![]() Go to Apple>System Preferences>Security and check "Require password to wake this computer from sleep or screen saver" and check "Disable automatic login." If your laptop ever gets in the wrong hands, you have the equivalent of a strong lock on your computer- your data is behind a deadbolt. If you're on a laptop (or if you have a desktop and just want added security), you should absolutely password protect your computer. They even made one for PC to Mac switchers, called Switch 101, which gives a lot of PC equivalents for getting started on a Mac. If you're a real beginner, check out Mac 101, a great Apple site that covers the basics of using your Mac. Also, /support is a treasure trove of good information, if Help doesn't answer your question. There are hundreds of pages of how-to docs in the Help section, and it's all remarkably well organized. It is the first place I look for answers, or to browse the documentation for a certain application. Apple's Help menu has become quite useful with OSX. But how can you learn more about how to use it? Use the Help menu. Grab all of the updates and install them (it all happens in the background). If Software Update doesn't automatically appear, go to Apple>Software Update. ![]() A few more clicks and you'll be up and running with your new Mac. It is not easy to change your shortname later. I'd recommend choosing a shortname that is short and clean. ![]() You'll be asked to create an account for the computer, too, with your First and Last name, along with a shortname and password for your account. The app is in Applications>Utilities>Migration Assistant.) (If you decide to actually do this process later, you can always run a utility later to transfer your data later. Pretty cool, huh? Using this method, you won't have to manually transfer anything over to the new computer- it's all done in this one step. All of your settings, documents, installed applications, Mail, Safari bookmarks, even your Desktop image will be transferred to your new Mac. There will be onscreen instructions, but in short, you'll restart your old Mac in Firewire Target Disk Mode and connect it to your new computer. If you're upgrading from another Mac that runs Mac OS X, you can easily transfer all of your data from one computer to the next. If you purchased AppleCare, you'll automatically get enrolled when you register. Immediately, you'll be asked to register your product (do it) and then connect to your wireless network, if you have one. Set up your new, gorgeous Mac and turn it on. And in iTunes, select Store>Deauthorize Computer to release that copy of iTunes from your purchases from the iTunes Store. Before your new Mac arrives, perform a full backup on your system. If you don't have one already, pick up a Firewire cable like this one. Here are some tips on how to get up and running like a Mac pro.Īre you replacing an older Mac already running OSX? You're in luck but more on that later. But if you're lacking patience and imagination, and are looking for a few pointers on how to start enjoying your Mac, read on. You really don't need silly guides like this one. Mac OS X is so intuitive, you really can discover its amazing functionality on your own. Please note: this article was written for Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger), but the vast majority of it still applies to the new operating system, 10.5 (Leopard).
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