Easy macOS and iOS Tips and Fixes
User's exploration of file systems led to developing “Hyperspace,” an app reclaiming disk space using APFS clones. After creating a script that identified duplicate file content, he built a Mac app, now available for free in the Mac App Store. Hyperspace efficiently saves space without deleting files, offering a new approach to managing disk usage.
macOS Tip: Text Clippings
Text Clippings in macOS allow users to save text by dragging it to the Desktop or Finder, creating a standalone .textclipping file. This feature, present since at least Mac OS 9, facilitates easy reuse of text across apps like Pages, Mail, and Xcode. Users can quickly view or copy text snippets via Quick Look or double-clicking the clippings. Organizing clippings in dedicated folders can enhance efficiency and minimize desktop clutter, although compatibility with other platforms may be limited.
https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/macos-tip-create-text-clippings-productivity/
Steve Jobs transformed computing 25 years ago at Macworld 2000 by unveiling Mac OS X, marking a pivotal shift for Apple and the PC world. This update addressed long-standing issues of the classic Mac OS, introducing modern features such as multitasking and a graphical interface designed for the future. Jobs' demo showcased significant innovations like the Dock and improved Finder navigation, setting the foundation for macOS and other Apple operating systems that endure today. Ultimately, the introduction of Mac OS X redefined the Mac experience for years to come.
Bootable backups for Macs faced issues with macOS 15.2, but the recent 15.3 update fixed the replicator bug in SuperDuper. While bootable clones were once crucial, the rise of cloud storage and macOS's recovery features has diminished their necessity for many users. Current backup strategies, like using SuperDuper’s “Erase, then copy” or “Smart Update,” still serve backups effectively, but the need for rapid booting from a backup drive is less prevalent today. Users now rely on Recovery mode for issues, reducing the reliance on bootable clones, especially for those who aren't in high-pressure environments.
https://daringfireball.net/2025/02/bootable_mac_startup_drive_backups_and_another_ode_to_superduper
Mac is increasingly targeted by stealer malware; 2024 saw a rise in information-stealing malware like Poseidon, which targets credentials and cryptocurrency. Originates from infected downloads via deceptive ads.
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/02/05/mac-malware-stealers-increase/
macOS users sometimes face issues unmounting volumes, often due to processes like mds (Spotlight) and revisionsd causing conflicts. To resolve this, identify the culprit using Activity Monitor or the app Sloth, though Sloth requires repeated authentication. Common solutions include force-ejecting or restarting Finder. Issues reportedly increased with the release of macOS 15 Sequoia.
https://mjtsai.com/blog/2025/02/03/what-to-do-when-macos-wont-let-you-unmount-a-volume/