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Silently updated security data files in Tahoe

XProtect, XProtect Remediator, XProtect Behaviour Service, kernel extension excludes, incompatible apps, and some historical remnants, including a database that’s downloaded then vanishes.

September 19, 2025 Macs, Technology

A brief history of SIP

It provided 3 protections when introduced in El Capitan in 2015, and has now grown extensively to cover NVRAM, kernel boot arguments, authentication of root, and even malware scans.

August 23, 2025 Macs, Technology

macOS Sequoia end of cycle report

T T Read More

How frequent and large were macOS Sequoia’s updates? How has it grown in total system bundles and apps? Which categories have grown most?

August 8, 2025 Macs, Technology

When you should use Safe Mode, and what it does

Claimed to block 3rd-party extensions and customisations from loading, check the startup disk, and to clear some system caches. When and why should you use it?

March 21, 2025 Macs, Technology

How to deal with a kernel panic

Your Mac unexpectedly restarts, and a little after logging in you see a Panic Alert. Before sending that to Apple, save a copy and follow this guidance, including how to read a panic log.

February 19, 2025 Macs, Technology

How macOS has grown 2019-2024

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How the number of bundles in /System/Library has risen from Mojave to Sequoia, and why the last 5 years have been so different from the previous 20.

January 1, 2025 Macs, Technology

Managing kernel extensions

It’s time to review old kernel extensions, and uninstall those no longer needed. Here’s how to do that, using uninstallers or manually.

December 3, 2024 Macs, Technology

Silently updated security data files in Sequoia

Essential details of each of the three types of XProtect data files, how they’re updated, how to update them, and more. Covers new XProtect in macOS 15.x.

September 24, 2024 Macs, Technology

Mastering Secure Boot on Apple silicon

T T Read More

Explains the three different settings, including Permissive Security, why you might need to reduce security, and how to do so using Startup Security Utility.

September 9, 2024 Macs, Technology

What changed in macOS Sonoma? End of term report

How has the System changed in numbers since Mojave? Why has the number of kernel extensions risen since their deprecation? Why so many Private Frameworks?

August 15, 2024 Macs, Technology

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