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So you’ve picked up a Mac. Maybe it’s your first time using one, or perhaps you’ve taken a long hiatus from the OS. Whatever your reasons are, you may be a bit confused by all macOS has to offer. So today, let’s go over eight ways you can settle in with your new Mac.

8 Tips for New Mac Users

1. Download a VPN for Extra Security

The first thing you should do with your new Mac is secure it by installing a VPN. A VPN for Mac users will encrypt your device’s data and ensure that cybercriminals over a given network are unable to steal it. 

2. Install a Password Manager

Passwords are the first—and sometimes last—defense against hackers. For this reason, you need to make sure all of your passwords are secure, and password managers help do just that.

With a password manager, you can generate strong passwords and store them via an encrypted locker. The best part? The best password managers are free and compatible with macOS.

3. Convert Measurements with Spotlight

Spotlight isn’t only used to search for programs and documents. Nope, Spotlight can also convert basic measurements (kilograms to pounds, for example).

You won’t be using Spotlight for complex conversions, but it gets the job done, especially when you need to convert common currencies.

4. Sign Documents in Mail

There are dozens of PDF signature applications out there. But you don’t need one—not when you’re using a Mac. For example, macOS’s Mail app allows users to sign PDFs and other documents from within the app. It’s free, it’s intuitive, and it comes installed. What’s not to love?

5. Update macOS Frequently

Apple is quick to add new features and squash software bugs, meaning plenty of updates are coming to macOS users. And while these updates may not be as intrusive as Windows updates, they are just as important security-wise. With them, your device will be equipped to guard against security bugs, breaches, and viruses. Do not neglect updates!

6. Learn All of the Shortcuts

Learning a new operating system means learning the tens of shortcuts available to you. But despite the keyboard differences, many of macOS’s shortcuts are the same as Windows. However, there are a few new ones. Fortunately, Apple has an entire page dedicated to sharing shortcuts.

7. Take Advantage of QuickTime 

Similar to Windows’s Media Player, all Macs come with QuickTime, Apple’s solution to viewing videos in various formats. But did you know you can use QuickTime to record your screen?

Yes, you don’t need to search for a third-party screen recorder; QuickTime can record your screen at any time. Just make sure you don’t accidentally leave it on.

8. Learn a Word’s Definition Quickly

One neat quality-of-life tip that macOS offers over other operating systems is that users can quickly search for the definitions of words they don’t know. To do this, all they need to do is highlight the word in question, ctrl + click, and choose the “Look Up” option. You’ll then be greeted by definition.

It’s not a major feature, but it is nice to have, and it’s compatible with most programs and web pages.

Conclusion

macOS is a fantastic operating system, and to some, it is currently the best on the market. With these eight tips, you will be equipped to navigate your way around macOS and see for yourself why it is a fantastic OS.