Overview

Updated in May 2025. This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. Master the skills to confidently support macOS 11 Big Sur with this comprehensive course designed for aspiring Apple Certified Support Professionals. You'll gain a deep understanding of macOS functionality, including installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and user account management. By the end of this course, you'll be equipped to provide expert-level technical support and manage macOS networks effectively. The course begins with installation essentials, where you'll learn to assess hardware requirements, create installation media, and perform clean installs. Dive into initial system setup, printer configuration, and customizing preferences to optimize the macOS experience. These foundational steps prepare you to manage various environments with ease. Next, explore advanced topics like file system management, encryption, networking, and application processes. Delve into troubleshooting techniques, macOS Recovery tools, and Time Machine backups, ensuring you can resolve common system issues and recover lost data seamlessly. The course includes practical exercises, guiding you through real-world scenarios. Whether you're a help desk professional, technical coordinator, or power user, this course is tailored for those managing macOS systems. A basic familiarity with macOS is helpful, but the course is accessible to learners with diverse technical backgrounds.

Syllabus

Installation and Configuration

In this module, we will explore the foundational steps required to set up macOS 11. You will learn how to assess installation requirements, create installation media, perform system installations, and customize initial configurations to suit your needs. Additionally, you will gain expertise in configuring and sharing printers effectively.

User Accounts

In this module, we will dive into the management of user accounts within macOS. You will discover how to create and secure various account types, including iCloud and special accounts. By the end, you will know how to use tools like Screen Time to customize the user experience and enhance account security.

Data Management

In this module, we will focus on storing, organizing, and protecting data in macOS. You’ll learn to work with file systems, perform disk maintenance, use FileVault encryption, and customize permissions. Advanced topics like creating shortcuts, managing metadata, and understanding file domains will also be covered.

Networking

In this module, we will explore macOS networking essentials. You’ll gain skills in configuring Ethernet and Wi-Fi adapters, managing network locations, and sharing resources. Additionally, you’ll learn how to set up Apple Remote Desktop for seamless system management across networks.

Applications and Processes

In this module, we will cover macOS applications and their management. You’ll learn how to install applications safely, configure preferences, and use productivity features like Quick Look and Auto Save. The module also introduces macOS voice control capabilities, ensuring accessibility and efficiency.

Troubleshooting and Support

In this module, we will equip you with the skills to troubleshoot and support macOS systems. You’ll delve into diagnosing system errors, recovering systems using macOS Recovery, and leveraging Time Machine for backup and restoration. By the end, you’ll be ready to handle a wide range of technical challenges.