Macs are aesthetically designed, user-friendly, and optimized for handling simple to complex tasks. But when you are a new user, it may take you a while to find your way around the system. Also, if you switch from a different OS environment to macOS, you may initially feel a bit overwhelmed.
This guide is mainly created for new Mac users to find their way and learn new things as they move from there.
Create new Profiles for Different Users
This tip is unnecessary if you are the sole user of your Mac. But if multiple users exist, it is best to have separate accounts. After all, you may not be comfortable sharing everything with other users.
Learning how to create a new profile on Mac will be helpful in this situation.
On your Mac, you can create three types of accounts – Administrator, Sharing Only, and standard. For creating a new user, click System Preferences > Users & Groups > click the lock button at the bottom-left corner to allow you to make changes > enter your admin password to proceed > click the plus icon to add a new user > choose the type of account you want to create > add the user’s full name and personalize the account name, add a password and also a hint > click Create User.
Learn and Customize Keyboard Shortcuts
Command + C, Command + X, and Command + V are keyboard shortcuts you might be familiar with. But if you are a new Mac user, that’s all you may know, and you fumble with the rest.
Memorizing keyboard shortcuts is one of the best ways to use your device faster. For instance, you can take screenshots by pressing Command + Option + 3, open Spotlight by pressing Command + Spacebar, force quit applications by pressing Option + Command + Escape, and open a new tab by pressing Command + T. You can learn all the shortcuts by going to the official Apple website.
If you want to customize the keyboard shortcuts, choose Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > App Shortcuts > Add button > Create keyboard shortcuts.
Remove the Pre-Installed Apps you don’t need
Macs come with many pre-installed applications, and you may not need most of them. These apps take up space and may get in the way of installing other items required to finish your tasks.
You must scroll through the app list to delete the ones you don’t need. For instance, if you are not a movie maker, you might not require iMovie. You may not even need GarageBand or Keynote.
You can remove the apps by clicking Applications and dragging the applications you don’t need to the bin.
Sign Documents
If you ever need to return official documents with your signature, you can sign them digitally and add your signature on your Mac using Preview.
Open the document you want to sign within the Preview app and click the pen icon. Then, click the signature icon.
You can sign using the touchpad or webcam to take a picture of your signature.
If you use the camera, sign on the paper and click Camera. Then, hold that paper up to Mac’s webcam and capture the signature. Select Done if you are happy with it and save it.
Click the Signature icon to sign the document, and then click your signature and insert it into the document. You can resize it according to your requirements.
Run Windows on your Mac
Yes, you can run Windows on your Mac, and it is genuinely not a big deal.
On your Mac, go to the Applications folder > click Utilities > select Boot Camp (if you are running Ventura, it will be called Boot Camp Assistant).
Boot Camp will partition your hard drive, and you can choose how to split the ratio. Select Partition to start the process. Your Mac will restart and ask for a Windows installation CD. Choose one of the partitioned sections to install Windows.
Once the process is complete, your Mac will boot into Windows for the first time. Then, you can hold the Option key and choose between macOS or Windows. However, you cannot swap between the two operating systems on the fly. You must ensure to choose the right option when your device is booting up, or you have to restart your system to switch.
In addition, you must always remember to back up your Mac. You can back it up using an external drive and Time Machine (click the Apple logo > Settings > Time Machine). Alternatively, upload your essential data to iCloud and make it available across your Apple devices.
In summary
So, do you feel ready to start using your new Mac device? These tips will get you started, but you must not stop exploring more ways to make your Mac work for you or discover new features that Apple keeps adding with every new update.
