Fine-tuning Mac OS X. Installing Mac OS on a PC Advanced protocol configuration on a macbook

This article was planned as an introductory tour of the system and useful applications designed for advanced users. Perhaps you're just thinking of switching to a Mac, or you've been living with macOS for a while and want to learn something new about how the system works and how to make it more convenient. In any case, this guide will be useful to you.

One of the first settings I recommend trying out is Hot Corners. Open "System Preferences → Mission Control → Hot Corners" and at least two corners of the screen give the functions "Desktop" and "Program Windows". The first one spreads open windows and shows the desktop, the second shows the windows of the active program. Mission Control - all programs, windows and desktops.

This is useful not only for quick navigation (program windows, in principle, you can cycle through Cmd-`and Cmd-Shift-`), but also for dragging. You take a file or object and you can drag it to a corner, then select another window or program. You can drag it to folders (they will open as you go) and program icons in the dock - if you hold the file on them, the program will open. This mechanism is called spring loading.

2. Study and administer shortcuts

Having opened any program, do not forget to study its menu - usually it contains full list functions and shortcuts for them. By the way, you can set your own shortcut for any menu item in any program. Open “System Preferences → Keyboard → Keyboard Shortcuts → Program Keyboard Shortcuts”, press +. Now select the program, enter the name of the menu item and set the hotkey.

3. Learn the secrets of the Alt (Option) button

The Alt button, which is commonly called Option on the Mac, will open up a lot of interesting possibilities for you. Here are the most useful ones.

• When typing, Alt and Alt-Shift are used to enter special characters.
• Holding Alt and poking at the icons in the menu, you can find out Additional information... For example, by clicking with Alt on the Wi-Fi icon, you can find out your MAC and IP, router IP, signal characteristics and much more. And with Cmd you can move icons!
• Right-clicking on the program icon in the dock while holding Alt will change the context menu items. Force Close instead of Close and Hide Others instead of Hide.
• Some function keys with Alt call up the corresponding settings. For example, Alt-F1 and Alt-F2 are display settings (since F1 and F2 change the brightness of the backlight), and Alt-F3 are Mission Control settings. The location may vary depending on the model of your computer.

WARNING

The main rule when setting up the system: first try, then think and only then do it your own way. If you do not follow it, then there is a great chance to miss something or spoil something good, giving preference to old habits. Change whatever you want, but first make sure you really need it.

A tour of macOS: where to find all the fun

In Windows, as you know, all OS and program settings are stored in the registry or in INI files; on Unix, most of the settings are in / etc or hidden files in the home directory. Much of what is in Unix is ​​also present in macOS - there are both etc (more precisely, private / etc, and etc is now a symlink), and the usual hidden files in your home folder.

Settings for Mac programs and higher-level parts of the system are located in two other directories - / Library / Preferences and ~ / Library / Preferences (more precisely, / Users / username / Library / Preferences). In the first one - settings for all users, in the second - for the current one.

For some time now it has become not so easy to get into the user Library on a freshly installed system - you need to open Finder, select "Go → Go to Folder" from the menu (or press Cmd-Shift-G) and copy the address there. In order not to do this once again, you can open a terminal and run the command

Chflags nohidden ~ / Library

Here is the first hidden setting! By the way, it is convenient to add the root of the disk to the sidebar along with the home directory: in the Finder settings, select the checkbox: "Side menu → Hard drives".

You will not see Unix folders here - they are hidden and by default visible only from the terminal, where they are mainly needed. But if you suddenly need it, you can execute the command in the terminal

Defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles YES

Now restart Finder (“Apple menu → Force Quit → Finder → Restart”), and you will see all hidden files and folders.

But back to exploring Library. In addition to the Preferences folder, there is a lot of interesting stuff here. For example, LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons contain settings for scheduled autorun (launchd), Application Support contains databases, plugins and other variable parts of applications, and Services contains services for processing data (see the "Services" item in the main menu of any program) , in Keychains - databases with your logins and passwords in encrypted form, in PreferencePanes (only in the root Library) - plugins "System Settings", in Caches - any temporary garbage, and so on.

