Congratulations on getting yourself a brand-new Mac.
Now, if you want to ensure that you can use the device to its fullest potential, this article aims to highlight some of the most useful skills you’ll need to know. So, why not dive right in and start learning?
Mastering the Interface
If you’re an adult and this, chances are you’ve been using Windows primarily for any interactions that you’ve had with a computer. That means there will be some difference between what you’re used to and what you’ll get with a Mac. That isn’t a problem, of course, but it’s good to set your expectations when you’re going into a new experience.
The first thing is, of course, that all Macs are going to be running on macOS rather than Windows. That’s pretty obvious, but using a different operating system means that Macs are completely different beasts from what you’re used to.
For example, there is no start menu on a Mac, which means your entire navigation experience will be different immediately. You’ll need to get used to The Dock, which is a bar running along the bottom of your screen with icons for the apps you’ve installed. You can add, remove, and rearrange these icons however you like, but this Dock (alongside Spotlight) will be your machine’s main navigation tool.
If you want to learn more about the interface, you can find plenty of detailed guides online, and you would be smart to spend some time going through one. After all, navigating your machine is going to be an important part of using your new Mac – you’ll need to know how to do things like use your keyboard shortcuts, and how to force quit on a Mac if you need to.
Using Your Apps
Of course, because macOS is so specific to Apple products, there are plenty of software tools that you can only use with a machine that runs on macOS. So, given that this is your first Mac product, you’ll want to learn how to use these applications and the benefits they provide.
Fortunately, the vast medications are made to be user-friendly, which means that you aren’t going to have too much issue getting to grips with them. However, it is still very much worth spending some time in each application and learning what they are and how they are used so that you know what you have available to you.
Third-Party Tools
Finally, now that you have a handle on using your Mac, you’ll probably also have a better idea of any issues you might have with your machine. Normal to have issues like these. One device is going to fit the needs and desires of every single user. That is where third-party applications can help bridge the gap.
These third-party tools can help improve your device’s functionality in a way that makes it better for you personally. For example, if you don’t like the lack of a start menu on your machine, you might want to engage with a third-party app like this, which can bring it to your machine.
These tools provide an important service to Mac users: the option to customize your interface in a way that suits you. Just ensure you are careful when engaging with tools like these and read any documentation thoroughly BEFORE installing the applications.
