Do you have a new MacBook? 5 must-have steps to set it up that every user should know about
You've bought a new MacBook and you love it. You love everything about it: the way it looks, the bright light, and the comfortable keys. However, you wonder what to do next and how to set it up for work.
Fox News has come to your rescue and published a detailed article on how to get started with MacBook. Here are 5 first steps that every user of these devices needs to know about.
MacBook ports
It's best to start with an overview of MacBook ports.
Depending on the Mac model, you may have several types of input: USB-C, Thunderbolt, or HDMI. Knowing how to use them makes life much easier when you need to charge or connect something.
- USB-C is the universal port that predominates in newer Macs. It provides charging, data transfer, and video output. What's the best part? This port is two-way and has become a standard on the latest iPhones.
- Thunderbolt: Similar to USB-C, but with higher data transfer speeds. It's ideal for high-resolution displays and is labeled with a lightning bolt symbol. This connector is also used to charge your Mac.
- HDMI: Used to connect your Mac to a TV. Most often found on older models.
- USB-A: A traditional USB port. Although newer Macs use USB-C, this classic port is still found on older models and many devices.
Turning on and setting up
When you turn on your Mac and see the screen light up, you can start setting up your device.
Choose the language you're most comfortable with.
Set up the location by selecting your region. This is the key point. This is how you set the local time zone on your Mac. This setting also creates date, time, and currency formats, personalizing your experience to your location and ensuring that you work to regional standards.
Finally, set up Wi-Fi. This will take you to the network. Select a network from the list of active ones, enter your password, and you're connected.
Apple ID: the key to unlocking your MacBook's potential
Apple ID is the link that connects your Mac to the Apple universe and keeps all your devices and their content in sync.
When you turn on your Apple ID, you also get access to iCloud, the cloud storage that keeps your files, photos, and more safe and secure.
And if you don't have an Apple ID, don't worry - it's easy to create one. When you set up your MacBook for the first time, it will prompt you to do so. Just follow the instructions and you'll be up and running in a few minutes.
Essentially, an Apple ID is a digital passport that allows you to access all of Apple's services and keeps all of your devices running smoothly. It's also a way to protect your account and personal information with two-factor authentication and phishing alerts.
With an Apple ID, you can also share your purchases or subscriptions with family members using Family Sharing.
Time Machine: A safety net for your files
What is it? Time Machine regularly backs up your entire system. If you accidentally delete an important presentation or vacation photos, it will bring them back to you when they were still there.
Getting started is easy: all you need is an external hard drive. Plug it into your Mac and you'll be asked if you want to use it for Time Machine. Answer yes, and from that moment on, it will save data regularly, without your input. If you don't see the prompt, you can go to System Preferences, select Time Machine, and manually select the disk.
What does a working Time Machine give the user? A sense of security. Regardless of whether there is a problem in the system or just a human error, knowing that there is a backup plan (literally) will save you from worrying.
To restore files using Time Machine, simply click the corresponding icon, select the desired backup on the visual timeline, and click the "Restore" button. It's a quick solution to eliminate the consequences of accidental deletion.
In short, Time Machine is a reliable assistant that every Mac user should get to know. It works in the background, making sure that none of your memories or important files are ever lost.
Customize your workspace and apps
Personalize your Mac. Get started by replacing the default wallpaper with one you like.
The Dock is your command center. Resize it to your liking and keep the apps you need at your fingertips. Arrange your apps to keep everything in its place.
The main default Mac apps and features are Safari, Mail, Messages, FaceTime, Photos, Music, Podcasts, TV, News, Books, Notes, Reminders, Calendar, Maps, Siri, and Spotlight, and you can find them all in the Applications folder, the Launcher, the Dock, or the menu bar.
You can also visit the Mac App Store. Here you'll find everything from handy widgets to make your work easier to addictive games to fill your free time.