Apple macOS and iOS System Administration (2025) from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

You will learn the basics of apple platform management including hardware troubleshooting, operating system installation, and advanced client management techniq
You will use mosyle manager, apple configurator, apple’s vpp and enrollment programs to configure and mass deploy apple devices across the enterprise.

You will learn strategies for managing thousands of ios and macos endpoints.
You will use an industry leading mdm solution (mosyle) to manage the user experience on macos and ios devices.

You will learn the basics of apple platform management including hardware troubleshooting, operating system installation, and advanced client management techniq
You will use mosyle manager, apple configurator, apple’s vpp and enrollment programs to configure and mass deploy apple devices across the enterprise.
You will learn strategies for managing thousands of ios and macos endpoints.
You will use an industry leading mdm solution (mosyle) to manage the user experience on macos and ios devices.

Syllabus

An introduction to the course from the instructor and a brief overview of where Apple's major product platforms are at in terms of system administration.

Introduction to the course and a welcome message from the instructor.

In this lesson we touch on the state of Apple platforms in 2022 including the transition to Apple Silicon, as well as updates to iOS and macOS versions.

This lesson provides a basic overview of modern Apple device management and touches on the concept of Mobile Device Management (MDM) and the transferrable skills that you will learn in this course using the Mosyle MDM solution.

In this lesson we briefly cover the general structure of the course to provide students with a roadmap of what they will be learning and how.

In this lesson we review the required and optional hardware and software you will need to successfully complete this course.

This lecture covers the topics of iPhone and iPad Forced Reset, putting your device into iOS Recovery Mode, and Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode and why you may need to use it.

This lecture covers the topic of monitoring iPhone and iPad battery health and utilization.

In this lecture students learn the concepts of storage management on iOS devices. Topics like Offload App vs Delete App are discussed and students are shown how the sandbox app environment handles user created documents and data.

This lecture explores the concept of backing up iOS devices and covers local backup vs iCloud backup, encryption, and more.

This lecture discusses AppleIDs, Managed AppleIDs, Family Sharing, iCloud Accounts, and Shared AppleIDs and the best practices of using these accounts.

This lesson demonstrates how to interact with an iOS device in Recovery Mode.

In this lesson students are introduced to Apple's transparency, consent, and control policy and the associated Settings for managing Security and Privacy in iOS 15.

In this lesson the use of Screen Time restrictions are demonstrated. These device restrictions are also available via MDM payloads but students should be aware of how to configure these interactively on device as well.

This lecture discusses the process of iOS device activation and introduces the Activation Lock feature.

This lesson demonstrates how to view an iOS device's MAC address for the WiFi network adapter, how to configure a static IP address on an iOS device, and how to modify the DNS server on an iOS device. Configuration of the built-in VPN on iOS is also explored.

This lecture briefly discusses enabling Accessibility features such as VoiceOver and then demonstrates how to configure Guided Access mode to setup an iPad as a single-use kiosk.

In this lesson we explore ScreenTime restrictions and demonstrate how to manage a child's iPad remotely from an adult's iPhone using the ScreenTime feature.

This lecture briefly discusses additional features available on iPadOS that are not supported on iOS including Sidecar, Stage Manager, Apple Pencil and mouse/cursor support.

This lesson introduces students to the Apple Configurator application and provides an overview of what it does and when you would want to use it.

This lesson walks the student through installing Apple Configurator.

This lesson provides a brief overview of the various aspects of the Apple Configurator interface that will be used in the various upcoming lessons.

This lesson introduces students to Mobile Config Profiles and the concept of Supervised iOS Devices.

In this lesson students learn how to export specific device information to a CSV file for white-listing and asset management/inventory purposes.

In this lesson students will build a Blueprint for an iPad that automatically updates the device to the latest iOS version, renames the device, installs custom wallpaper, and installs a suite of apps.

In this lesson, students will create a Blueprint for a single-use iPad device deployment and place it in Single App Mode to restrict access to only one specific app.

This section introduces the Intel architecture and hardware troubleshooting for diagnosing and fixing common Mac problems.

