Just bought my first Mac…any tips and tricks for it?

[nintendoswitch]

I just bought my first Mac (M1 air) on Tuesday. It arrives on Monday and since I have time decided to make this thread. So as I said, it’s my first Mac (switching from windows 11 laptop), and I’m not sure how switching to a new operating system is like, so I don’t want to have to discover features myself. That said, does anyone have any tips on using a Mac? Here’s what I’m planning on using it for:

school (taking notes, doing lessons)
productivity (digital art with iPad and Mac, programming, creating presentations for fun)
gaming
facetime (with friends and family)

also, Is It possible to download iOS apps on Mac? I heard of this before in November 2020, but I’m too lazy to figure it out myself.

thanks!

 

[Juicy Box]

You can search for iPhone and iPad apps on the Mac App Store.

Not all iOS apps are in there, as I think the developer can ask to remove them from the Mac App Store

As for tips, have a back up of your data.

Gaming on the M1 MBA can be tricky as it has passive cooling (no fan). If you do any long term, intense gaming, there could be some throttling. There are some cooling mods you can do if this impacts your performance, such as the thermal pad mod. Look it up online.

 

[jz0309]

... so I don’t want to have to discover features myself. .... but I’m too lazy to figure it out myself.

so you do not want to do a search on this forum/Google and expect others to give you all the answers?
Good luck with your new purchase

 

[pdoherty]

 

[PowerPCFan]

If you are a PC person, change your mouse/trackpad speed.

Also enable hot corners. You can customize what they do. See this:

Use hot corners on Mac

On your Mac, set options to use the corners of the screen to quickly start actions, such as the screen saver.

support.apple.com

Add your favorite apps to your Dock (bar at the bottom of screen) by dragging them from the Applications folder to your desired place on the dock.

If you are using for school purposes, download Google Chrome. Personally, I hate Chrome, but a lot of school related websites require chrome to function properly.

You could try gaming in a virtual Windows machine (to reduce thermal throttling), but I don't recommend it at all, as you'd get slow speeds, bad response time, and poor FPS.

Good luck! I really think you'll like your mac.

 

[tstafford]

In the settings for the mouse enable "secondary click". All windows users will want that!

 

[Marsikus]

I don’t want to have to discover features myself.

Discover it, enjoy it!

 

[Marsikus]

In the settings for the mouse enable "secondary click". All windows users will want that!

The most important thing!

 

[PowerPCFan]

The most important thing!

I personally hate that feature but I have used Macs since I was 5 years old so I'm used to 1 button mice.

 

[Basic75]

I’m too lazy to figure it out myself

Thanks for wasting our time because you are too lazy to even try and answer your own questions.

 

[benwiggy]

Don't install loads of unnecessary junk. No 'cleaning' apps; no 'monitor' apps. Just stuff that's useful for the work/fun you do.

I'd actually recommend NOT trying to make it like Windows. Start by assuming it's a different thing, that works differently. Then you won't get surprised.

There are millions of pages showing you how to use Finder; Mac basics, tips and tricks. Make yourself a cup of tea and have a quick look.

 

[nintendoswitch]

Thanks for wasting our time because you are too lazy to even try and answer your own questions.

yesterday I had lots of time so I decided to watch some videos about it and search some websites.

 

[EuroChilli]

Use Time Machine for backups as well as iCloud Keychain for all passwords which will in turn sync with your iOS devices and visa versa.

Yes, a lot of iOS apps will now work on the latest macOS. As far as the rest goes, have fun and discover things yourself, the way the rest of us do ;-) macOS and iOS both have lots of built in tips and tutorials.

Btw, for what you plan on doing, you should go a whole day on one charge, I do with my M1 Air. Wordpress web design, online marine navigation study courses, streaming Netflix and Apple Music, etc.

 

[davidg4781]

Don't think of this is a Windows PC user adjusting to some weird Apple PC.

Embrace the Mac.

Go through the settings and set them to default. Turn things on and leave it like that for a while before deciding if you like it or not.

I switched years ago and had to do that. I thought it was weird I scrolled "Up" on the track pad while the page moved "down" but then I realized I'm pushing the page where I want it. Little things like that will make sense.

Caps Lock. If it's on, you're locked into capitalization, regardless if you hold down the shift key. It just makes more sense.

 

[Fred Zed]

L

I just bought my first Mac (M1 air) on Tuesday. It arrives on Monday and since I have time decided to make this thread. So as I said, it’s my first Mac (switching from windows 11 laptop), and I’m not sure how switching to a new operating system is like, so I don’t want to have to discover features myself. That said, does anyone have any tips on using a Mac? Here’s what I’m planning on using it for:

school (taking notes, doing lessons)
productivity (digital art with iPad and Mac, programming, creating presentations for fun)
gaming
facetime (with friends and family)

also, Is It possible to download iOS apps on Mac? I heard of this before in November 2020, but I’m too lazy to figure it out myself.

thanks!

Look up macmostvideo on YouTube.