Reading the log in macOS isn’t easy, but here ten systems where it’s the only way to discover and address problems, and a bonus 11th.
Mints
There’s a problem with your Mac, so you try starting it up in Recovery. But that doesn’t work. What should try next? Intel and Apple silicon Macs are then quite different.
How local files retain their extended attributes and versions when moved to iCloud Drive, but they’re not available to other Macs. Sparse files and storage economy as well.
When run on Sonoma, these now show log entries from com.apple.FileProvider rather than CloudDocs – a real revelation.
Check its protocol support and expected maximum transfer rate, then whether it supports SMART indicators and Trims with APFS. Finally check its real-world performance.
Did you know that, in 64-bit double floating-point format, the number pi is 4009 21FB 6000 0000? Now you can discover that, and reverse from hex to regular decimal, using Mints.
New version fixes a bug, and adds a new window to explore floating-point number formats, as demonstrated here. And a surprise from Apple.
Where can you look if you can’t find it in System Information? What if you need that value or setting in a script or app? Here are some suggestions.
New version helps you check which features are available in your Mac’s CPU, and more, linking to a page here with detailed information.
Automatic Time Machine backups aren’t scheduled to run at precise times, but when it’s convenient. This explains how, and what to do if goes wrong.
The Eclectic Light Company 