Macintosh Interview Realated Q&A

1. How to find MAC address of Powerbook Airport card? ->

Ans: ifconfig en1, system prefs>network>airport.

2. What are the different ways to setup printing in OS X? ->

Ans: LPD, IPP, Windows, Appletalk, Bluetooth, CUPS.

3. What protocol do Mac computers use to connect to Windows file shares? ->

Ans: smb protocol

4. What does smb stand for? ->

Ans:  Server Message Block (Samba is a variant of smb)

5. What command can be run on *nix, mac, and windows, to show you hostname of machine? -->

Ans: hostname

6. How do you change the machine name on a Mac (assume OS X)? -->

Ans:  system prefs>sharing

7. How do you boot a Mac from CD? -->

Ans: hold down C when you turn on the machine

8. How do you 'clone' a Mac to another chassis? -->

Ans: hold down T at startup for Target mode on the receiving end

9. How do you startup in single user mode? ->

Ans:  cmd+S

10. How do you startup Mac laptop in Safe Mode? ->

Ans:  hold down Shift key during startup

11. Name two places to find the wired IP address in OSX? ->

 Ans: ifconfig en0 and system preferences>network

12. How do you specify the default Web Browser in OS X? ->

Ans: Safari>Preferences

13. What does FileVault do? ->

Ans:  encrypts user homedir

14. What type of file is created when FileVault is activated on an account? ->

Ans: sparseimage file

15. What can you do if a user forgets their password for their FileVaulted homedir? Ans :  reset using Master Password

16. How do you zap the PRAM on a Mac laptop and why would you want to? ->

Ans: cmd+opt+P+R, relatively non-invasive troubleshooting for random issues

17. Why is it important for Mac systems to have virus protection software installed? ->

Ans: Protect system from virus' and not spread virus' to Windows machines

18. How would you recover a user's FileVaulted homedir from a machine that will not boot up? ->

Ans: Target mode, transfer .sparseimage file

19. How do you reset the PMU on a Mac laptop and why would you want to? ->

Ans:  Remove all power including battery and hold power button down for 5 seconds, power/energy saver issues.

In order to reset the PMU of your MacBook Air follow these steps

1. Turn off MacBook Air.
2. Connect the power adapter and plug it in.
3. On the LEFT side of the keyboard (Yes, the left side only), hold down Shift, Option and Control.
4. Press the power button.
5. Wait 5 seconds, then release all keys.
6. Push power button to turn your MacBook Air back on.