Three things you need to do with your Mac right now

macOS Big Sur is finally here! With it, comes a redesigned interface, new privacy features, and an even faster and more secure Safari experience. Like many people, I decided to completely wipe my Mac and start fresh. Because of this, I had to reconfigure a few things, therefore, here are three things I recommend you do to your Mac right now.

Install Cloudflare DNS:

Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 is a private DNS directory that aims to improve web browsing performance, as well as increase web security and helps limit ISP tracking. If you want a faster, more secure browsing experience, you need to install Cloudflare 1.1.1.1.

How to install Cloudflare on macOS:

1. Open System Preferences.
2. Search for DNS Servers and select it from the dropdown.
3. Click the + button to add a DNS Server and enter 1.1.1.1
4. Click + again and enter 1.0.0.1 (This is for redundancy.)
5. Click + again and enter 2606:4700:4700::1111 (This is for redundancy.)
6. Click + again and enter 2606:4700:4700::1001 (This is for redundancy.)
7. Click Ok, then click Apply.

Make your default search engine DuckDuckGo:

Ever since discovering DuckDuckGo over a year ago, I haven’t looked back. DuckDuckGo is a private search engine that doesn’t make money off your search data, like Google. The search engine also helps block Google’s hidden trackers with DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials.

DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials is available as a Safari extension and will actively work in the background to block known trackers, as well as grade website you visit and inform you if that company has a poor privacy reputation.

To download DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials, click here to be redirected to the Mac App Store. To change your default search engine:

1. Open Safari.
2. Click Safari in the menubar, then click Preferences.
3. Go to Search.
4. Under Search Engine, open the drop-down menu, then click DuckDuckGo.
5. Restart Safari.

Download Magnet:

Magnet is one of those apps that you won’t notice until you use a Mac that doesn’t have it installed. Don’t be that person.

Magnet is an incredible useful application that allows you to “snap” application windows anywhere on your desktop. It’s incredibly useful if you need to move files from one place to another, or need to access multiple windows at the same time.

Magnet is available for purchase on the Mac App Store for $2.99 USD. It goes on sale often, so be sure to check back regularly. You can purchase Magnet here.

Conclusion

This are just a few of the many things I recommend doing to your Mac. If you have any app suggestions, feel free to comment below.