Mac computers: useful tips

Install is actually not the right word when talking about software in macOS. When you ‘install’ a program, the files are really just copied into the correct folder. For example, you download an installation file and drag it into the “Apps” or “Applications” folder. For this action, a handy window often appears in which you can directly drag the file to the correct folder. In Windows you would look for a file with the extension .exe, in macOS programs have the file extension .dmg. You may also encounter .pkg files, which often involve multiple installation steps. Your Mac will guide you through this.

It is best not to download new programs from the Internet, but from the App Store. Open the App Store by clicking the Apple logo in the menu bar and App Store to click. You will find both free and paid programs here.

Uninstalling software is a breeze in macOS. You can simply throw the program away in the Trash:

• click on finder.
• Click on the map apps (macOS 10.15 Catalina or later) or Programs (macOS 10.14 Mojave).
• Drag the program to the Trash at the bottom right of the Dock, or right-click the program > Move to Trash.

It is wise to update both installed apps and the operating system. These are updates to the programs you installed from the App Store and updates to the macOS operating system.

Even though macOS is a powerful operating system, it is still important to update the system every now and then. After all, improvement is always possible. In principle, the ‘Software Update’ program pops up automatically when needed. This program only shows updates from Apple; so it is safe. You can via Show details see which updates it concerns and via the button Install, install everything.

If you don’t see the “Software Update” program, you’ll see a circle with a number next to the App Store icon at the bottom of the Dock (if it has one). This is the number of available updates.

• Open the App Store by tapping the Apple logo in the top left > App Store to click.
• click on Updates.
• You can see the available updates and install them via the button Update all.

Do you want to install new program and operating system updates automatically in the future?

• Click the Apple icon in the top left > System Preferences > software update.
• Check ‘Automatically update my Mac’.

Installing hardware from major and popular brands is very easy in macOS. In most cases, such as with printers, you don’t even need to install drivers and software. The device is automatically recognized by the computer. Do you want to install a printer? That can be done like this:

• Connect the printer to the computer. If you have a wireless network printer, connect to the printer.
• Click the Apple logo in the top left.
• click on System Preferences.
• click on Printers and scanners.

The printers you have connected have been automatically found and are already working. In exceptional cases, you can also find drivers on a product manufacturer’s site. You install these drivers just like in Windows by clicking on the executable file (in this case no .exe but .dmg).

Depending on how macOS is set up, an external drive (or USB stick or DVD drive) will automatically appear on the Desktop after you plug it in. If not, you’ll find the drive in the Finder, under the “Locations” or “Devices” heading.

You should never disconnect an external drive or USB stick without first removing it by software. It is not a myth that this can damage the files on the drive. Fortunately, uninstalling in macOS is very simple and logical. Simply drag a drive (including DVD drives) you want to remove from your Desktop to the Trash.

• You can also do this through the Finder. Click the eject icon behind the drive you want to remove: .
• Or choose with your right mouse button for Delete [naam ubs-stick].

Do you want to determine yourself how certain things are configured? Click the Apple logo in the top left, then System Preferences . Here you will find all kinds of options, the names of which speak for themselves. When you change settings, it will be saved automatically. So you don’t need to click Save or Apply.