New mac person

[LoveThisThing]

Ive been in IT for almost 20 years so I've always had Windows based computers. I did go back to the Iphone as my dad only texts via imessager, and I really do like the Iphone 12 Pro Max.

Anyways, I bought the base model as I was pretty apprehensive after having a Mac Air for work for about 2 weeks (hated it) about 5 years ago.
I must say, I love this thing! I was doing some setup yesterday and a friend called me and it popped up on the Air's screen. I love the integration. Track pad is a true delight, I don't even need a mouse anymore.

I run my own IT company and I think this should do everything I need. I'll be returning this one next week, even though most of my storage is cloud based I felt that 256GB would become small after a couple years. I stumbled across the Canadian refurb site and ordered the 512GB version for almost the same price as this.

I really am glad I decided to give the Macbook a try again. It really is an amazing machine!!

PS: File management seems to be a little more awkward than Windows, I'll have to watch some videos on it (I'm probably doing something wrong).

 

[allan.nyholm]

Great that you're having an enjoyable experience using a MacBook Air.

Funny, I think the file management with macOS is stellar compared to Windows. With file management I assume you mean just putting files and documents in folders using Finder? Or are we talking Dock setup and how to get around this compared to File Explorer? Perhaps something different?

 

[LoveThisThing]

Well, for example. Say I wanted to print this page to a PDF, in the save as field there is no Documents folder.
I have been using Finder to get around. I didn't know there was another option.

Edit: I don't see Documents as an option to put under Favorites. Only documents folder I see is under icloud.

 

[Jack Neill]

Well, for example. Say I wanted to print this page to a PDF, in the save as field there is no Documents folder.
I have been using Finder to get around. I didn't know there was another option.

Safari can export web pages as PDF's without printing, its under File in the menu bar. As far as the save as not showing all locations there is an drop down button that opens up the other locations. It can be a bit jarring coming from Windows.

 

[LoveThisThing]

Safari can export web pages as PDF's without printing, its under File in the menu bar. As far as the save as not showing all locations there is an drop down button that opens up the other locations. It can be a bit jarring coming from Windows.

I'm pretty sure it's user error. I'll get it figured.

 

[casperes1996]

Well, for example. Say I wanted to print this page to a PDF, in the save as field there is no Documents folder.
I have been using Finder to get around. I didn't know there was another option.

Edit: I don't see Documents as an option to put under Favorites. Only documents folder I see is under icloud.

If you use iCloud Documents and Desktop your Documents folder *is* in iCloud. The Documents folder of your user account syncs to iCloud so that it'll be the same between this Mac and another. Thus it's under the iCloud heading in the sidebar

 

[sjsharksfan12]

Great that you're having an enjoyable experience using a MacBook Air.

Funny, I think the file management with macOS is stellar compared to Windows. With file management I assume you mean just putting files and documents in folders using Finder? Or are we talking Dock setup and how to get around this compared to File Explorer? Perhaps something different?

Is there a place to go learn about the File Management for someone who is used to the Windows experience. That's really the thing I don't understand about this computer. Also, do you put things on the desktop and how does that all work.

 

[casperes1996]

Is there a place to go learn about the File Management for someone who is used to the Windows experience. That's really the thing I don't understand about this computer. Also, do you put things on the desktop and how does that all work.

I mean you can put things wherever you want. If you have iCloud Desktop and Documents on, the desktop will be stored in iCloud (or at least synced with iCloud) but the desktop more or less works like it does on Windows really

It doesn't specifically or exclusively pertain to file management, but for new users I can recommend SnazzyLab's YouTube videos about Mac programs and tools and whatnots because there's a lot of nice tips in those videos for new users - As well as some more experienced users I guess

 

[iterva]

I mean you can put things wherever you want. If you have iCloud Desktop and Documents on, the desktop will be stored in iCloud (or at least synced with iCloud) but the desktop more or less works like it does on Windows really

It doesn't specifically or exclusively pertain to file management, but for new users I can recommend SnazzyLab's YouTube videos about Mac programs and tools and whatnots because there's a lot of nice tips in those videos for new users - As well as some more experienced users I guess

I second the recommendation to check out SnazzyLabs videos. There is a few there. Also I have seen Macmost being recommended. He seems to cover the very basics of using macOS but might be worth checking out his channel too.

