Sorry, this page is no longer available
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Infinite Skills

This course is suitable for OS X versions ( 10.6, 10.7 and 10.8 ).

Read more

This course is suitable for OS X versions ( 10.6, 10.7 and 10.8 ).

In this OS X advanced training video, you will learn advanced technical and security skills from  a certified member of the Apple Consultants Network.This video tutorial will teach you to use advanced features of the Mac OS X system such as command line utilities, new ways of using spotlight, automating with Automator, installing Developer Tools, exploring permissions, disaster prevention with backups, securing your filesystem, securing accounts, securely erasing data, and much much more.By the completion of this computer based training video, you will have a more thorough understanding of how to secure and protect your Apple hardware and software, and understand the advanced tools that Apple provides you in OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard to accomplish that task.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn how to secure your mac
  • Learn how to carry out advanced tasks
  • Gain a solid understanding of the operating system
  • Learn how to troubleshoot and fix complex problems on the mac os

Syllabus

0201 Review Of Desktop Navigation
0202 Review Of Desktop Control
01. Introduction
My First Lecture
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers command line utilities, which are essential for advanced system administration and troubleshooting, enabling users to manage their systems more effectively
Explores file system permissions and metadata, which are crucial for understanding and managing file access and security on macOS systems
Teaches automation using Automator and AppleScript, empowering users to create custom workflows and automate repetitive tasks on their Macs
Focuses on Mac OS X versions 10.6, 10.7, and 10.8, which may not be relevant for users with newer operating systems, as these versions are now outdated
Discusses securing system hardware by removing OS components, which could potentially lead to system instability or voiding the warranty if not done carefully
Teaches skills applicable to Mac OS X versions 10.6 to 10.8, which are no longer supported by Apple and may contain security vulnerabilities

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Advanced mac os x technical and security

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in advanced Mac OS X technical and security skills, particularly focusing on versions 10.6, 10.7, and 10.8. Students found the sections on the command line interface, file system permissions, and security concepts to be particularly insightful and well-explained. The instructor is often praised for their expertise and clear explanations. However, a significant number of recent reviews highlight that the course content is now outdated for modern macOS versions, which can make some specific instructions and examples difficult to follow. Despite this, many still find value in the fundamental principles taught, especially regarding troubleshooting and security.
Covers practical applications like Automator.
"The sections on using Disk Utility and Automator were very practical for everyday tasks."
"Learning about Automator workflows opened up new possibilities for me."
"The course introduced me to useful built-in tools I wasn't using effectively before."
Despite age, core principles remain relevant.
"Even though it's older, the fundamental concepts about the OS structure and security are still applicable."
"While the GUI changed, the underlying principles of file systems and permissions are timeless."
"I found that many of the core troubleshooting and automation ideas transfer to newer macOS versions."
"The foundational knowledge provided is still valuable for understanding how macOS works."
Instructor demonstrates expertise in the subject.
"The instructor clearly knows his stuff and explains complex topics well."
"I appreciated the instructor's deep understanding of the Mac OS."
"The certified Apple consultant background of the instructor is evident."
"The instructor's explanations were easy to follow, even for advanced topics."
Teaches important Mac security skills and concepts.
"Learning how to secure my filesystem and accounts was exactly what I needed from this course."
