Welcome to my blog
Join me on my journey as I share my insights and experiences on web development, business, and content creation.
Join me on my journey as I share my insights and experiences on web development, business, and content creation.
TL;DR Mention the code JONBROWN when you ask for a demo or start a 30-day trial and enjoy 5% additional off your first year of annual service. What are you waiting for? Sign up for a trial or demo of Bravas.io today! True Secure ZERO Touch Enrollment with Bravas.io We all know that all MDM’s out there can handle ZERO Touch enrollment. At least any of them worth their salt. Bravas.io is great because it handles the concept of ZERO trust in a secure and somewhat different way than normally...
Xcodes Walkthrough and Review Xcodes is an amazing native application that you can use to switch back and forth between different versions of XCode on your Mac. Why would you need this? Some developers need to test beta versions of XCode and manually switching back and forth is a huge pain. You can only have one active version of XCode if your using the CLI and its hard to remember which one you left activated and which versions are actually installed. Thats where XCodes comes into play. Installation v1.X -...
TL;DR Mention the code JONBROWN when you ask for a demo or start a 30-day trial and enjoy 5% additional off your first year of annual service. What are you waiting for? Sign up for a trial or demo of Bravas.io today! Finally, real secure, onboarding and offboarding, made for the real world! Not just for technicians. So what is this new MDM, IDP, SSO and ZERO-Trust sensation thats sweeping the nation? Well, glad you asked its Bravas.io! Bravas.io aims bring bring all the best parts of the MDM experience,...
Hancock: PSU MacAdmins Hackathon 2016 Winner! Back in 2016 Hancock was created at the MacAdmins PSU conference at the Hackathon and took the award for “Biggest Time Saver” thank you Jeremy Agostino for a great little utility!! I use this often and wanted to share this utility with my followers to share some of the tools that I use on the regular with my Mac followers. If you found this tool useful please follow Jeremy Agostino here. Citation: https://github.com/JeremyAgost/Hancock Hancock is a GUI tool for signing packages and mobileconfig files....
Platypus: Build your own Mac Apps with Scripts! Platypus is an amazing Mac Admins utility that allows you to take virtually any script and convert it into a GUI Application. Lets take a look at what it is and what it can do. Ok so the first thing we need is a scrip to get started with so lets start with a script that I wrote to determine if Google Drive is running. As you can see this simple script just checks to see if its running and returns a...
Show Me Your ID! Show me Your ID v 3.0 a great utility that allows you to as stated on the website “This app will provide you with the Bundle ID, Team ID, and the full code for an application by dragging the application to the Show Me Your ID 3.0 window. You have the option of saving the applications logo to your Desktop. This can be helpful when configuring items in Jamf Self Service as it provides a look and feels similar to the Mac App Store.” I use...
SD Notary 2 SD Notary 2 by Late Night Software developed by Shane Stanley is an amazing tool that has saved me hours in manual time notarizing applications, packages and DMG files and has been an essential part of my Mac Admin’s toolkit. https://latenightsw.com/sd-notary-2-released/ The Mac Admins community is a really unique community. We’re comprised of a great community of givers, and that was on full display at the 2024 Mac Admins Conference at Penn State University. It was at the Live recording of the Mac Admins Podcast when Tom...
We all need a hobby, a thing to do as we unwind from a long and sometimes stressful day. Come join me as I rediscover something that I used to do many years ago but never completed and hope to do, create my own font face. In this series I am using the tool https://glyphsapp.com/buy and toggling back and forth between this tool and https://fontforge.org/en-US/ and creating my own font face discovering and sharing technique’s along the way. The letter K: I this video we’ve already made it up to...
In the vast landscape of macOS utilities, finding a tool that seamlessly manages application uninstallations while ensuring no residual files clutter your system is invaluable. AppCleaner, developed by FreeMacSoft, emerges as a standout solution, providing users with an intuitive interface and powerful features that extend far beyond ordinary uninstallers. Exploring AppCleaner’s Features: User-Friendly Interface: AppCleaner greets users with a clean and intuitive interface, simplifying the process of app removal. Comprehensive File Removal: Unlike basic uninstallers, AppCleaner digs deep, removing not only the application but also associated preferences, settings, cookies, and...
