Quick–fire questions & answers

Am I able to access Wikipedia offline?

First download the free Kiwix reader, which handles the special ZIM compressed format that offline sites come in. Then visit bit.ly/

mfkiwix for a list of downloads. A full Wikipedia in English is around 83GB, but without pictures that falls to 20GB.

Can I mute someone in an iMessage group conversation?

You can’t ‘mute’ their messages to the group; you’ll continue to see them so long as they and you are both members of that group. However, you can turn off receiving alerts for any and all messages from that conversation: simply open the conversation in Messages and tap the ‘i’ icon to see the switch.

How do I test if two binary files areidentical?

One quick screen is to select both files in Finder, choose File > Get Info and compare their sizes in bytes — if they don’t match exactly, they can’t be the same. Beyond that, it’s simple and quick to compare SHA–256 signatures using a tool like Hash ($0.99, Mac App Store).

How do I check a silent macOS security update has been installed?

Apple doesn’t notify when these occur, so macOS only tells you after one is installed — it shows up in the list of installations in System Information. LockRattler (Free, eclecticlight.co), though, connects to a page that lists the latest version of each tool, and can check for waiting updates.

Could I use a local snapshot to revert to an older system?

Maybe, but it’s a risky way of reverting to your previous system version if installing a macOS update goes wrong. It relies on having ample free disk space, so that old file versions don’t get overwritten.

It’s safer to clone your old system to another disk using an app like Carbon Copy Cloner ( bombich.com) or SuperDuper ( shirt–

pocket.com). Or, with your Time Machine drive connected, Restore from Time Machine (see bit.ly/

mfrcvtm) offers the option of rolling back to the desired system.

Should I upgrade from El Capitan with Adobe CC ?

Adobe CC 2017 apps are now compatible with High Sierra, and full details are at bit.ly/ mfadobehs. If you’re running an earlier version of CC, Adobe recommends that you update to 2017 first. It’s best to wait for Adobe to produce a similar document before you upgrade your system to Mojave.

Where can I get more sources for the Dictionary app?

Most commercial dictionaries for macOS use their own apps, rather than Apple’s bundled Dictionary, which requires them in a special format. There’s a fine collection of freeware dictionaries for many languages at bit.ly/mfdicts. To install them, simply put each in a folder within /Library/Dictionaries, then open the Dictionary app, go to its preferences, find the new dictionaries in the list, and put a check mark next to them.

How do I switch from plotting rows or columns in a Numbers chart?

Numbers tries to guess whether your series run along rows or down columns. Select the chart and click Edit Data References alongside it. At the bottom left, select Plot Columns as Series or Plot Rows as Series, as appropriate, then click Done.

How can I sign a PDF in Preview?

Relevant options for this are found in Tools > Annotate > Signature. Create a signature using a finger on a trackpad, or by holding up signed paper to the camera. Click Done when ready, and add it to the PDF.