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One of the issues that you may run into when learning to use Terminal is the "Operation Not Permitted" error. Luckily, this error is pretty simple to fix. It simply means that the Terminal does not have access to whatever file you are trying to reach. As someone who...

A perfect day might include either reading a good book or enjoying a great movie along with a nice cup of coffee. Before Netflix, this meant going through the hassle of finding and downloading an MP4 file to watch the movie using QuickTime Player. What if QuickTime...

Most of the time, .ds_store files are harmless and don't take up much space, but there are still instances where you might want to open or delete them. So, how can you do it? As a Mac technician, I often see minor bugs in system files that can potentially lead to...

If you are here, you are likely interested in learning to use Shell scripts on your Mac. Whether you are new to Shell entirely, or familiar with Shell due to experience with UNIX or Linux operating systems, this is the place for you!  In general, this article will not...

If you are experiencing high CPU usage on your Mac and used Activity Monitor to determine what the cause of that CPU is, you may see a process called Bird.  Bird is a backend process with iCloud that helps to back up documents and other data to iCloud. So what...

If you are familiar with using the Terminal on your Mac, you may be familiar with bash_profile. You may also be familiar with Bash Shells from other operating systems, such as Linux. Bash is an acronym for Bourne Again Shell, after Stephen Bourne, the creator of the...

If you have made it to this article, you have likely checked your Activity Monitor on Mac to see that your mds_stores process is causing very high CPU usage. It is also likely that you originally checked your Activity Monitor because that high CPU usage is impacting...

FAT32 is a common format for SD cards because it has compatibility across many products including Mac Computers, Microsoft Computers, XBOX consoles, Playstation Consoles, and cameras. So how do you format your SD card to FAT32 on Mac? As a computer repair tech, I've...

Believe it or not, your Mac has many folders and files that are automatically hidden and you cannot see as readily available. This is done to keep safe the files that are crucial to the operation of your Mac, and it could be catastrophic if deleted or incorrectly...

When you see the "App Cannot be Opened because it is from an Unidentified developer" error, this is because Apple requires developers to submit for approval to be allowed to have their applications run on Macs. So, how can you get around this? As someone who is...

Have you ever received a message that states: Verifying 'app name' on your Mac? This message is common with applications that are not directly downloaded from the App Store or that are not from identified developers.  As someone who has worked on Apple computers for...

You might be wondering why your WindowServer process is taking up so much CPU resources. Even though this is a critical system process, it can slow your Mac down if it begins to malfunction. So, how can you fix it? As a computer technician, I often see issues related...

If your Mac is stuck on checking for updates, it can get a little frustrating, especially if you’re hoping to get the latest features from an OS update. But is there anything you can do to fix it? As someone who works on Apple computers for a living, I see this...

For most of us, WiFi is how we access social media, streaming services, and our work. Regardless of what you use your Mac for, if it is continuously disconnecting from Wi-Fi, it can seriously interrupt your workflow. So how can you fix it? I have seen this issue come...

External hard drives are a great way to increase the storage on your Mac and back up your files. But if your external drive is not showing up on your Mac, it can be a bit alarming. What causes this? And how can you fix it? There are a few reasons why this might...

Whether you use the Safari internet browser for your everyday work, school work, online shopping, or simple internet browsing, having it work slowly can be extremely frustrating. This is completely understandable, but don’t worry we are here to help! As someone who...

We use the Menu Bar for a lot of different things, opening folders, locating options, and other tasks. So, it can be incredibly frustrating when your Menu Bar disappears and won’t come back. What causes this? And how can you fix it? This problem has crossed my desk...

So, you have the MacBook Pro with the Touch Bar. While this is a very cool feature, unfortunately, any feature has the potential to malfunction. But what causes it to malfunction? And what can you do to fix it? While the Touch Bar not working won’t be detrimental to...

Not being able to log in to your Mac can be extremely annoying. Though it may not seem like it at the moment, there are a few things that we can do to restore your access to your Mac.  As a computer repair tech, I’ve seen this issue pop up from time to time while...