This lesson introduces the Apple Silicon hardware architecture and on some of the differences from the Intel architecture.

In this lesson we introduce students to macOS recovery and the tools available there to diagnose issues and repair your Mac.

In this lesson we introduce Recovery OS, which is basically macOS Recovery for Apple Silicon. There are some subtle differences between the two pre-boot environments (Intel v Apple Silicon) that are explored here.

In this lesson students will create a bootable USB drive that contains a full install of macOS that can be used as a utility drive for field service work or for testing purposes.

In this lesson, students will use the Terminal to create a bootable USB installer for macOS Monterey.

In this lesson we give students a brief overview of the basic macOS user interface. We discuss the the desktop, dock, and menubar along with essential navigation and customization of the Finder.

In this lecture students dive into the deep end of macOS client administration. Topics include using the option-key modifier to expose hidden Menu options, exploring hidden files and folders, and mapping network drives among other foundational principles.

In this lesson students are introduced to the idea of hidden folders and how to toggle their visibility as well as how to create their own hidden folders.

This lesson introduces students to macOS System Preferences. A few common System Preferences are explored in more detail.

This lesson explores various system utility applications in the Applications/Utilities directory and the System/Library/Core Services/Applications directory.

In this lesson students begin to use the Terminal app and become familiar with navigation and file management commands. This lesson is the foundation for scripting exercises that are used throughout the course.

This lesson introduces students to strategies for keeping their Macs patched with the latest macOS updates using the GUI.

This lesson demonstrates the way that connected disks are managed in macOS. Topics such as the file system, restore snapshots, and formatting/partitioning are explored in detail.

In this lesson students will become familiar with the three computer names every Mac client has on a local area network and how to update/change them.

Apple Silicon Macs have an iOS-like feature for quickly erasing and reinstalling macOS. This lesson explores this concept and how to use it to rapidly re-stage a Mac.

In this lesson students explore the Users and Groups system preference, including the hidden Advanced Options, and learn how to enable and disable the 'root' user account.

In this lesson students learn about login items and processes that are allowed to run in the background.

In this lesson students are introduced to POSIX security and how to set permissions on files using both the Finder and the Terminal.

This lesson introduces students to GateKeeper, Firewall, and FileVault and how to create an Institutional Recovery Key for large scale FileVault deployments.

In this lesson we briefly discuss the Privacy tab of the Security & Privacy system preference and discuss Apple's TCC policy and whitelisting.

In this lesson we bind (join) a Mac to a Windows Active Directory domain and sign in with a Network user account.

In this lesson we sign in with an Active Directory hosted Network account and map a shared Windows printer and a Windows network share.

In this lesson students will use best practices to configure network settings on a Mac that is intended to be used as a server.

In this lesson students learn how to configure VNC and SSH on a Mac for remote administration over a LAN.

In this lesson students will configure a Mac as a File and Print server.

This lesson introduces the Content Caching service and how to enable it on your Mac.

In this lesson students are introduced to the Apache Web Server built into macOS and how to enable the server to host their own websites on their Mac.

In this lesson students are introduced to Media Sharing and how to enable it with macOS. Turning your Mac into an AirPlay receiver is also explored.

This lesson introduces students to the Apple Remote Desktop product and why you may want to add it to your macOS support tool kit.

In this lecture, students learn how to configure macOS clients for Remote Desktop and add them to the ARD Console.

In this lesson we explore the organization of our ARD Console utilizing Lists, Groups, and Smart Lists.

This lecture demonstrates the basics of navigating the Apple Remote Desktop user interface.

In this lesson students will become familiar with the capabilities that ARD provides system admins for remotely managing macOS systems. Remote control, power control, live chat, and configuration setting changes are covered.

In this lesson we demonstrate how to install Applications via Apple Remote Desktop using three different methods: UNIX shell script, *.pkg Installer, and via Copy Items to the /Applications directory.

This lesson introduces the reporting features of Apple Remote Desktop and how they can be leveraged for IT business decision-making.

This lecture covers the Apple Mobile Device Management Framework and how it enables remote management.

