An error may exist in Apple’s latest 10.10.2 updates, where the update will not install on some systems running OS X 10.10.0 or 10.10.1. When the update is applied, either from the App Store or from manual downloads of Apple’s updaters, the installer will claim “This volume does not meet the requirements for this update” and then quit without allowing you to install the update. This will happen even when booted to Safe Mode, suggesting it is not a problem with interference from third-party software. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Yosemite
Which Macs were affected by Thunderstrike?
The Thunderstrike exploit that affected a number of Mac systems with Thunderbolt ports, and gave an attacker with physical access to the system the ability to overtake the system’s ROM with a maliciously crafted Thunderbolt device. This attack was outlined by security researcher Trammell Hudson, and has been fixed in OS X 10.10.2, so for those who are concerned about their systems being vulnerable, this update should address the problem. Continue reading
Apple issues 10.10.2 update and security updates
Apple has released the awaited 10.10.2 update for OS X Yosemite, bringing a number of fixes for outstanding stability bugs and security issues, including some long-standing problems with Thunderbolt (aka “Thunderstrike”) that could allow an attacker with physical access to a machine the ability to overtake the system’s through a firmware hack. Continue reading
How to manage intermittent lag in OS X Yosemite
One of the more common complaints about OS X Yosemite is that it appears to run slowly for some users; however, this is not because it is always slow. In many cases, the OS runs just fine but then will run into a period of intermittent but frequent pauses where input like clicks and typed text will halt and the system may show the spinning color wheel. This is followed by all of the paused activity suddenly catching up with itself a few moments later. Continue reading
Reset LaunchPad to fix persistent empty folder bug
If you install many programs on your Mac, then in a similar way to managing Apps in iOS devices, you can click and drag the various icons in LaunchPad on top of each other to create folders containing them. With such folders created, you ought to be able to undo them by simply removing items from them and when the second to last item is removed, the folder should disappear; however, a bug exists in OS X where this may not happen, leaving you with a number of empty folders that will not disappear from your system, and may progressively clutter LaunchPad. Continue reading
Fix your Mac stuck on encrypting with FileVault
Apple’s FileVault disk encryption option in OS X is a security feature that is highly recommended, especially for portable systems that can be easily stolen. The feature is easy to set up in the Security system preferences, after which the system should take up to a few hours to encrypt the drive, depending on the size and type of drive being used. This should be relatively straightforward; however, in some cases the encryption may get stuck and show a progress bar that will not advance, even after days of waiting. Continue reading
Quickly access old window zoom behavior in OS X Yosemite
One of the new features in OS X Yosemite is a re-working of the full-screen window feature where in programs that support this option, the green zoom window button now defaults to being a toggle for full-screen. This can be seen in programs like Pages, and Preview; however, this can be a bit confusing because in those like TextEdit where a fullscreen option is not available, the green button is the classic “Zoom” behavior that resizes a window to fit its contents. Continue reading
Apple releases iOS 8.1.1, and OS X 10.10.1
Apple has released updates for both its latest iOS and OS X operating system software, which bring about improved Wi-Fi reliability as well as addressing problems users have had with Mail after upgrading. The update, which is available via Apple’s Software Update service, should be announced to you through Notification Center along the right-hand side of your Mac’s display, but can also be accessed by choosing the App Store option from the Apple menu. The iOS update can be applied by going to the General > Software Update settings on your iOS device. Continue reading
Yosemite adds options to automatically install OS X updates
When software updates for OS X and apps you have purchased in the App Store become available, by default you will see a message in Notification Center, which you can click to launch the App Store and apply the updates. In the past Apple has offered options to download updates in the background, and install important security updates and app updates, but in Yosemite has included new options that encompass all software updates. Continue reading
How to protect OS X from the “rootpipe” vulnerability
A relatively long-standing vulnerability in OS X has been uncovered by a Swedish hacker, Emil Kvarnhammar, who has dubbed it “rootpipe” by the so-far undisclosed method in which it can be used to take control of your Mac. In this vulnerability, a flaw allows a hacker to gain administrative access of a system without supplying a password, and then be able to interact with your Mac as an administrator. Continue reading