"The security modules, including passwords and keychain, were practical and informative."
"I gained valuable insights into protecting my Mac based on the course content."
"Understanding permissions and securing system settings were key takeaways for me."
Provides a great introduction to the Mac command line.
"The section on using the Terminal and basic command line utilities was incredibly helpful for me."
"I particularly enjoyed the command line interface modules; they were well-explained."
"Using the command line tools (`sudo`, `dscl`, `diskutil`) demystified a lot of things."
"The command line lessons gave me confidence to start using the terminal more often."
Course material is based on older macOS versions.
"The course covers Snow Leopard, Lion, and Mountain Lion (10.6-10.8), so it's not current for newer macOS."
"This course is great, but be aware that the content is focused on older versions of OS X."
"While the concepts are useful, the examples and interface shown are from an outdated OS version, which requires some translation."
"I found the information relevant for older systems, but less directly applicable to the latest macOS."
"It's important to know this is specifically for OS X 10.6-10.8, not modern macOS."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Advanced Mac OS X - Technical And Security Skills with these activities:
Review Basic Command Line Usage
Refamiliarize yourself with basic command-line operations to better understand the course's advanced command-line techniques.
Browse courses on Command Line Interface
Show steps
  • Review basic commands like `ls`, `cd`, `mkdir`, `rm`, and `pwd`.
  • Practice navigating the file system using the command line.
  • Experiment with creating, deleting, and moving files and directories.
Review 'macOS Support Essentials 11 - Apple Pro Training Series'
Gain a deeper understanding of macOS fundamentals to better grasp the advanced topics covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to system administration and troubleshooting.
  • Practice the troubleshooting techniques described in the book.
  • Take notes on key concepts and commands.
Practice File Permission Manipulation
Reinforce your understanding of file permissions by practicing common permission-related tasks in the terminal.
Browse courses on File System Permissions
Show steps
  • Create a directory and several files with different ownerships.
  • Use `chmod` to change file permissions and observe the effects.
  • Use `chown` to change file ownership and group.
  • Experiment with advanced permissions like setuid and setgid.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Document Common macOS Security Vulnerabilities
Solidify your understanding of macOS security by researching and documenting common vulnerabilities and exploits.
Browse courses on Security
Show steps
  • Research common macOS security vulnerabilities using online resources.
  • Document each vulnerability, including its description, impact, and potential mitigation strategies.
  • Organize your findings into a report or presentation.
Automate a Security Task with AppleScript or Shell Script
Apply your knowledge of scripting and automation to create a tool that automates a common security task on macOS.
Show steps
  • Identify a security task that can be automated, such as checking for software updates or verifying file integrity.
  • Write an AppleScript or shell script to automate the task.
  • Test your script thoroughly to ensure it functions correctly.
  • Document your script and its usage.
Review 'The Mac Hacker's Handbook'
Deepen your understanding of macOS security vulnerabilities and attack techniques.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to vulnerability analysis and exploitation.
  • Experiment with the techniques described in the book in a safe environment.
  • Analyze the code examples and try to adapt them to new scenarios.
Contribute to an Open Source macOS Security Project
Apply your knowledge and skills to contribute to a real-world macOS security project.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Find an open-source macOS security project on platforms like GitHub.
  • Review the project's documentation and code.
  • Identify a bug or feature that you can contribute to.
  • Submit a pull request with your changes.

