Setting Up My Mac
Initial Setup
- Add fingerprint twice
- Switch off True Tone
- Show scroll bars always
- Install Superwhispr
File System Rules
Downloads Folder (The “Inbox”): Never store anything here. Treat it like a physical mailbox. Open the mail, file it where it belongs, toss the envelope. Goal: 0 files in Downloads at end of every day.
Documents Folder (The “Library”): Your permanent records. Structure:
- Career: Master Resumes, Columbia degree scans, work samples
- Admin: Passport scans, tax info, medical records
- Learning: Coursework, eBooks, development research
Desktop (The “Workbench”): Only what you’re actively working on right now. Once you hit “Send,” move it to Documents and clear the Desktop. Use Stacks (right-click Desktop → Use Stacks) to auto-group active files.
iCloud Drive (The “Sync Engine”): Don’t use the iCloud Drive tab directly. Just use your Documents folder. iCloud is the invisible truck that carries your Documents folder to your iPhone.
Search-First Naming Rule
Stop organizing by where you put things. Start organizing by what they’re named. Spotlight (Cmd + Space) is your primary tool.
Format: Date_Subject_Entity.ext
- Resume:
2026-03_Resume_Maitreyi_Blackrock.pdf - Transcript:
2024_Transcript_Columbia_Official.pdf - Training:
2026-03_Training_Log.pdf