Mac Setup

MacOS is not as private as Linux but I still believe it is a fine option if you are more comfortable with MacOS, I don’t disapprove of using MacOS but it has to be done correctly. It is no coincidence that we need to block Apple from their own system.

Buying a Mac

When you purchase a Macbook make sure you do it in cash ideally. This is a way to make sure it doesn’t get tracked as you are purchasing it. The ideal strategy is to take out cash a week before to make sure that the cash doesn’t get co-related to the purchase. Any number you need to purchase the device, take the number and put 5% on top of that. This is better than just putting the exact number as you will give away what you bought.

When you have the cash then find a vendor that allows you to delete your data afterwards. In the European Union the law is such that any company that isn’t actively using your data for any purpose must delete it upon request. The rules differs slightly on financial things but no company is allowed to keep your data forever.

If you buy an Apple computer from a place that is not an “Apple Reseller” or an Apple Store. Then you can most likely purchase without all kind of fuss. You need to remember purchasing directly from Apple will tie you to the device, so unless someone else’s name will be on the purchase, I highly encourage you to look at stores that are not affiliated with Apple themselves.

Resetting Mac

ATTENTION: If you have a brand new mac computer skip to the configuration section.

First, create a backup of your iCloud data if you have any, then back up any personal data on your local disk. Once that’s done, proceed with the following steps:

  1. Turn the device completely off.

  2. Hold “Command” and “R” together until the device boots.

  3. Select the user account and enter the password if prompted.

  4. Click on “Utilities” in the menu bar and then select “Startup Security Utility.”

  5. Click on “Turn On Firmware Password.”

  6. Enter a strong password, then click on “Set Password.”

  7. Write down this password within your password manager.

  8. If present, make sure “Secure Boot” is set to “Full Security.”

  9. If present, make sure “Allowed Boot Media” is set to “Disallow…”

  10. Close the window, then click on the Apple menu and choose “Restart.”

  11. When you do your Mac setup, make sure not to create an Apple account!

Post Reboot

  1. Connect your Apple computer to the internet and update:

  2. Open the “System Settings” application.

  3. Click on the “General” option.

  4. Click on the “Transfer or Reset” option.

  5. Click on the “Erase All Content and Settings” button.

  6. Enter your password within the “Erase Assistant.”

  7. Confirm all warnings and allow the process to complete.

Initial Setup

The macOS setup is focused on privacy and security. The first launch may vary, but it typically goes something like this:

  1. Select a language and click the right arrow.

  2. Select a country and click “Continue.”

  3. Click on “Customized Settings.”

  4. Confirm your preferred language.

  5. Confirm a location.

  6. Confirm dictation (there’s no way around this).

  7. Click on “Not Now” for Accessibility options.

  8. If prompted, choose “My computer does not connect to the internet.”

  9. Click “Continue,” and then “Continue” again if requested to connect to the internet.

  10. Click “Continue” for the Data & Privacy notification.

  11. Click “Not Now” for the Migration Assistant.

  12. Click “Set Up Later” to bypass the Apple ID requirement.

  13. Confirm by clicking “Skip.”

  14. Click “Agree” to the Terms and Conditions.

  15. Confirm by clicking “Agree.”

 

Account Creation

After we accepted the terms of service we need to create an account. We will soon make our Mac work without Apple’s services.

  1. Create a local computer account.

    • This should be a generic name, such as “Macbook” or “Computer.”
    • Use a very strong password that you can remember, made up of both numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, and special characters.
    • There is no need to provide a password hint.
    • Click on “Continue” when you are finished.

  2. Do not enable “Location Service” and click “Continue.”

  3. Confirm your choice by clicking “Don’t Use.”

  4. Select your desired time zone and click “Continue.”

  5. Deselect all analytics options and click “Continue.”

  6. Click on “Set Up Later” to bypass “Screen Time” settings.

  7. Disable Siri and click “Continue.”

  8. Choose your desired screen mode and click “Continue.”

After you’re done with these steps, you can take a look at our MacOS Settings guide.

Privacy & Security For All!