Maybe multiple keys on your Mac have stopped working, or maybe it's only your Escape Key, but either way, with how often we use the ESC key, it can be an extremely frustrating experience. So why isn't your ESC key working? And what can you do to fix it? As someone who...

Nothing is more frustrating than trying to browse the web, whether you're working or playing, and being stopped in your tracks when Safari crashes. But what causes Safari to have these problems? And is there any way to fix it? As someone who works on Apple computers...

If you prefer using Google Chrome over Safari, you might want to switch your default browser and make it official. This way, you won’t have to worry about which app to open things like web links, internet shortcuts, and even PDFs. So, how do you change the default...

Clearing your browsing history on Mac can be beneficial for several reasons, including (but definitely not limited to) protecting your privacy and clearing some storage space on your Mac. But what can you do if you can't clear your history on Safari on your Mac? As an...

Uninstalling Safari can seem necessary if you are encountering browser issues, slowdowns, or crashing. However, unless you have an older Mac, it might be more trouble than it is worth. So, is it even possible? Safari is one of the applications that come preinstalled...

You open up your MacBook Air and go to turn it on, but there are no signs of life! Your MacBook Air just won’t turn on. While this might be cause for concern, sometimes, you can try a few quick fixes to get it running again. As a MacBook repair technician, I have...

It can be annoying when your web browser does not open. But when both Safari and Chrome won’t open, it can bring your day to a grinding halt. What causes this? And is there anything you can do to fix it? I’ve seen and repaired countless browser-related problems while...

When applications freeze up on your Mac, it can throw a wrench in your whole workflow. Usually, Force Quit is there to save the day. But what can you do when Force Quit is not working on frozen apps on Mac? Working as an Apple repair technician has shown me that Macs...

WMV files are a native format for Windows computers, but playing them on a Mac can be a little tricky. Oftentimes, converting them to MP4 is your best bet. Since macOS does not have a built-in WMV converter, how can you convert WMV to MP4? You can use an open-source...

If you use the Mail app frequently to check your emails and get work done, it can be frustrating when it suddenly won’t open. These include things from internet and server connectivity to processes and memory slowing the computer down, to the corruptions of the files...

If your email inbox isn't loading or your Mail app seems to constantly glitch and freeze, it might be beneficial to delete and reinstall it. But is this even possible? And if so, how do you do it? I’ve seen countless software and hardware problems in my time servicing...

The short answer is: No, not just by joining the server. You may, however, be exposed to malicious content through the Discord server, which will result in you being hacked.  Hi, I'm Aaron. Information Security is my job and passion and I want to share my experience...

Not staying on top of your emails means that your inbox will get cluttered with spam and useless junk. But what happens if you are not getting new emails at all? Your boss or coworkers might wonder where you have run off to. So, how can you refresh the Mail app and...

If you're tired of receiving notifications from an email inbox you never use, or you want to declutter your Mac, one of the things you can do is log out of your Mail app. This can also come in handy for troubleshooting issues with your mail. But how can you do it? If...

MacBook Pros are lightweight yet powerful laptops marketed toward creative professionals, college students, and business users. But does their portable performance mean they last a long time? As someone who services Apple laptops frequently, I get this question all...

Changing your background on your desktop might be common knowledge, but did you know you can also change your background in Safari?  So, how do you do it? Fortunately, changing your Safari background is quick and easy. Let's get into it! Key Takeaways Safari offers...

Many Mac users are fond of Safari, Apple's default browser. But how can you use it more efficiently and protect your online privacy at the same time? The answer lies in understanding and managing Cookies. Working in a computer repair store, I’m always getting asked...

We have all been there, stranded on vacation with a dead MacBook and a forgotten charger. Or maybe you got all the way to work, the doctor's office, or another location and realized that your charger was somehow lost along the way. So, how do you charge a MacBook...

macOS Sonoma is the very latest iteration of the famed operating system for MacBooks, iMacs, and other Apple computers. While it brings with it some cool new features, there is always the possibility that it may slow your computer down. But why is that? And what can...