Also take a look at / System / Library. You probably won't have to climb here often, but it doesn't hurt to study what macOS is made of. You can, for example, open the Kernels folder and admire the kernel or inquire about the system components in the CoreServices folder.

It is also useful to know that any program in macOS (including system services) is a folder that the Finder displays in a special way. Double-clicking it starts, but if you want to look inside, right-click on it and select Show Package Contents. You will discover a lot of interesting things!

How defaults works

Majority hidden settings can be changed using the defaults write command. But what are these mysterious defaults? We have already found out that all settings are in Library folders, is there really an analogue somewhere else windows registry? Actually no: parallels with the registry cannot be avoided, but defaults are just a convenient way to quickly change from command line values ​​in .plist files (property list), which are in Library / Preferences - root or user.

For example, by running the command from the previous chapter and making hidden files visible in the Finder, you just overwritten the AppleShowAllFiles value in ~ / Library / Preferences / com.apple.finder.plist. If you have Xcode installed (and I recommend installing it to all power browsers, regardless of the desire to write programs for the "poppy"), then you can open the plist in a convenient editor to manually find and change any value.

Plist files can be of different types. Newer versions of macOS have support for JSON settings, but most are still stored as XML. In both cases, such plist can be opened and edited in any text editor... But there is also a binary format that can be read using a utility from Xcode or decoded with the plutil command.

As for the defaults utility, it allows you to do some more interesting tricks. For example, if you write defaults read, then all the settings from system folders... They are divided into domains, you can get a list of which you can use the defaults domains command. Now select the domain you are interested in and write defaults read domain_name if you want to get only its contents.

With defaults, you can also export and import domains to and from other files, and search by domains. You can find all the details with the help of man.

Continuation is available only to participants

Option 1. Join the "site" community to read all the materials on the site

Membership in the community during the specified period will open you access to ALL Hacker materials, increase your personal cumulative discount and allow you to accumulate a professional Xakep Score!

Have you just bought a Mac and think you can relax and go with the flow? You can. But you can also customize the computer "for yourself", making it even more convenient. Useful settings are discussed in this tip.

Open the box and turn on Mac.

Sleek interface. Clear fonts. Convenient control panels. Beautiful picture with light shadows. Everything is pleasing to the eye. The "dowry" from Apple is an excellent package of licensed software. You can literally create websites, photo albums, business cards, calendars, videos on the go. Do not waste time looking for drivers by connecting a printer, camcorder, player or mobile.

Apple computers are perfect, but even they can be made better. Fact

Apple means simple, fast, reliable and beautiful. Apple is a whole philosophy. That is why the cherished "apple" flaunts on the desktops of the world's leading designers, directors and musicians, professors and students. Mac is designed for everyone, from housewives to power users. He is comfortable and friendly.

But ... you can buy a new car, get behind the wheel and immediately press the pedals to the floor, or you can adjust the mirrors and seats "for yourself" before the trip.

There are many settings and most of them are a matter of taste. We offer some of those that have become a rule of good form among professionals.

What's up there?

Do you want to work quickly, without wasting extra time, to be a more advanced user? Then let's change some of the "default" settings.

Above, in the Menubar (main menu), find the Finder to the right of the Apple icon. Go to Finder / Advanced (Finder / optional).

We look at the top check mark. When activated, it allows you to immediately see the file extensions after the period, for example, "at the dacha.jpg", and therefore distinguish this file from another - "at the dacha.mov". The first file is a photo and the second is a video. We leave it on.

The second checkbox from the top is responsible for changing the extension manually without annoying warning. It is worth turning it off if you have to change the file format quite often: for example, from .txt to .html - save both time and hassle.

The third button - allows you to empty the trash without warning about the "invaluable" garbage stored in it. For the same reasons, we turn it off.

And the latter is responsible for the "secret" deletion of the file permanently, without the possibility of recovering it using special programs, so it is better to deactivate it too.

