9 MacBook Tips and Tricks You Need to Remember

Do you know that there are still some people who don't have a MacBook yet? Crazy, right? Do you ever feel like your computer is too hard to use and that there's no way to find what you need when you're in the middle of doing something else? You come to the right place. Here are nine MacBook tips and tricks that will make your life easier.

9 MacBook Tips and Tricks You Need to Remember

1. Quick Look

In every window in Mountain Lion, there is a space for the word "Finder." Clicking it will open up Quick Look. This allows you to see pictures and videos without opening them. It also allows you to view certain files without having to install a program or browser windows.

For example, you won't need Adobe Flash if you use the Chrome browser instead of Safari, so viewing YouTube videos is as simple as pressing "space bar" while hovering over the video when viewing from Finder Quick Look turned on.

2. Spotlight

This is a built-in search engine that is accessible from anywhere. If you're looking for a file on your computer, just press "command" and "space bar," then type the name of the file or something in it.

So you know what Spotlight is, but do you really know what it can do?

By typing in simple commands, your computer will respond with the files or information that you are looking for. In fact, if you click on the magnifying glass in your menu bar, and hover over the search, you'll see some of the commands that are possible.

Here are just some examples of what you can do with Spotlight on your Mac:

• Show results in a map

• See dictionary definition for selected words

• Show today's stock prices

• Show weather forecast for the chosen location

Spotlight can be a really helpful tool for your general MacBook usage.

3. Mission Control

This is a feature unique to Mac OS. It allows you to view all windows by using four fingers to swipe up with four fingers swiping down, left, or right makes windows smaller and putting them into groups.

4. Launchpad

Launchpad allows you to put all of your apps into one place instead of having multiple windows open with different programs inside each window. To use launchpad simply click the symbol of a grid on the dock and it will open.

5. Full Screen

You don't have to put every window into full screen, but while you're working in one program you can go to another and pull up an app and it will be open in full-screen mode. If you are someone who gets easily distracted, using full screen can be a good way to block out any background apps and keep yourself focused on the tasks ahead.

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6. Dictation

This is a feature that allows you to speak words instead of typing them. To turn this feature on, simply click "system preferences," then "speech." Afterwards, checkmark the box next to "Dictation" and speak whatever you want typing out.

If your Mac doesn't understand what you said or there was a mistake made when it tried to type it, an alert will come up asking you to dictate it again.

7. Time Machine

This is a program that backs up your MacBook automatically without any input from you, so if your computer crashes or gets stolen, the data will be safe and sound on one of your backup drives.

To turn this feature on, simply go to system preferences and click "time machine." Then all you have to do is set up a backup drive and select when you want it to back up.

8. The Dock

This is an area at the bottom of your screen where you can store commonly used apps or folders for quick access next time you need them. To add an app just drag it into the dock at the of your screen while holding down the mouse button until it docks. To remove an app just click on the app you want to take out and drag it off of the dock.

9. FileVault

This is a program that encrypts your hard drive so that if someone mounts or steals your computer, your information will be safe from data thieves. When this feature is activated, every file will be locked with a key, which prevents anyone from opening unprotected files even if they try several passwords.

To turn this feature on go to system preferences and select "security & privacy." Under security, there should be a section called "Filevault" which you can enable by typing in your administrator password and clicking okay. Then, click " on FileVault" and select how much of your computer you want encrypted.

After that, all that's left to do is wait for the encryption process to complete before setting a password and getting started. Your MacBook can do a lot more than web browsing and word processing.

It runs many unique programs such as Mission Control, Time Machine, and Filevault which allow you to use certain aspects of your computer faster or better than if you didn't have them at all!

Want More MacBook Tips and Tricks?

We hope you find these 9 helpful MacBook tips and tricks useful. If you want to learn more about how your mac can help make your life easier, check out our blog. There are many posts on MacBook technology, how to use a MacBook and topics such as improving productivity with keyboard shortcuts or organizing files in Finder without using the mouse!