Looking forward to the time when third-party kexts are finally banished from macOS, and replaced by modern system extensions, and their siblings.
KEXT
According to macOS Help, safe mode stops some software from loading, and performs a check of the startup disk. Here’s a more detailed and accurate account of what it does.
From CompatibilityNotificationData to XProtect, details of all the security data and related components in Monterey.
Management of kernel extensions has changed significantly in Big Sur and later. This overview for users contrasts kexts with user-level extensions which are replacing them.
It would be much easier if the log contained entries detailing the loading of extensions. Instead, there are long gaps. This explores how you can use those in diagnosing problems.
In one of only 3 kernel extension on your Data volume is a list of blocked kernel extensions. What protection from old and broken KEXTs does it provide?
Details of data files for MRT, XProtect, Gatekeeper and other security features in Big Sur. Covers both Intel and M1 Macs.
When a kernel extension wants some memory, it calls for an allocation from a Mach zone. This explains how a memory leak in those zones can result in a kernel panic.
There have been recent reports that the macOS Catalina 10.15.6 update can result in kernel panics. This appears […]
From SIP to a protected read-only System volume, macOS 11 takes system protection a big step further with cryptographic verification.
The Eclectic Light Company 