10 things to do when you first buy a Mac

If you unpack a new Mac for the first time, you need to do the next to adjust the settings according to your preferences, practice using finger gestures, backup .

1. Find backup solutions

Setting up backup does not interest you. But in the future you will have to thank this because because of that without losing the irreplaceable data. There are many ways to backup your Mac. Please select at least one option and start backing up.

2. Dropbox settings

This option is suitable for option 1 above. Dropbox is an easy-to-use free utility that is used not only to back up your files, but also to easily sync these files with other devices. When you install Dropbox, the files and folders that you drag and drop into the Dropbox folder are automatically backed up on Dropbox.com - they will also sync with other computers or devices (such as iPhone and iPad) is logged into the same Dropbox account. This is a magic solution to backup files, synchronize them between devices, and be accessible anywhere. Without this utility, your Mac may be considered incomplete.

3. Adjust settings according to preferences

This is your own Mac. Make it look and act as you like. Go to System Preferences (in the default Dock taskbar or you can access it via the Apple menu) and browse all frames. If you're not sure what each frame is for, or if you don't find it useful to adjust a setting, leave it alone. But adjusting options such as Highlight Color (in General), Mac background images (Desktop & Screensaver), or default warning sounds ( Sound -> Sound Effects ) are permissions that Apple allows, then you Just adjust.

4. Tap using finger gestures

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If your new Mac has a trackpad or uses a Magic Trackpad to buy separately, take the time to learn the gestures in Lion, the new Mac OS. One of the simplest ways is to discover gestures within System Preferences . There, click the Trackpad section, you will see there are 3 tabs on the shortcut command of the mouse. Moving the mouse over these cards, you will see videos showing how to activate gestures. Some of these shortcuts may improve your Mac experience.

5. Explore the Mac App Store app store

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On the new Mac, the Mac App Store is in the Dock taskbar (the blue circle has the letter A inside). Mac App Store offers thousands of easy-to-download and install applications. There are many free applications; Other applications are charged. In addition, there are many applications not in the Mac App Store that you can discover, read reviews, and feel about the Mac software market.

6. Chat video with others

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Perhaps there is no easier to use video chat software than FaceTime (now available in Lion). Find this application in the Applications folder, or use Spotlight (the magnifying glass widget on the top right of the menu) to find FaceTime by typing the first few letters of this application name. You only need to enter the email address or phone number of another FaceTime user. Anyone who uses Lion or Snow Leopard, iPhone 4 or 4S, or iPad 2 can ' FaceTime ' with you.

7. Download Chrome

Safari is Apple's favorite web browser. But Safari's new version 5.1 has caused some considerable inconvenience, which makes the experience of using the browser uninteresting; For example, it is often refreshed (page refresh), reduced system speed and error messages. Recently updated versions of this browser have improved this situation, but have not resolved the problem. Google's free Chrome browser is not perfect, but in fact, this browser runs faster, more reliable and less prone to malfunction than Safari.

8. Make the movie iMovie

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Every new Mac has an iMovie (look in the Applications folder). You need to be patient to learn to use this software proficiently, but you can create a great introductory video with video clips within just a few minutes if following the instructions. Creating professional-quality videos from your own home videos is also fun, and that's the best way to get used to the more powerful features of iMovie.

9. Record songs with GarageBand

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If you have made the film, it will be easy to create the song. Like iMovie, GarageBand is offered for free with a new Mac. This app helps beginners and even music professionals. If you have a USB keyboard as possible, it is not necessary. Drag and drop the audio clips together - the part of the guitar, the part of the drum . - GarageBand application will automatically match the soundstage and their rhythm together as required.

10. Clean up

Your Mac computer is a work and play space; and need to be neat. Clean up by removing applications that you don't normally use from the Dock taskbar. To do this, close the application again, and simply drag the application's icon out of the Dock; The icon will quickly disappear, but they are still safe in the Applications folder, ready for reuse when needed. You should also create a miscellaneous drawer on the desktop, so you can save unclassified files there, instead of leaving the files scattered across the desktop.

The next job

You have turned your Mac into your own device, created great works, and increasingly used this new laptop. All you need to do now is continue to explore and learn.