Introducing the MacAdmins Definitive Resource Directory
One of the greatest difficulties I found when I began my career as a Mac Systems Administrator was not learning the technology or the tools, but rather finding out where I should be looking. The MacAdmins community holds a vast amount of information and resources, however, due to the sheer volume and the fact that there is so much spread around the web, it can become quite intimidating, especially for newbies.
This is why I decided to create the MacAdmins Definitive Resource Directory: https://github.com/maccy10/definitivemacadmins
Reasons for Building This Project
Of course, there are already other very good, curated collections of links, and it would be unfair not to mention the projects that inspired this one:
* Community is Valuable: A List of My Favourite Community Resources: https://community.jamf.com/tech-thoughts-180/community-is-valuable-a-list-of-my-favorite-community-resources-53430
* https://github.com/JordyThery/bookmarks
Jordy's bookmarks list was particularly recommended to me and is indeed an excellent resource. However, I also wished to pay homage to some of the older and equally good collections, like the ones from the old Jamf Heroes section and the defunct macadmins.info website.
What Makes This List Unique
Simple really - to create a solid starting point for all MacAdmins regardless of experience.
The directory structure itself is based on the way I learn and research:
- News & Aggregators — The best sources for the latest Apple-related news that could affect system administrators.
- Apple Related — Official Apple articles and documentation for quick reference.
- Blogs & Articles — Curated posts from leading MacAdmins and community experts.
- Tools, Utilities & Scripts — Practical tools and scripts you can implement immediately.
- Learning & Documentation — Whitepapers, guides, and scripting references for deeper study.
- Security & Compliance — Resources focused on securing Apple devices and meeting compliance requirements.
- Communities, User Groups & Social — An expanding list of user groups, forums, and social channels for peer support.
- Reddit — The most useful subreddits and Reddit threads for troubleshooting and discussion.
- Jamf Specific — Jamf-focused resources, microsites, and community content.
- Podcasts — Essential shows every MacAdmin should follow.
- Conferences & Videos — Recorded talks and conference sessions for learning by watching.
- Miscellaneous & RSS Feeds — Useful feeds to add to your favourite RSS reader.
- YouTube and Video Channels — The best conference recordings and instructional video channels.
And as for me, watching and going through all the conference talks and recorded sessions is the best way to learn about best practices and discover recommended tools.
I even gave a talk at JNUC; I’m not a confident speaker, but stepping out of my comfort zone helped me learn a lot. I absorb workflows far better by watching demonstrations than by just reading. Watch the talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEp5ji-ARCU
For Everybody
I am not an expert by any means. And this project isn't aimed to provide a "perfect" list of everything.
* For beginners – I hope this will give a good starting point.
* For seasoned MacAdmins – this could serve as a quick reference guide or even inspire you with some new discoveries.
How Can You Help?
This is not intended to be a static list. I would love this project to evolve into an active community project that continues to grow.
If you are aware of a resource that needs to be included:
* Create a pull request on GitHub
* Contact me on Slack or LinkedIn (Mark Mahabir or https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmahabir/)
And I will make sure that it gets added.
I am also genuinely curious to learn about: what are your favourite MacAdmins resources? Please let me know whether it’s a blog, tool, scripts repository or conference.
Conclusion
The MacAdmins community is undoubtedly one of the best and most knowledgeable communities around. This list is a humble effort on my part to contribute to spreading knowledge within the community, particularly for new members.
As long as it helps at least one person navigate their way better, it serves its purpose!
