Wanted to comment on saving docs to a place other than iCloud

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Level 1

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Wanted to comment on saving docs to a place other than iCloud

Having only just got a Mac I too was perplexed as to how to store things outside the Cloud. I read all advice given below. For me, as a previous Windows user, the key thing which was not answered (or perhaps even asked) was where was how to find the hard disk to save my folders to. Please forgive my ignorance if you are groaning but this is a vital piece of information. Below is what I did, hope it helps someone.

To see your hard disk/drive:

Click on the Finder icon, then 'Finder 'on the top ribbon, then 'Settings' and under 'show these items on Desktop' tick 'Hard disks'.

The hard disk will then show on the desktop as Macintosh HD. Double click to open MHD, open the Users folder, followed by your user folder and then drag the required folders from the Cloud to that area.

I am virtually neolithic when it comes to technology, so forgive me if I am teaching you all how to suck eggs, but this worked for me.

I have never posted before so probably have gone about it the wrong way so apologies for that.

Over and out.

MacBook Air, macOS 13.5

Posted on Sep 7, 2023 2:56 AM

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Answer 1

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babowa

Level 9

78,666 points

Sep 7, 2023 8:54 AM in response to Gillianou

Ok, so here are some ideas:

on the top ribbon

That is called the menu bar on a Mac

The bottom bar with the icons is called the dock.

You can get to the Finder with one click: look at the dock icons and mouse over them. I am not running the latest OS, so they may be arranged a little differently, but one of them is a pic of a face - that is the Finder.

Once you find the user folder, there should be one called Documents - that is a good place to put anything of yours. Do create sub folders: my letters, bills, electric company, or name them anything else. That is where you can store them.

And, to have one click access to that Documents folder, drag its icon to the dock. You can have lots of icons in your dock; that is how I access most of my folders and apps - easy one click access.

As for not putting things in the Cloud, find your Settings for that and UNcheck everything you do not want there. The Cloud is not a backup on a Mac - it is meant as a syncing mechanism so you have access from any of your other devices, but it is not storage or a backup. If you delete something from your Mac, it'll be gone from the cloud as well.

here is a screenshot of my dock:

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Answer 2

Sep 7, 2023 6:11 AM in response to Gillianou

OK, so it sounds as if you're transitioning from a Windows computer to a MacBook Air, and are completely confused on how a Mac stores files versus how Windows does it?

There's an Apple Support article explains how to organize files on a Mac: Ways to organize files on your Mac desktop - Apple Support

There's a decent YouTube video on how to acclimate yourself to a Mac if you're coming from Windows: Here

You didn't mention if your MacBook Air is new or not. If it's new, you have AppleCare to help you when you can't figure out how to do something: Contact - How to Contact Us - Apple

I hope some of this helps.

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Answer 3

Gillianou Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 7, 2023 6:31 AM in response to MacMikeInOK

Hello,

Thank you for the information regarding MacBook Air. My post related to how to stop things being saved to the Cloud - I just wanted to save them to my MacBook hard drive which, after a little investigation, I have done. It seemed that no one was answering that particular question, or perhaps the correct question was not being understood.

I am very happy with my new MacBook Air but will be sure to reach out should I need further guidance.

Over and completely out :)

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Answer 4

Gillianou Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 7, 2023 8:59 AM in response to Gillianou

Thanks to one and all for all the information - I now have sensory overload! I am bowing out gracefully. To give some perspective - I don't engage in any form of social media - probably just as well I hear you cry!

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Answer 5

Gillianou Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 7, 2023 9:09 AM in response to babowa

Oh dear, I hope I have not offended you. I was being light hearted. I can assure you that although I don't use social media I am well aware of its function and that of this platform. Peace be with you. :)

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Answer 6

Sep 7, 2023 6:47 AM in response to Gillianou

I'm glad you were able to resolve this issue.

Cheers!

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Answer 7

babowa

Level 9

78,666 points

Sep 7, 2023 9:04 AM in response to Gillianou

These forums are for technical questions - social media has nothing to do with it. I don't use any either, but I volunteer here to try to help someone else.

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Wanted to comment on saving docs to a place other than iCloud

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