QuickTime is Apple's media playback and screen recording software. While it comes pre-installed on your Mac when you purchase it, finding out how to update it might be a little tricky. So, how do you update QuickTime on Mac? My name is Tyler. As a Mac repair...

Not surprisingly, having a jampacked email inbox on your computer can take up a large amount of storage on your Mac. If you want to free up disk space, cleaning out your Mail storage is a step in the right direction. But how can you do it? Working as a computer repair...

Pop-ups might be annoying for some, but sometimes you need them to view critical information, like navigation links or another part of a web page. So, how do you enable them on Safari? By default, Safari is set to block pop-up windows from appearing. Fortunately,...

When you are browsing the web, either for work or for play, it can be very frustrating when Safari starts running slow or quits working altogether. So what causes Safari to malfunction? And how can you fix it? We use our web browsers every day, so it can be pretty...

While passwords are vital for many websites, remembering dozens of passwords is nearly impossible. Luckily, you can rely on Safari to save your passwords for you and autofill them on your next login. But how do you view these saved passwords?  Working in a computer...

While macOS comes with a built-in Mail app, it isn’t for everyone. If you regularly use a different mail application and would like your new messages to automatically be opened and ready to be written in a different app, how can you do it? As an Apple tech, I’ve had...

When the Mail app starts misbehaving, freezing, or if it stops responding at all, it can bring your workday to a screeching halt. While it can be an annoying experience, the good news is that there are a few easy solutions. In my time servicing Apple computers, I have...

Teams issues can be frustrating. Especially on a Mac, which is the antithesis of anything Windows or Microsoft. Fortunately, Microsoft is taking a more egalitarian approach to its modern application stack by making it relatively platform agnostic. Whatever you do to...

While you need passwords for many different websites, trying to remember them all can be impossible. Saving your passwords in Google Chrome on your Mac makes things easier. But what should you do if you need to see one of these saved passwords? It seems like you need...

Many Mac users stick with Safari as their default browser. But what if you frequent Google all the time, and you would like to set it as your homepage on Mac? Setting Google as your homepage on Safari saves you the time and hassle of navigating to the website every...

Uninstalling Chrome might be necessary if you switched to a different browser, want to gain storage space, or want to troubleshoot problems with your browser. Fortunately, the process is similar to uninstalling other apps for Mac.  You have a few different...

Nothing is more frustrating than browsing the web only to be met with constant errors from Safari. The "can't find server" error is all too common, and it can throw a wrench in your schedule. But what causes this, and how can you fix it? As an Apple computer tech, I...

Updating Safari promotes data security, eliminates bugs, and introduces new features. The process is easier than updating many other apps for Mac. Apple has done us users a great service by combining Safari updates with macOS updates. This leaves you with one less...

If you're considering a new MacBook Air, or wondering if your current MacBook Air needs an upgrade, you may be thinking: How much memory do you really need in your MacBook Air? And is 8GB enough?  While 8GB might serve the needs of everyday users, those planning to...

You might be wondering if Google Chrome is to blame if your Mac is running slowly or using too much CPU. The good news is that it is easy to determine if Chrome is at fault, and there is an easy way to fix it. One of the most common Chrome problems is Google Chrome...

Running out of space on your MacBook Air can bring your work or play to a grinding halt. You can’t save additional files, download games or apps, or get much use out of your Mac at all if you don’t have enough space. So, how do you add more storage to your MacBook...

MacBook Airs are slim and lightweight laptops marketed toward college students, travelers, and anyone who needs a portable powerhouse. But does their sleek design make for a long-lasting computer? As someone who repairs Apple computers all the time, I get this...

If you're running out of storage space on your Mac, your photo library might be to blame. Photos can take up a lot of space, especially if you have hundreds or even thousands of them. Backing up your photos on iCloud is a great solution for freeing up space on your...

Large, oversized PDF files can take up unnecessary space, especially if you have a lot of them. Many compression tools are known to reduce the quality of your PDF if you're not careful. So, how can you reduce PDF file size on Mac without losing quality? As an Apple...

