Setting up MacBook - the first steps

If you've turned on the MacBook for the first time, you need to set it up first. You can find out the first steps and the best tips in this practical tip.

How to set up your new Macbook

After you turn on your MacBook for the first time, a menu dialog guides you through the first steps. After that there is still a lot to do for you:

• We recommend that you first carry out the software update. To do this, click on the apple logo in the top right corner and select "Software update". Wait for it to complete.
• The "Dock" hangs at the bottom of the screen. Similar to Windows, this is a kind of quick start menu. You can store program links there so that you can start them faster. We'll show you how to add or remove programs from the dock.
• The "Exposés and Spaces" in the system settings are available for further quick access and practical accessibility. With the help of these features you can, for example, display all windows side by side. Adjust the spaces as you like.
• You can also set up active corners. If you move the mouse to the bottom right corner, for example, selected programs and features will open via the active corners.

Configure Mac services and settings

After you have updated your MacBook and made the first settings, you can now configure the services and other settings:

• To continue to be reachable, you should set up your email account in Mail for Mac. We have created a guide for you.
• To adjust the controls on your Mac to your needs, you should set the trackpad.
• The touchpad is similar to that of a laptop, but has more functions. For example, you can use the zoom function by dragging or configure the gesture and click movement.
• If you have a backup of your previous bookmarks, you can import the bookmarks into Safari so that you can continue to enjoy your saved web pages.
• Similar to the smartphone, the Macbook has a message center for all important messages in the system. You should configure the message center so that you do not receive unnecessary messages.
• The MacBook automatically goes to sleep when you close it. However, this can easily be changed in the energy settings.

More tips and software for the Macbook

To conclude: the five best tips for saving energy on the Macbook and the 25 must-have free programs for your Mac. With these tips and programs, you can get your MacBook ready for everyday use.

This practical tip is based on Mac OS X. You can find out what you can do against slow Internet on the MacBook in our next practical tip.