In an era where cybersecurity is paramount, staying ahead of the curve is essential. For the macOS community, NIST’s Security and Compliance Project have opened doors to a new realm of possibilities. In our recent video, we delved deep into this groundbreaking initiative, uncovering the secrets to bolstering macOS security with tailored compliance frameworks. Understanding NIST’s macOS Security and Compliance Project: NIST, known for its expertise in setting security standards, has extended its guidance to the Mac community. The project provides comprehensive insights into hardening macOS systems, ensuring organizations adhere...
In today’s tech-driven world, virtualization has become indispensable. Join me in exploring UTM, a powerful virtualization tool for Mac, and CrystalFetch, its seamless companion for downloading OS files. This comprehensive walkthrough guides you through setting up Windows 11 and Mac OS virtual machines, providing a glimpse into the future of computing. Key Takeaways: UTM Unleashed: Discover the versatility of UTM, simplifying virtual machine creation and management on Mac computers. Windows 11 in Action: Witness the step-by-step setup of a Windows 11 virtual machine, showcasing the synergy between UTM and CrystalFetch....
In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, staying ahead of the curve is paramount. With Apple’s introduction of the Notarization Tool, developers now have a powerful new ally in ensuring the security and integrity of their applications. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of notarizing packages and signing them using this groundbreaking tool, ensuring your applications are compliant and ready for the future. Understanding the Transition The first step in this journey is understanding the transition from the AL tool to the Notary Tool. We...
In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, efficient management of browser preferences is paramount for IT professionals. Chrome, being a widely used browser, often demands tailored configurations to meet organizational needs. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the process of managing Chrome preferences using Mobileconfig files, MDM, and open-source tools. By the end of this journey, you’ll have a profound understanding of how to streamline Chrome settings effortlessly across multiple devices. Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of Mobile Device Management (MDM) systems. Familiarity with macOS terminal and Python. Tools and Resources:...
Hello, tech enthusiasts! Today, we embark on a journey into the world of Mac software deployment using the powerful Packages app. Whether you’re a seasoned Mac admin or a budding developer, understanding the nuances of software deployment is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring you grasp every detail. Let’s dive in! Step 1: Introduction to Packages App First things first, familiarize yourself with the Packages app. It’s a versatile tool that simplifies software distribution on Mac devices. If you haven’t...
In today’s tech-driven world, application security is paramount. For macOS developers, understanding the nuances of Package Signing & Notarization is essential. Whether you’re a seasoned coder or a curious tech enthusiast, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the intricacies of ensuring your applications are secure, trusted, and ready for distribution. Why Package Signing & Notarization Matter: When users download an application, they expect it to be safe and free from malicious intent. Apple’s Package Signing & Notarization processes guarantee this safety. Notarization is more than just signing; it’s a...
Hey everybody! In today’s video, I’m excited to introduce you to one of my favorite Apple binary applications - Hear. Hear is an incredible program that allows you to transcribe text using the dictation feature directly from Terminal or convert audio and movie files into text. It utilizes the built-in dictation feature of Mac OS, making transcription tasks easier than ever before. 🔧 How to Use Hear: Enable Dictation: Before you install Hear, ensure that dictation is enabled on your Mac. Check your system settings under keyboard preferences to turn...
In today’s tutorial, we’ll delve into the essential process of signing mobile configuration files, a crucial step in ensuring the security and integrity of your configurations. Before we dive in, make sure you have the following prerequisites in place: a mobile config file that needs signing, Xcode installed, and an active developer account associated with your Apple ID. Getting Started: Setting Up Xcode and Certificates Launch Xcode and sign in with your Apple ID under Xcode settings. Create new certificates by managing your certificates in Xcode. Generate development and distribution...
Today, I am thrilled to introduce you to a groundbreaking macOS utility that is reshaping the landscape of Mac administration: MIST. This powerful open-source tool is designed to simplify macOS management tasks, offering an unprecedented level of efficiency and flexibility. In this deep dive, I’ll walk you through the intricacies of MIST, providing insights into how it works, where to get it, and how to harness its full potential. Understanding MIST: MIST, short for the MacOS Install Super Tool, is a versatile utility created by the talented developer Nindi Gill....