Career center

Learners who complete Advanced Mac OS X - Technical And Security Skills will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
System Administrator
A system administrator is responsible for the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems; this includes servers and desktops. This course in advanced Mac OS X skills helps build a strong foundation of knowledge about how the operating system works beneath the user interface, and how to secure it. A system administrator must be familiar with the command line interface, and this course introduces crucial file system navigation and manipulation skills using the terminal app. Anyone wishing to become a system administrator would benefit from a deep dive into process management, automation, and disaster recovery, all covered with great detail in this course.
Endpoint Security Engineer
An endpoint security engineer focuses on protecting devices like laptops and desktops from threats. This course in advanced Mac OS X is very relevant because it covers many security features, such as securing accounts, setting password policies and protecting the hardware. The course emphasizes securing the file system, which is a core component of endpoint security. The course's teachings about disaster prevention with backups and securely erasing data are also relevant. Someone choosing an endpoint security engineering career would find the breadth and depth of this course very helpful.
Information Security Analyst
An information security analyst plans and carries out security measures to protect an organization's computer systems and networks. This course helps develop critical skills in securing a Mac OS X system. It covers topics such as file system permissions, account security, and password policies, all of which are essential for an information security analyst. The course's emphasis on understanding the local default directory domain using dscl is particularly useful, as it allows an analyst to more effectively protect against vulnerabilities. A person who seeks a career as an information security analyst should take this course for deep practical skills.
IT Support Specialist
An IT support specialist provides technical support to users of computer systems, and has a deep knowledge of how software and hardware function. This course on Mac OS X helps such a person gain a solid understanding of the operating system, which enables better troubleshooting and problem solving. Because this role often involves creating backups and preventing data loss, the disaster prevention and recovery section of this course would be particularly beneficial. The command line and file manipulation skills taught by the course are also crucial for any IT support specialist who needs to solve problems at a systems level.
Security Consultant
A security consultant advises clients on how to improve their security posture. This course in advanced Mac OS X has in-depth knowledge of how to secure an Apple system. A security consultant will find the sections on file system permissions, securing accounts, and password policies particularly useful. The course's focus on securing systems from a granular level provides good preparation for a security consultant. A prospective security consultant will find good practical knowledge in this course.
Network Administrator
A network administrator is responsible for maintaining computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations. This course in advanced Mac OS X teaches the skills to manage file systems, permissions, and network access. A network administrator will find particular value in the sections covering connecting to network file systems and understanding launch daemons and agents. The course also explains how to manage log files for local and remote logging, which is crucial for network monitoring and security. Anyone going into network administration will find this course helpful for configuring and maintaining systems.
DevOps Engineer
A DevOps engineer manages infrastructure, and optimizes software development workflows. The course on advanced Mac OS X provides the necessary understanding of the operating system for this role. The sections on setting up and managing user accounts, file systems, and automation will be useful. The course covers the command line interface and scripting, which is important for DevOps. A DevOps engineer needs an understanding of systems, and this course provides the technical foundation for someone wishing to work in this role.
Technical Trainer
A technical trainer educates others on how to use specific hardware or software. This course in advanced Mac OS X is a great fit for anyone interested in training others on using Apple systems because it demonstrates a thorough understanding of the operating system. The course's extensive coverage of advanced features, such as the command line, file system, and security measures, can provide the depth needed to train new users. Someone looking to teach others on Apple hardware should take this course to gain a comprehensive understanding of MacOS.
Software Developer
A software developer builds and tests software applications. This course, focused on advanced Mac OS X, may be useful, as it helps developers use the Mac operating system and its tools more efficiently. The sections on command line utilities and developer tools are of particular importance for this role. A software developer can find great practical use in learning how to use the command line, how to work with file systems and how to automate processes, all of which are covered in detail in this course. This course could be a good supplement to other software development training.
Technical Writer
A technical writer creates documentation for software, hardware, and systems. This course in advanced Mac OS X may be useful by providing a solid understanding of the features and functionalities of the Mac operating system. The command line interface, automation processes, and security aspects covered in this course are often documented for technical audiences. A technical writer could gain first hand knowledge of these details and processes by taking such a course. This course may be helpful for a technical writer who needs to document Apple systems.
Help Desk Analyst
A help desk analyst assists users with their computer problems. This course, focusing on advanced Mac OS X, could be useful as it provides a more thorough understanding of the operating system. The sections on troubleshooting, file system management, and backup strategies, could improve a help desk analyst's ability to solve problems and explain solutions to users. A help desk analyst may find value in the broad range of topics this course covers.
Quality Assurance Analyst
A quality assurance analyst tests software and hardware to ensure they work correctly. This course in advanced Mac OS X may be helpful to such a person in learning to use the system at a low level. The section of the course covering the command line interface and file system management could enable more effective system testing. A quality assurance analyst may find topics in this course useful for specific tasks, but it is not central to their role. This course may help someone in this role to test applications more thoroughly.
Data Analyst
A data analyst examines data to draw conclusions and solve problems. While this course on advanced Mac OS X might not directly relate to data analysis software or techniques, it may be helpful in the use of the underlying components of the operating system. The course's coverage of automation and the command line interface could be useful, as it might help a data analyst to manage data files and systems. This course may be useful for a data analyst to broaden their familiarity with operating systems.
Digital Marketing Specialist
A digital marketing specialist executes marketing campaigns through online channels. This course may be useful to such a person to understand the operating system under the applications and tools they implement. The course's coverage of automation could be used to create efficiencies in marketing workflows. This course may provide a helpful perspective on how systems operate. Such a person may benefit from the technical proficiency this course provides.
Project Manager
A project manager oversees projects from start to finish, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. This course in advanced Mac OS X may provide a project manager with familiarity with the operating system on which their projects are executed. The course may help a project manager better understand the technical aspects of their project. This course may have limited value for a project manager. This course may be valuable to technical project managers.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Advanced Mac OS X - Technical And Security Skills.
Delves into the security vulnerabilities and attack techniques specific to macOS. It provides in-depth knowledge of the macOS security architecture and how it can be bypassed. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference. It is helpful for understanding the mindset of attackers and how to defend against them. It adds more depth to the course by exploring real-world security threats and countermeasures.
Provides a comprehensive overview of macOS, covering essential troubleshooting and support techniques. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the underlying system architecture and how to resolve common issues. While not strictly focused on advanced security, it provides a solid foundation for understanding how macOS works, which is crucial for implementing effective security measures. This book is commonly used as a textbook for Apple certification programs.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser