I don’t know about you, but I feel that the best part of buying new hardware is for that small hit of excitement you receive when finally opening it.  Nothing comes close to that feelings of taking the lid off a box and seeing your new computer that you’ll be using for a good while.

But after that rush of ecstasy, you have to open it and actually set things up.  Bleh.  The setup stage is perhaps the most boring part of this process, especially when you’re constantly buying new technology or replacing your phone every year.

So to make the process go by a bit quicker, I’d thought I’d help new or soon-to-be MacBook users so they can skim by the setup process and get right to work on their new premium laptop!

1.   Backup, backup, BACKUP

Apple catches flak for some of their software choices, but their backup solution, known as iCloud, has been heralded around as a reliable and easy to use backup solution.  Best part?  It’s free to use on every Apple device, granted that you stay within the data limit.

Setting it up is just as easy!  Just log into your Apple account, which you’ll be doing anyways to access your MacBook.  After logging in, iCloud will be there in your settings waiting for you.  Personally, this is the biggest bore of the things to set up, so I say go ahead and get it done first, so you can forget about it later.

2.   Make that Home Screen Nice

Apple likes to just cram every piece of software they have on the Dock at the bottom of the screen.  It may look a bit untidy, but it’s no matter.  Apple lets you simply remove the apps you aren’t planning on using from the Dock, so all that’s on your Dock is what you need quick access too.

Apple products look premium from the outside, so make sure the software side of things looks just as sleek!

3.   Secure Your Privacy

While Apple has a reputation of being secure with your data, it never hurts to have some extra security when it comes to your data. Fortunately, Apple doesn’t make it too difficult to keep your Mac secure.  Realistically, macOS is more secure than Windows, considering the closed ecosystem nature that is macOS.

All I can really recommend to do is install a VPN on your brand-new Mac.  This way, if you’re ever out and about, you don’t need to worry about your data falling into the wrong hands.

4.   Make It Feel Like Home

Lastly, just make your Mac yours!  Customize it however you’d like.  Install any apps you need, optimize settings to your needs, make it your second home.

Only you can tailor your experience to be the best it can be on macOS.  So just sit back, relax, and enjoy your new Mac.