The MacOS is well renowned for its user-friendly interface and usability. There are however other ways of accessing numerous hidden system preferences that can really help you with your Refurbished Apple MacBook usage. I this article I will look at the lesser-known settings and how they can help you in your everyday workflow.
1. Customising the System Preferences Window
Did you know you can hide certain preference panes to declutter your System Preferences window?
Open System Preferences, go to the View menu and select Customise. You’ll see checkboxes next to each pane; uncheck the ones you rarely use and click Done. This makes it easier to navigate the settings you frequently access.
2. Advanced Trackpad and Mouse Settings
The Trackpad and Mouse settings offer more than meets the eye. For instance, you can enable Tap to Click and Three Finger Drag in the Trackpad settings, which can significantly improve your navigation efficiency.
Similarly, in the Mouse settings, you can adjust the tracking speed and enable Secondary Click for more intuitive control.
3. Energy Saver Options
Under Energy Saver, you can find settings that help extend your Mac’s battery life. One hidden gem is the Power Nap feature, which allows your Mac to perform certain tasks like checking for email and updating software while it’s asleep. This ensures your Mac is always up-to-date without draining too much battery
4. Accessibility Features for Everyone
While Accessibility settings are designed to assist users with disabilities, many of these features can be beneficial for everyone. For example, Zoom allows you to magnify parts of your screen, and VoiceOver provides spoken descriptions of what’s on your screen. These tools can enhance your productivity and make your Mac easier to use.
5. Security & Privacy Enhancements
In the Security & Privacy pane, you can enable FileVault to encrypt your entire hard drive, adding an extra layer of security to your data. Additionally, you can manage app permissions and control which apps have access to your location, camera, and microphone, ensuring your privacy is protected.
6. Network Customisation
The Network pane allows you to create multiple network locations, which can be useful if you frequently switch between different networks. You can also set up custom DNS servers and configure advanced settings like proxies and VPNs, giving you greater control over your internet connection.
7. Keyboard Shortcuts
In the Keyboard pane, you can customise keyboard shortcuts to streamline your workflow. You can create shortcuts for launching apps, opening specific files, or executing commands. This can save you time and make your Mac usage more efficient.
8. Hidden Display Settings
The Displays pane offers more than just resolution adjustments. By holding the Option key while clicking the Scaled button, you can access additional resolution options. This can be particularly useful for designers and developers who need precise display settings.
Staying with the standard settings when exploring these hidden system preferences can unlock new capabilities and improve your overall Mac experience. Whether you’re looking to enhance productivity, customise your interface, or boost security, these settings offer valuable tools to make the most of your macOS.