This lecture introduces students to the concept of Mobile Device Management and explores how technologies like Apple Push Notifications and Declarative Device Management enable remote device management.

In this lesson students learn how to configure the connection between Apple Business Manager and their MDM as well as the general features of Apple Business Manager / Apple School Manager.

This lesson introduces students to the various enrollment and 'ownership' models and the impact on device management capabilities.

Students are introduced to the concept of Managed Apple IDs / Apple Accounts and how they differ from traditional personal Apple IDs / Accounts.

This lesson introduces students to the Apple Business Manager / Apple School Manager web portals and how it enables integration with Mobile Device Management and Identity Provider solutions.

In this lesson students get an overview of how to use Apple Business Manager / Apple School Manager.

In this demonstration, students are shown how to integrate an Identity Provider to automate the creation of Managed Apple Accounts at your own domain.

In this lesson students are shown how to participate in the Apple Apps & Books program where they can redeem licenses for managed distribution through an MDM.

Students will explore the device management features of Apple Business/School Manager and learn how to update MDM assignments and more.

In this lesson I demonstrate how to add a Mac and an iOS device that wasn't purchased directly from Apple into my organization's DEP database.

A new and useful feature, Apple Business/School Manager now provides system administrators with the ability to control Activation Lock via the web portal. Students will learn when and how to use this feature.

This lesson revisits the concepts of MDM and discusses the pros and cons of various MDM platforms.

Students will learn how to create, download, and configure an Apple Push Notification for Mosyle MDM in this lesson.

In this lesson students will configure Apps and Books (VPP) with Mosyle to setup an integration between the MDM and Apple Business Manager for content distribution.

In this lesson we configure Mobile Device Management enrollment integration between Apple Business / School Manager and Mosyle MDM.

In this lesson students learn how to configure User Enrollment for iOS devices in Mosyle.

Students will learn about how to manually add users & groups in Mosyle in addition to integrating a third-party Identity Provider (like Microsoft Entra ID) to sync organization user data to Mosyle.

This lesson introduces students to Device Enrollment, including Automated Device Enrollment for company owned Apple devices. Students will learn how to configure a default enrollment profile for onboarding devices into Mosyle through Apple Business / School Manager integration.

In this lesson students learn to configure device groups, assign apps and configuration profiles to the device group and confirm that the settings and apps install correctly on the target devices.

In this lesson students will create an Install App management profile and assign Apps that have been licensed through Apps and Books on a managed device.

In this lesson students will learn how to create and upload PKG files into Mosyle MDM to install applications that are not available in the Mac App Store.

In this lesson we deploy the Single Sign-On Extension to a Mac and demonstrate how to authenticate to a Windows Server AD account for single sign-on.

In this lesson students will configure Enterprise SSO on an iOS device to enable Single Sign-On with an enterprise Microsoft Entra ID tenant.

Platform SSO extends enterprise single sign-on to the login window on macOS. This lesson demonstrates how to configure Platform SSO with Mosyle and integrate Microsoft Entra ID authentication on the Mac.

In this lesson students will explore Lost Mode and using the Mosyle MDM console to locate a lost or stolen device.

Students will learn how to remotely remove a device from management using the Mosyle MDM console.

This lecture briefly introduces students to the seven class 'code along' projects that we will be using in this course to gain real-world experience with using Mosyle MDM to manage Apple devices.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Uses Mosyle MDM, a leading platform, to manage user experience on macOS and iOS devices, which is highly relevant for administrators

Takes a project-based approach, allowing students to 'code along' and complete real-world projects, developing in-demand skills for Apple system administrators

Covers Apple Device Enrollment, enabling learners to administer hundreds or thousands of endpoints across businesses, which is a core skill for system administrators

Explores Apple Configurator, which is used to pre-stage and deploy a large number of like-configured iOS devices, a common task for system administrators

Teaches Apple Remote Desktop, which is used to interact with, manage, inventory, and remotely assist macOS clients, a valuable tool for system administrators

Focuses on iOS 18 and macOS 15 Sequoia, ensuring the content remains relevant for the near future, but learners should be aware of future updates

Reviews summary

Practical apple device management with mosyle mdm

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in Apple macOS and iOS system administration, specifically focusing on using the Mosyle MDM platform for managing devices at scale. Students appreciate the project-based approach and the relevance of the content to real-world IT roles. Many highlight the course's coverage of enterprise-level tools like Apple Business Manager and integration with Microsoft Entra ID. The updates for macOS 15 and iOS 18 are seen as a major strength, keeping the material current. While largely positive, some reviewers suggest certain topics could benefit from more in-depth coverage.