We play preferance

Appearance ( Appearance)

In order not to strain your eyes when reading on your screen, you need to choose the correct number in the Appearance settings. We find in Apple menu/ System Preferences, open Apperance and look for the line Turn off text smoothing for font sizes and smaller on your Mac monitor. In the drop-down menu put the number "8", it is optimal for all monitors.

Desktop & Screen Saver

There should be order on the desktop, and all information should be perceived quickly and easily. You can, of course, put as screen saver a photo of a beloved cat or a desirable Ferrari, but it will be very difficult to see and find anything right away. Primarily because of the color chaos in front of the eyes. Therefore, in the Desktop panel (desktop) find the menu Solid colors (solid colors) and set a neutral gray or blue. As a last resort, a calm, monochromatic picture will do.

However, those who are pleased with the abundance of bright spots can skip this advice.

The programs you use every day should be close at hand, and their icons are usually in the Dock. At the same time, this should not interfere with work.

Place the Dock wherever on the screen works best for you. Most convenient from the bottom. Turn on Position on Bottom. If you place the cursor on the divider (a strip similar to a pedestrian "zebra") and drag down, the size of the Dock will noticeably decrease, freeing up a scarce space.

Exposé & Spaces

Conflicts will inevitably arise when you start using the function keys F1, F2 and other keyboard shortcuts in additional installed serious programs, for example, in Adobe Indesign. Therefore, it is better to disable Exposé & Spaces altogether.

International

Are you a polyglot? Then why do you need so many extra activated languages?

Find International / Language (Regional settings / language). Click Edit List and disable everything except Russian and English, and possibly another language if you are using it. As a rule, by default, at the top of the Languages ​​menu is Russian, and all user interface speaks it. But when you buy a disc with a new English-language program, the confusion begins. Half "on ours", half - not. Therefore, it is much more professional to use its native language when working with Macintosh.

We suggest dropping doubts and dragging English up to the top. After the reboot, everything will fall into place, and you can still write in Russian.

Dispays (Monitors)

The load on the eyes, and therefore on the brain, depends on the Refresh Rate (frame refresh rate).

Therefore, in the Displays section, you can select optimal resolution your monitor (primarily if an external display is connected). Here it is important to choose the parameters so that you are satisfied with the picture itself at the resolution you have chosen, and the Refresh Rate is as high as possible (for CRT screens). The higher it is, the less headache.

Energy Saver

In the event of a power outage, your computer may shut down unexpectedly. And you, for example, access it remotely via the Internet. Find Options and put a tick in front of Restart automaticaly after a power failure. Your Mac will now restart automatically in the event of a power failure.

Keyboard & Mouse

Separate headache. As with Exposé & Spaces, Keyboard Shortcuts conflict with other hotkeys in a number of programs.

The setting is highly individual and related to your handwriting: amateur / professional. In order not to get confused, it is better to turn off all the checkboxes, and then leave (turn on again) Screen Shots; select the next source in the input menu as Input Menu, that is, switching the keyboard layout from Russian to English and vice versa Command + Option + Space, not Command + Space (for example, in most Adobe products, this is associated with an image enlargement) ...

You can always restore all default settings by clicking Restore Defaults.

For keyboards of the latest generation, for the reasons listed above, additionally enable the Use all F1, F2 etc. keys as standart function keys.

Internet & Network

If you are using multiple providers, the Location menu is very useful. Going to Apple / Location / Network Preferences / at the top of Location / Edit Locations, you can add a name for the new connection, calling it, for example, "Internet cafe on Polyanka", and enter the appropriate settings there.

Accounts

By default, the computer is sold with a preinstalled system without a password. Since the door is not closed, hackers can easily get to your favorite files. Therefore, the password must be required. Click the mouse and open the Click the lock to make changes. In the Password menu, click Change Password, type and remember (write down on a piece of paper) New Password ( New Password). It must be original, in no case "12345", not a name or date of birth. We repeat it in the Verify window, say: Change Password, apply Changes.

Well, they advised, and now at startup you have to drive in a password every time, and you have a home Mac and you never part with your second laptop. What to do?

