Welcome to my blog
Join me on my journey as I share my insights and experiences on all things Apple, Business and Entrepreneurship!
Join me on my journey as I share my insights and experiences on all things Apple, Business and Entrepreneurship!
Today I’m walking through Low Profile, a utility from Nindi Gill that I use when I want to inspect profiles already installed on a Mac and figure out whether those profiles contain issues I need to clean up. The value is that Low Profile gives me a straightforward way to inspect profiles installed on any Mac. This simplicity makes it easy for me to identify and address potential problems, which is especially useful when working with multiple machines or troubleshooting complex profile configurations.
In this part of the ABM Warranty 0.4.1 walkthrough series, I’m focusing on multiple credentials. In the first video, I showed the basic setup and how to add a single credential. Now, I want to explore what happens when I remove a credential, what changes occur when I add more than one, and how the app behaves once there are multiple contexts in play. This will help clarify any potential issues or inconsistencies that may arise with multiple credentials.
I use QuickPKG when I need to turn an application, DMG, or ZIP file into a package quickly without wasting time in a heavier packaging workflow. This post follows the same path as my video: what QuickPKG is, where to get it, how I run it, what a simple packaging example looks like, and where I think admins need to be careful about potential pitfalls that can arise from using this tool.
In today's fast-paced digital world, keeping your computer awake during important tasks is crucial. Enter **Amphetamine**, a powerful utility designed specifically for Mac users. This app ensures that your system remains active, preventing it from going to sleep or activating the screensaver when you need it most. In this article, we will explore the features of Amphetamine, how to use it effectively, and why it’s a must-have for Mac admins and everyday users alike.
In the world of Mac administration, having the right tools at your disposal is crucial. One of the standout applications that every Mac admin should consider is **Mac Tracker**. This powerful app serves as a comprehensive database of all historical Mac OS versions and Apple accessories, making it an invaluable resource for both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike. In this article, we will explore the features of Mac Tracker, how it can enhance your workflow, and why it deserves a spot in your toolkit.
When inquiring about a demo or starting a 30-day trial, please mention the code JONBROWN to receive an additional 5% discount on your first year of annual service. This offer is exclusive to new customers and can be applied at the time of sign-up. The discount will be automatically reflected in your account upon activation of the annual plan.
When inquiring about a demo or starting a 30-day trial, please mention the code JONBROWN to receive an additional 5% discount on your first year of annual service. This offer is exclusive to new customers and can be applied at the time of sign-up. The discount will be automatically reflected in your account upon activation of the annual plan.
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.
When inquiring about a demo or starting a 30-day trial, please mention the code JONBROWN to receive an additional 5% discount on your first year of annual service. This offer is exclusive to new customers and can be applied at the time of sign-up. The discount will be automatically reflected in your account upon activation of the annual plan.
Back in 2016, Hancock was created at the MacAdmins PSU conference during the Hackathon, where it took home the award for "Biggest Time Saver". We'd like to extend our thanks to Jeremy Agostino for developing a great little utility that has since become an essential tool for many.
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.
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."
SD Notary 2 by Late Night Software developed by Shane Stanley is a valuable tool that has significantly reduced the time I spend on manual notarization tasks for applications, packages, and DMG files. This has been an essential part of my Mac Admin's toolkit, allowing me to streamline processes and focus on other critical tasks.
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.
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 features that extend far beyond ordinary uninstallers. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a reliable choice for those seeking to declutter their Macs without compromising performance or security.
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.
In today's tech-driven world, virtualization has become indispensable. Join me in exploring UTM, a virtualization tool for Mac, and CrystalFetch, its 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. We'll cover the essential steps to get started with UTM and CrystalFetch, including installation, configuration, and troubleshooting common issues.
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 new ally in ensuring the security and integrity of their applications. This guide will walk you through the process of notarizing packages and signing them using this tool, ensuring your applications are compliant with current requirements and ready for future updates.
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.
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!
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. This includes navigating Apple's guidelines and requirements to avoid common pitfalls and ensure seamless submission to the App Store.
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. With Hear, you can quickly capture spoken words and turn them into written text, saving you time and effort in your work or personal projects.
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.
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.
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 your new device. To get started, make sure you have a compatible TV and internet connection. Next, download the Apple TV app on your device and follow the in-app instructions for setup.
After reading the Solarwinds WHD SSL Guide it was not immediately clear to me how to properly secure WebHelpDesk, despite my best efforts. With many hours spent trying various configurations and troubleshooting, I finally found a solution with some help from this guide. Now, I will be demonstrating the ssl recipe that worked for me, in the hopes of saving others from similar frustration.
Discover the Power of MUNKI: A Robust Solution for Your Mac Management Needs MUNKI is a highly acclaimed product that has earned its place as a top choice among Mac administrators, thanks to its strong community backing and impressive track record. With support from industry giants like Disney and Google, this reliable solution has consistently delivered results across all versions of OSX since its inception. Whether you're managing a small fleet or a large enterprise, MUNKI's robust features and seamless integration make it an ideal choice for any Mac management...
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.
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 one's 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 has 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 app....
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
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 still relies on this technology. Just because it is not endorsed or pre-configured by Apple however does not mean that it cannot be used. On the contrary, installing and configuring MySQL to run on an OS X 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...
