Take Control of Big Sur

Take Control of Big Sur

by Joe Kissell
Released November 2020
Publisher(s): Take Control Books
ISBN: None

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Book description

Get up to speed quickly with macOS 11!
Version 1.1, updated November 12, 2020

Get to know macOS 11 with Take Control of Big Sur. Learn everything you need to know to prepare for a smooth transition to the new version of macOS—and what to do once you've upgraded. Discover new features, explore the revised user interface, and avoid potentially unpleasant surprises.

macOS 11 Big Sur is more than just Apple's annual update to its Mac operating system. This revision breaks entirely new ground, significantly overhauling your Mac's look and feel, adding big new features, and including support for the first (soon-to-be-released) Macs based on Apple silicon rather than Intel processors.

We're changing things up this year, too. Rather than two separate titles on the new macOS version as we've had in past years, this time we've rolled everything into one: a book that helps you prepare for the new system, safely upgrade your Mac to run Big Sur, and then get to know all the new features. (So, if you're looking for Take Control of Upgrading to Big Sur, look no further: this book contains an abbreviated version of Joe's legendary upgrading instructions.)

Some of the topics covered in this book are:

  • How to tell whether your Mac can run Big Sur
  • Steps you should take before upgrading
  • How to perform an in-place upgrade—or do a clean install and migrate your old data from a backup
  • What Control Center is and how it can simplify adjusting system settings
  • What's new in the Maps app (guides, Look Around, indoor maps, and more)
  • Ways to improve your messaging with enhanced group conversations, Memoji, and other changes in Messages
  • How to use and customized the heavily revised Notification Center
  • New features in Photos to make your images and videos even better
  • Improved privacy features in Safari—plus a Start Page, improved tabs, and spiffy new features
  • The small changes throughout macOS and bundled apps, including Apple Arcade, Spotlight, Siri, the App Store, Notes, Reminders, Voice Memos, and more

Table of contents

  1. Read Me First
    1. Updates and More
    2. What’s New in Version 1.1
  2. Introduction
  3. Big Sur Quick Start
  4. Take In the Scenic View
    1. Find Out What’s New in Big Sur
    2. Catch Up with macOS Changes
  5. Check Your Mac for Compatibility
    1. Model Support
    2. RAM
    3. Free Disk Space
  6. Upgrade to Big Sur
    1. Update Your Third-Party Software
    2. Back Up Your Disk
    3. Decide on an Installation Method
    4. Make Final Preparations
    5. Upgrade Using Plan A: In‑Place Upgrade
    6. Upgrade Using Plan B: Clean Install
    7. Perform Post-Installation Tasks
    8. Troubleshoot Upgrade Problems
  7. A Quick Tour of Big Sur
    1. Get Your Visual Bearings
    2. Explore System Preferences Changes
    3. Update Your Backup Strategy
    4. Prepare for Apple Silicon
  8. Work with Control Center
    1. Use Control Center
    2. Customize Control Center
    3. Manage Menu Items
  9. Find Your Way Around Maps
    1. Get to Know the Sidebar
    2. Use Guides
    3. Look Around
    4. Indoor Maps
    5. Live ETA Updates
    6. Cycling Routes
    7. Learn About Other New Maps Features
  10. Enhance Your Messages
    1. Notice the Small Improvements
    2. Use the App Store Menu
    3. Improve Group Conversations
    4. Use Memoji
  11. Manage Notifications
    1. Display Notification Center
    2. Edit Notification Center Widgets
  12. Improve Your Photos
    1. Navigate Your Collection
    2. Enhance Photos and Videos
  13. Learn New Safari Tricks
    1. Customize Your Start Page
    2. Get More Out of Tabs
    3. Translate Pages from Other Languages
    4. Extend Safari
    5. Protect Your Privacy
    6. Import Data from Chrome
  14. Discover All the Little Things
    1. Other System Improvements
    2. Other App Improvements
  15. About This Book
    1. Ebook Extras
    2. About the Author and Publisher
  16. Also by Joe Kissell
  17. Copyright and Fine Print

Product information

  • Title: Take Control of Big Sur
  • Author(s): Joe Kissell
  • Release date: November 2020
  • Publisher(s): Take Control Books
  • ISBN: None