Mac computers are popular for being different than other computers and laptops. Know these 11 awesome tips and tricks for Macs.
Do you have a MacBook? Perhaps you’ve had one for a few years of perhaps you’ve just invested in the new MacBook Pro 16-inch? Either way, if you have one of Apple’s marvelous machines you will want to know how to use it properly and get the most out of it.
So what are some of the best tips and tricks for Macs that you might not have heard of? Here’s what you need to know.
1. Windows On Your Mac
Bored of Mac OS? Did you know you can run Windows from your Mac? No longer will you be restricted by a program that is only compatible with Windows. Running the latest version of Windows on your Mac can solve this problem.
To get Windows up and running, first log into your Mac and begin the boot camp procedure. You can access this from your Applications folder. Starting this procedure will partition your hard drive – chop it in half or however way you want to split this.
After you complete this process you should restart your computer and then download or install Windows. You can do this using a CD or a file from the internet. Depending on the version of Windows you buy you might need to purchase this.
After you have installed it and partitioned your hard drive you will be given an option as to what operating system you want to use every time you open your Mac. This is one of the best Mac hacks.
2. Install Another Language
Are you fluent in more than one language? Of course, you can use special characters Mac to write the odd sentence but sometimes you need to use more than one character or word and you might want to have a whole keyboard devoted to another language.
You can install this by opening up system preferences from your menu bar or dock and selecting the keyboard setting. In the keyboard menu, scroll to the input sources tab. Here press the + symbol and select the keyboard you want.
You will now have easer-to-use shortcuts for letters and accents from different keyboards. You can also easily switch between English and other keyboards by pressing the black box A in the right-hand corner of your menu bar.
3. Control Your Mac Using Siri
Did you know that you can use Siri on Mac as you can for the iPhone and iPad? It’s a miraculous tool that once helped rescue a stroke victim. You can activate it using the logo in the corner of your menu bar or by pressing the physical button on your Apple headphones.
Once you have activated it you can use it for all kinds of purposes from asking Siri what the weather is like outside to current news. You can even ask it to translate various phrases into another language such as French or Mandarin.
But did you know that you can also use Siri to control various functions on your Mac? You can Siri to open applications for you, to play a specific song on Apple Music or to play an audiobook for you or to write an email for you.
4. Highlight and Use Dictionary
Another great feature of Mac computers is the ability to highlight phrases or words you don’t understand while browsing the web without having to leave the comfort of the web page.
This is great for comprehension and it can also improve your vocabulary skills. Rather than not bothering to look up a word because it’s too much effort to open up a dictionary page, all you have to do is right-click and press the dictionary option.
5. Multi-Task
The modern world is all about learning how to handle multi-tasking. From juggling various projects for your work while also scrolling through newspaper websites and responding to group Facebook messages.
Mac computers make all that easier because you can now have two windows open side-by-side on your screen.
Press the green button on the left-hand side of your browser window and hold it. Then you will be given three options, enter full screen, tile window to the left of the screen or tile window to the right of the screen. Once you have selected which side of the screen you want you to work on you can then select another window to fill up the other side.
Another way Macs help you to multi-task is through their sidecar feature. If you own an iPad you can use the iPad screen as a second screen for your Mac. Once you have connected it you will be able to send one of your windows to the iPad and work on it there using your keyboard and trackpad.
There Are Many Tips and Tricks for Macs
If you have a Macbook computer then you will no doubt want to take advantage of it. There are so many Mac tricks you can use to help make your workday more productive and to help you keep in touch with your friends more easily.
From using Siri to control your Mac for basic functions to using the multi-tasking facilities which allow you to use your iPad as a second screen and your windows split into two, there is so much you can do if you have the know-how.
And, as Apple continues to improve its offering with yearly updates to its operating system, there will no doubt be many more Mac hacks to come with the release of Mac OS 10.16 in September 2020.
If you are interested in reading more about tips and tricks for Macs or some advice on using a Mac be sure to check out the rest of our site.
