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One of the main advantages of MacBook customization is simplicity. You don’t have to install a new operating system, search for drivers, or buy additional licenses. Just open the lid, select the settings you want, and start working. But there are still some nuances. Let’s talk about how to activate your MacBook, personalize it, and keep it running efficiently.
How to Use a MacBook Right After Turning It On?
The MacBook Air M3 and any other model start loading immediately after opening the lid (by the way, have you noticed how convenient it is to lift it with one hand?). After that, the system will give you important options to activate the laptop one by one:
- Language and region selection — first choose your interface language and location — this will affect the time format, currency, keyboard, and availability of some applications and features.
- Special options — review the various options available for general access and select the correct ones if necessary.
- Wi-Fi — find a network from the list, enter a password, and wait for connection.
- Data and privacy — Information about how Apple handles personal data will appear on the screen. Read it and keep setting it up.
- Data transfer — Migration Assistant will help you transport files from another laptop (macOS or Windows).
- Apple ID — enter your account information or register (it only takes a couple of minutes).
- Create a user profile — make up a username and strong password, and add a hint if you wish.
Once you’ve done that, basic settings appear on your MacBook Pro M1 or other model. You can accept what the defaults are or change them manually. System settings on your MacBook can also be changed later.
How to Customize the Interface?
The Apple ecosystem is now open to you, and your laptop is ready for use. To make all the actions convenient, personalize the interface. First of all, deal with the Dock, the panel at the bottom. This is where the applications you use most often go. Through the menu “Desktop and Dock” in the settings, you can change the panel location, size, and icon specifics. More details about this are described in the Apple Manual.
What you can configure first:
- notifications — choose which applications can send messages and in which format;
- widgets — set up small versions of apps on the desktop or in the sidebar;
- menu bar — in the “Control Center”, select the icons that will be visible in the top right corner.
Under “Wallpaper” and “Screen Saver”, you can customize the desktop visuals. And to make your work more comfortable, change the response and speed of the trackpad and mouse. Other settings depend on your preferences and the specifics of the model. For example, the MacBook Pro M2 has a Touch Bar that you can adjust.
MacBook Setup Effectively: How Not to Make Your Laptop a Tortoise
If not handled properly, even the most productive laptop (such as the MacBook Pro M4) can freeze up. To avoid such moments, check the storage (General menu). Here you can, from time to time, look at what and how much fills the memory of the gadget and optimize the space.
We recommend making a habit of deleting unnecessary files. For example, once a month, examine the folder contents through the Finder and remove unnecessary ones. And optionally, set up auto-delete from the trash.
Another way to reduce the load on your MacBook Air M4 or other model is to connect to iCloud. Cloud storage unloads the laptop, and you don’t lose important files. In the settings, you can change the free plan (5 GB available) to a paid plan to expand the space — it costs from $0.99.
Easy Automation and Useful Apps
Apple creates a multipurpose space, and you customize it for yourself. Configure hotkeys, gestures, and auto-correct for easy text input. For example, you can use straight quotes instead of angle quotes and an en dash instead of an em dash. You can set the option to write “Good morning” when you type “GM”. You can also switch the font size in the system settings (Display).
The laptop already has some really interesting applications installed on it. For example, in Freeform, you can take notes and keep ideas in a free format. You can work with documents in Pages, presentations in Keynote, and spreadsheets in Numbers. For safety, it’s best to download additional apps via the App Store. Such as:
- Notion Web Clipper for a unique workspace;
- Flow for time management;
- Microsoft 365 for office tasks;
- MacPass for key storage.
For illustrations, you can choose Procreate, which is only available on Apple devices.
How to Use MacBook to the Max: Summary
To keep your MacBook Pro M3 or any other model running smoothly, back up using iCloud settings (to save files), activate FileVault encryption in the Privacy and Security menu (to protect your data), update the system, and clean up memory. Set a password and Touch ID. Avoid laptop overheating: don’t leave it charging in the sun, and don’t place it on a soft surface during intensive CPU loads.
If you don’t want to configure everything manually, come to iSpace — our Apple Competence Center in Uzbekistan can help with any issues. You can also choose laptop accessories on the website or in the physical store: cases, cables, mice, and others. Free delivery is available across the country.
More on the topic:
Smooth gameplay and clear picture: which MacBooks will gamers appreciate
Apple has introduced the MacBook Pro based on the M4 family of chips
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