Lesson 25—Manage Host Sharing and Personal Firewall

Question 1

Which sharing services does macOS Big Sur include?

Answer 1

macOS Big Sur includes these sharing services:
• Screen Sharing
• File Sharing
• Media Sharing 
• Printer Sharing 
• Remote Login 
• Remote Management (ARD)
• Remote Apple Events
• Bluetooth Sharing 
• Internet Sharing 
• Content Caching

Question 2

What is content caching?

Answer 2

Content caching helps reduce internet bandwidth usage and speed up software installation and iCloud
content sharing on Mac computers, iOS and iPadOS devices, and Apple TV devices.

Question 3

Which app can provide on-demand screen sharing even when the Screen Sharing service isn’t
enabled?

Answer 3

Messages provides on-demand screen sharing that you can use when the system Screen Sharing
service isn’t turned on.

Question 4

Which network service or services does Screen Sharing need in macOS Big Sur?

Answer 4

In macOS Big Sur, Messages screen sharing uses iMessage. Users on both Mac computers must sign in
to iCloud.

Question 5

What’s AirDrop?

Answer 5

AirDrop provides a quick and easy way to share files within local Wi-Fi and Bluetooth range. AirDrop
creates a secure peer-to-peer network between local devices.

Question 6

What options are available for AirDrop discoverability on macOS Big Sur?

Answer 6

To change AirDrop discoverability on macOS Big Sur, click “Allow me to be discovered by” at the bottom
of the AirDrop interface and choose No One, Contacts Only (only users in your Contacts), or Everyone.

Question 7

What are the firewall settings in macOS Big Sur?

Answer 7

In macOS Big Sur, the firewall settings are as follows:
• Block all incoming connections.
• Automatically allow built-in software to receive incoming connections.
• Automatically allow downloaded signed software to receive incoming connections.
• Enable stealth mode.

Question 8

How does enabling stealth mode affect the way your Mac communicates with other hosts? How does
blocking all incoming connections affect it?

Answer 8

When stealth mode is enabled, your Mac doesn’t respond to unauthorized network connections,
including network diagnostic protocols like ping, traceroute, and port scan. Your Mac still responds to
other allowed services, including Bonjour, which announces your Mac computer’s presence and
prevents your Mac from being hidden on the network. When you block all incoming connections, your
Mac won’t respond to incoming network connections except for those required for basic network
services or established connections, such as those needed to browse the web or check email. This
setting prevents shared services or apps hosted on your Mac from working remotely.