Quick-fire questions
Where can I find Python in Monterey?
> Before macOS 12.3, Python 2.7 has been included in the normal macOS distribution. That changes in 12.3, where it has been removed, and Python 3 has to be installed by the user. Universal installers are available from bit.ly/ mac377python and elsewhere.
How to stop lid opening booting an M1 MacBook Pro?
> Unless Apple provides a new option to allow you to open an M1 notebook without it starting up, there’s no way to do that. Because of this, you mustn’t put anything thicker than the tissue paper used by Apple to cover the keyboard between that and the display, or your Mac may think its lid is opened, and could start up by mistake.
Where to get a standalone updater for 12.2.1?
> Apple doesn’t provide downloadable standalone updaters for any version of Big Sur or Monterey. That’s because updates are now installed quite differently, and can’t use Installer packages like they do in Catalina and earlier. That’s required so the new signed and sealed System volume can be built from them. You can either download and install the update using System Prefs’ Software Update pane, or download the full installer app from the App Store. Full installers will try to connect their new System with any existing Data volume.
How to start up an M1 Mac in Safe mode?
> On M1 Macs, do this through Recovery. If your Mac’s running, shut it down first, leave it a few moments, then start it up while you keep the Power button pressed until it displays that it’s loading Options. When that’s ready, select the disk you want it to boot from in Safe mode, then press and hold the ß key and click Continue in Safe Mode underneath it. Your Mac will then restart in Safe mode.