When using a new Mac for the first time, it’s easy to begin using it for day-to-day tasks without configuring it properly or exploring the settings. It’s well worth spending a few minutes familiarising yourself with the System Preferences controls and the many options contained therein. So let’s take a look at what they can do.
Accessing the System Preferences.
As long as you read up on what you’re adjusting before making any changes, delving into System Preferences is not a scary experience, and it can make using your Mac a lot more enjoyable. There are several ways to open the System Preferences pane. You can click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of the screen and select System Preferences, click on the Dock icon showing cogs on a silver square or open it from the Launchpad or Applications folder. Opening System Preferences reveals a window with a grid of icons split into categories, each representing a different area of options you can configure. Wherever you are in System Preferences, the grid of squares in the toolbar takes you back to this, the System Preferences’ front page.
Apple ID
The Apple ID preference pane takes you to the controls for your Apple ID. You can manage things such as iCloud-syncing apps, iCloud storage, media and purchase options and more. Through the Overview button you can sign out of your Apple ID if you want, and you can change personal details under Name, Phone, Email. Just the thing if you have a new phone number. At the foot of the left-hand column, all your other Apple devices that are signed into the same Apple ID as this one are listed.
Family Sharing
If you have set up Family Sharing on your Mac, you can access the feature here. With Family Sharing, you can share media and applications with your family. If, for example, yourself and some of your children all want the same music album, you can buy it once and all three of you can enjoy it; you no longer have to buy it multiple times. The same applies to apps too. Up to six members of your household can link up with Family Sharing, and you can activate safeguards and parental controls too.
Desktop & Screen Saver – Desktop
Desktop & Screen Saver is split into two tabs. The Wallpaper tab lets you set your wallpaper, or a folder with multiple wallpapers on your Mac. The + and - icons at the bottom of the left column add or remove folders of pictures to use as desktops. This is handy when used with the Change Picture feature.
Desktop & Screen Saver – Screen Saver
The Screen Saver tab lets you select the source of photos to be displayed in your screen saver, the style in which they are
