Introduction
Using a new operating system seems difficult at first, but as you continue to use it, you become familiar. And believe it, exploring and getting used to the new features and functions won’t take more than a couple of weeks.
Typically, users switch from Windows to macOS, and that’s where the challenge begins. Using macOS is an entirely new experience, no matter how acquainted you are with Windows. Sooner or later, you will get into the habit of using new features.
If you’re a new Mac user and looking for easy ways to become familiar with the operating system, you are on the right page. In this article, you will learn some potential ways to explore your new Mac like a pro.
Searching Apps and Programs Quickly
After switching to Mac from Windows, you must be among the thousands of users who find it difficult to find apps quickly. There’s no Windows key or alt button on a Mac to help you search for the app or other programs you want to work in quickly.
Well, Spotlight search is your new Windows key. Press Command + Space keys and a Spotlight window will appear. You can find anything and everything using Spotlight. Not just that, you can use it to do calculations and conversions or search the web.
Plus, there’s a Launchpad that can simplify your search in many different ways. To view all the applications together in one single window, click on the Launchpad icon displayed next to the Finder window. Open, click, move, or organize files easily in Launchpad.
Creating & Signing in to Apple ID
After buying a Mac, the first thing that you should do is create an Apple ID account if you don’t have one. If you already have an Apple ID, log in to your account to get started with macOS features. As a new user, you might want to download the latest Mac apps.
Your Apple ID account will enable you to download apps from the App Store. To create an Apple ID, go to System Settings by clicking the Apple logo. Click Sign in with your Apple ID option available in the left pane.
If you don’t have an Apple ID, click on the Create Apple ID option available in the bottom left section of the window and follow the on-screen prompt carefully. If you already have one, type in your email address and Click Next to sign in to your account.
Installing Apps Outside the Apple App Store
Mac gives you the best security features you can get on any operating system. Mac App is the safest place where you can download apps from. You may not find all popular apps in the App Store, which can compel you to download them from outside the App Store.
For example, you will need to visit the Google website to download Google Chrome on your Mac. Sometimes, you need to tweak your Mac settings to download third-party apps. Otherwise, macOS will block the app download with a warning message.
To download external apps:
- Click on the Apple logo on the menu bar and navigate to System Settings.
- Tap on Privacy & Security and scroll down to get to Security.
- Select Open Anyway.
- Read the terms of use carefully when downloading a third-party app.
Disabling Unnecessary Apps and Programs
Do you know your MacBook is running a dozen unnecessary programs in the backend without you even realizing it? These programs not only consume system resources but keep the device from performing faster.
A lot of login programs activate as soon as your system boots. Some of these programs are heavy-load, so they are productivity hogs. Deactivating them is the only way to resume and maintain your system performance. Follow the below steps to delete the login items.
Go to the Apple menu, click System Settings, tap the General option available in the sidebar, and select Login Items displayed in the right section of the window. Identify items displayed in the Open at Login list, select ones no longer needed, and click the Remove button.
Using the Trackpad
One of the most challenging features of buying and using the MacBook is the Trackpad, as it’s hard to understand how it works. Many users feel becoming familiar with the Trackpad is more challenging than learning the MacBook tips.
Sometimes, the Trackpad doesn’t seem to work when you click it or tap it several times. Moreover, users also find difficulty using Trackpad as they feel it scrolls in the wrong direction when they use it to browse the web or a homepage.
To use the Trackpad effectively:
- Enable Tap to Click to trigger a click on tapping the device.
- Toggle the Natural Scrolling feature and use a Secondary click to enable the right-click option.
- Disable the Swipe between pages to prevent going back accidentally.