Take a bite out of Apple. Apple sold 20 million Mac and MacBook units in 2020. MacBooks are among the most popular personal computers because they are effective and long-lasting.
But many people hesitate to buy one. They assume that it is hard to learn how to use a MacBook. That’s far from true.
What distinguishes a MacBook Air from a Pro? What do you need to do to get your computer going? How can you navigate on your computer, including through shortcuts?
Answer these questions and you can make buying a MacBook one of your best decisions. Here is your quick guide.
MacBook Technology
Each type of MacBook is different. The MacBook Air is a lightweight model, but it still holds a lot of memory and processing power. Some MacBook Airs hold more than a dozen hours of battery life, making them good for college students and professionals.
The MacBook Pro contains more memory and storage than the MacBook Air. You can also get professional apps like Logic Pro, which makes it easy to record and mix songs. If you edit videos or podcasts, you should get the Pro.
MacBook technology is compatible with Windows tools. Visit websites like https://setapp.com/ if you are transitioning from Microsoft to Apple.
Visit your nearest Apple Store and spend some time trying out your different options. You can talk to an employee about what you need, including additional tools for processing.
Setting Your Computer Up
After you buy your computer, you need to devote some time to set it up. Go to a place with a strong Internet connection, ideally your house. Write down your Wi-Fi network information, including the name of your particular network.
You should also have your Apple ID username and password. If you’ve forgotten that information, go to Apple’s website to retrieve your details. If you don’t have an Apple ID, you can create one as you set your computer up.
Apple has a Setup Assistant that helps you get through the process. Follow its instructions and don’t panic. If you are not fluent or native in English, you can get instructions in a different language.
You can restore the information off of your previous MacBook. Use the Time Machine app to back up your documents and other materials. This will extend the time it takes to get your computer started, but it will preserve all of your files.
Keep your computer plugged in as you set it up. It takes a lot of power to get everything started.
You can turn on many different functions as you go along. Touch ID lets you start your MacBook using your fingerprints. Apple Pay lets you pay for applications and other things with your credit card.
Navigation
The Dock sits along the bottom of your screen. It contains links to all of your most-used apps and folders. If you don’t like your Dock along the bottom, you can move it to any side of your screen.
The Menu stretches across the top of your screen. It lets you access your system settings and the menu for the app you have open. If you need to view your browser history or open a new window, you will need your Menu.
Your desktop is the background for your computer. You can store files in it for easy access, and you can customize it as you wish. You can have a photograph or artwork be your background, adding a personal touch to your laptop.
Applications
Finder is the most important application on your MacBook. It lets you sort through your data, including your individual folders and applications. You can put files on your iCloud Drive so you can access them on other devices.
System Preferences lets you change how your computer looks and behaves. You can access it through your Menu by clicking on the apple in your upper-left corner. You can disable apps, control how much power your laptop uses, and connect to an exterior mouse.
Safari is Apple’s default Internet browser. Apple designs its computers so Safari requires less energy to use than other browsers. But you can install Google Chrome and others onto your laptop.
Siri is Apple’s virtual assistant. You can enable Siri through System Preferences to respond to your voice. You can search libraries and dictate notes through a voice command.
The Mac App Store lets you buy additional apps. Most people use the App Store to download MacBook software updates. Check it regularly so you can keep your laptop working at maximum capacity.
Shortcuts
There are many MacBook tricks and tips you can follow. If you need to capture your screen, you can use Command+Shift+3 to produce an image. You can then edit the image down using the Preview app.
The trackpad does not contain a typical right-click function. You can enable it in System Preferences. All you then need to do is click on an item while holding the Control key.
Hold down the Command key while pressing C to copy a highlighted text. You can paste the text in a Word document by holding the Command key down while pressing V. Pressing P will not do anything.
How to Use a MacBook
You can master how to use a MacBook. Get a MacBook Air if you want an all-around computer, and get a MacBook Pro if you need editing power.
Follow the Setup Assistant when setting up your laptop. Use the Time Machine app to restore your data and create an Apple ID if you don’t have one.
Use the Doc and Menu to access your apps. Safari lets you surf the Internet while System Preferences affect your computer system. Learn shortcuts for easier navigation.
Keep up to date with the latest Apple technology. Follow our coverage for more computer guides.
