Hands-On Mac (Audio)

By TWiT

Hands-On Mac explores and explains the Mac — and beyond! From clever Terminal commands to little-known iOS settings, Mikah Sargent shares all the best tips and tricks for your Mac, iPad, iPhone, and A... more

· Technology

4.2

1717 ratings

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about Hands-On Mac (Audio):

How many episodes does Hands-On Mac (Audio) have?

The podcast currently has 133 episodes available.

Hands-On Mac (Audio) episodes:

March 27, 2025 HOM 175: Solve Math in Notes
Learn how Apple's latest macOS Sequoia update transforms the humble Notes app into a powerful calculator, allowing users to perform complex mathematical calculations right where they jot down their thoughts. Mikah Sargent breaks down the exciting new Math Notes feature that brings computational magic to your note-taking experience. From basic calculation capabilities to the defining of variables, this episode will get your brain ready to quickly crunch numbers on your Mac!

Host: Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Mac at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-mac

Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
...more
12min
March 20, 2025 HOM 174: Archiving Files With Keka
Mikah Sargent explores Keka, a feature-rich third-party archive utility for Mac that offers extensive compression and extraction options beyond what's built into macOS. This free and open-source tool provides advanced customization while remaining user-friendly.

The app supports creating archives in multiple formats including 7-zip, tar, gzip, dmg, iso, and many others. Keka can extract numerous file types including ZIP, RAR, JAR, ISO, DMG, TAR, EXE, and CPGZ files. Users can set Keka as the default archive utility system-wide or for specific file types. The app includes extensive compression settings like compression level, file naming preferences, and integrity verification.

The app is available free on Keka.io but purchasing from the App Store supports the developer!

Host: Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Mac at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-mac

Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
...more
15min
March 13, 2025HOM 173: Archive Utility
Mikah Sargent dives deep into Archive Utility on macOS, a powerful but often overlooked tool that works behind the scenes to compress and expand files on your Mac. From creating basic zip archives to encrypted files, this episode reveals all the hidden features of this versatile utility.
How compression works - Compression algorithms look for repeating patterns in data to make files smaller, though already compressed files like JPEGs may not benefit much.

Quick compression with right-click - The fastest way to compress files is selecting them, right-clicking, and choosing "Compress," which always creates a standard zip file.

Opening Archive Utility - Access it directly by using Command+Space and typing "archive" to explore its full capabilities beyond the right-click option.

Archive Utility settings - Configure where expanded files are saved, what happens to archives after expansion, and whether to automatically expand nested archives.

Expansion options - Choose to keep, trash, or delete archives after expanding them, or move them to a specific location.

Compression options - Similar settings exist for what happens to original files after creating an archive.

Archive formats explained - Despite setting preferences in Archive Utility, the right-click "Compress" option always creates zip files regardless of settings.

Creating CPGZ archives - These compressed archives must be created by selecting a folder through the File menu, not through right-click compression.

Regular archives (CPIO) - Simple "briefcase" archives without compression, useful for bundling files without reducing size.

Apple Archive (AAR) - A Mac-specific format that uses multi-threaded compression to efficiently compact files.

Encrypted archives (AER) - Secure, password-protected archives that can be unlocked with Touch ID if saved to your keychain.

Why ZIP remains the standard - ZIP format is used for the right-click compression option because of its universal compatibility across different operating systems.

Zip and unzip files and folders on Mac - https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/zip-and-unzip-files-and-folders-on-mac-mchlp2528/mac

Host: Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Mac at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-mac

Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
...more
22min
March 06, 2025HOM 172: Game Mode on macOS
Ever wondered how to level up your Mac gaming experience with built-in features most users don't know about? Mikah Sargent leads gamers into Mac's game mode and controller connectivity, revealing tricks for gamers and tech enthusiasts.
Game Mode Overview

A special Mac feature exclusive to macOS Sonoma 14 and Apple Silicon devices that optimizes gaming performance. When a game is in full screen, the system prioritizes the game's CPU and GPU access while reducing background task resource consumption.

Game Mode Activation and Controls

Automatically activates when a game is in full screen mode. Users can toggle game mode on/off through a small controller icon or by swiping with three fingers and accessing the main screen.

Bluetooth Performance Boost

Game mode doubles the Bluetooth sampling rate, improving wireless device performance. This is particularly beneficial for gaming accessories like controllers and wireless headphones, ensuring smoother audio and input synchronization.

Controller Connectivity

Modern Xbox and PlayStation controllers can easily connect to Macs via Bluetooth. The system provides detailed controller settings, including battery percentage, button mapping, and custom profiles.