It can be a hassle manually typing in your passwords on your Mac, especially if there is an easier way to do things. One of the best methods is to share your password from your iPhone to your Mac. So how do you do it? This is a very common request, and I've been asked...

If you have an MP4 video file, you might want to convert it to an MP3 so you can enjoy the audio without needing to store the video. So how can you convert MP4 to MP3 on Mac? You can use an app like Permute, which gets the job done quickly and supports multiple...

With how much we rely on our laptops for work and play these days, it can be devastating when we’re confronted with a black screen. But what causes a black screen on a MacBook Pro? And how can you fix it? As an Apple repair tech, I have to say this issue is all too...

If you have some good movies on a Blu-Ray disc, you might be in trouble if you don't have a Blu-Ray player. But what if you could play Blu-Ray on your Mac? I’ve been asked if this is possible more times than I can remember, and as an Apple technician, I know that...

If you want to upload a video file to the internet, it helps to have a smaller file size. Additionally, you might want to save space on your Mac, which would help if your videos did not take up too much space. So how can you compress a video on Mac? This is a common...

If you have AVI files on your Mac, you might be a little stumped to find out that the built-in media player, Quicktime, does not support playing them. So how can you convert AVI to MP4 on Mac? You can use an app like Permute, which gets the job done quickly and...

It can be quite frustrating if you are trying to use your MacBook Pro and the Trackpad is not clicking. What causes this annoying issue, and is there any way to fix it? Start with simple fixes like restarting your Mac, resetting your SMC, or checking for updates....

If you have ever stumbled across a YouTube video that you want to keep, or even just reuse a portion of for your own purposes, you might be wondering: how to record a YouTube video on Mac? Working in a computer repair store, many customers have posed this question to...

You may end up with a .mts file if you are trying to play video from a digital camera or specific types of DVDs. macOS often has trouble with this format, so how do you open it? If you're wondering how to play your video files, don't worry. You have come to the right...

If your Mac is stuck on the login screen, it can be a confusing and tricky problem to sort out. You just want to get on your computer, but it is frozen and won’t let you in. So, how do you fix it? This issue has come across my desk many times, and as a repair...

Touch ID is a handy feature that lets you save time when logging in to your MacBook. However, when it doesn’t work, it can cause frustration and hassle. But what causes this, and how can you fix your MacBook Touch ID not working? I have seen this issue plenty of times...

Nothing is more frustrating than trying to type on your MacBook when the keyboard does not work. Perhaps your keys are sticking, responding slowly, or not working at all. So what causes this? And how can you get your MacBook keyboard working again? As a technician...

When your MacBook keeps shutting down, it can interrupt your work or play, and point to more serious problems with your computer. But what causes this, and how can you fix it? This problem is unfortunately all too common, and I have seen it many times in my years as...

We've all been there: you try to plug a flash drive into your Mac to backup some files or review important documents, and it just won’t show up! This can be an alarming situation, but how do you fix it? Don’t worry, we are here to help!  There are 9 reasons why this...

We've all been there: you're trying to use your Mac, but your mouse keeps lagging. While this is often an easy fix, sometimes it can point to more serious problems. So what causes a laggy mouse, and how do you fix it? As an Apple tech, I’ve seen this issue plenty of...

Have you ever wondered why your mouse pointer on Mac suddenly gets larger when you shake it? You might have been surprised one day while using your Mac. But, the reason why is quite simple. The main reason why the mouse pointer gets bigger on Mac when you shake it is...

If you're trying to watch a video on YouTube or listen to some music, low volume can seriously put a damper on the good times. But why is your Mac’s volume so low, and is there any way to fix it? I run across this issue from time to time while working as an Apple...

With how much we use our MacBooks for multimedia these days, from watching Netflix, scrolling through FaceBook and YouTube, and even gaming, the screen is absolutely vital. When your MacBook Pro screen starts flickering, it can seem like the end of the world. As an...

