What Are Some Things New Mac Owners Should Do Immediately?
What Are Some Things New Mac Owners Should Do Immediately?
Are you a new MacBook user who switched from Windows? Or maybe you have purchased your first laptop and are eager to learn what you can do with it? Regardless, your decision to get a Mac was worth it because these computers are quite reliable. And while doing certain things may seem obvious, there are a few that you might miss as a new user.
Back up Data
Even though MacBooks are quite reliable, there are still problems like power outages and unpredictable cybersecurity threats that could wipe the data on your computer. Backing up your data early is a good piece of advice. In fact, it would be unwise not to take advantage of Time Machine.
You can combine the tool with an external hard drive and back up your data to the device. The first backup may take a while, but the future ones will be shorter since Time Machine backs up modified or new files.
Create an iCloud Account
The odds of you having an iPhone or iPad are pretty high if you have purchased a MacBook. Creating an iCloud account will let you sync Apple devices and share files between them via iCloud.
In case you have only a MacBook, you can still make use of iCloud. The services offer five gigabytes of free storage with an option to extend available space to as much as 2TB for 10 dollars a month.
Use a Second Display
Coming back to owning an iPad, if you have one, make sure to take advantage of the sidecar feature that was introduced in the macOS Catalina. Now, Mac owners can use an iPad as a second display and not rely on just a single computer screen. Be it work or entertainment, having a second display is quite useful.
Study the Help Menu
There is no need to worry if your MacBook does not come with a thick manual. The manual is integrated into the system. In case you run into an issue, you do not have to google for an answer on the internet. Instead, use the Help menu to familiarize yourself with lists of shortcuts and other details about your new computer.
Check the Mac App Store
Use your Apple ID to check the official Mac App Store. This is the go-to place to download software for your laptop. Browse through different categories and decide which of the applications you would like to have.
Keep in mind that Apple needs an ID to distribute app updates. Missing the latest updates, including the ones for the applications, puts the computer at risk because of cybersecurity threats.
Keep Enough Free Space on the Drive
Early on, there should be no problems with having enough drive space on the MacBook. However, you should still be aware that Macs do not have the most spacious drives. If there are only a few gigabytes of free storage, your laptop will struggle to perform optimally.
You might also run into the problem of failing to empty the Trash Bin. Fortunately, the trick for emptying the Trash Bin is quite simple. You can restart the computer, use the cleaner software instead, or force-empty the Bin via Terminal.
As for other problems regarding the drive space, if you run out of free storage, transfer data to clouds or an external HDD. Deleting temporary system junk and other unnecessary files should help as well.
Set up an Email Account
If you rely on multiple email services because you own a few email accounts, connect them with the Mail app. Having access to your emails in a single location is quite convenient because it saves you time. There is no need to check different accounts and waste time logging in and logging out to access your emails.
It is also worth mentioning that the Mail tool is well-integrated with Contacts, Maps, and Calendars applications.
Try Built-in Tools
The official Mac App Store has plenty of great apps to offer, but you should also check some of the tools that are part of the macOS package.
For example, Spotlight lets users find computer files and connect to the internet. The tool also works as a calculator and unit converter. Another software worth giving a shout is iMovie. If you want to do some quick video editing, iMovie has the features you will need.
Customize the Dock
Customizing the Dock may not seem that necessary, but you should still make some changes if you are unhappy with the default setup.
Adding, removing, hiding, or showing applications is one of the possible customizations. You could also relocate the Dock to the right or left corners of the MacBook’s screen.