You’ve opened the box and here’s what you can do next to get your Apple TV set up and running. Apple has improved upon its popular Apple TV and even brought Amazon Prime into its fold of popular shows. You know you want one now, and here’s a quick walk-through with tips to set up. After you have unpacked the box, take out the power and HDMI cables. Plug the HDMI right into a free TV port (usually on the back of your TV). For some folks who use an...
After reading the Solarwinds WHD SSL Guide it was not obvious to me how to properly secure WebHelpDesk and so after many hours of trying different things, with some help from this guide, I will be demonstrating the ssl recipe that worked for me. At my company we already had a proper SSL certificate so I was able to skip a good third of the pdf that discusses in detail the proper way to generate the CSR and to create the certificate. WebHelpDesk recommends the use of a program called...
If your a fan and a user of MUNKI then you know what a great product it is and what community is behind it. Its backed by some of the largest companies around *(Disney, Google, etc..) and has consistently worked with all versions of OSX that have been around since Munki was created. The Munki client and admin tools requires Python 2.5 or higher with Objective-C Python bindings, which is included by default in Mac OS X. Munki is supported on Leopard through Mavericks. Many third party utilities have been...
Your websites and your systems are only as good as the backup strategy that you have for them. While managing Mac’s you may think that having a strategy for website data backup is not relevant or important. Until you realize all of the technologies that you use on a daily basis that are actually moving to the web platform or cloud. For example OSX Wiki Server and Profile Manager 2 are all 100% web based technologies. If you use a web based ticketing system like Web Help Desk or Spiceworks...
Let me preface this article by saying that Munki is an open source tool that allows system administrators trying to take hold of their Macintosh environment with little to no budget. Munki is a tool that was developed by a systems administrator over at Disney Animation Studio’s. It is now used by small companies and large alike (Disney & Google). Now its also true that both of these giant’s also use Casper a top shelf product by JAMF software. Munki has a few things going for it. It has a...
If you are using 10.7 server to administer any sort of website then you may have noticed that Apple has removed the bulk of the administration capabilities once found in the Server Admin app, and shifted a tiny fraction of that functionality to the Server app. Now one could speculate that if indeed Apple is shifting to a home server market, and it is currently frowned upon to run a robust website over a shared internet connection from ones living room that Apple may have done this to discourage users...
I just started using 10.7 Lion Server at my organization and I have to admit it is nice in some ways and infuriating in others. Apple has certainly fixed and introduced quite a few new features such as Profile Manager but have removed features like Mobile Access. The hardest hit service in my opinion when it comes to 10.7 server administration is the Web service. Apple has stripped this service completely out of the Server Admin app and has added a dumbed down version of the service to the Server...
I have heard this story it seems over and over again, I also have been the topic of many email horror stories. They usually go like this “I just setup a new server and within days we were on a corporate email blacklist, I contacted the company in question and asked why are we on your blacklist, why won’t you deliver our email. They shared with me an email log of thousands of emails being sent from my mail server through several legitimate email accounts. I ensured that my server...
It is a fact that Apple has migrated itself away from MYSQL. It is also a fact that most people who continue to buy Apple Servers have been using MYSQL for some time and have websites or other content that sill relies on this technology. Just because it is not endorsed or pre-configured by Apple however does not mean that it can not be used. On the contrary installing and configuring MYSQL to run on an OSX Lion server is moderately easy and gives greater insight as to how MYSQL...
I am well aware of how to install and setup SSL certificates in OSX Server but that was not always the case. I am writing this how to for those less experienced who may find this article helpful. There are two types of SSL certificates, that you can use on your OSX Server. Self Signed Certificates are ones that are created on the server and are not digitally verified by a third party service. You can use these certificates to encrypt or secure your servers services but you will ultimately...
I have long been a fan of WordPress and not so much a fan of the search engine functionality that comes boxed with it. As an Apple Systems Admin I have several WordPress websites running on several OSX Servers. One of the sites that I administer finally got to the size to where the search capabilities of WordPress fell short of the clients desire and I was forced to look into other avenues for searching. I came across, solar. Solr is an open source enterprise search server based on the...
Join me on my journey as I set out to help aspiring entrepreneurs take that critical first step.