You open up your MacBook Pro and sit down to get some work done, and it just won’t turn on! While this problem can be alarming, it doesn’t always mean a critical issue. Sometimes, you can try a few quick fixes to get back in business. As a MacBook repair technician, I...

When Safari becomes unresponsive, it can interrupt your whole workflow. While often a frustrating experience, you can easily get out of it with a few quick fixes. Working as an Apple repair technician has shown me that Safari often hangs and becomes unresponsive for a...

If your mouse is working but your cursor stops moving, then you may have software or hardware issues. It’s going to be more challenging to diagnose because you don’t immediately have a working mouse. Still, you should be able to quickly work through the...

If your MacBook Pro battery seems to run out quicker than it used to, you might be wondering if you need a new battery. But how long should a MacBook Pro battery last? As a computer tech, I have been asked this question many times. It always starts with the customer...

If you have AVI files on your Mac, it can be surprising when you find out that you can’t open them. But why won’t a simple AVI file open on Mac, and what can you do to play it? As an Apple tech, I have seen this issue come across my desk a few times. Most Mac users...

Quicktime is handy for all sorts of video playback and recording tasks, but where is it located? And how do you open it? If you're wondering where Quicktime is hiding, don’t worry, it’s not hard to find. In this article, you'll learn two quick ways to find and open...

Is your MacBook fan making weird sounds? A clogged or malfunctioning cooling fan can have all kinds of negative effects on your system, so fixing it should be a top priority. But how do you pinpoint and fix the issue? Working as an Apple repair technician has taught...

The vast majority of Hollywood movies are made using Avid’s Media Composer, followed – in a distant second – by Adobe Premiere Pro. Only a handful are edited in either Blackmagic Design’s DaVinci Resolve or Apple's Final Cut Pro.  Below, I will explain why. But first,...

While Quicktime can be useful for recording your screen on Mac, it can often be confusing when it comes to ending your recording. Fortunately, there are 3 easy ways you can do it. In my time as an Apple computer technician, I have been asked this question more times...

While Quicktime is the default video player on Mac, you might want to switch to a different video player if you require more features or performance. So how do you change the default video player on Mac? My name is Tyler, while working in an Apple computer repair...

Keep getting a ton of notifications from the Messages app on your Mac? Want to sign out or just get some peace and quiet? All you need to do is sign out of Messages, and fortunately, this is a super simple process and you can do it in just a few steps. Simply click on...

MacBook Airs are some of the sleekest and most efficient laptops, but they can be prone to overheating. It can really put a damper on your mood if your MacBook Air overheats and shuts down. So how do you fix it? This issue has come across my desk numerous times. As an...

While MOV files are one of the most widely used formats for editing videos on a Mac, you might want to convert to MP4 if you plan to upload your video to YouTube or another social media platform. So how do you convert MOV to MP4 on Mac? As an Apple tech, I have been...

Converting PDF to Pages can come in handy on many occasions. If someone sends you a PDF that needs edits, it can be tricky to work on it in its original format. So how do you convert PDFs to Pages on Mac? As an Apple tech, I’ve been asked this question countless times...

Sometimes it can be useful to put a lock on your files and keep potentially prying eyes from accessing your stuff. But how can you lock or password-protect a file on Mac? As an Apple computer technician, I have been asked this question quite a few times. So I decided...

When your Mac shows you the dreaded spinning beachball, it can put a real damper on your workflow. This often points to potential software or hardware issues, so how do you stop the spinning beachball on Mac? As an Apple computer technician for over ten years, I have...

It can be incredibly frustrating when your files and folders disappear from your Mac desktop. But what causes this to happen? And how can you find and recover your files and folders on your desktop? I have seen this problem across my desk many times as an Apple...

Nothing is more inconvenient than going to print something from your Mac only to find that your printer is offline. This always seems to happen at the worst times! So what can you do to bring your printer back to reality and get back to work? As a computer tech, I...

In today's age of YouTube videos, Netflix shows, and Spotify playlists, a MacBook Pro with no sound is of no use. If your MacBook Pro has suddenly gone quiet, there are a few quick fixes you can try. I have seen this problem across my desk many times as a computer...

It can be incredibly frustrating when your MacBook refuses to load web pages, even though your WiFi connection seems solid. What causes this problem, and how can you fix it to get back online? If your MacBook Pro says it is connected to the internet, but you are not...

Nothing is more frustrating than trying to game on your Mac when Steam keeps quitting unexpectedly. But what causes Steam to quit unexpectedly, and how can you prevent it from happening? In today’s post, you'll learn why Steam quits unexpectedly and 6 different...

There is a lot of software out there that claims to speed up your Mac or optimize your system in some way. However, with scams and illegitimate software all too common, how do you know if a program is legitimate and safe to use? Overall, CleanMyMac X is a legitimate...

Nothing is more frustrating than having your MacBook freeze while working on something. This can even point to more severe hardware problems. But what causes a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air to freeze, and how can you unfreeze it? In this post, we'll explore why your...

Duplicate photos can take up excessive space on your Mac, causing potential problems. Not to mention that having so many duplicates makes it harder to organize your photo library. So how do you remove duplicate photos on Mac? In this article, you'll learn how to do...

Whenever you install an application from the Internet, a DMG file is left behind. While these files are necessary for loading the app, they can take up a lot of space. So can you delete DMG files after installing? Well, the quick answer is: Unused DMG files can hog...

To permanently delete apps from iCloud, tap Show All under APPS USING ICLOUD from the iCloud menu and toggle off the switch next to any app you wish to remove. Hi, I’m Andrew, a former Mac administrator, and fellow iCloud user. In this article, I’ll expound upon the...

Fortnite is arguably one of the most popular games in the world at the time of writing this article. Published by Epic Games, it defined a new genre of Battle Royale games: a mix of traditional deathmatch multiplayer modes and building.  One of the things that...

Even though MacBook Pros are known for their excellent battery life, a fast drain can impede your productivity. So what can you do if your MacBook Pro battery is draining fast and ruining your enjoyment of your laptop? My name is Tyler, and I am a Mac technician with...

Bluetooth is a helpful feature for connecting wireless headphones, speakers, mice, and keyboards. It can be frustrating when the Bluetooth on your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air won’t turn on. So, what can you do to fix it? In today's article, you'll learn why your...

Many users have reported excessive SSD wear for M1 Macs. While this sounds alarming, there are a few tips to make the problem disappear. My name is Tyler, and I am a Mac technician with over ten years of experience. In this post, I’ll explain what causes excessive SSD...

There's nothing more frustrating than when your computer doesn’t work as you expect. The great thing about computers–aside from the information and entertainment they provide–is their predictability. Computers operate in the same way every time you use them. Except...

We've all had the experience of listening to music or watching movies on a MacBook. But when your speakers don’t work, it can ruin the fun. But what causes this, and how can you fix your MacBook internal speakers not working? In this article, you'll learn 6 possible...

We've all been there—you're using your MacBook with no problems until, one day, you can’t connect to WiFi. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you have important work to do. So how can you fix your MacBook not connecting to WiFi? In today’s article,...

It can be a frustrating experience when your Mac just doesn't want to update, especially if you have apps that rely on the latest operating system. If your Mac is a supported model but still refuses to update, how can you fix it? In this post, you'll learn all the...

When your MacBook Battery isn't charging, it can be a minor inconvenience at best or a complete disaster if you need it for work. How can you fix this problem, and why does it happen? In today’s post, we’ll find out why your MacBook is not charging and discuss 4...

If your Mac gives you an "iMovie not enough disk space" error message, it can surely stop you in your tracks and prevent you from working on your video projects. So how can you fix this issue and free up storage space for iMovie on your Mac? In this post, we’ll help...

Nothing is more frustrating than your MacBook restarting randomly while you are working on something. While this can be annoying, it can also point to more significant issues. So what do you do when your MacBook keeps restarting? In this article, you'll learn the...