Setting Up Your MacBook Safely
Complete the first setup, understand your account and protect the new MacBook from the start.
Complete the first setup, understand your account and protect the new MacBook from the start.
What you will learn
- Identify essential MacBook hardware and ports
- Complete Setup Assistant carefully
- Create a secure sign-in and recovery plan
Before you begin
Use non-sensitive practice files and save your work before changing settings. Menu names can vary with the macOS version and MacBook model, so use System Settings search or the Help menu when an option is not immediately visible.
Meet the MacBook
A MacBook combines the display, keyboard, trackpad, battery, speakers, camera and microphones in one portable computer. Port types depend on the model, so identify them before buying an adapter.
Use the correct charger and keep liquids away from openings. Place the MacBook on a stable surface with airflow rather than soft bedding that traps heat.
Use Setup Assistant
Setup Assistant guides language, region, network, accessibility, data transfer and account choices. Read each screen instead of accepting every optional service automatically.
An Apple Account can connect iCloud, the App Store, Find My and other services. Use an account you control and record its recovery method securely.
Protect sign-in
Create a strong Mac login password and enable Touch ID when supported. Touch ID is convenient, but the password is still required in some circumstances.
Turn on Find My only after understanding location and account recovery. Do not share verification codes or approve an unexpected sign-in request.
Guided practice
- Identify the MacBook model and available ports.
- Review the signed-in Apple Account and recovery contact information.
- Lock the screen, then sign in again safely.
Knowledge check
- Why should the MacBook model be identified?
- When might the password still be required with Touch ID?
- What should you do with an unexpected sign-in request?
Completion standard
Continue when you can complete the guided practice safely and explain the knowledge-check answers in your own words.
MacBook for Beginners
Continue through the course in order. New published parts appear here automatically.
- 1Setting Up Your MacBook Safely
- 2Understanding the Desktop Dock and Menu Bar
- 3Using the Trackpad Keyboard and Shortcuts
- 4Organising Files and Folders with Finder
- 5Installing Updating and Managing Applications
- 6Customising System Settings Accounts and Accessibility
- 7Connecting to the Internet and Using Apple Services
- 8Protecting Privacy Security and a Lost MacBook
- 9Backing Up with Time Machine and Managing Storage
- 10Troubleshooting and Completing a Personal MacBook Setup