• Paul
• On March 22, 2021

Becoming a MacBook owner sounds exciting, particularly if you have been looking to get a new computer or switch to macOS because Windows lost its charm.

However, for someone who has never used a Mac before, the transition may not be as smooth as you expect. There are certain things that make MacBooks a bit different from other computers.

Of course, the more time you spend on the laptop, the more you get accustomed to it. But if you are looking to do so prep work to learn about your new computer before getting a MacBook, this article should be of great help.

Prioritize Updates

Not everyone is willing to install an update when it is available. Besides installation, you also need to wait for an update to finish downloading first. A poor internet connection and a slow computer do not help either.

However, since you will be getting a new MacBook, performance should not be an issue. Therefore, prioritize the updates, so you do not miss out on the latest features. 

Be it something trivial like a microsoft office update, or a new macOS version release. The sooner you install these updates, the sooner you can enjoy an optimal MacBook performance. Also, remember that you can schedule updates in advance, so they download and install while you are not using the computer. 

Learn Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are another obstacle you will have to tackle. The official Apple support site has a list of every keyboard shortcut. If you get lost or become uncertain how to access a certain feature on the MacBook, or even forget a shortcut that you knew, remember that the information is available online.

Some would say that learning keyboard shortcuts are one of the hardest parts of transitioning from Windows to macOS. However, just like you learned relevant shortcuts using a Windows computer, you should not have issues learning them again on a Mac.

Take Care of Notifications

There is a Notification Center in the System Preferences. Navigate there, and you will see a plethora of options that let you customize MacBook notifications.

It comes down to personal preference. Some people like to disable notifications and not get bombarded by random messages that disrupt their workflow. Others do not wish to miss appointments, birthdays, weather changes, or interesting headlines about world events.

The Notification Center is one of the features of macOS, and you should take advantage of it. Similar to learning the other ins and outs of the MacBook, this one will also take some time, but once you figure out how to customize notifications and use them, you will realize how great Notification Center is.

Keep Tabs on the Performance

Despite being reliable, MacBooks are still known to run into performance issues. It helps when you take proper care of the computer, but even then, some problems happen whether you like it or not. 

Creating a solid computer maintenance routine and sticking to it should be enough to avoid serious performance issues. And in case the situation gets out of hand, you have the option to take the MacBook to a service shop and have professionals fix it.

Now as for the maintenance, here are some of the most important things you need to focus on:

• Resource usage: Do not leave too many apps in the background. Keep tabs on the Activity Monitor to figure out which processes require memory, CPU, and other resources the most.
• Drive storage: You may run out of disk space sooner than you expect. Delete unnecessary junk like temporary storage, old downloads, and applications. Also, transfer some of your files to clouds or an external hard drive.
• Dust inside: The filth that accumulates inside causes overheating and loud fan noise. Do not wait for the problem to snowball. In case you are afraid to take the laptop apart yourself to clean it thoroughly, ask someone with experience to do it for you.
• Desktop clutter: Keeping documents and app shortcuts on the Desktop may seem more convenient, but a cluttered desktop is one of the most common reasons why a computer slows down. 
• Startup items: Do not have random applications in the startup item. Restarting the MacBook becomes too much of a bother if you need to wait for apps to load each time you boot the computer. In addition, each startup app slows down the overall performance of your Mac.

Use Available Apps

Available MacBook applications are one of the biggest advantages that Apple computers have over Windows. Besides built in-tools like Spotlight or Time Machine, you have a plethora of options available on the official App Store.

Check through different categories for top applications. Even if you are a picky person, you should still be able to find a few apps that can improve your MacBook experience.