Advanced Controller Settings

Mac offers comprehensive controller customization options, including: Button remapping, Haptic feedback adjustment, Light bar color customization, and Game-specific control profiles.

Buddy Controller Feature

A unique accessibility feature that allows two controllers to function as one, helping less experienced players (like children) participate in games more comfortably.

Recording and Capture Options

Users can set up custom controller buttons to trigger screen recordings and game captures, enhancing the gaming experience and content creation potential.
Use Game Mode on Mac - Apple Support - https://support.apple.com/en-us/105118

Connect a wireless game controller to your Apple device - Apple Support - https://support.apple.com/en-us/111099

Connect a PlayStation wireless game controller to your Apple device - Apple Support - https://support.apple.com/en-us/111100

Host: Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Mac at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-mac

Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
...more
15min
February 27, 2025 HOM 171: Apple File System & Hyperspace
Save space harmlessly on macOS! Mikah Sargent explores Hyperspace, a clever Mac app that helps users reclaim disk space without deleting any files. Unlike traditional cleaning apps, Hyperspace leverages the APFS (Apple Protected File System) to optimize storage by identifying opportunities to create space-saving clones of duplicate data. Traditional systems create entirely new files for each version, while APFS cleverly maintains one copy of the base data with different metadata references, saving significant space.

Users who have had their Macs for a long time or work with mixed file systems are most likely to benefit from Hyperspace, as they may have files that aren't optimized for APFS. The Hyperspace app (from Hypercritical) is free to download and scan with, but reclaiming space requires either a one-time unlock or subscription payment.

Hyperspace: Reclaim Disk Space - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hyperspace-reclaim-disk-space/id6739505345?mt=12

Hypercritical: Hyperspace - https://hypercritical.co/hyperspace/

Host: Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Mac at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-mac

Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
...more
16min
February 20, 2025 HOM 170: macOS Print Center Walkthrough
In this episode of Hands-On Mac, Mikah Sargent explores the Print Center utility in macOS - an essential but often overlooked tool for managing printers and print jobs. Mikah gives a comprehensive walkthrough of the app's features, showing how it can help troubleshoot printer issues and manage your printing needs without requiring bloated third-party software.

Accessing Print Center - Mikah demonstrates multiple ways to open the utility, including using Spotlight (Command+Space), the menu bar search icon, or navigating through Finder to Applications > Utilities

Viewing connected printers - The sidebar displays all connected printers with status indicators

Adding new printers - Mikah shows how to add printers using the plus icon, explaining the three connection methods

Connection protocols - AirPrint is recommended when available as it makes the printer accessible across all Apple devices, not just Macs

Printer management options - The interface allows pausing print jobs, viewing detailed printer information, and checking supply levels for ink or toner

Scanner integration - For multifunction printers, Print Center provides access to the scanning functionality through the Image Capture app

Right-click menu options - Users can make a printer the default, add it to the Dock for quick access, or remove and re-add printers for troubleshooting

System Settings integration - The Printers & Scanners section in System Settings provides similar functionality but with additional options like printing test pages

Job history tracking - Print Center keeps records of completed print jobs, helpful for remembering which printer was used in multi-printer environments

Printer webpage access - Mikah highlights how Print Center provides direct links to printer web interfaces, avoiding the need to install bloated manufacturer software

Manage printers and print jobs - Apple Support - https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/manage-printers-print-jobs-center-mac-mchl33bd189d/mac

Host: Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Mac at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-mac

Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
...more
13min
February 13, 2025HOM 169: Flaky Bluetooth on Your Mac? Here's How to Fix It
Mikah Sargent shares essential tips for troubleshooting Bluetooth issues on your Mac in this episode of Hands-On Mac. Learn how to resolve connectivity problems and get your devices working smoothly again with these step-by-step instructions.
In this episode, Mikah covers:
Restarting your Mac: The simplest and often most effective first step in resolving Bluetooth issues

Toggling Bluetooth on and off: Quickly turning Bluetooth off and back on in the System Settings can help re-establish connections

Unpairing and repairing devices: "Forgetting" a previously connected device and setting it up again as new can fix persistent problems

Accessing advanced Bluetooth information: Holding the Option key while clicking the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar reveals device addresses and firmware versions for connected peripherals

Force quitting Bluetooth processes: Using Activity Monitor to quit the "bluetoothuserd" background process can help reset the Bluetooth system when other methods fail

Checking for device-specific issues: Ensuring your Bluetooth devices are fully charged and running the latest firmware can eliminate connectivity troubles

Minimizing interference: Keeping potential sources of interference, like microwaves, away from your Bluetooth devices can improve stability

By following these troubleshooting steps, you'll be well-equipped to tackle most Bluetooth problems on your Mac and keep your wireless peripherals connected and working reliably.

Bluetooth settings on Mac - Apple Support - https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/bluetooth-settings-on-mac-blth8111/mac

Host: Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Mac at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-mac

Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
...more
9min
February 06, 2025 HOM 168: The Apple Invites App
This episode sees Mikah Sargent walking through the newly announced Apple Invites app. This event invitation tool allows one to invite friends and family to an occasion (like a BBQ) even if the recipients don't have an iPhone. Importantly, a user needs to have an iCloud+ subscription in order to create an event.

Host: Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Mac at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-mac

Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
...more
18min
January 30, 2025HOM 167: Disabling Apple Intelligence
In this episode, Mikah Sargent walks through step-by-step instructions for turning off the new Apple Intelligence features that are enabled by default on iPhones, iPads, and Macs running the latest software. Disabling Apple Intelligence will turn off capabilities like enhanced writing tools, accessing ChatGPT via Siri, and more.
Apple Intelligence is a set of AI features now enabled by default on iPhones, iPads and Macs running the latest software.

Some users may want to disable Apple Intelligence and stick with standard device functionality
On a Mac:
Go to System Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri

Toggle off "Apple Intelligence"

This will disable Apple Intelligence features and revert Siri to basic functionality
On an iPhone or iPad:
Go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri

Toggle off "Apple Intelligence"

This disables enhanced features and changes "Talk and Type to Siri" option to just "Talk to Siri"

Toggles off on-device AI models which frees up storage space

Models can be re-downloaded by re-enabling Apple Intelligence in settings

Typing to Siri can be enabled separately via accessibility settings when Apple Intelligence is off

Host: Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Mac at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-mac

Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
...more
8min
January 23, 2025HOM 166: Apple's New AI Clean Up Tool
In this episode, Mikah Sargent explores Apple's new Clean Up feature, part of the Apple Intelligence suite, which aims to remove distractions from photos.
Clean Up is a new feature in macOS Sequoia's Photos app that uses on-device machine learning to remove unwanted objects from images

To use Clean Up, enter edit mode, select the Clean Up tab, and either click, brush, or circle the object to remove

Mikah tests Clean Up on a photo of a puppy with a toy in the background; it successfully removes the toy but loses some pillow texture

On a building photo, Clean Up struggles to properly remove a person, distorting the stairs

Clean Up has difficulty fully removing an iPhone and keyboard from a spatial photo of Leo Laporte

Apple's on-device approach to machine learning, driven by privacy, currently falls short of Google's server-side Magic Eraser feature

Clean Up is available on all Apple devices that support Apple Intelligence features, including iOS and iPadOS

Host: Mikah Sargent

Want access to the video version and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
...more
11min

FAQs about Hands-On Mac (Audio):

How many episodes does Hands-On Mac (Audio) have?

The podcast currently has 133 episodes available.

More shows like Hands-On Mac (Audio)

This Week in Tech (Audio) by TWiT

This Week in Tech (Audio)

2,975 Listeners

Mac Geek Gab — Your Questions Answered, Tips Shared, Troubleshooting Assistance by Dave Hamilton, Pilot Pete & Adam Christianson

Mac Geek Gab — Your Questions Answered, Tips Shared, Troubleshooting Assistance

823 Listeners

Hands-On Tech (Audio) by TWiT

Hands-On Tech (Audio)

1,965 Listeners

MacBreak Weekly (Audio) by TWiT

MacBreak Weekly (Audio)

8 Listeners

Windows Weekly (Audio) by TWiT

Windows Weekly (Audio)

852 Listeners

Intelligent Machines (Audio) by TWiT

Intelligent Machines (Audio)

687 Listeners

Tech News Weekly (Audio) by TWiT

Tech News Weekly (Audio)

1,061 Listeners

iOS Today (Audio) by TWiT

iOS Today (Audio)

544 Listeners

Mac Power Users by Relay

Mac Power Users

1,273 Listeners

MacBreak Weekly (Video) by TWiT

MacBreak Weekly (Video)

323 Listeners

Macworld Podcast by Foundry

Macworld Podcast

304 Listeners

9to5Mac Happy Hour by 9to5Mac

9to5Mac Happy Hour

696 Listeners

AppleInsider Podcast by AppleInsider

AppleInsider Podcast

939 Listeners

Rich On Tech by iHeartPodcasts

Rich On Tech

396 Listeners

The MacRumors Show by The MacRumors Show

The MacRumors Show

223 Listeners