In the left corner, click Login Options / Automatic login and switch to your username in the drop-down menu, now your Mac will start without any questions ( system password at the same time continues to work on the web, protecting your Mac from outside interference).

And if the computer actually ends up in the wrong hands, it will not be difficult to "crack" the login and password of any complexity using the official boot disk.

Date & Time

Do you want your Mac to automatically switch to daylight saving time, display it correctly in letters and documents, and be tied to the exact geographic location in which you are? Then let's change some settings.

Opposite the Set date & time checkbox, put Apple Asia.

In Time Zone we are trying to get the cursor on the map to your region, for example, Moscow - Russia.

In the Clock, it is useful to enable Show the day of the week, and the top menu will display the day of the week.

Software Update

Cupertino is constantly working on updating system components and base programs, including the noticed "holes" in security. These updates can be downloaded automatically over the Internet. Be sure to check the Chek for updates checkbox. How often? You decide. Get ready to spend some time and gigabytes of internet traffic. If ready, click Check Now and follow the instructions.

The computer may "think" or start rebooting itself. Wait until you see the phrase: Your softweare is up to date (all updated). Click Quit.

Time machine

It is imperative to make backup copies of documents important for you. The manuscripts are burning, and how! In order not to lose them forever, Time Machine was invented. Theoretically, it should, without your participation, store all images of the state without exception. file system... Unfortunately, real car time does not exist and this one is far from ideal, but the place on backup disk that Time Machine is referring to will end very quickly. And if you have a laptop and each megabyte is worth its weight in gold? So switch to "OFF" and remember to manually copy the most important files to a flash drive or external drive.

Universal Access

We've already talked about the War of Keyboard Shortcuts with other programs. Universal Access is no exception. It is quite possible to do without its functions. And if you prefer to live without conflicts and additional load on memory and processor, press "off".

Free cheese happens

Reboot your Mac. And let's move on to more subtle settings.

We will use free tools... (These can be found on the very useful macupdate.com site by typing the name of the program you want to use in the search bar.)

Only a few changes are proposed. Once you get a taste, you can "play" with the settings yourself and "sharpen" the computer for yourself as much as possible.

TinkerTool opens access to hidden system settings. They are all organized into categories: Finder, Dock, Safari, and so on.

Finder, for example, can be taught to show the path to a directory in the title bar, turn off "unnecessary" sounds or animations.

In General / Sreenshot file format, set, for example, JPEG. Now, to get ready-made screenshots, you can immediately upload them to your website or blog.

In Safari, by enabling the Don’t show warning when closing unsubmitted form feature, you can close the Google search box without any questions.

In the Dock icon, check the Disable tree-dimension glass effect, and it will turn from three-dimensional to two-dimensional on an elegant black plate.

Another, similar to TinkerTool, free and very serious program is called Onyx.

It allows you to effectively treat problems accumulated over time in the system. But so far we are not talking about that. Download it from the same macupdate.com, run it. On Mac, you are the default administrator, so enter your password and read the instructions carefully so as not to crash the system. We look, for example, in the Parameters on Network volumes menu ( network drives) and enable the checkbox opposite Disable the .DS_Store files creations. Outwardly, nothing happens, but your site is freed from hundreds of auxiliary files unnecessary for a non-Apple environment. Etc.

It is clear that in one article it is impossible to explain in detail each of the functions of these programs. We will try to do this on our website as soon as possible.

Let's not forget that the Mac is the computer for the sophisticated.

The best dictionary for poppy can now translate texts!

I would like to start a small series of articles on free software. And the first article I would like to devote to programs with which the user could customize the behavior of the system the way he likes. By and large, this topic is so big that I don't even know if I can fit into one article, or break it down into several parts. In any case, I will try not to overload you with information and try to go through the available and most common free software for.

Just want to answer a possible question: "Why is this a review of free software?" The answer is very simple and seemingly not very convincing - these programs are free... No, I'm not that ardent supporter of the free software how, but this ideology is quite attractive to me both from a professional point of view and from the point of view of the end user (i.e. a person who does not bother with programs, compilers, etc.), a person who simply downloads a program from Internet and uses it, noting convenience and disadvantages, falling in love and disappointed in some functions. I am more than sure that most of you, dear readers, use such programs. I will just try to systematize the accumulated knowledge and express my opinion.