SnazzyLabs - 20 Mac Apps I Can't Live Without!

Macmost - 20 Useful Tips and Tricks For Mac Users

 

[Bazza1]

Years ago, when I moved to Mac from Windows (and that, from 3.1 to 8), I made the conscious decision to keep my files (Documents - and subfolders within that, Photos, etc) within my User folder, but not tied to any of Apple's proprietary software, or later, iCloud. I may use some of the Mac's apps - like Photos to tweak an image beyond what Preview can do - but always export it back to my local destination, and not keep it in the app.

I have not tied any of my files to 'sync' (or be kept online) automatically with iCloud, though I do manually backup copies of some files to it (and Dropbox and OneDrive, if it comes to that) - but then, I do the same onto local drives, too. Belt and suspenders, as it were - but not relying on the vagaries of the net (or the sometime difficulty of accessing it when on-the-road) to keep my files.

 

[allan.nyholm]

Is there a place to go learn about the File Management for someone who is used to the Windows experience. That's really the thing I don't understand about this computer. Also, do you put things on the desktop and how does that all work.

Just as with Windows you have dedicated folders in your User directory that are categorized accordingly - you images and family photos in the Pictures directory and downloaded in the Download directory. You can mix it up if you like and have downloaded files directed to the Pictures directory and PDF's transferred to the Movies directory within your Home folder /Users/pewdiepie/Movies as an example.

For the Desktop there's the use of Stacks (right click the Desktop - then in the contextual menu there choose Use Stacks) Stacks allows your files to be jumbled up together in their respective categories. So that 100 images and photos ready to be uploaded to Instagram doesn't appear as 100 small thumbnails on your desktop when you log in to macOS. There still are 100 images on your desktop, they are just stacked up and you can browse these too.

Also there's this; Apple's own guide to macOS
macOS User Guide in many languages (choose language down at the bottom right hand corner)

The macOS teacher best yourself you are - Yoda

Learn by Error 40 you will - also Yoda

ps. not actually quotes by the Star Wars character, Yoda - and I'm sorry if I come off as sarcastic in my comments. I am a kind and warm person and I use this writing style because it's how I know how to write. I'm not an educated man.

Again as I was asking previously ... there's too many ways file management is done, the Dock - is it a program that has a database form of style like Usher2 for videos or what are we talking here. I can safely make the prediction that one of the largest hurdles is the Dock... the Finder is labeled as a poor man's File Explorer by many Windows back-rubbers. I think Finder is the better version of File Explorer if there's even a comparison to be made.

 

[xboxbml]

Ive been in IT for almost 20 years so I've always had Windows based computers. I did go back to the Iphone as my dad only texts via imessager, and I really do like the Iphone 12 Pro Max.

Anyways, I bought the base model as I was pretty apprehensive after having a Mac Air for work for about 2 weeks (hated it) about 5 years ago.
I must say, I love this thing! I was doing some setup yesterday and a friend called me and it popped up on the Air's screen. I love the integration. Track pad is a true delight, I don't even need a mouse anymore.

I run my own IT company and I think this should do everything I need. I'll be returning this one next week, even though most of my storage is cloud based I felt that 256GB would become small after a couple years. I stumbled across the Canadian refurb site and ordered the 512GB version for almost the same price as this.

I really am glad I decided to give the Macbook a try again. It really is an amazing machine!!

PS: File management seems to be a little more awkward than Windows, I'll have to watch some videos on it (I'm probably doing something wrong).

