On a Windows laptop, the hardware and software are not created by the same company. There is less emphasis on user experience and more on the capabilities, which are important for developers and gamers since games are created specifically for Windows first.
Unlike Windows, the MacBook is built for consumers. It helps you get things done, so the user experience is seamless, and the preinstalled apps also contribute to productivity.
So if you’re new to Mac or are unaware of these features, keep reading to find out how you become more productive.
Tip #1: Get rid of clutter on your desktop
Any screenshots you take find their way to the desktop because of the default settings, but those screenshots quickly add up; it starts cluttering your desktop to the extent where you might experience cognitive fatigue due to the visual clutter.
Those files also do not do your performance any favors. So it is best to have a regular clean-up schedule where you determine if you want to keep those files and move the rest to Trash.
Tip #2: Hide the menu bar and Dock
The menu bar and Dock in their default mode cover portions of the screen and can distract you from fully focusing on your work. Hide the menu bar and set the Dock to only appear when you move your cursor to the bottom of the screen or wherever your Dock is left or right of the screen.
The Dock is more distracting since apps that you use have the red notification icon that pops up, and it can contribute to visual clutter and also takes your focus away from the task at hand.
Tip #3: Clean up your Mac
If you want to be more productive, you should think about having a regular cleaning scheduled in your calendar. The more files you have on your system, the more it occupies the storage space, which eventually slows down your MacBook.
You can get rid of apps and games you don’t use regularly and redownload them at a later stage if you need them again.
Next, you want to look for large files. You can find them easily in Finder through the right filters.
You can check your Downloads folder and delete files you don’t need.
Finally, empty your Trash once you’re done getting rid of all the unnecessary files.
Tip #4: Clear your temporary storage
If you use apps like Photoshop, you might come across a scratch disk error. The scratch disk is a virtual memory that an app like Photoshop uses to store files temporarily, but it can accumulate over time if it is not cleaned.
You can also use the app settings in ‘Preferences’ and clear temporary files and cache.
For the system at large, you want to try doing this manually through the Finder as well. You may not know which files to keep and which to delete, so it might make sense to use cleaning software to automate the process for you.
Tip #5: Back up your data
There is nothing worse than having important data that gets wiped out due to malware or virus. Make it a point to use Time Machine and cloud storage services to back up all your data and do it regularly.
Time Machine is an in-built feature at your disposal. It requires you to connect to an external drive where the tool takes a snapshot of your laptop.
This is also useful if you delete something by accident and you want to restore an earlier version.
Tip #6: Use Calendar, Reminders, Mail, and Notes
To stay on top of your work, make use of the in-built features like Calendar, Reminders, and Notes. The Calendar can be synced with your email account so that you have a clear picture of what you have to get done during the day.
The Reminders app is a good way to set daily reminders or weekly reminders to get a reminder to complete your recurring tasks.
Mail is a great way to organize all your inboxes in one curated app. You can set it up to automate tasks and help you become more productive.
The Notes app is great for creating checklists and also has an option to collaborate so you can share your quick thoughts with someone in your team.
Tip #7: Practise typing and use Dictation
If a huge chunk of your time involves writing, you want to start practicing typing faster so that you become completely familiar with the keyboard and type faster than your current speed. This will save you a lot of time.
If typing isn’t possible, you can also make use of the inbuilt Dictation feature.
Tip #8: Make use of Siri
Siri is available on macOS and is often underutilized. You can use Siri to set up tasks, reminders and search for information quickly or open apps.
Spotlight is identical in functionality, but Siri allows you to use your voice to search for things and perform actions.
All in all
There are plenty of productivity tips out there that help you make the most of your MacBook. The best thing to do is to expose yourself to new features as you go along and find the solution to a recurring problem by searching for it online instead of trying to cram all the features.
