Quick-fire questions

How to downgrade my M1 Mac from macOS 12 beta?

> Downgrade macOS together with its firmware and recovery system at the same time, to ensure compatibility. M1 Macs are the only models able to do that, by putting it into DFU mode, connecting it to another Mac running at least macOS 10.5.7 and restoring its internal SSD using Apple Configurator 2 (bit.ly/ mac369config2).

How are there two files named New in one folder?

> This happens when you disable display of extensions in the Finder’s preferences. The files New.pdf, New, and New.text have distinct names, so co-exist in the same folder; hide extensions, and each shows the same name with different icons.

Is there a safe way to disable SIP?

> System Integrity Protection (SIP) is one of your Mac’s primary defence mechanisms which protects system files in macOS. There are few circumstances when you should ever consider turning it off. Put a sticky note on your display and leave it there until it’s safely turned back on. Don’t forget, or your Mac could get something nasty. Disabling SIP on an M1 Mac is even more difficult – it reduces the setting in Startup Security Utility to its lowest level, Permissive Security, until you enable SIP again.

Why does System Information show uninstalled apps?

> The Installations item in the Software section of System Information draws on the list of receipts maintained by macOS in /Library/ Receipts/InstallHistory. plist, which records all software installed from sources such as Apple updates, the App Store, and Installer packages which you install. That info isn’t available for other apps you install, for example by copying the app to Applications, nor does it record when any installed software is removed.