Appearance
First Things to Do
- Connect to Wi-Fi: System Settings > Wi-Fi
- Update macOS: System Settings > General > Software Update
- Set up iCloud: System Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud
- Enable Find My Mac: System Settings > [Your Name] > Find My
- Explore the Dock: Click Safari, Messages, Notes to get familiar
- Try Spotlight: Press
Cmd + Spaceand type anything - Customize your wallpaper: Right-click desktop > Change Wallpaper
Running Both Platforms
If you also use a Windows PC daily, set these up on day one:
| What | Mac App | Windows Equivalent | How They Work Together |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office suite | Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PPT) | Microsoft 365 | Same files via OneDrive, identical interface |
| Outlook for Mac | Outlook for Windows | Same mailbox, same calendar, same rules | |
| Cloud files | OneDrive + iCloud | OneDrive + iCloud for Windows | Files appear on both machines |
| Browser | Safari or Edge | Edge | Edge syncs bookmarks, tabs, and passwords across both |
| Passwords | iCloud Keychain | iCloud for Windows (Chrome/Edge extension) | Same passwords on both platforms |
| Chat | Teams | Teams | Same conversations, same meetings |
| AI assistant | Copilot (in M365 apps, Edge, web) | Copilot (in M365 apps, Edge, web) | Same Copilot, same account |
| Code editor | VS Code | VS Code | Settings Sync keeps extensions and config identical |
For the full guide, see Cross-Platform Workflows.