Whether you are a new or an experienced MacBook user, the odds are that you are not utilizing some of the tools that are part of macOS or are accessible from third-party sources.
The purpose of this article is to give some examples of such tools. By the time you finish reading, you will be aware of what has been missing from your usual routine while using the MacBook.
Google Docs
Let’s start with Google Docs. One of the biggest downsides of macOS is that it does not have a tool similar to MS Word. Windows users can utilize one, but microsoft word for macbook is not really a thing.
Thus, it is necessary to seek alternatives. One of the best ways to go about this drawback is to use Google Docs. You might also encounter MS Word online, and while it is a decent option, the online version is missing certain key features when compared to the desktop version.
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Spotlight
Spotlight is one of the most underused tools that are part of the macOS environment. On the surface, it might not seem like something useful, but as soon as you start discovering the available features, the stance changes immediately.
You can do the following using Spotlight:
- Search by keyword
- Launch applications
- Check contact information
- Make calculations and convert units
- Check sports scores and weather
- Get directions and watch flight progresses
Siri
Siri is one of the tools you might be more familiar with if you have an iPhone or an iPad. However, the digital assistant is also available on a MacBook.
If you are someone who likes to make their tasks easier, do not hesitate and go for Siri whenever you want to make a quick search on Google or add a new memo.
In case you have not used Siri beforehand, trying it for the first time might feel a bit weird. On the other hand, if you get the hang of it, even if it is the basics, you will notice productivity improvements while using the Mac.
Time Machine
Time Machine is a built-in data backup tool. Some users might prefer to rely on iCloud to back up data, but if they have a lot of files, paying for iCloud storage adds up due to monthly fees.
Meanwhile, Time Machine lets you combine it with an external HDD and back up data that way. The first time you use it, the backup might take a while, but future backups are shorter because Time Machine does not need to read all the files from scratch again. Instead, it will sync the already backed up data and work on new files.
Dictation
Sometimes, you might feel like you do not wish to use the keyboard, or your hands are too busy, but you still want to type text on the MacBook.
Dictation allows you to speak to the computer and turn your words into text. Keep in mind, though, that one uninterrupted session can go on for just 30 seconds.
Finally, if you need to add commas, quotation marks, capital letters, or new lines, you need to say these commands out loud while dictating the text.
Grapher
Grapher comes in handy if you need to visualize graphs and other similar information. You do need to seek alternatives online from third-party sources.
No, if you need to work on your math for school, forget about using pen and paper. Instead, add Grapher to the application list you should rely on more often.
Preview
For the most part, you will rely on Preview to view PDF files. However, there are other functions that the tool offers.
If you need to create a digital signature or annotate files, Preview is the one to rely on. You can also edit image files like JPEG and PNG by cropping, resizing, or rotating them.
Terminal
Terminal is a bit tricky to use, especially if you are not that tech-savvy. If you are familiar with the command prompt on MS Windows, then think of Terminal as its analogous.
The tool has different commands that require keyboard shortcuts or specific phrases, so be sure to check them out if you are interested in tinkering with Terminal on your Mac.
Activity Monitor
Activity Monitor allows you to keep track of background processes, which is a crucial aspect if you want to make sure that the device is performing optimally.
Once you launch Activity Monitor, you can sort current background processes by how many resources they consume. Seeing which apps should not be active and quitting them will free up system resources, and that should translate to a better and more improved overall performance.
Keep in mind that you might have startup items you do not quit or forget about closing an app after you finish using it. To prevent these issues, rely on Activity Monitor.