MacBook For Dummies

Learn how to drive the coolest laptop on the planet

You took the plunge, paid extra, and―even though it looks and feels like perfection―have that fleeting doubt: is my MacBook really worth the investment? You’ll be pleased to know that the answer is totally yes, and MacBook For Dummies is the ultimate way to learn the thousand and one reasons why the MacBook Pro or Air you now own is a modern masterpiece―as well as the ten thousand and one (and counting) things you can do with it. With its super-smooth performance, top-shelf LED screen, rugged reliability, and powerful, trouble-free operating system, you’re going to have a lot of fun.

Keeping jargon to a minimum, Mark L. Chambers―prolific tech author and all-round Mac whiz―gives you a friendly, step-by-step welcome to everything MacBook, from reviewing the hardware and powering up for the first time to getting familiar with files, security settings, launching apps, and entering the digital netherworld of iCloud. Then, with the basics reassuringly in place, you can begin your journey to power-user mastery in whatever areas of MacBook-ing you’re most interested in, from doing the accounts in Numbers to perfecting that soon-to-be-released cinematic classic (with original score) using iMovie and GarageBand.

• Get familiar with the latest macOS, Big Sur
• Communicate with Messages and FaceTime
• Stream music, movies, and TV shows
• Manage and edit photos and video clips

Whether you’re a PC convert, Mac veteran, or completely new to the astonishing potential of the MacBook world, you’ll find everything you need to get the most out of the technical marvel that’s now at your command.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Tie Myself Down with a Desktop? Preposterous!

Chapter 1 Hey, It Really Does Have Everything I Need

Chapter 2 Turning On Your Portable Powerhouse

Chapter 3 The MacBook Owner’s Introduction to macOS Big Sur

Part 2 Shaking Hands with macOS Big Sur

Chapter 4 What’s New in macOS Big Sur?

Chapter 5 A Nerd’s Guide to System Preferences

Chapter 6 Sifting Through Your Stuff

Chapter 7 Using Reminders. Notes. Notifications. and Maps

Part 3 Connecting and Communicating

Chapter 8 Let’s Go on Safari!

Chapter 9 iCloud Is Made for MacBooks

Chapter 10 Your Laptop Goes Multiuser

Chapter 11 Working Well with Networks

Part 4 Living the iLife

Chapter 12 The Multimedia Joys of Music and TV

Chapter 13 Focusing on Photos

Chapter 14 Making Film History with iMovie

Chapter 15 Recording Your Hits with GarageBand

Part 5 Getting Productive and Maintaining Your MacBook

Chapter 16 Desktop Publishing with Pages

Chapter 17 Creating Spreadsheets with Numbers

Chapter 18 Building Presentations with Keynote

Chapter 19 When Good Mac Laptops Go Bad

Chapter 20 Adding New Stuff to Your Laptop

Chapter 21 Tackling the Housekeeping

Part 6 The Part of Tens

Chapter 22 Ten Laptop Rules to Follow

Chapter 23 Ten Things to Avoid Like the Plague

From the Inside Flap

Make MacBook magic with this updated guide!

Sleek, super cool, and packed with power—that’s your new MacBook. This easy-to-follow guide shows you how to take full advantage of your MacBook’s features, whether you’re a PC convert or a Mac veteran. You’ll learn the basics, from setting up your MacBook to navigating the latest OS and downloading apps, but there’s so much more—staying connected with Messages and FaceTime, working with iCloud, getting creative with iMovie, and beyond. You and your MacBook will make a great team!

Inside. . .

• Personalize the newest OS
• Import files from Mac® or Windows®
• Master the new Control Center
• Manage your iCloud® storage
• Connect devices to your MacBook
• FaceTime with everyone you know
• Troubleshoot like a pro
• Get a bonus chapter at dummies.com

From the Back Cover

Make MacBook magic with this updated guide!

Sleek, super cool, and packed with power―that’s your new MacBook. This easy-to-follow guide shows you how to take full advantage of your MacBook’s features, whether you’re a PC convert or a Mac veteran. You’ll learn the basics, from setting up your MacBook to navigating the latest OS and downloading apps, but there’s so much more―staying connected with Messages and FaceTime, working with iCloud, getting creative with iMovie, and beyond. You and your MacBook will make a great team!

Inside. . .

• Personalize the newest OS
• Import files from Mac® or Windows®
• Master the new Control Center
• Manage your iCloud® storage
• Connect devices to your MacBook
• FaceTime with everyone you know
• Troubleshoot like a pro
• Get a bonus chapter at dummies.com

About the Author

Mark L. Chambers has written more than thirty computer books. His recent titles include Macs For Seniors For Dummies, 4th Edition and iMac For Dummies, 10th Edition. Mark is currently a full-time author and tech editor―and an unabashed Mac fan.