Updated for latest OS versions and hardware.

"It's great that the course was updated for macOS 15 and iOS 18. The information feels very current."

"Appreciated the coverage of Apple Silicon Macs and the differences in recovery modes."

"The course materials reflect the latest changes in Apple's operating systems and management frameworks."

"Knowing the course is current with 2025 updates makes it a valuable resource right now."

Covers key tools for managing org devices.

"The sections on Apple Business Manager and integrating with Entra ID are highly relevant for anyone in enterprise IT."

"Learning about DEP/ADE and VPP through ABM was exactly what I needed for my job."

"Connecting Mosyle to identity providers like Entra ID is a critical skill taught effectively here."

"This course covers the necessary tools and workflows for managing Apple devices in a corporate setting."

Hands-on labs and projects reinforce concepts.

"The hands-on projects are where this course really shines. Implementing BYOD or zero-touch deployment made it click."

"I found the 'code along' projects extremely useful for understanding the workflow in a real environment."

"Being able to work through real-world scenarios with the Mosyle platform was invaluable."

"The practical exercises and projects were key to applying the theories taught in the lectures."

Strong emphasis on a specific, popular MDM.

"The course gives a very practical guide to using Mosyle MDM for managing Apple devices."

"Using Mosyle as the primary MDM throughout the course makes the concepts easy to follow and apply."

"I chose this course specifically for the Mosyle integration sections, and they did not disappoint. Very thorough."

"It was great learning how to manage devices using a real, industry-leading MDM solution like Mosyle."

Some advanced topics may need further study.

"While it's a great overview, some topics felt a bit rushed and could use more detail for advanced users."

"I wished there was more depth on scripting or complex configuration profiles."

"This course is excellent for getting started, but for truly complex enterprise scenarios, supplementary resources might be needed."

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 Apple macOS and iOS System Administration (2025) with these activities:

Review macOS and iOS Basics

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Reinforce your understanding of fundamental macOS and iOS concepts, including the user interface, file system, and basic settings, to prepare for more advanced system administration tasks.

Browse courses on MacOS

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Review the macOS user interface, including the Finder, Dock, and Menu Bar.
Familiarize yourself with iOS settings and basic device functionality.
Practice navigating the file systems on both macOS and iOS.

Review 'macOS Support Essentials'

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Gain a deeper understanding of macOS troubleshooting and support techniques, which are essential for effective system administration.

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Read the chapters related to troubleshooting and maintenance.
Practice the troubleshooting techniques described in the book.
Take notes on key concepts and commands.

Follow Mosyle MDM Tutorials

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Familiarize yourself with the Mosyle MDM platform by following their official tutorials and documentation to understand its features and capabilities.

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Explore the Mosyle MDM website and documentation.
Follow the tutorials for setting up device enrollment and configuration profiles.
Experiment with different MDM features in a test environment.

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Set up a Test MDM Environment

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Solidify your understanding of MDM by setting up a test environment with virtual machines or spare devices to practice device enrollment, configuration, and management.

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Install a hypervisor such as VMware or VirtualBox.
Create virtual machines for macOS and iOS devices.
Enroll the virtual devices in your Mosyle MDM test environment.
Configure and test various MDM profiles and settings.

Document MDM Configuration

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Improve your understanding of MDM by documenting the configuration process for a specific MDM feature, including screenshots and step-by-step instructions.

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Choose a specific MDM feature, such as device enrollment or configuration profiles.
Document the configuration process with screenshots and detailed instructions.
Organize the documentation in a clear and concise manner.

