Break The System Mac OS

Break The System Mac OS

System Information (formerly System Profiler) in OS X provides a detailed breakdown of the hardware and software configuration of a Mac, from Bluetooth information and attached USB devices to installed software and extensions. 
Sudo kextload /path/to/kext.kext. You can also use the bundle identifier (which are frequently the targets of defaults commands) with the -b flag: sudo kextload -b com.apple.driver.ExampleBundle. Either way, hit return and with the entry of the administrator password the kernel extension will be loaded into Mac OS X. How to Tell Which macOS You Are Running. To find out which macOS is currently running on your Mac, follow these steps: Click on Apple logo in the top left corner of the menubar. In the dropdown click on the first item: About This Mac. The first line in the Overview tab is the name of the current OS. What are the Mac pros and cons when it comes to its operating system? Find out how the Mac OS compares to Windows and others. The sale of Macs grew by more than 11% in the year 2018 to hit a record high of $5.8 billion.The MacBook brand has gained significant popularity over the last ten years as the overall ownership of laptops among Americans increases. Or ctrl ESC keys do not function exactly like on the PC. They do not break to the debugger on a modal dialog box. Use ESC ESC (Press the ESC twice) to bring up a dialog that allows you to enter the debugger at the location in code of the dialog box display. Tested in Excel VBA 2011. Download CleanMyMac X ( click here to download it ). Launch CleanMyMac X and select System Junk on the left. And then click Clean. In a few seconds, your Mac will be cleaned of unneeded system data, including broken preference files.
While most of us have used System Information at one time or another, it's an often overlooked and undervalued tool. To get the most out of it, we'll exploring the app, and its lesser-known command-line options, in further detail.
Launching System InformationThere are a number of ways you can access System Information as it has a number of shortcuts in different places, the most common way is from the About This Mac pane. 
Click on More Info to reveal some additional information about the Mac and then click System Report…
You can bypass this process completely by holding down the Alt key when in the Apple menu. This will swap About This Mac to System Information… and allow you to launch it directly.
Newest Mac Os SystemFinally, you can simply launch the app from where it resides: within /Applications/Utilities.
The System Information AppThe System Information app is nothing more than a tweaked XML viewer. It doesn't do anything itself, instead relying upon the system_profiler command (which we'll come to later) to generate hardware and software configuration reports. 
The report that the command generates is then opened by System Information and formatted in a way that's easy to view. System Information also views a report that has already been created, though it can be refreshed at any time by selecting File > Refresh Information.
Each section is broken down into its respective categories, such as Hardware, Network and Software, and their related reports are separated into subcategories. 
Within the app's menu are a few options that can alter the output of the report. If you'd prefer not to view a full report, you can select Show Less Information which will hide most Software reports. This can be toggled by selecting Show More Information to bring them back. 
System ReportsA great benefit of System Information is that reports can be saved and opened on any Mac. You can save a report from one Mac and open it on another, useful when trying to troubleshoot an issue with a remote Mac.
To save a report, select File > Save. The report saved reflects the current view of System Information so if you've opted to display less information, a basic report is saved. 
A full report can be several megabytes in size whereas a basic report can be only a few hundred kilobytes. Unless there's a need to include all software information, it can be sometimes worth displaying less information before saving a report. 
All system reports are saved with the .spx file extension and opening any system reports will launch System Information automatically. 
System Information Via the Command-LineAs we touched upon earlier, System Information is just a viewer for system reports, all of the work for creating them is done by the command system_profiler. 
Sometimes it may be necessary to bypass System Information when we're wanting to view a report. For example, you may need a system report of a Mac that you only have remote access to via SSH so opening System Information wouldn't be possible, but that doesn't mean we can't create a system report.
Generating ReportsTo get started, open Terminal and enter the command system_profiler. You'll notice that (after a brief delay) a lot of system information is displayed within the Terminal window.
Running the command without any arguments just dumps the entire system report to the screen. If we wanted to find out what the Mac's Model Identifier is, we could use:
This isn't very efficient as running system_profiler generates a complete report each time, which can be time consuming if the Mac contains a lot of software or isn't particularly speedy. 
Instead, we can generate a report only on a particular part of the Mac, such as network or storage information, by specifying a Data Type. What data types are available depend on the Mac's hardware capabilities and configuration. 
To list all of the available types of data, use the listDataTypes argument:
You can request a system report on only a specific part of the hardware by invoking the system_profiler command, along with the data type, like so:
The Mac's Model Identifier is located within the SPHardwareDataType data type. By generating a report just using that data type, the result to our grep search is substantially quicker:
Saving a System ReportTo save a text-only version of a system report to your desktop, you can use the following command:
As you're redirecting the output to a text file rather than the terminal window, any reports you generate (including on specific data types) can be saved. 
Full Report Detail LevelBy default, system_profiler generates a complete system report. Just like System Information, we can choose to generate a more basic one using the argument detailLevel:
There are three different levels of detail that can be used:
mini (report with no personal information, such as Serial Number of Hardware UUID)
basic (basic hardware and network information)
full (all available information)
So to generate a basic report, the command would be:
Opening Reports in System InformationSo far, the reports generated have all been plaintext. To create System Information-compatible reports, an additional argument would be needed, xml, and the file extension specified must be .spx.
Combining all of this together, an example command would be:
These reports can then be opened within System Information and more easily viewed. 
New Mac Os 11Wrapping UpThe ability to generate system reports via the command-line using system_profiler provides a level of flexibility that System Information cannot, such as generating or scheduling reports on remote Macs via SSH. This can be advantageous when trying to determine what software is installed on which Mac or if any users are running an outdated version of OS X. 
Which Mac operating system is the best is a topic of numerous debates among Apple fans. 
Since the mission of this blog is to refute myths and legends around Macs, it's time for me to provide my 2 cents about the issue on hand. While everything below is just my opinion, as a long-time Mac user and veteran software engineer, I hope my opinion worth something.
The best Mac OS version is the one that your Mac is eligible to upgrade to. In 2021 it is macOS Big Sur. However, for users that need to run 32-bit apps on Mac, the best macOS is Mojave. Also, older Macs would benefit if upgraded at least to macOS Sierra for which Apple still releases security patches.
How to Tell Which macOS You Are RunningTo find out which macOS is currently running on your Mac, follow these steps:
Click on Apple logo in the top left corner of the menubar
In the dropdown click on the first item: About This Mac
The first line in the Overview tab is the name of the current OS.
What Version of OS Can My Mac Run?Not all Macs can be upgraded to the latest OS version. For instance, old Macs powered by PowerPC CPUs cannot run OS intended for Intel-based computers. Also, some versions have hardware limitations. 
For instance, Mojave cannot be installed on MacBook Pro earlier than Mid 2012 model.
Check below to know exactly what version of OS your Mac can run.
Which OS is Best for my Mac Anytime someone asks me which OS is best for them I always suggested going with the latest. Things have changed recently, however. 
Should I Upgrade to macOS Catalina or Big Sur?While personally I like macOS Big Sur and have it installed on my MacBook Pro, it comes with serious breaking changes. 
The first issue is compatibility.
Big Sur is a transition OS which is designed to help Apple to move from Intel processors to their own chips on ARM. 
After I installed Big Sur on my MacBook Pro mid 2020 (pre-Silicon), most of my apps, including Microsoft Office, were working as expected. 
However, my VMWare Fusion 11 does not start anymore, so I have to purchase a new license if I want to keep using it (or roll back to Catalina). Luckily, I took a full backup before the upgrade.
The second breaking issue is the lack of 32-bit app support.
macOS Catalina and Big Sur can only run 64-bit apps. 
If you wondering whether you should upgrade to macOS Catalina or Big Sur, first verify that you don't have any 32-bit apps. But first, take a back up, so you can go back in case something breaks after the upgrade.
For instance, I had to remove uTorrent after upgrade. And I didn't know that uTorrent is 32-bit!
How to Know If App is 32-bit or 64-bitTo find out whether the app on your Mac is 32-bit or 64-bit follow these steps:
Click on Apple logo in the top left corner of the Mac screen
Click on About This Mac option
Click on System Report button in Overview tab (first one)
Scroll down to Software -> Applications
Find the app and check Kind
Which macOS Should I UseIf you have an older Mac which is not eligible to upgrade with some latest software or hardware, I'd suggest upgrading at least to Sierra (or better High Sierra) for the following reasons:
Sierra is still supported by Apple, and it gets security updates
APFS file system is available
It supports Siri
Significant security improvements
The most important point when choosing the best OS is the ability to get security updates. While Apple generally does not announce the OS end of life dates, it is possible to know when they stop releasing security updates from this page. 
For instance, according to the page, the last security update for OS X Yosemite was released on September 12, 2017. The last update for OS X El Capitan was in July 2018, and Carnegie Mellon University confirmed that El Capitan's end of life date was August 2018. 
Snow Leopard MythI know that some users on forums believe that the best OS version for Macs was Snow Leopard. But that is a myth. And I know how such myths get created.
Once I worked in the company, which was selling a 20-year old product. And customers were still using and didn't want to switch to new versions, because the old one was rock solid. 
I then talked to the engineer who worked on the project, and he revealed that the product was a total disaster when it was first deployed. Engineers had to work on-site for almost a year in order to fix all bugs. 
After five or so years of polishing the product, it becomes virtually bug-free, and nobody now remembers how bad it was when it was first rolled out. A similar thing happened Snow Leopard, and it was recognized as best mac os version after some time.
How to Update to the Latest VersionThere are two ways to update to the latest OS version on Mac:
From the Software Update section in System Preferences
Use a download link
Using Software UpdateThis is by far the best option, but it only available if you have Yosemite, or later OS installed already. If you enabled automatic updates, then Mac will inform you that the next macOS is available.
Just open System Preferences, go to Software Update and click on the Upgrade Now button.
This method is also best if wondering how to check if you have the latest version of OS installed on your Mac. Only the version compatible with your hardware will appear here. 
Mac Os System RequirementsFor instance, my the latest version for Mac Mini 2012 is Mojave, I can't install anything newer than that.
If you are having problems with updates or having issues post-upgrade check my post about troubleshooting macOS.
Using download linksFor older systems or in case you need to downgrade, you have to download a standalone installer in DMG format. DMG stands for disk image, similar to ISO, just different formats.
After downloading the installer, just double click on it and follow instructions. Again, do not forget to take a backup before the upgrade.
Mac OS Comparisons: Requirements, Features, Compatibility, Download LinksFollowing is a high-level description of all Mac operating systems as early as Mountain Lion. 
You can refer to those descriptions when deciding which operating system is best for your iMac, Mac Pro, Mac mini, or MacBook.
With each OS description, I included a list of Macs supported. However, you can use Mac OS compatibility checker for more detailed information.
macOS 11 Big Sur macOS v11 (codename Big Sur) is the latest version of the operating system for Apple computers.
Release date: October 13, 2020
Hardware Requirements: RAM requirement 4GB. Big Sur is the first OS to support new Macs using ARM technology (in the future).
FeaturesThe biggest design refresh since macOS X.
Support for new ARM processors.
Safar improved performance and power consumption.
Time Machine supports backup to APFS volumes.
One-click translation for 7 languages.
Redesigned maps
Software Compatibility Issues
Only 64-bit apps are allowed to run on Big Sur.
How to installThere are two ways to install Big Sur: enable automatic updates in System Preferences or download by using the following link.
Or check my post with tips on installing macOS on unsupported devices.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS Big SurMacBook (2015 and later)
MacBook Air (2013 and later)
MacBook Pro (2013 and later)
Mac mini (2014 and later)
iMac models (2014 and later)
iMac Pro (2017 and later)
Mac Pro (2013 and later)
macOS 10.15 Catalina Release date: October 7, 2019
Hardware Requirements: RAM requirement increased from 2GB to 4GB. Supernode mac os.
FeaturesIntroduced Sidecar, which allows for Macs to use an iPad as an external display.
iTunes was replaced by separate apps: Music, Podcasts, and TV.
Find My Mac and Find My Friends have merged into one app.
Software Compatibility Issues

macOS Catalina is the first Mac operating system that does not support 32-bit applications. Only 64-bit apps are allowed to run on Catalina.
