All Modules / Module 10 / Lesson 6 of 6

Backup helpers

3 minute read

Quick System Checks

A few commands to check on your Mac's status.

Disk Space

1

See disk usage in human-readable format:

df -h

df = "disk free." The -h flag makes sizes human-readable (GB instead of bytes).

2

See what's using space in current folder:

du -sh *

du = "disk usage." -s gives a summary (not every subfolder). -h makes it human-readable. * means all items in the current folder.

System Info

1

See macOS version:

sw_vers

sw_vers = "software version." Shows your macOS version, build number, and name.

2

See your IP address:

ipconfig getifaddr en0

ipconfig manages network settings. getifaddr = "get interface address." en0 is your primary network connection (usually Wi-Fi). If this shows nothing, try en1 instead.

Key Takeaway

df -h shows disk space, du -sh * shows folder sizes. Quick ways to see where your space is going.