I've been in IT for over 35 years. I've seen every version of dos(1)/windows since the beginning. Obviously there have been vast improvements and a few failures along the way. I am a relatively new Mac user. Bought this 2015 Air used in 2018. Just wanted to experience the integration with iPhone as I've been an iPhone user since 3GS. It is quite nice. I've really enjoyed it! I really do like this Air now that I have 2tb of storage. Finder navigation and usage did take a little getting used to. I still like Windows file properties manipulation when it comes to photos. Setting proper dates/times/locations etc. I have figured out ways around it in iOS/macOS but it is a bit cumbersome. I'm waiting to see the next iteration or two of the Air to see what I get next as a replacement. This 2015 works pretty well but I would like a better screen and a bit faster processor and more memory. I'll go with 16gb+ on my next one. One of these days I want to get into serious photos/video editing, and the Air may not be quite enough proc. We'll see when I get to that point. I always go with max storage and memory when possible. Future proofing a bit.. Anyways, good deal finding a bigger storage version for same. Just always make sure you get AC+ and the most storage/ram you can afford. These new ones are no longer user upgradable or really serviceable. Everything is soldered to the board.

 

[jdb8167]

Ive been in IT for almost 20 years so I've always had Windows based computers. I did go back to the Iphone as my dad only texts via imessager, and I really do like the Iphone 12 Pro Max.

Anyways, I bought the base model as I was pretty apprehensive after having a Mac Air for work for about 2 weeks (hated it) about 5 years ago.
I must say, I love this thing! I was doing some setup yesterday and a friend called me and it popped up on the Air's screen. I love the integration. Track pad is a true delight, I don't even need a mouse anymore.

I run my own IT company and I think this should do everything I need. I'll be returning this one next week, even though most of my storage is cloud based I felt that 256GB would become small after a couple years. I stumbled across the Canadian refurb site and ordered the 512GB version for almost the same price as this.

I really am glad I decided to give the Macbook a try again. It really is an amazing machine!!

PS: File management seems to be a little more awkward than Windows, I'll have to watch some videos on it (I'm probably doing something wrong).

If you like to learn via videos, check out this YouTube channel MacMost. Very well done, short to the point tutorials.

 

[dangerfish]

Edit: I don't see Documents as an option to put under Favorites. Only documents folder I see is under icloud.

Your Document and Desktop Folders are automatically saved to iCloud unless you tell the computer not to.

I think you kinda need to forget about "file management" on a Mac. Its not something you need to concern yourself with. Just save your docs in the Documents folder and be done with it. If you are using the default apps, then your movies, photos and music will all automatically be saved in the appropriate folders. So just stick everything else in the Documents folder. Then, learn to use Spotlight to find and launch your files and applications.

 

[Bazza1]

Remember when the whole point of a Personal Computer was that you would not have a 'dumb keyboard' connected to a distant mainframe by sometimes dodgy connections over phone or cable lines; but rather, a self-contained computer that would provide everything you needed locally without reliance on the vagaries of outside companies and technology?

Huh. The 21st Century rushing headlong into the past. 😏

 

[LoveThisThing]

Thanks for the tips everyone.

Getting a lot more used to this now, and the more I use it the more I like it. Haven't been this happy with any purchase in a long time.

The migration tool worked like a charm and the refurbished unit looks and works flawlessly

I am looking forward to the M1x/M2 version. I'm interested in seeing what changes they make since it's supposed to be a redesign.

 

[Bazza1]

... the refurbished unit looks and works flawlessly.

My last two Mac Airs have been from Apple's refurb store, and both cosmetically and technically trouble-free, with a full warranty and the ability to buy AppleCare. Might even argue that their refurbs get more of an individual inspection before being shipped than new from factory.

Enjoy!

 

[darngooddesign]

...I'll be returning this one next week, even though most of my storage is cloud based I felt that 256GB would become small after a couple years. I stumbled across the Canadian refurb site and ordered the 512GB version for almost the same price as this.

if you are patient, the 16GB/512SSD models pop up on refurb every so often. Ive been using this site to keep track of them.

Watch Apple Refurb deals and save up to 40% - Refurb Tracker

With Apple Refurb, save up to 40% on Apple products. Refurb Tracker offers e-mail alerts to be notified when new Apple refurbished products pop up.

refurb-tracker.com