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Computers and Engineering IIComputers and Engineering IIUnit 5: Linux and macOS
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Week 2: Configure and Use macOS

Essential Questions

  • What do I know about other OS, like Windows and Linux, that can help me operate and manage other OS, like the macOS?

Big Ideas

While Linux is popular with a small set of computer users, the second most prominent OS after Windows that you're likely to experience is the macOS associated with Apple Computers. The macOS is popular in many settings, including many schools. An offshoot of the macOS, iOS for Apple mobile devices, is used on Apple smartphones, the iPhone, and tablets like the iPad.

Connection to Student Lives

As a student, if you've been introduced to a different operating system either at school or home, chances are it's the macOS that runs on Apple computers. The macOS was the first GUI on a commercially available PC, and so it influenced the way other OS look and operate. Because of that, even if you're new to the macOS, you can use your knowledge and experience of using the Windows OS to configure and manage disks, files and folders, users, and software.

Framing Problem

How can I do the things I know how to do in other operating systems, like the Windows OS, in the macOS?

Cornerstone Assessment

Students will configure disks and file systems, user accounts, and software applications in the macOS.

DPI Standards

  • NCCTE.2020.II22.01.09 - Use features and tools of the Mac OS and Linux client or desktop operating systems.

A+ Standards

TOPIC 6B: Configure and Use macOS
1002-1.9 Given a scenario, use features and tools of macOS and Linux client or desktop OS

Knowledge

  • That the macOS is a "walled garden" in terms of limiting its installation only to Apple devices
  • macOS and iOS are separate OS with some similarities
  • The differences between Windows and Apple Mac mice and keyboards, such as the command, option, and control keys
  • How to access files, folders, and applications in macOS through the Dock or Finder
  • Review system preferences in macOS
  • How to access iCloud for online storage across shared Apple devices
  • The four types of accounts available on macOS and when they might be used
  • macOS only allows apps to be installed when downloaded from the Mac App store, and how this setting can be changed for verified installations of other apps
  • How to install an app on macOS
  • How to Force Quit an app without shutting down the computer
  • Where to find diagnostic information about a Mac from the Activity Monitor and Console
  • How to use Screen Sharing
  • How to restore a mac from the Time Machine backup program

Skills

  • Use the appropriate command, option, and control key options on a Mac keyboard.
  • Use the gestures supported by an Apple Magic Trackpad.
  • Use the Apple menu to find out information about the computer.
  • Modify the Dock and use it to access applications, files, and folders
  • Find files, folders, applications or more using the Spotlight Search
  • Access the System Preferences and review or configure parts of the system
  • Use Mission Control to configure multiple desktops
  • Manage users in macOS
  • Access or at least explain how to access Keychain Access to find a password, repair or create a new keychain
  • Run Force Quit on an app

Vocabulary

Configure and Use macOS

macOS versus Mac OS and OS X

Magic Mouse

  • Touchpad
  • Gestures
  • Magic Trackpad

Dock

Spotlight Search

Mission Control

Finder

Extended Hierarchical File System (HFS Plus)

iCloud

Keychain and iCloud Keychain

Apple ID

Time Machine backup program

Weekly Map

Monday

Introduction to topic: Common Maintenance Tasks and Tools

Review content resources and weekly structure with whole group

Online Pre-assessment (available for student practice, as well)

Tuesday

Hands-on exploration (independently, in paris, or by stations); Document success

Small group and independent exploration of resources

Wednesday

Hands-on exploration (independently, in paris, or by stations); Document success

Small group and independent exploration of resources

Thursday

Hands-on exploration (independently, in paris, or by stations); Document success

Small group and independent exploration of resources

Friday

Hands-on exploration (independently, in paris, or by stations); Document success

Team progress check with supervisor or sharing of progress with whole group

Online post-assessment

Lesson Ideas

While the OS is different, the outcomes for this week are similar to those students completed the week before. They aren't likely to have access to a macOS simulation, so if access to Apple devices is limited, having partners can make the most of available computers. Again, consider setting up the series of skills they should demonstrate as a task list or checklist.

 

Potential Resources

The Official CompTIA A+ Core 1 & Core 2 Instructor Guide for Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002

  • Topic 6B: Configure and Use macOS (pp. 351-366)
    • Activity 6-3: Discussing macOS Features and Tools Configuration and Use (p. 367)

ITProTV

Professor Messer at ProfessorMesser.com and YouTube offers numerous free videos of various lengths for many of the topics for the CompTIA 220-1001 A+ Exam. They are easy to understand, narrated videos with visuals. If you are teaching a CompTIA course, the site notes "You're welcome to use them as much as you'd like, provided you embed the videos with the associated YouTube link or link directly to my site. Please click the "Contact Us" link at the top of our web page and let me know how you're using them."

Entry Level I.T. Training from Technology Gee

  • macOS & Linux Features and Tools (Article | Video – 15:16)

Apple Support

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