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How to Use a MacBook Pro: A Beginner’s Guide

There’s a reason that so many people trust Apple’s MacBook Pro as their go-to choice. These are some of the most reliable laptops that you can use for either business or personal reasons.

Whether you are new to Mac or just purchased one of the newest models, there are some strategies that you need to become acclimated with. By understanding these points to the best of your ability, it becomes easier for you to get the best from your computer.

Let these tips teach you how to use a MacBook Pro.

1. Understand How to Put it in Safe Mode

By taking the time to learn some simple commands, you’ll always be in a better position to address your MacBook’s most sensitive needs. More specifically, you need to learn how to put it into safe mode.

Putting your computer into safe mode allows you to address sensitive problems while minimizing the number of resources that your computer uses. If your computer is running at full power, it will take longer to load and conflicting issues may make it difficult for you to fix these problems.

So how do you put your computer into safe mode?

It’s simple. You can put your MacBook Pro into safe mode by holding down the shift key as you hit power and boot up your laptop. You will know that your computer is loading in safe mode because the border of the screen will indicate such.

2. Know Your Current Operating System (OS) and What it Entails

Factor in which MacBook operating system (OS) is best for your computer.

Your operating system is the software that your laptop runs to carry out all of its processes. For PCs, this is the Windows operating system. Mac has released several renditions of its operating systems.

Some of the Mac OS X versions that have been released over the years include Puma, Leopard, Yosemite, and El Capitan. Each OS X version makes improvements over the previous and comes with bells and whistles that get rid of old bugs.

Getting a Mac system update can help you more than you know. You can do this by accessing the Apple Store and looking into the available upgrades.

3. Learn to Navigate Finder

If you have a MacBook, you need to understand how to navigate the file system. This is called Finder on Apple systems.

With Finder, you will have your file system broken down by documents, downloads, desktop, AirDrop, All My Files, and other functions.

You can arrange your files and file folders by date created, date modified, name, file size, and so many other parameters. When you are able to navigate the Finder, you can always find the files that you need.

4. Integrate Your MacBook With iCloud

One of the best features of a MacBook Pro is your ability to integrate it with iCloud. This allows you to sync your systems so that you have your most trusted files with you on-the-go or any device you choose.

In this day and age, it is integral that you remain connected to the cloud since people are less keen on bogging down their hard drive systems. iCloud will sync to your iPhone, iPad, and other devices. You can also use the iCloud system to backup your entire system if you have a system of a terabyte or greater.

5. Set Up Your Dock With Any Apps You’d Like to Run

Every MacBook Pro user needs to become familiar with the Dock. The Dock is the row of applications along the bottom or side of the screen.

You can keep whichever applications that you use the most on your Dock so that they are easy to get to. Otherwise, you will need to access your LaunchPad to comb through your many different systems. When you get to know the LaunchPad, it’s easier for you to arrange your most-used apps however you see fit.

This allows you to organize your system and arrange them in whichever way works best for you.

6. Capture Screenshots Whenever You Need To

If you’re trying to learn about the most important functions, you need to learn how to capture screenshots. This provides documented proof for issues and lets you backup records that can serve you later.

To capture a screenshot on the MacBook Pro system, you will hold down command, shift, and the number 4. At this point, it will pull up crosshairs with a set of numbers for coordinates where the target is located.

From there, drag the crosshairs around your screen in the form of a rectangle to capture whichever portion of the screen you would like to save as a photo file.

7. Make Backups on a Regular Basis

Finally, take the time to make backups to your system on a regular basis. Use the Time Machine app and a backup hard drive that will let you keep your system in place as a snapshot.

You can then access Time Machine to retrieve any version that you would like to pull up at a later date. Take the time to make as many backups as possible so that you’re not out of luck if your system crashes or you deal with any other setback.

Learn How to Use a MacBook Pro on Your Terms

When you’d like to learn how to use a MacBook Pro, the tips above will get you started. These are the tips that every Mac owner should get to know so that using it is smooth sailing.

We have more content for you whenever you’d like to learn about all matters tech-related. Check back for more information so you can become a savvier consumer. If you’re not that partial to Apple products, you may check out options among these 2020 laptops for artists.

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