MacBook in easy steps, 6th edition

Covers macOS High Sierra

Nick Vandome

• Publisher: In Easy Steps Limited
• Year: 2018
• Print ISBN: 9781840787948
• eBook ISBN: 9781840788136
• Topic: Computer Science
• Subtopic: Hardware
• Index: Computer Science

Get to grips with your new MacBook quickly, in easy steps. Learn the basics first: the Mac Desktop, the Dock, the Finder, and how to use the new Touch Bar – then explore the great features of this popular Apple laptop. The MacBook is one of the most iconic devices of its kind and continues to develop as a stylish and powerful laptop computer. The MacBook now comes with the latest Apple operating system, macOS High Sierra, bringing an increased range of features and functionality. MacBook in easy steps, now in its 6th edition, gives a full rundown about using a MacBook and making the most of macOS High Sierra: Demystifies Mac jargon and MacBook versions; Explains the Dock, Desktop and the Finder; Introduces the new Touch Bar (available on some models); Shows how to use Family Sharing with other family members; Covers iCloud and the iCloud Drive for backing up and sharing files; Details getting started with macOS High Sierra; Covers new features of macOS High Sierra; Shows how to customize your MacBook; Demonstrates the Launchpad for viewing apps; Reveals all about finding and obtaining apps; Addresses battery issues and security. Covers using MacBook for work and for leisure. MacBook in easy steps, 6th Edition also covers the new features in the macOS High Sierra operating system, which include: Internal enhancements designed to make your MacBook more responsive and efficient; An improved file system, designed to meet modern computing needs; An enhanced graphics processor for the best graphics on a MacBook yet; Support for a wide range of virtual reality options; Enhancements to exists apps, including Photos, Safari, Siri, Mail, FaceTime and Notes. Use this guide to accelerate your learning and take control of your new MacBook! Covers macOS High Sierra (OS X 10.13), released Autumn 2017.

1

Introducing MacBooks

Apple’s MacBook range of laptop computers is stylish and user-friendly. This chapter introduces the MacBook range so you can choose the best one for your mobile computing needs.

About MacBooks

MacBook Models

MacBook Jargon Explained

Getting Comfortable

Input Devices

MacBook Power Cable

Cleaning a MacBook

Spares and Accessories

About MacBooks

When Apple Computer, Inc. (renamed Apple Inc. in 1997) introduced its iMac range of desktop computers in 1998 it was a major breakthrough. To try to match the success of the iMac, Apple began working on a new range of notebook computers. It first entered this market seriously with the Macintosh Portable in 1989. In 1991, Apple introduced the PowerBook range of laptops, which was the forerunner to the MacBook range.

MacBooks had a lot of media coverage in terms of appearing in popular TV shows and movies. This has continued with the MacBook range.

In 1999, a new range of Apple laptops was introduced. This was the iBook range, aimed firmly at the consumer market. In May 2006, the MacBook range first appeared. The two main reasons for this consolidation were:

•Simplifying Apple’s laptop range under one banner.

•It was during this period that Apple Inc. was moving from Power PC processors for its computers, to Intel processors.

The MacBook range now consists of:

•MacBook. The latest standard MacBook model was launched in March 2015. It has a 12-inch Retina display screen and is designed to be as thin and as light as possible. It also has an innovative trackpad with Force Touch technology that provides extra functionality.

•MacBook Pro. This is the most powerful version of the MacBook, and two models contain the newly introduced Touch Bar (introduced in 2016), for a range of added functionality from the keyboard.

•MacBook Air. This range was designed to be the thinnest and lightest on the market, and it is still an ultraportable laptop and ideal for mobile computing.

The New icon indicates a new or enhanced feature introduced with the latest version of macOS High Sierra on the MacBook.

MacBook Models

Specifications for all computers change rapidly, and for the current MacBook range they are (at the time of printing):

MacBook

This has one model, with a 12-inch Retina display screen. There are two versions, with the following specifications:

•Processor: 1.1GHz, 1.2GHz or 1.3GHz dual-core Intel Core.

•Storage: 256GB or 512GB flash storage.

•Memory: 8GB of 1866MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory.

•Ports: USB-C, which can be used for charging and also as a USB 3.1 port for USB accessories.

All MacBooks have a range of energy-saving and environmental features.

MacBook Air

This has one model, with a 13-inch screen. There are two versions, with the following specifications:

•Processor: 1.8GHz or 2.2GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 or i7.

•Storage: 128GB or 256GB flash storage.

•Memory: 8GB of 1600MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory.

•Ports: Two USB 3.0 ports and one Thunderbolt 2 port.

The storage and memory on the MacBook range can both be configured to higher levels.

MacBook Pro

This now contains the most extensive range, with standard 13-and 15-inch models and also 13- and 15-inch models with Touch Bar and Touch ID functionality (see here for details). The specifications for these models are:

•Processor: 13-inch, 2.3GHz or 3.1GHz dual-core Intel Core i5; 15-inch, 2.8GHZ or 2.9GHz dual-core Intel Core i7.

•Storage: 128GB, 256GB or 512GB flash storage.

•Memory: 13-inch, 8GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory; 15-inch, 16GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory.

•Ports: 13-inch, two or four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports and one USB 3.1 port; 15-inch, four Thunderbolt 3 ports and one USB 3.1 port.

MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro both have flash storage. This is similar in some ways to traditional ROM (Read-Only Memory) storage, but it generally works faster and results in improved performance. The MacBook Pro Retina display is also designed with a flash architecture throughout to make it one of the most advanced laptops currently on the market.

MacBook Jargon Explained

Since MacBooks are essentially portable computers, a lot of the jargon is the same as for other computers. ...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• 1 Introducing MacBooks
• 2 Around a MacBook
• 3 Introducing High Sierra
• 4 Getting Up and Running
• 5 Finder
• 6 Navigating in High Sierra
• 7 Working with Apps
• 8 Sharing High Sierra
• 9 MacBook Networking
• 10 MacBook Mobility
• 11 Battery Issues
• 12 MacBook Maintenance
• Back Cover