Chip Loder

Technical Writer

Chip is a 30-year Apple industry veteran, is author of 18 commercial Mac software products, and is a former Apple and Sony employee. He began hacking away on Apple computers on the Apple II+ in high school in the mid 1980's, then moved on to the Mac in the early 90's. In a previous life he created the game developer audio tools for Playstation 2 at Sony, and worked on the New World OpenFirmware found in late 90's Macs.

Latest Articles from Chip Loder

How to use ChatGPT in Apple Notes for macOS

ChatGPT is OpenAI's extremely useful chatbot for answering questions. Here's how to use the generative AI tool in Apple's Notes app in macOS.

Chip Loder | 4 days ago

How to turn off Apple Intelligence Report in macOS

Apple's generative AI, Apple Intelligence, also generates some usage reports. Here's how to turn off the Apple Intelligence Report in macOS.

Chip Loder | 5 days ago

How to stop the macOS firewall leaking system network data after a software update

Several sources report the firewall in macOS Sequoia can sometimes leak data after an update. Here's how to test and fix it.

Chip Loder | 1 week ago

How to switch modes in macOS Sequoia's Calculator app

Calculator app has been around in macOS forever. Here's how to use its four modes in macOS Sequoia.

Chip Loder | 1 week ago

How to test your network or server using ping in Terminal

The UNIX ping command lets you test network servers and latency. Here's how to use it in the macOS Terminal app.

Chip Loder | 4 weeks ago

How to apply Quartz filters in macOS when saving images in Preview

Core Graphics provides default image filters for quick special effects. Here's how to save image files in Preview for macOS with effects.

Chip Loder | 1 month ago

How to copy file and app icons using macOS Preview

You can use the macOS Finder's Copy command to copy and paste files. But here's how to use the same command to copy file icons into Preview.

Chip Loder | 1 month ago

How to turn on Empty Trash Automatically in macOS Sequoia

The Mac's Trash stores files until you remove them from your drives. Here's how to empty the Trash automatically in macOS Sequoia.

Chip Loder | 1 month ago

How to Edit property lists in Terminal

Property lists are essentially XML files with a .plist extension. Here's how to edit them using the command line in the macOS Terminal app.

Chip Loder | 1 month ago

How to renew your DHCP lease on macOS

DHCP is a networking protocol used to assign an IP address to your Apple device. Here's how to force a new IP address on macOS.

Chip Loder | 1 month ago

How XProtect protects you from viruses on macOS

XProtect is Apple's Mac virus detection system which keeps your Mac safe. Here's how the protective macOS feature works.

Chip Loder | 2 months ago

How advanced content caching settings on the Mac works

Advanced configuration parameters control how your Mac stores cached Apple and iCloud content. Here's how to change the settings.

Chip Loder | 2 months ago

What's changed in runtime protection for macOS Sequoia

In previous versions of macOS Gatekeeper, Control-click could be used as a launch override for running downloaded apps. Apple has now changed that.

Chip Loder | 2 months ago

How to run apps outside system security policies in macOS Sequoia

Security policies are provided in macOS to restrict which apps can run outside of the usual protective system policies. Here's how macOS Sequoia can override system policies in some cases.

Chip Loder | 2 months ago

How to use macOS's Finder Eject When Finished feature

A handy new feature of macOS Sequoia allows a mounted volume to self-eject once a process copying files from it ends. Here's how to use it.

Chip Loder | 2 months ago

How to use the Finder Erase Disk command in macOS Sequoia

The original Mac let you erase disks right on the Desktop, with the feature returning thanks to macOS Sequoia. Here's how to use it.

Chip Loder | 3 months ago

How to toggle removable and full disk access for apps in macOS Sequoia

Apple provides security features in macOS to give apps access to files on your local storage and removable drives. Here's how to configure them.

Chip Loder | 3 months ago

How to use the new Attachments Browser in Notes for macOS

Apple has added a few new features to the macOS Notes app for adding elements to text. Here's how to use the Notes Attachments Browser.

Chip Loder | 3 months ago

How to use the Show Library Folder option in macOS Sequoia's Finder

Apple has added a new option to Finder's Show View Options window, titled Show Library Folder items. Here's how to find it in macOS Sequoia.

Chip Loder | 3 months ago

How macOS protects your data from malware

Malware is bad software you don't want to encounter, as it can harm your Mac or cause data loss. Here's how to protect against it.

Chip Loder | 3 months ago

How to hide all but your open apps in macOS Dock

The macOS Dock displays apps you add to it or that you run. Here's how to make it display only apps that are currently running on your Mac.

Chip Loder | 3 months ago

How to use AWS CodeBuild to make macOS apps

CodeBuild is an Amazon Web Service tool for automating the building of software. Now you can use it to build macOS and iOS apps.

Chip Loder | 3 months ago

How to use Disk Jockey for retro emulation on your Mac

Disk Jockey is an app that allows you to create disk image files for a variety of retro computers and emulators. Here's how to use it.

Chip Loder | 3 months ago

How to use UTM to run almost any version of macOS -- even very old ones

UTM is a cross-platform emulator that allows you to run macOS, Windows, or Linux. Here's how to use it to run very old versions of Apple's Mac operating system.

Chip Loder | 4 months ago