Tag Archives: Terminal

How to manage file ‘in use’ or ‘locked’ errors in OS X

RTFIconXWhen a file is opened by a program, a filesystem lock is placed that prevents it from being accessed by another program. However, most programs in OS X will only truly “open” a file as a brief step in order to read its contents into memory. The file is then technically closed so it may be accessed elsewhere. Further interaction with the file will result in another quick “open” followed by the instructed manipulation right before the file is closed again, and computing goes on. Continue reading

How to authenticate a shell script with the OS X GUI

NewTerminalIconXWhen you run various commands and scripts in OS X, you may need to first authenticate the actions you are taking as administrator. While some commands include options for providing authentication, generally you will run the “sudo” command as a precursor to your desired one, in order to promote the desired one to run with full administrative access privileges. Continue reading

How to script QR and data matrix code generation in OS X

MacissuesQRIf you have a need to catalog items, be they for inventory of a store, or for assets of a business, you might find yourself needing to create some sort of barcode option for your items. Granted there are a number of well-established software packages for doing so, but at times you may create custom scripts, out of which you might want a QR or data matrix code to be generated. Continue reading

How to change the Dock for another user account in OS X

DockIconXThe Dock in OS X is meant to be easily configurable, where you can simply drag items to and from it, or resize and position it to organize and manage it according to your needs. However, there may be times when you need to set up a Dock for another user, which may be more significant for a Mac being used in a school, business, or other multi-user environment, and especially true for one which you are managing remotely. Continue reading

Prevent Gatekeeper from auto-enabling in OS X

GateKeeperIconXGatekeeper is an execution prevention technology in OS X that will block apps from running if they have not been properly certified. It combines with similar technologies in OS X such as quarantining of downloaded files, to give you ample warning that a program you are running may be suspicious if it has not come from vetted sources, such as the App Store. Continue reading

How to find group membership in OS X

AccountsIconXGroups in OS X are special account entries that act as umbrellas under which user accounts may exist, allowing single adjustments of access permissions to immediately apply to numerous users. As a result, the use of groups when setting up a multi-user Mac can be exceptionally useful, but then again may also leave open security holes if not done correctly. Continue reading

How to create hidden administrative accounts in OS X

AccountsIconXIf you have a system that is used by other people, you may want to give them managed user accounts and then reserve a separate administrative account for installing apps and changing system settings. This is especially true for situations where many people may be using one computer, such as in classrooms. While you can always create an administrative account, by default such accounts will show up along with others at the login window, in the Fast User Switch menu, and other locations; however, you can set this up to be hidden from most of these locations. Continue reading

How to create a quick ASCII banner in the OS X Terminal

NewTerminalIconXEven if you are not a Terminal wizard, there are some fun tools and features of it that can be amusing. For instance, some online services are available for you to log into with Telnet and watch a text-based version of Star Wars, or you can play odd games that folks have coded into the “emacs” editor, among others. If you are ever sitting at your Mac and suddenly have the urge to print out a massive banner of a text phrase, then you can do that to. Continue reading