Read 'Managing Apple Devices'

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Expand your knowledge of Apple device management best practices and strategies for deploying and maintaining iOS and macOS devices in an enterprise environment.

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Read the chapters related to device enrollment and configuration profiles.
Take notes on key concepts and best practices.
Consider how the concepts apply to your own environment.

Contribute to an Open Source MDM Project

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Deepen your understanding of MDM by contributing to an open-source MDM project, such as reporting bugs, writing documentation, or contributing code.

Browse courses on Mobile Device Management

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Research open-source MDM projects on platforms like GitHub.
Identify a project that aligns with your interests and skills.
Contribute to the project by reporting bugs, writing documentation, or contributing code.

Career center

Learners who complete Apple macOS and iOS System Administration (2025) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Mobile Device Administrator

Mobile device administrators oversee the deployment, management, and security of mobile devices within an organization. This course directly addresses many of the core tasks a mobile device administrator performs, such as configuring over-the-air activation, managing device restrictions, and deploying applications. Given the course's focus on the Mosyle MDM platform, individuals can expect to gain hands-on experience with a leading mobile device management solution. This course is particularly beneficial for those aspiring to become mobile device administrators, as it provides a deep understanding of how to efficiently manage iOS and macOS devices in an organizational environment. Further, the project based approach helps one understand real-world scenarios.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Device Administrator

Endpoint Manager

An endpoint manager is responsible for the secure and efficient management of all endpoints within a network, including desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. This course will be highly relevant for anyone looking to become an endpoint manager, given the focus on managing macOS and iOS devices. The course provides comprehensive training on using Mosyle MDM to automate software installations, updates, and customize the user experience using configuration profiles. Furthermore, it addresses how to integrate with Identity Providers for single sign-on, an essential aspect of modern endpoint management. This course will uniquely equip a future endpoint manager with the skills required to manage Apple devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Endpoint Manager

System Administrator

A system administrator is responsible for the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems, especially in a multi-user environment. This course helps build a foundation in managing macOS and iOS devices, which is an essential skill for any system administrator. The course takes a project-based approach using the Mosyle MDM platform, which is a popular tool that many system administrators use in their day-to-day work. The course covers essential skills such as hardware troubleshooting, operating system installation, and client management techniques for Apple products. Taking this course will prepare a future system administrator to handle the unique aspects of Apple platform management using industry-standard tools.

See salaries and explore the career path for System Administrator

IT Support Specialist

An IT support specialist provides technical assistance to users, resolving issues with hardware, software, and network systems. This course will be useful for an IT support specialist who needs to support Apple devices, as it covers essential skills including hardware troubleshooting, operating system installation, and basic client management. The course teaches how to use tools like Apple Remote Desktop, Screen Time, and Apple Configurator, to manage devices. The course's focus on Mosyle MDM to manage devices will be particularly helpful for an IT support specialist, allowing them to manage a large number of devices efficiently. Taking this course will help any IT support specialist provide better support for Apple users.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Support Specialist

Technical Support Engineer

A technical support engineer provides in-depth technical support to users and helps resolve complex technical issues. This course is quite useful for a technical support engineer, since it teaches important skills related to Apple device management. The course covers using Apple Remote Desktop and Apple Configurator to handle device management, and the projects using Mosyle MDM will provide invaluable practice administering complex Apple environments. This course will be helpful in particular for a technical support engineer who works in an environment that uses Apple products. The practical nature of this course will aid in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Engineer

Help Desk Technician

A help desk technician provides first-line technical support to users, addressing common IT issues. The course helps to gain a working understanding of managing macOS and iOS devices. The skills gained through hands-on exercises such as device troubleshooting, OS installation, and client management using tools Apple provides, can be invaluable for a help desk technician. The course’s introduction to using Mosyle MDM to manage devices will also help any help desk technician support users in a more efficient manner. This course may be helpful for a help desk technician seeking to provide a better service.

