affecting iCloud-synced copies.

  4. Which file system is used by macOS for the primary system volume on Macs with Apple silicon or T2 chips?

    Answer: APFS (Apple File System)

    APFS (Apple File System) is the default and required file system for the macOS system volume on all modern Macs. It was introduced in macOS 10.13 High Sierra and is optimized for SSD storage with features like cloning, snapshots, and strong encryption.

  5. What is Migration Assistant used for in macOS?

    Answer: Transfer user accounts, apps, settings, and files from another Mac, Time Machine backup, or Windows PC to a new Mac

    Migration Assistant transfers user accounts, applications, settings, and files from an old Mac (via direct connection or Wi-Fi), a Time Machine backup, or a Windows PC to a new or freshly set-up Mac.

  6. What does 'Erase All Content and Settings' do on macOS Monterey and later?

    Answer: Instantly wipes all user data and settings while leaving macOS intact, similar to erasing an iPhone

    'Erase All Content and Settings' (in System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset) cryptographically erases all user data and settings on Macs with Apple silicon or T2 chip, returning macOS to a clean first-run state without reinstalling the OS.