Initial Setup

1. Powering On

• Open your MacBook lid—it should power on automatically.

• If not, press the Power button (top-right corner or Touch ID sensor).

2. Setup Assistant Walkthrough

• Select Language & Region

• Connect to Wi-Fi

• Sign in with your Apple ID

  • Create one if needed

  • Syncs iCloud, App Store, and more

• Enable Touch ID

  • Fingerprint sensor for unlocking and Apple Pay

• Choose Appearance

  • Light, Dark, or Auto mode

• Set Up Siri & Screen Time (optional)

1. Access System Settings

• Click the Apple Menu  → System Settings

2. Important Settings to Adjust

• Trackpad Gestures

  • Customize clicks, tap-to-click, swipe gestures

  • Navigate to: System Settings → Trackpad

• Keyboard & Shortcuts

  • Set function key behavior, auto-correct options

  • Enable Dictation if desired

• Appearance & Display

  • Switch to Dark Mode under Appearance

  • Adjust resolution & Night Shift under Displays

• Privacy & Security

  • Enable FileVault to encrypt your disk

  • Manage location settings and app permissions

3. iCloud & Apple Services

• Go to: System Settings → Apple ID

  • Sync Photos, Mail, Contacts, Messages, Safari, etc.

  • Set up Find My Mac for device recovery

1. The Desktop

• Menu Bar: Top of the screen; shows app menus, system status

• Dock: Bottom of the screen; shortcuts to apps

  • Drag icons in/out to customize

2. Finder (File Explorer)

• Open Finder from the Dock (blue smiley icon)

  • Use it to browse folders, downloads, external drives

3. Spotlight Search

• Press Command (⌘) + Space

  • Search files, launch apps, do quick calculations

4. Mission Control

• Swipe up with 3 fingers or press F3

  • See open windows and desktops (Spaces)

5. Force Quit & Task Switching

• Command (⌘) + Tab to switch apps

• Command (⌘) + Option + Esc to force quit an unresponsive app

1. App Store

• Open the App Store (blue “A” icon)

  • Sign in with your Apple ID

  • Download verified apps like Pages, Numbers, Keynote

2. Commonly Installed Apps

• Web Browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox

• Productivity: Microsoft Office, Notion, Evernote

• Creative: Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, iMovie

• Communication: Zoom, Slack, Discord, Microsoft Teams

• Media: Spotify, VLC, Apple Music

3. Installing Outside the App Store

• Download .dmg files from trusted websites

• Open the file, then drag the app icon to Applications folder

1. Software Updates

• Go to: System Settings → General → Software Update

  • Turn on Automatic Updates for security patches and new features

2. Time Machine (Backup)

• Connect an external drive

• Go to: System Settings → Time Machine

  • Turn on and select your drive

  • It will back up automatically

3. Storage Management

• Go to: System Settings → General → Storage

  • Review what’s taking space

  • Use “Optimize Storage” to save space on iCloud

4. Battery & Energy

• Go to: System Settings → Battery

  • View battery health and usage

  • Turn on Low Power Mode if needed