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IT Consultant

An IT consultant provides expert advice to organizations on how to best use technology to meet their business goals. This course may be helpful for an IT consultant who advises clients on managing their Apple devices. The course provides a good foundation on the intricacies of managing Apple operating systems and devices. The experience gained from the course, especially concerning the use of Mosyle MDM, can inform an IT consultant's advice to companies that depend on Apple products. This course will be most helpful to any IT consultant who works with Apple heavy environments.

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Network Administrator

A network administrator designs, implements, and manages an organization's network infrastructure. While not the sole focus, this course may be useful for a network administrator who also supports Apple devices. The course offers insight into how macOS and iOS devices interact with networks, including how to configure static IP addresses, modify DNS servers, and set up VPNs on iOS devices. The lessons on network security may be helpful to learn more about how Apple devices handle security. Understanding these aspects may enable a network administrator to better manage environments where Apple devices are common. This course may benefit a network administrator, particularly those who wish to extend their support to Apple platforms.

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Solutions Architect

A solutions architect is responsible for the design of technical solutions to business problems. This course will be helpful for a solutions architect who works with Apple products. This course provides an in-depth look at how macOS and iOS devices are administered, offering valuable insights for designing solutions for organizations that rely on Apple. The course's focus on Mosyle MDM provides a practical understanding of how mobile device management works in a real-world setting. Any solutions architect looking to create robust and reliable solutions using Apple devices may find this course useful. Knowing how these devices are managed will be helpful in architecting solutions that involve them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solutions Architect

IT Systems Analyst

An IT systems analyst evaluates an organization's computer systems and recommends improvements. This course offers a foundation in understanding the operational aspects of Apple devices within an organization. The course covers various aspects of device management, from basic hardware troubleshooting to more complex MDM deployments using Mosyle. An appreciation for the scope of Apple's ecosystem is often a boon for an IT systems analyst. While not all aspects of work of an IT systems analyst are covered, the material presented in this course would help them have better technical insights regarding an organization's system. This course may be helpful for an IT systems analyst looking to broaden their expertise to Apple systems.

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Technology Trainer

A technology trainer educates individuals on how to use various software and hardware. This course provides foundational knowledge on Apple system administration, which can be beneficial. Technology trainers who use this course may be able to teach others about macOS and iOS systems. The course’s focus on Mosyle MDM can provide a platform for trainers to showcase enterprise grade device management. This course may assist a technology trainer who instructs on these platforms.

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System Analyst

A system analyst performs analyses on computer systems, seeking out opportunities for improvement. This course may be helpful for a systems analyst and can provide valuable insight into managing macOS and iOS devices, especially in an environment utilizing MDM solutions. The course focuses on managing Apple ecosystems using Mosyle MDM, which offers a practical basis for a system analyst to understand the technical details. The systems analyst would gain a better grasp of the details of this environment. Taking this course may be useful for a systems analyst looking to understand the Apple ecosystem.

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Information Security Analyst

An information security analyst works to protect computer systems and networks from cyber threats. This course provides an understanding of how Apple devices are managed, including the various security features available on these systems. While not focusing directly on information security, the course does indirectly touch upon some relevant topics, like security measures, encryption, and authentication. This may assist an information security analyst to better assess vulnerabilities and threats related to Apple devices. This course may be useful for an information security analyst to understand how these devices are managed in enterprise environments.

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Technical Writer

A technical writer creates documentation for software, hardware, or other technical products. This course may help a technical writer gain knowledge of Apple's system administration, especially related to Mosyle MDM, allowing them to potentially create documentation within this area. The course offers hands on experience that a technical writer could use as practical knowledge for their documentation. This course may be useful for a technical writer that documents Apple device management solutions.

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Project Manager

A project manager oversees specific projects to ensure completion on time and within budget. This course may be useful for project managers who are responsible for implementing new Apple device management systems. This course offers insight into how Apple devices are managed within an organization. A project manager would gain an understanding of the various steps involved during project completion. The project manager might gain some helpful technical understanding from this course. It may be helpful for a project manager on projects related to Apple device deployment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Apple macOS and iOS System Administration (2025)

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Practical apple device management with mosyle mdm

Activities

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