So you just purchased a new MacBook and are not too familiar with what the computer has to offer and how to set it up.
The feeling should be quite familiar if you had a computer before. It takes a while to download and install software, access various accounts, make sure that the computer is performing optimally, and so on.
To help you get started, here are some suggestions that new MacBook owners should use and ready their laptops for use.
Memorize Keyboard Shortcuts
You should be fine for the most part while navigating through the MacBook’s menus without using keyboard shortcuts. However, there are some sequences worth memorizing. For instance, Option + Command + Delete can help you clean “other” storage and other unnecessary MacBook files permanently without bothering with the Trash Bin.
Shift + Command + 4 or 3 takes screenshots, and Command + T opens a new tab. You can find the entire list on the official Apple support website. Also, keep in mind that most applications have separate keyboard shortcuts as well.
Customize Dock
The bar of icons at the bottom of the screen is called the Dock. You can find Safari, Mail, and other built-in tools there.
As expected, Mac users can customize the Dock by adding or removing applications. If you prefer, you can also move the bar to the left or right instead of the bottom of the MacBook’s screen.
The possibilities are not endless, but you are free to customize the tab to your liking. And remember that the Dock icons are not the applications or tools themselves, but rather shortcuts. Removing a shortcut from the Dock will not delete it from the system.
Learn Spotlight
Spotlight is one of the tools that come with macOS. You can use it to find documents, apps, and other apps. Besides, Spotlight can also be used together with Wikipedia and news sites, meaning that you can read articles directly on Spotlight rather than opening these websites on an internet browser.
Spotlight also works as a calculator and unit converter. The sooner you get in the habit of using this flexible tool, the sooner you will get the most out of your MacBook productivity-wise.
Set up Email Accounts
If you are still using Gmail or other similar services, forget about those and set up your email account on the MacBook’s Mail application. Doing so will let you connect different email profiles and make email checking more convenient because you will not have to jump from one email service to another. All your mail will be available in a single place.
Check Out the Official App Store
While there are plenty of great integrated tools on the MacBook, those may not be enough to satisfy your needs. If you are looking for entertainment, education, lifestyle, or other categories to kill some time, then the official App Store is the place to be.
You can download plenty of great apps, most of which are free, and enjoy them. Also, remember to install app updates as soon as you notice that they are out. Running the latest version will provide security and optimal performance.
Familiarize Yourself With the Help Menu
There is no need to bother with a physical manual copy when you can find one inside the MacBook. Many Mac users overlook the Help menu because they are not even aware of its existence.
You may not have problems figuring out the operating system yourself, but in case you get stuck and become uncertain of what to do on the MacBook, access the Help menu, and you should find an answer there.
Helpful tips, shortcuts, and step-by-step guides make the menu quite useful. Not to mention that most of the information comes with visual cues that make it even easier to figure out what you should do.
Sync iCloud Account With the Mac
Connecting to iCloud is worth it because you get five gigabytes of free storage. Since Macs are known for their lackluster drive space, your MacBook’s drive may run out of free space. It may not seem like much, but those five gigabytes of cloud storage could be quite useful.
It is also worth mentioning that you can upgrade the iCloud storage by paying a monthly fee. A dollar will get you 50 gigabytes, three dollars are worth 200 gigabytes, and ten dollars per month would give access to 2 terabytes of total iCloud storage.
Use Time Machine to Back up Data
Combining Time Machine with an external hard drive allows you to create data backups. Despite the fact that MacBooks have reliable hardware and are not that prone to cybersecurity threats like malware, it would still be worth your while to make a file copy for some peace of mind.
A dynamic and multifaceted professional developer who has made significant strides in the Android industry. As a pivotal member of the Milagro Mobile Marketing team, Vinh’s journey is a testament to the power of education, experience, and unwavering passion for mobile technology.