As someone who is new to MacBooks, you might find it a bit difficult to get the hang of macOS, particularly if you switch from MS Windows.
Or perhaps you have been using a Mac for a while but still feel like you have not been making the most out of the device.
Regardless of the circumstances, there are quite a few different ways to be more efficient on macOS. The Mac productivity tips you can find below ought to come in handy.
Set Alarm
It is likely that you use the alarm on your smartphone. However, if one alarm is not enough, you can also set alarm on MacBook.
Of course, if the alarm is meant for waking up early in the morning, this means that you will need to keep the MacBook turned on overnight.
On the other hand, you can treat the alarm feature as a reminder. For instance, if you want to avoid missing an important appointment, an alarm going off on your Mac while you are using the computer works as an excellent reminder.
Get Rid of Clutter
Over time, you will notice that there is less and less free space on the MacBook’s drive. The odds are that you are not paying enough attention to what you download and install on the computer.
macOS applications are one of the biggest offenders in this case. If you are not careful, you might end up with too many apps. Keep an eye on the installed app list and remove unnecessary apps on a regular basis.
Besides apps, you should also consider various media files you download from the internet. Also, for some data, it is worthwhile to stick to iCloud. A cloud service helps you free up storage on the MacBook’s drive, which helps with the overall computer performance and your productivity.
Declutter the Desktop
Decluttering the desktop is another valuable piece of advice. Over time, you might end up with a computer that has too many shortcuts on the desktop.
Desktop icons are distracting. Sure, you could argue that it is convenient to have quick access to a document or an app, but a more minimalistic approach is better for your productivity.
Disable Notifications
Getting bombarded by random notifications is a hindrance, and it should not be something you want to have while working on a computer.
The odds are that you already have other distractions, such as smartphone notifications or other people around you. Adding notifications to the mix makes things worse.
Learn Relevant Keyboard Shortcuts
Productivity is directly related to how fast you can carry out your tasks. Using a computer means a lot of typing, and it would be a waste not to take advantage of the available keyboard shortcuts.
Now, as far as available macOS keyboard shortcuts go, there are quite a few different combinations. For those learning from scratch, the number might feel overwhelming. It is recommended to pick a few shortcuts and focus on memorizing them first. Once you are comfortable with the first set, move on to the next batch and repeat.
All macOS keyboard shortcuts are listed on the official Apple support site, so feel free to check them out.
Also, as a side note, if you are using specific applications for work, the odds are that these apps also have specific keyboard shortcuts that can make a difference in your productivity.
Create a Security Routine
You want to have reliable antivirus software on the computer so that it scans and detects malware before a potential threat affects your Mac’s performance.
In some cases, a computer virus can lead to random pop-ups when you open an internet browser or an application. Or it might slow down the system and make the MacBook’s performance sluggish.
Take the necessary steps to prevent cybersecurity threats, so you do not have to worry about dealing with them.
Back Up Data
Data backups are a precaution that should be more common. Be it hardware failure or an accident; if you lose an important file, the odds are that even recovery software might not be enough to help you.
Thus, you should be proactive and back up files on an external hard drive or iCloud. One copy should be enough, but it is better to be safe than sorry, meaning that you should consider creating multiple backups for that extra bit of safety.
Conclusion
All in all, making the most out of Mac productivity apps mentioned in this article ought to give you enough information and push you in the right direction productivity-wise.
Naturally, as you get more experience using a MacBook, you will get better at it. At the same time, picking some ideas and polishing those proactively is also a good approach.