Top 5 Tips for New Mac Users
Did you know that there are more than 100 million active Mac computers in the world? Mac computers have always been popular. But these days, it seems that they have taken on a somewhat cult-like status.
People love Mac computers for a variety of reasons. They are easy to use, sleek, and rarely get viruses. However, if you are new to Macs, then you might not be aware of all that the computer has to offer.
In this article, we compiled some of the top tips for new Mac users that you need to know about. So keep on reading and we will take you through everything that you will want to know!
1. Do Unit Conversions in Spotlight
Spotlight is a great feature. And a lot of people already seem to know that you can do basic calculations with the tool. However, if you have macOS High Sierra or later, you can now do even more than just basic math.
Now, you have the ability to convert units too. For example, you can convert grams to pounds with ease. You can even type in the number and the unit and the computer will suggest a variety of conversions that could be helpful to you.
If you type in the dollar sign and an amount, it will immediately tell you all kinds of currency conversions.
2. Talk to and Listen to the Mac
Before Apple launched macOS Sierra way back in 2016, the Mac had a great feature called dictation. I was able to listen to you and even talk back a bit. However, its abilities have greatly improved ever since Apple brought the beloved Siri feature to the Mac computer.
If you want to access Siri, just click the Siri icon on your Menu Bar or the dock. You can also hold down Space and Command keys for several seconds. Once you do this, Siri is going to act just like the Siri that you know and love from the iPhone.
If you have a newer Mac computer, such as the 2018 MacBook Pro, you can simply say “Hey Siri.” This version of Siri is also going to be a lot more helpful.
Of course, you can ask Siri the standard questions. For example, she can tell you who is playing tonight’s game or she’ll let you know what the weather is like. However, Siri on macOS Mojave and later can turn on your Bluetooth or WiFi.
In fact, Siri can even pull up specific documents that are stored on your computer. Based on what you tell Siri about the file, she can open up whatever you want. Even better, she can launch applications for you and even play specific songs on iTunes.
Just press the Space and Command keys and you’re good to go!
3. Run Windows
If you are new to Mac, then that probably means that you are used to running your computer on a Windows operating system. Switching from one system to another can be challenging and even overwhelming.
It might help you transition to your new computer by running Windows on it. It can also be helpful to do this if you need to open a certain program that is only compatible with the Windows operating system.
One thing you can do is run Windows alongside the mac software by using a virtualization application. You can also partition your hard drive. This will allow you to install Windows and run it on your hardware using Boot Camp Assistant.
You can find the Boot Camp Assistant in your Utilities folder.
4. Take Screenshots of Any Size
Taking screenshots on a Windows system can be very frustrating. You need to use things like Snipping Tools and other obscure features. And some keyboards aren’t even compatible with these kinds of shortcuts.
With a Mac, it couldn’t be easier to take a screenshot. If you want to capture the entire screen, then just press Command + Shift + 3. The screenshot is then going to be saved on your desktop.
Want to just take a picture of a portion of your screen? Not a problem! All you need to do is hold down Command + Shift + 4.
Once you do that, you just need to drag your cursor over the area that you want to take a picture of.
If you happen to have macOS Cataline or Mojave, then a preview of your screenshot will show up on the bottom corner of your screen every time you take a screenshot.
You can click on that preview and it will bring you to a markup window. You can then add notes and make other edits and then save the screenshot.
This is an extremely helpful feature when it comes to productivity.
5. Reset PRAM/NVRAM and SMC
While Macs tend to be free of problems, they aren’t perfect. Thankfully, you can reset PRAM/NVRAM and SMC to get your Mac going again. Make sure to check out SetApp to learn more about this helpful feature.
The Importance of Knowing These Tips for New Mac Users
Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now have a better idea of what the top tips for new Mac users are. As we can see, these tips can make you more efficient and productive. They will also help you get the most out of your computer.
Are you looking for other helpful tech articles? Make sure to check out the rest of our site today for more!