I think that on this I will finish my introduction and go directly straight to the point. Today I will talk a little about fine-tuning Mac OS X. There are several applications and a special command in the Terminal for this. But you must admit that it takes a long time to memorize commands, especially if a person is a regular user. It is much easier to start the program, choose required parameters, press the button "Apply" / "Save" and admire the result.

I will immediately issue a warning: Some of them special settings can harm the system if used incorrectly!

Therefore, in some cases, you should still refrain from thoughtlessly changing some parameters, unless you are absolutely sure that the entered values ​​are correct. And yet, I decided to submit to your court ...

TinkerTool.
Program website:
Current version: 3.9 (there are versions for Mac OS 10.5, 10.4, 10.3)
Cost: Free
My rating: 4/5.

It is a program that allows you to access hidden system settings. All settings are divided into categories: Finder, Dock, Safari, settings that will have an effect for all applications, settings for some applications that come with, setting up new Leopard features, setting fonts and anti-aliasing, a list of programs that start at system startup and 2 types of resetting the settings - to their "pristine" state and to those values ​​that were before starting TinkerTool. For example, for Finder, you can turn off sounds when performing certain actions, show hidden files and folders, show the full path to a directory in the title bar, turn off or turn on animation.

For the Dock, you can turn off the 3D effect, do not allow you to manually resize the dock and lock the content, for Stacks, you can configure the selection of an element on hover in grid mode, configure the effect of minimizing applications in the Dock and its position on the screen.

Setting the parameters is quick and painless. In addition, the program cannot harm the system, because the user is only given a choice from the preset settings. This program was the first Mac OS X customization I ran on my computer, so I had some pretty fond memories of it. Easy to install and easy to use, it will suit anyone.

I remind you that this free program, a Last update was May 29, 2008. Perhaps this is precisely the rare case in programming when it makes no sense to make a change to the program before the next one is released. Mac versions OS X. You can learn more about the program and download it on the website.

Deeper.
Program website:
Current version: 1.1.2 (there are versions for Mac OS 10.5 and 10.4)
Cost: Free
My rating: 4.2 / 5.

Similar to its predecessor, Deeper lets you customize hidden settings for Finder, Dock, Dashboard, Expose, Spotlight, Safari, and more. She possesses somewhat large functionality than TinketTool, but has the same user-friendly interface and deserves a good rating.

In addition, the developers of this program have a more well-known utility - that allows you to check boot disk and the structure of system files, run various tasks for prevention, delete the browser cache, delete unnecessary files, displays more detailed information about the system, its configuration and much more. OnyX expands the functionality of the software and allows you to set global settings values ​​that apply to all software. In addition, Deeper'a functionality is built into this program. These functions can be accessed on the Parameters tab. That is, using Onix, you can simultaneously configure and "take care" of your operating system... You can download the program on the same as Deeper.

When launched, the program displays a message that its use can harm the computer, however, I hope ours will not be able to harm themselves with the work of this application. I can rightfully rate the OnyX utility with a 5/5 rating, because it is a very useful and wonderful program. In addition, the program, which just yesterday was updated to version 1.9.8, is constantly being updated and improved.

Secrets.
Program website:
Current version: Mac OS 10.5 only
Cost: Free
My rating: 5/5.

This is a truly amazing utility from the creator of Quicksilver. Panel for System Settings, which, like previous programs, allows you to change various hidden parameters of the system. In addition, it is supplemented with modules for various applications. This is the largest collection of hidden settings, the work on which does not stop for a minute. You no longer need to memorize commands for the terminal or scour special sites every time to find a particular hidden command or setting - they are now all in one control panel right in your system. The utility is built directly into System Preferences using .prefpane and simply amazes with the abundance of settings. At the same time, this panel has its own search string specifically for secrets. Therefore, quickly find desired setting will not be difficult. However, you should use the utility very carefully! Be careful! Otherwise, the system can be rendered unusable!