How to installThere are two ways to install Catalina: enable automatic updates in System Preferences or download by using the following link.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS CatalinaMacBook (Early 2015 or later)
MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or later)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or later)
Mac mini (Late 2012 or later)
iMac models (Late 2012 or later)
iMac Pro (All models)
Mac Pro (Late 2013)
macOS 10.14 MojaveRelease date: September 24, 2018
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 18.5GB free space on disk
FeaturesThe main feature of Mojave is 'Dark Mode'
FaceTime adds group feature which allows chatting with up to 32 people
News, Stocks, Voice Memos, and Home apps were ported from iOS to Mac.
How to installIf your Mac is eligible to update to Mojave, then the easiest way to install it is by enabling automatic updates. Downloading a standalone Mojave installer could be a little tricky.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS MojaveMacBook (Early 2015 or later)
MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or later)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or later)
Mac mini (Late 2012 or later)
iMac (Late 2012 or later)
iMac Pro (All models)
Mac Pro (Late 2013 and 2010-2012 models with upgraded GPU)
macOS 10.13 High SierraRelease date: September 25, 2017
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 14.3GB free space on disk
FeaturesAPFS (Apple File System) becomes the default file system in High Sierra. It's a significant upgrade from the older HFS+ in terms of speed, size, and security
iCloud support of Messages which allows sync messages of the account across multiple devices
Mail app uses 35% less storage space due to optimizations
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS High SierraMacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
How to installHere is a High Sierra download link.
macOS 10.12 SierraThis is the first macOS version. Previous OS versions for Macs were called OS X (X stands for 10).
Release date: September 20, 2016
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
FeaturesSiri was introduced to Macs
Optimized storage with iCloud sync
Auto-lock feature allows unlocking MacBook with paired Apple Watch
APFS preview available
Disk Utility can manage RAID sets again
Significant security improvements
How to installHere is a Sierra download link.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS SierraMacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
OS X 10.11 El CapitanLast OS X version.
Release date: September 30, 2015
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
FeaturesSystem Integrity Protection – a security feature that protects even when the root user executes the process
Performance improvements: open PDF files four times faster, Mail is twice faster, launching apps 40% faster
Notes app similar to the app in iOS
Macs compatible with OS X El Capitansame as OS Mountain Lion.
How to installHere is El Capitan download link.
OS X 10.10 Yosemite Release date: October 16, 2014
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Macs compatible with OS X Yosemite Same as OS Mountain Lion.
FeaturesBreak The System Mac Os CatalinaMajor user design overhaul
Introduction of Handoff and Continuity features
Photos app replaced iPhoto and Aperture
How to installHere is Yosemite download link.
OS X 10.9 Mavericks First free Mac OS. Previous OS versions vary from $19.99 to $129.
Release date: October 22, 2013
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
FeaturesCompressed Memory feature automatically compresses inactive apps when approaching maximum memory capacity
Timer coalescing is a feature that reduces CPU usage by up to 72 percent
App Nap puts apps that are not currently visible to sleep
Macs compatible with OS X MavericksSame as OS Mountain Lion.
How to installOS X Mavericks installer is not available on Apple Site. Follow instructions here to install Mavericks.
OS X 10.8 Mountain LionMust be purchased. Fixed many bugs introduced in OS X Lion.
Release date: July 25, 2012
System Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
FeaturesNew apps: Notification Center, Notes, Messages, Game Center
AirPlay mirroring allowed to mirror Mac screen to Apple TV
Application updates automatically install from the App Store
List of Apple computers compatible with OS X Mountain LioniMac (Mid-2007 or newer)
MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
Xserve (Early 2009)
How to installMountain Lion installer is not available on Apple Site. Follow instructions here to install OS X Mountain Lion.
List of older Mac OS VersionsFollowing Mac OS versions are still running on older Macs, but Apple does not support them anymore, and there is no point to upgrade (or downgrade) to them:
Download New Mac OsOS X 10.7 Lion
OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger
Mac OS X 10.3 Panther
Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar
Mac OS X 10.1 Puma
Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah