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This Terminal Command Can Bypass Mac Privacy Protections

Andrew Orr ·

A UNIX command line tool called “ls” can be used to bypass Mac privacy protections like TCC (Transparency, Consent, and Control) and the sandbox. This provides unauthorized access to file metadata in directories that are supposed to be protected

I continue to believe that macOS “security” is mainly theater that only impedes the law-abiding Mac software industry while posing little problem for Mac malware. It doesn’t take a genius hacker to bypass macOS privacy protections: calling “ls” is a script kiddie level attack.

It affects macOS Big Sur, Catalina, and Mojave.

This Shortcut Lets You Download Podcasts
Cool Stuff Found

This Shortcut Lets You Download Podcasts

Andrew Orr ·

The Podcasts app lets you save podcast episodes to listen later or to archive them, but they remain within the app. What if you want to download podcasts and save them elsewhere, like the Files app? This shortcut lets you do that. I’ve only used it once so far but it worked like a charm. It’s a nice way to archive episodes that you find particularly interesting.

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Why Are All The Companies Copying Snapchat?

Andrew Orr ·

As Arielle Pardes points out, you’d think some of the tech companies were merging with the amount of features they’re copying from one another. This market is so free you guys.

Does your head hurt? Mine does, as do my thumbs, which now have three times as many platforms to scroll for short-form and ephemeral videos. I am overwhelmed with content and underwhelmed by features—at least until the next big thing comes along, and everyone lunges to copy that.

I have definitely noticed this when it comes to Facebook, if only because I don’t like Facebook. They’ve copied all they could from Snapchat. In my opinion, Mark Zuckerberg wants Facebook to be as ubiquitous as WeChat is in China. All interactions, all commerce must flow through Facebook because Mark Zuckerberg can’t conceive of a different business model. Or, he can conceive but he doesn’t care. Why should he? We reward him by using his services.

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Take a Good Look at Your Digital File System This Holiday Season

Andrew Orr ·

Victoria Song advises that we should reexamine our digital file system and maybe reduce, reuse, and recycle our content.

Look, 2020 was supposed to be my year. I set out with what I thought were pretty reasonable New Year’s resolutions—one of which was to spend less time on my screens. And then the pandemic hit. During the endless hours that ensued, I noticed something: My digital filing system was a goddamn mess.

I’m taking this opportunity to shamelessly recommend my system of personal information management. It does use a series of structured folders but more importantly it creates a consistent way to write file names.

Podcast

Quick Tips, Cool Stuff Found and Your Questions Answered: A Traditional MGG — Mac Geek Gab 846

John F. Braun & Dave Hamilton · · Add Comment

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the comfort of old traditions, and this week’s Mac Geek Gab has three of them for you: Quick Tips, Cool Stuff Found, and your questions answered. Press play and enjoy learning five new things as John and Dave, your two favorite geeks, steward us all through this week’s episode.

Cool Stuff Found

The Official Trailer for Mariah Carey's Apple TV+ Christmas Special is Here. It Might Just be What 2020 Needs.

Charlotte Henry ·

I think we can all agree that we deserve a little bit of cheer towards the end of this year. Luckily, Apple TV+ and Mariah Carey have teamed up for a holiday special to help get us in the festive spirit. The trailer landed over the weekend and it’s… well…. exactly what you might expect! The show will be available from December 4, and TDO listeners will know that I am unreasonably excited about it.