Getting a new MacBook is a great feeling because Macs are some of the most reliable computers you can get. They also come with a plethora of neat applications that enrich the user experience.
Some applications are integrated into the operating system, and some you will need to download from the Official Mac App Store or a third-party website.
Let’s take a look at what applications are worth getting on your computer and why you should use them in the first place.
Monitoring
The Activity Monitor tool is not always enough to provide you with all the information that you wish to know about your MacBook.
If that’s the case, get iStat Menus or another similar tool to keep track of and collect data on system temperatures, CPU performance, and other details about the laptop’s performance.
Time-Management
If you have a habit of losing track of time while working on your Mac, rely on an application that sends you reminders about when to take a break or what your pace should be to finish the work on time.
Some examples of time-management apps for macOS are Hubstaff, On the Job, Klok, and Workpuls.
You will find that some of these applications have more features than you need, particularly if you are working alone rather than in a team environment.
Look through the applications that catch your interest and consider which one fits your needs the most. Emphasize the features and consider whether it is worth investing money in an app for what it has to offer (if it requires payment).
Video Games
Gaming on a MacBook is not necessarily something that you hear about often. After all, Macs have pretty lackluster hardware for gaming if you compare these computers to custom-built PCs or consoles.
Nevertheless, here are plenty of great video games that run a MacBook due to low system requirements.
For instance, rogue-like games like Hades, Cuphead, and Slay the Spire should be a nice way to entertain yourself. You could also play card games, such as Gwent or Hearthstone.
As for AAA titles, it might be a bit tricky to run them, but there might be some exceptions if you lower the graphics and perhaps upgrade the laptop’s hardware.
Cleanup
Cleanup tools come in quite handy after your MacBook becomes a bit old. The system generates temporary storage that clogs the disk, and removing temporary data manually is quite monotonous and time-consuming.
Instead, download and install a cleanup utility tool that will get rid of unwanted system junk for you. Some of the best free and paid options of such software include CleanMyMac X, Disc Doctor, Daisy Disk, and Gemini 2.
Antivirus
You might read some people’s claims that macOS is not prone to malware and other cybersecurity threats, meaning you should not bother with getting antivirus software.
It is true that Macs are a bit safer from malware because hackers are less likely to develop threats targeting macOS users because there are fewer of them.
Besides, Apple is known to push system updates and react to the most recent threats as they want to protect iOS and macOS users. Keep that in mind and update your device as soon as a new operating system version becomes available.
Nevertheless, built-in security is not necessarily enough to protect the computer from potential threats. It is still recommended to get antivirus software for your MacBook and have it run in the background while the computer is turned on.
Look through the lists of the best available antivirus software for a MacBook or talk to your tech-savvy friends and ask them for recommendations.
Data Backups
Backing up MacBook data should be a regular thing because there is no telling when something might happen to the computer’s hardware. If the hardware malfunctions, files on the computer might be wiped.
As a MacBook owner, you have a couple of options to back up the files. The first is to use an external hard drive and combine it with Time Machine or another similar application.
The second option is to transfer data to your iCloud account. Keep in mind, though, that the default iCloud plan offers only five gigabytes of total storage. Five gigabytes are usually not enough, and you will likely have to subscribe to a monthly storage plan on iCloud.
Password Manager
A password manager is not something only used for businesses. No, individuals can also store their login details and keep passwords in one place.
There are times when you have more passwords than you can remember, and you also want to come up with difficult combinations to prevent others from potentially figuring out your passwords.
Accessing every password with a master password is a good approach to remember your login details and keep them safe.
For MacBooks, you have password managers like 1Password, Bitwarden, and Dashlane. Either of these three should accommodate your needs.