Why using the program can harm the system in such a way? I can answer this question something like this: because in this program the user is allowed a little more than in all the previous ones. Here some parameters must be entered manually (to change them). Therefore, an incorrectly entered parameter can lead to system failure. In general, this program is aimed at advanced users. In addition, users who know secrets that are not included in the available versions of the programs can add them on the program's website. You can be sure that your scratches will appear in the next version of the utility. This program, in my opinion, is the most useful and high-quality, and the 5/5 score is a vivid confirmation of this.

If you have a Mac with a small display, it can take longer to fit apps so that everything is visible on the screen than it does to work. Enough tolerating this! Today we'll talk about how to free up the maximum screen space for applications.

In contact with

The menu bar contains the Apple menu (the "bull's eye" in the left upper corner), active application menu and status icons (e.g. time, level Wi-Fi signal). If you think about it, we don't always need this part of the macOS interface. If so, why not disable it and call it only when necessary?

1. Open System settings(via Apple menu, Dock icon, or Spotlight search).

2. Select a section The main.

3. Check the box next to the inscription Auto hide and show menu bar.

The menu bar will disappear immediately. Next time it will appear only when you move the mouse cursor to the upper corner of the screen or press Ctrl + F2.

How to automatically hide the Dock

The Dock is a bar with icons for applications (Finder, Safari, Mail, etc.) at the bottom of the screen. There you can also add icons of programs that you often use, folders and documents. It is very convenient - but the Dock often takes up a lot of space, and it can be turned into “on demand” work, ie. displaying it only when you need it - it can save you a lot of desktop space.

To do this:

1. Open System settings.

2. Select the Dock section. By the way, you don't have to go into the system settings - just click ⌘Cmd + ⌥Option (Alt) + D.

3. Check the box next to Show or hide the Dock automatically.

The Dock will then automatically disappear from the screen. Now it will appear only when the mouse cursor is at the bottom of the screen, and will go back to cover after you click on the desired icon.

If you do not want to hide the Dock, you can make it smaller (slider Size) or make the small icons increase when you hover over them with the cursor (checkmark opposite the item Zoom). Finally, the Dock can be moved from the bottom of the screen to the left or right side - it may not bother you as much there.

Full screen mode

If you want to focus on one application and not be distracted by anything else - activate full screen mode! It automatically hides both the menu bar and the Dock, while the program window expands to full screen. If necessary, you can reach them with the cursor (as in the previous two cases).

There are two ways to switch to full screen mode:

1. In the application window, click on the green circle with two arrows diverging in different directions (it is located in the upper left corner). Another click on this icon will return you to normal operation.

2. Shortcut Ctrl + ⌘Cmd + F.

Spaces (additional desktops)

Spaces helps organize open applications. You can organize up to 16 spaces at the same time and place as many applications in them as you like. The Spaces tool is great for sorting apps - for example, one Spaces can only place work programs, another - only apps and games for home entertainment, and so on.

If you have previously used Windows, this is how to work in Windows with virtual desktops.

To access Spaces,

1. Open Mission Control ( F3 or Fn + F3 depending on your keyboard type, or Ctrl+ up arrow).

2. Click on the icon «+» in the upper right corner and create a new desktop. Open on it required programs(you can also drag icons from an already used table to a new one).

We talked in more detail about the Spaces desktops and how to switch between them.

Your option

How do you guys clean up your Mac desktop? Share your opinion in the comments!

Many users who have bought a computer for themselves are so overwhelmed by their purchase that they do not know where to start. While the Macs are ready to go right out of the box, it can take a lot of time to “tweak here” and “tweak there”.

Powerful Mac users have a ritual or set of routines they do with a brand new computer after they buy it. Everything, of course, depends on the personal preferences of the user and his habits. I'm talking about personalizing the default Mac OS X settings a few steps ahead.

