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Articles by Tyler Harz
4 Fixes for "Operation Not Permitted" Error on Terminal Mac Original
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 is always toying with macOS, either to fix an issue on one of my customers’ computers or to work on one of my own projects, I have seen just about every Terminal error under the sun.
4 Ways to Find Lost AirPods That Are Offline and Dead
Unfortunately, when your AirPods are offline and dead, they can be much more difficult to find. This is because oftentimes you cannot see their current location or play a sound using FindMy to find them. So what can you do? As someone who works on Apple computers all of the time, I often have my repair customers ask me how to locate the lost AirPods. If they are online and have some battery left, it is often much easier to do. But if they are offline and dead, there is still some hope.
How to Open & View Clipboard History on Mac
Have you ever copied something and then copied something new before you pasted what you originally had? Unless you have a clipboard manager, you won’t be able to get it back. Or maybe you’ve found yourself recopying the same information over and over again by opening the original document and looking for what you need every single time. This is another instance in which a clipboard manager can be invaluable.
3 Ways to Play MP4 on Mac When QuickTime Can't Open It
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 can’t open your MP4 file? Well, the issue does happen from time to time. In this article, we are going to show you how to fix that. Basically, MP4 is a multimedia file format commonly used to store movies and video clips.
4 Ways to Find Lost AirPods That Are Offline and Dead
Unfortunately, when your AirPods are offline and dead, they can be much more difficult to find. This is because oftentimes you cannot see their current location or play a sound using FindMy to find them. So what can you do? As someone who works on Apple computers all of the time, I often have my repair customers ask me how to locate the lost AirPods. If they are online and have some battery left, it is often much easier to do. But if they are offline and dead, there is still some hope.
What is ds_store Files on Mac (How to Open or Delete It)
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 future issues. The good news is that, with a little bit of instruction, you can keep an eye on your files and folders and keep your system running smoothly.
How to Use My iPad to Make Phone Calls without iPhone
If you have an iPhone, making phone calls is easy. But what if you’re without your iPhone, and only have access to your iPad? How can you use it to make phone calls? As someone who loves figuring out how to use their devices in every possible way, I’ve found that using an iPad to make a phone call is something that can come in handy. Luckily, there are a few quick ways to do it. Let’s dive in! iPad can use Facetime Audio to make camera-less calls or Facetime to make calls with Camera.
How to Run a Shell or .sh Script on Mac Terminal
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 cover how to write shell or .sh Scripts, but we will give you a few tips on how to write them and what to look out for.
What is Bird Process on Mac (8 Fixes for Causing High CPU) Original
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 can you do when it is taking up valuable processing resources? As someone who has seen and fixed countless Mac issues over the years, both hardware and software-related, this problem has come across my desk a few times.
How to Open, Create, or Edit bash_profile on Mac
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 Unix Shell. Up until macOS Catalina, Bash was the primary shell used for Terminal. macOS now uses Zsh in Catalina and newer versions, but bash is still available as an alternate shell.
What is mds_stores on Mac?
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 the performance of your Mac. So, how do you fix this situation? As someone who has seen and repaired countless software and hardware problems in my time as a Mac technician, I’ve had this issue come across my desk multiple times.
2 Ways to Format SD Card to FAT32 on Mac (Tutorials)
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 helped people with this problem more than a few times. The good news is that most new SD cards don’t need to be formatted for you to use them with your Mac. But if your SD card isn’t formatted correctly, I’ll show you a few tips to help.
My MacKeeper Full Review 2023 (As a Mac Technician) Original
MacKeeper Features: Includes plenty of utilities—antivirus, adware cleaner, junk cleanup, duplicate file remover, app uninstaller, and more. Pricing: $10 per month for a subscription, which you can cancel at any time, or roughly $5 per month if paid annually. Ease of Use: Super simple to install and use, with no major technical knowledge required. Support: Includes a built-in support chat and extensive help documentation online.
How to Show Hidden Files/Folders on Mac via Terminal
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 modified. But what if you want to see these files? There are a few reasons you might need to view hidden files. Luckily, you can easily show your hidden files via Terminal.
BuhoCleaner Review
BuhoCleaner Features: Includes a plethora of handy utilities like one-click application uninstaller, large file removal, duplicate finder, startup item removal, disk space analyzer, file shredder, and more. Pricing: All features can be accessed for free, but you can pay a one-time fee of $19.99 to get access to 24/7 sales and technical support. Ease of Use: The app is super simple to install and use, and there is nothing to complicate the process for you.
8 Fixes for CoreServicesUIAgent Won't Close on Mac
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 the better part of a decade, I’ve seen and resolved just about every software problem out there. This particular issue is surprisingly common, but fortunately, there are a few quick tips you can try out to get things working again.
5 Fixes for "App Cannot Be Opened Because It is from Unidentified Developer"
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 constantly trying out new apps on my Mac, I see this message pop up all the time. The primary purpose of this is to keep Macs safe from Malware and avoid as many malicious applications as possible.
11 Fixes for the WindowServer High CPU Issue on Mac
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 to high CPU usage, and many processes can cause it. If you notice the WindowServer process consuming a lot of resources, there are a few quick fixes you can try.
10 Fixes for Mac Stuck on Checking for Updates
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 problem all too often. While it can be an annoying problem, the good news is that there are plenty of quick fixes you can try to get unstuck and get your Mac up to date.
Onyx for Mac Review
Onyx for Mac Features: Plenty of maintenance features, and extensive command-line utilities and security features. Pricing: Completely free—no signup required, no subscription, and no surprises. Ease of Use: Very complicated for beginners. But if you are familiar with the Terminal commands that you want to use, this makes it somewhat easier. But you’ll still need a little tech-savvy to use this app. Support: There is not much support since it is a free app.
Mac Keeps Disconnecting from WiFi (13 Reasons + Fixes)
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 across my desk many times over the past ten years as a computer technician. The good news is that this is often an easy fix, and there are plenty of solutions you can try.
How to Add Bleed for Printing in Photoshop
If you’re not familiar with the term Print Bleed, it’s probably because you’re not used to working with other Adobe software – or perhaps you simply haven’t worked in print before. Similar programs like Adobe Illustrator and InDesign provide us with a reference that serves as a guide for this bleed, but Photoshop does not. My name is Skyler, and I’ve been using Photoshop on a personal and professional level for well over a decade.
Safari Running So Slow on Mac? (12 Ways to Speed Up)
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 frequently helps people fix up their slow Macs, I can say from experience that Safari can often be the cause of a lot of problems.
External Drive Not Showing Up on Mac? (9 Quick Fixes)
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 happen. We’ll explore a few troubleshooting tips to get you back on track and regain access to your external hard drive.
Menu Bar Disappeared on Mac? (10 Reasons + Fixes)
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 many times as an Apple technician. Let’s start by looking at the easy solutions. Your Menu Bar not showing up could be a simple settings issue or something more serious. But there is always a fix.
MacBook Pro Touch Bar Not Working? (11 Reasons + Fixes)
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 your daily usage of the MacBook, it can still be quite a nuisance when it doesn’t work.
Mac Won't Let Me Login with Right Password (9 Fixes)
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 in order to restore your access to your Mac. As a computer repair tech, I’ve seen this issue pop up from time to time while servicing Macs. Not only have I helped many users navigate this problem before, but I’ve also experienced the frustration firsthand. The good news is, there are a few easy fixes you can try to get back into your Mac.
Escape/ESC Key Not Working on Mac (9 Reasons + Fixes)
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 repairs Macs for a living, I have seen my fair share of faulty keyboards. But when the escape key in particular is not working, it can point to something else.
Ccleaner for Mac Review
Ccleaner for Mac Features: Includes a bunch of helpful utilities, like a Duplicate file finder, App manager, Browser cleaner, and Clutter removal tool. Price: Includes a generous free plan, and competitive pricing for the premium version at only $29.99 per year. You can also bundle with other apps for a discounted price. Ease of Use: Very straightforward and simple to use. You can let it run in the background, or run various scans yourself.
Safari Keeps Crashing on Mac? (7 Reasons + Fixes)
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 for a living, I can say that problems with Safari are extremely common. So, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are often a few simple tips to get the app working again so you can get back on your feet.
Can't Clear History on Safari Mac? (7 Fixes That Work)
Clearing your browsing history 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 Apple computer tech, I’ve seen this issue come across my desk several times. The good news is that there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to get Safari working again and clear your history. Let’s get to it.
