If you’ve spent the better part of your life using a Windows laptop, switching to a MacBook can be quite the adjustment. However, you shouldn’t worry as Macs are more user-friendly compared to Windows PCs.
In this comprehensive guide, we discuss all the basics to help you learn how to use a Mac. From setting up your device to finding your favorite apps, we’ve got you covered.
Accessing the Applications Folder on Mac
Your Applications folder is home to all the applications that make your computer a valuable tool.
Here are the several ways to easily locate apps on your Mac:
Using Finder
Step 1: Click the Finder App: The app resembles a white and blue face, and you’ll find it in your Dock. However, if Finder is hidden from your Dock, click anywhere on your desktop to make it the active app in the menu bar found on your screen’s top-left corner. Next, select New Finder Window by clicking File.
Step 2: Click on ‘Applications’ in the left sidebar.
Using Go Menu
At the top of your Mac, click on ‘Go’ and select ‘Applications’ in the dropdown menu. The shortcut procedure for this is Shift + Command + A.
Using Spotlight
Press Command + Spacebar, type ‘Applications’, and then choose the result that appears on the screen.
For more information on accessing the Applications folder, visit this website.
Setting Up Your MacBook
Setting up your Mac only takes about 20 minutes, and the best part is that you will have instructions to guide you every step of the way. The first thing you need to do is remove your device from the box before connecting the power cable and any necessary peripherals such as pointing devices and keyboards. Next, hit the power button. Once your screen displays Apple’s trademark logo, it is time to start setting up your computer.
The next step is to connect it to WiFi, set up an Apple ID for iTunes, iCloud and the App Store. If you do not have an Apple ID, it is time to create one. Once the initial setup is done, your Mac will restart, and you’ll see a desktop with a row of icons at the bottom of the screen.
What Operating System Does Mac Use?
Mac utilizes macOS, a user-friendly system perfect for anyone looking for seamless integration on a fast and reliable device. Like most other desktop operating systems, macOS stores files on a desktop which serves as a temporary workspace. When linked to your MacBook, mounted disk images, hard disks, and external devices will be displayed here. You can drag to reorganize your desktop or right-click to create folders.
Locating Your Favorite Apps
Unleash the potential of your MacBook by exploring apps that are in alignment with your lifestyle and make your computing life convenient.
Some of the best apps for beginners include:
- Safari: This is macOS’s default web browser. It is secure, easy to use, and fast.
- Mail: This is the email app within macOS. It’s a fantastic way to stay in touch with family and friends.
- Page: Page is a word-processing app used for the creation of documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
- Numbers: A spreadsheet app ideal for budget creation, expense tracking and data analysis.
- Keynote: A presentation app perfect for creating presentations and slideshows.
What Is the Dock?
The closest thing macOS has to a Windows Start menu is the dock. It is separated into two sections: pinned folders or minimized windows and application shortcuts. You can click on ‘Dock’ under the ‘System Preferences’ dropdown menu to organize the dock to appear along the right, left, or bottom edges of the screen.
To launch pinned apps, click on them. While your device is in use, unpinned apps will also be displayed on the dock. You can drag apps to alter their order, and you can right-click any icon to choose whether to retain it in the dock.