Windows users who first found themselves behind a Mac have not yet worked out this procedure for themselves. Therefore, to simplify this task, we have compiled a selection of fifteen basic steps that you need to go through to get your Mac ready to work. These tips are by no means mandatory, but should serve as a starting point for most Mac users. After customizing the basic functions, you can continue to tune your computer with the tips and tricks from the Mac community.

1. Updating programs

Apple is continuously releasing new software updates to fix bugs, improve compatibility, and add new features. Go to the Apple menu and select Software Update. The procedure must be repeated several times, since some updates are available only after installing the previous ones.

2. Enabling right click

Why Apple didn't implement this option by default remains a mystery. Right-click on a MacBook trackpad, or Magic mouse very efficient at work. Just go to System Preferences, select a trackpad or mouse, and check the Simulate Auxiliary Button or Simulate Control Key.

3. Date in the menu bar

The menu bar on Mac OS X only shows the day of the week and time by default. I assume you have Snow Leopard, so you can add the month and date to the menu by ticking “show date” in System Preferences “Date and Time” -> “Clock”.

4. Setting up Expose and Spaces

Spaces is by far a more advanced feature of OS X than Expose, but window management with the latter technology is suitable for absolutely everyone - especially when combined with Active Corners. Many newbies are unaware of the existence of this feature.

5. Enabling firewall

Although Mac OS X is by default the most safe system in the world, additional protection measures will not be superfluous. Mac OS X has a simple and reliable firewall that can be turned on in “ System Preferences”In the“ Security ”section. More details about this OS X feature can be found.

6. Configuring Time Machine

A system for automatically backing up information is a must for anyone who stores documents, photos, videos, music and other important information on your Mac. Just plug in external hard a drive of the right size to your computer and your Mac knows what to do next.

7. Install Firefox

Installing an additional browser on the system is obviously the right step. I believe Safari best browser for OS X. Nevertheless, there are situations when for correct work This or that site requires an alternative browser. This applies to all systems, be it Mac OS X, Windows or Linux. For our platform with you, the most popular browsers, and.

8. Installing Glims for Safari

If you prefer Safari, be sure to install the Glims plugin. This is a wonderful add-on for Safari that expands its capabilities: preview sites in the results google search and Yahoo, displaying site icons on tabs, creating dated download folders and many other useful features.

9. Installing Flip4Mac WMV

Mac does not have Windows Media Player, so there is no support for WMV and WMA files. corrects this annoying misunderstanding. This simple plugin lets you watch native Windows video on Mac OS X.

10. Installing Perian

At some point, you will need compatibility with additional types of audio and video files. Just like Flip4Mac WMV, QuickTime adds the ability to play audio and video in almost all formats.

11. Installing VLC Player

It doesn't matter how many QuickTime plugins you install, sometimes the video just won't read. Comes to the rescue. it universal media player for playing various audio and video formats (MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX, mp3, ogg, ...), as well as DVD and VCD.

12. Installing Handbrake

Depending on how you use audio and video content on your Mac, Handbrake might be just what you need. Want to rip DVD videos for playback on iPod / iPhone? Or do you need to convert videos from one format to another? Handbrake is a great solution for running videos on Mac. Full overview We made free video converters.

13. Installing Growl

Growl - universal system notifications on Mac. displays a message from any program, for example, Mail about the arrival of a mail message, Transmission about the completion of downloading files / torrents, or iTunes about the name of songs, etc. The list of supported programs is huge.

14. Installing Stuff Expander

Mac OS X has built-in support for ZIP archives, one of the most popular file compression formats. True, sometimes you can run into RAR. In this case, it will help.

15. Removing unused languages ​​and architectures

Did you know that you can free up a couple of gigabytes on your hard drive by getting rid of the extra language packs and legacy system architectures that come with Mac OS X and third party applications? I freed about 4.5GB using the program.

Conclusion

This article will be useful for both beginners and advanced Mac users. After completing these fifteen steps, your new mac will be fully configured and ready for most tasks. What About Mac Veterans? You can help budding switches to quickly join the friendly Mac community! Leave in the comments your tips for setting up a Mac for users taking their first steps in learning the platform.