From Startup Manager to Internet Recovery on Intel Macs, and how to engage each of those in an M1 Mac. With comprehensive diagrams.
firmware
What were the first things you tried out on a new M1 Mac? Benchmarks, perhaps, or tested battery endurance? Try looking at Recovery Mode – that’s more important.
macOS 11.1 Big Sur brings EFI firmware updates for all supported models. This article lists the firmware versions […]
Identical code using system_profiler to look up the firmware version number worked in two apps but failed in a third. The solution was obscure.
Why use them, which to use, what to do with large updates, how to avoid downloading some updates, how they work, error messages, and where to find more info.
Following a survey of 37 iMac17,1 systems, there’s no evidence problems are caused by hardware. It’s most likely to be a bug in the firmware installer.
Many of this model have been unable to update to newer firmware versions. An appeal for users to report their firmware version and logic board ID.
Essential facts about the firmware in your Mac, how it’s updated, and which version you should be running. With links to more detailed articles.
If you’re working towards this benchmark (or those for earlier versions of macOS), or want to maintain systems to its requirements, I have something to help you.
LockRattler for manual checks, SilentKnight to check automatically, and silnite for networked Macs and automation.