3 Steps to Make Google Chrome Default Browser on Mac
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 browser to Google Chrome on Mac? Working in a computer repair shop, I encounter many people who like using a specific browser, but don’t know exactly how they can set it as their default.
MacBook Air Won't Turn On? (11 Possible Causes + Fixes)
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 been confronted with many cases of dead MacBook Airs. Sometimes this can be a serious hardware problem, but more often than not, there is a simple solution that will bring your MacBook Air back to life.
How to Uninstall Safari on Mac
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 on your Mac. It is also one of the applications that is managed and updated through macOS. This means that it is subject to protection from what Apple calls the System Integrity Protection (SIP).
Which One to Choose for iPhone 15?
Choosing between 256GB and 512GB boils down to your usage and how much cash you’re willing to shell out. If you’re a moderate user, 256GB should suffice. But if you’re a digital packrat or a content creator, go for the 512GB and never look back. As someone who follows Apple’s releases closely, I was a little disappointed to learn that the storage options are the same as last year’s. And I have given up hope of Apple ever including options for expandable storage such as a Micro SD card.
Is 128GB Enough for iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus?
The iPhone 15 is finally here. Along with it, we get some cool new features like an upgraded camera and a brighter screen—and the star of the show: USB-C. But at the same time, we still don’t have expandable storage capacity. As someone who frequently advises people on Apple products, one of the most common questions I get is about storage capacity. With the release of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, this question has become even more pertinent.
Safari or Chrome Won't Open on Mac? (7 Causes + Fixes)
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 working as a computer tech, and one thing is almost always true: there is always a solution. Let’s take a look at why Safari or Chrome won’t open on your Mac, and what you can do to get everything functioning properly again.
How to Convert WMV to MP4 on Mac
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 tool like Handbrake, or you can opt for more powerful options like Permute. Of course, you can always try out free online conversion tools, but make sure to check your system for malware after you do.
Mail App Won't Open on Mac? (Top 10 Causes + Fixes)
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. So what can you do to get the Mail app working again and get back to business? The quick answer is: These include things from internet and server connectivity, to processes and memory slowing the computer down, to the corruptions of the files that are there to provide the mail application with your preferences and to index your mailbox.
How to Delete and Reinstall Mail App on Mac
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 Apple computers, and email problems are among the most common. Fortunately, there is always a solution. Let’s dive in! Key Takeaways You can’t delete the Mail app on its own. Instead, you’ll need to reload macOS entirely.
Why is Email Not Updating on Mac (8 Fixes That Work)
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 get back to business? In my time as a computer tech, I’ve seen and fixed countless email-related problems. From inboxes not refreshing, to Mail applications freezing and crashing. The good news is that there is always a solution available.
How to Log out of Mail App on Mac
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?
How Long Does a MacBook Pro Last?
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 the time. Whether you already own a MacBook Pro or are thinking of buying one, who wouldn’t want to ensure that their laptop will last as long as possible?
How to Change Safari Background on Mac
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 loads of neat customization options, one of which is the ability to set your own custom background.
How to Enable or Disable Cookies on Safari Mac
Home » Tips » How to Enable or Disable Cookies on Safari Mac 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 about “cookies” and if they are good or bad. Many users don’t know what cookies do, or if you should enable them at all. Fortunately, it is a pretty simple concept.
What to Do When Mac is Slow After macOS Sonoma Update
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 you do about it? If your Mac is slow after updating to Sonoma, you can try a few different solutions, starting with the easiest ones first.
6 Ways to Charge a MacBook without a Charger
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 without a charger? As a computer tech, I have been asked if this is possible several times. The bad news is that you need some kind of device to charge your MacBook.
How to Update QuickTime on Mac
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? As a Mac repair technician for nearly a decade, I’ve seen some complicated problems on Apple computers. Luckily, this is not one of those! Updating QuickTime is extremely easy and only takes a few minutes.
Cleaner One Pro Review
Cleaner One Pro Features: Comes with a useful suite of utilities, such as removal of junk files, big files, duplicates, similar photos, and unnecessary applications. Pricing: Very reasonable at only $19.99 per year, with an even bigger discount if you have more devices. You’ll pay $29.99 for a one-year subscription for 5 devices. Ease of Use: The app handles everything for you, and it is easy to jump right in and start scanning your files.
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