macOS

9 questions

How to install Homebrew?

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)".
brew install package.
brew cask install app — for GUI.
brew update && brew upgrade.
The main package manager for Mac.

What are the hotkeys?

Cmd+Space — Spotlight.
Cmd+Tab — switch applications.
Cmd+Q — close.
Cmd+Shift+3/4 — screenshot.
Cmd+Option+Esc — force quit.

How to free up space on Mac?

Apple → About This Mac → Storage → Manage.
Optimize Storage.
Delete ~/Library/Caches.
Empty Trash.
OmniDiskSweeper for analysis.

How to back up Time Machine?

Connect an external disk.
System Preferences → Time Machine.
Select disk.
Automatic hourly backups.
Restore from Recovery Mode.

How to reset Mac to factory settings?

Apple → System Preferences → General → Transfer/Reset.
Erase content and settings.
Or: Recovery Mode (Cmd+R at startup).
Disk Utility → Erase disk.
Reinstall macOS.

macOS: how to set up iCloud, Handoff, and Continuity?

For «macOS», start with requirements: what should work, what are the limitations by budget/performance/security. Then choose a solution.

macOS: how to optimize performance and monitor resources?

Practice for «macOS»: create a checklist (installation, setup, backup, updates) and go through it once — this reduces the number of «mystical» problems.

macOS: how to enhance security (FileVault, Gatekeeper, T2)?

Answer for «macOS»: updates and backups are more important than fine-tuning. Automate backups and enable 2FA.

macOS: how to automate tasks (Shortcuts, Automator, scripts)?

For macOS: it is useful to find the original source (documentation, release notes) and reproduce the problem with a minimal example.