Lesson 2: macOS System Settings

Jamf 100 Course
Solution
Application
Content Type
Training Content
Utilities & Services
ft:locale
en-US

Goal

Locate computer information such as serial number or OS version and customize settings based on user preference.

Video

Key points

  • Users can find information about their computer and update computer preferences in System Settings.

  • Many settings can be managed and enforced using Jamf Pro.

  • The names of settings may vary based on which version of macOS the computer is running.

  • Some essential options for computer configuration can be found within the General section of System Settings.

    • The About section includes device information, such as the name of the device, the software version, storage, and more.

    • The Software Update section is where automatic updates can be enabled and available updates can be downloaded and installed.

    • The Transfer & Reset section includes options to transfer information to and from the Mac or erase all content.

  • The System Information app contains more detailed information about a computer, including:

    • Hardware specifics, including connected peripherals

    • Network configurations, active services, and MAC address

    • Installed software, including applications and extensions

  • The Privacy & Security section is where users can manage settings such as:

    • Location Services

    • Camera or microphone access

    • Screen recording

    • FileVault

  • Some settings are locked to prevent unauthorized changes and require administrator credentials before a change can be made.

  • The search field allows users to find settings within the System Settings application.

Review

To view answers, click arrow next to each question.

  1. Where can device information such as serial number and OS version be found in System Settings?
    These can be found by navigating to System Settings > General > About.
  2. Under what section in System Settings would you find preferences for controlling which applications have access to the camera or microphone?
    These settings can be found under Privacy & Security.
  3. What must be provided to make changes to any locked settings?
    Administrator credentials must be used to authorize the change.

Practice

  1. Locate your computer's serial number and OS version.

  2. Under General > Software Update, determine whether or not automatic updates are on.

  3. Under General > Storage, determine how much available storage is left. What takes up the most space on your computer?

  4. Under Privacy & Security, find out which applications and services have access to Files and Folders.

  5. Using the search field, find settings associated with "Zoom".

Resources

Mac User Guide

Apple