Some Valuable Tips That New MacBook Owners Ought to Know
If you are becoming a new MacBook owner after years of using the Windows operating system, you might be a bit surprised by how different macOS feels. Sure, like with other UIs, it takes a while to accommodate yourself with certain elements.
Spend as much time as you need to feel like you are comfortable with using the MacBook, and once you are there, you can look to explore other features. Or, create a routine and set it up in a way that allows you to become efficient with a Mac sooner than you expect. For that, here are a couple of things that you should consider.
Back Up Data
It is true that MacBooks have some of the most reliable hardware. Nevertheless, it is still recommended to back up data regularly and give yourself a safety net. After all, it is not just hardware that could potentially lead to data wipes. A natural disaster, you or someone else using the computer deleting files accidentally, and cybersecurity threats are a few examples.
As a Mac user, you can transfer important files to cloud storage on iCloud and access them from your account. Or, as an alternative, you can also combine Time Machine and an external HDD.
Memorize Keyboard Shortcuts
Memorizing keyboard shortcuts is one of the most effective methods to improve efficiency on a computer. When switching from macOS to Windows, remember that the keyboard combinations are a bit different.
The keyboard shortcut list is available on Apple’s support website. However, do not rush to memorize all of them. Instead, figure out which shortcuts are the most necessary for your MacBook use and focus on them.
Customize the Dock
The Dock customization is not necessarily an important thing, but it is still worth your while. For example, you might not be that keen to keep the Dock on the bottom of the screen. If so, relocate it to the left or the right.
Removing or adding app or folder shortcuts is also worth a shout. Quicker access from the Dock will help with the overall efficiency while using the MacBook.
Disable Notifications
Disabling notifications comes with certain disadvantages. For one, you might miss something important, like a new macOS update. Thus, when tinkering with the Notification Center settings, make sure to pay attention to which notifications you are disabling.
Ultimately, not having to deal with notifications improves the overall experience while you are on a computer. A random popup now and may disrupt your workflow.
Check Integrated Tools
While the official Apple app store has quite a few neat applications to consider, you should still check what comes as part of the macOS package first.
If you like to edit videos, iMovie should cover the basics. For music, there is GarageBand. Similar to iPhones, you will also find Siri on your MacBook. Using the digital assistant might feel a bit unusual at first, but once you discover all the great stuff Siri has to offer, you will want to continue.
Spotlight is one of the best tools that you can find on macOS. It converts units, helps you find files, and can send you the latest news, such as recent sports scores. Given how useful the tool is, we can expect Apple will introduce even more features for it in the future.
Find Word Definitions
Switching to a source document such as Wiki or a dictionary each time you encounter an unfamiliar word is quite annoying. Thankfully, macOS has the feature to show you word definitions.
To access the definition, highlight the word and hit the Command + Control + D keyboard shortcut. A popup will give you information on the word as if you were reading it in a dictionary.
Enlarge the Cursor
Enlarging the cursor might not seem like that big of a deal, but you should still know how to use it. For example, you might lose sight of the cursor or find it too small in the first place, which makes it difficult to use the computer.
To solve the issue, wiggle the computer’s mouse back and forth for a bit. Or, if you are on a trackpad instead of a mouse, run one of your fingers back and forth on the trackpad. After doing so, the cursor will grow in size and become more visible.
Manage Drive Storage
The last piece of advice to consider is to be more careful when managing your computer’s drive. Use this piece of helpful text to counter temporary storage and other drive problems.
Also, it is worth noting that your drive management strategy does not have to rely entirely on removing unnecessary files. You can also transfer some of the larger files to external storage devices, such as USB flash drives and external hard drives. Cloud storage is also an option, particularly when the likes of iCloud and Dropbox offer a few gigabytes of storage for free.