Hey Fam,

Been a Windows User forever and finally after 8 years wanted to build a new Workstation. But because I'm so tired of what's Happening and thinking about leaving this bitch Ass country (i know, no political discussions - i'll leave it by that) and looking at Hardware prices i came to the decision that If i build another Workstation and have to sell it in a few months, i'd burn so much Money, so i decided to Go with a preowned MacBook Pro.
That way i won't lose as much Money If i sell it and on the other Hand its way easier to Just Take It with me...
Long Story Short, i got a

Macbook pro M1 max with
64gb unified memory and
2tb internal space

Cool, if it was a PC i'd know exactly what to do but since its a Mac, i'm totally lost. Let me Start by saying that this MacBook is in an amazing condition and i want it to stay that way. So with that being Said, what could be the worst Thing that could Happen If i Install stuff from the sister site?
Formatting my disc and starting from Zero or could i even damage the whole MacBook? In other words: could i face a Situation where there's no way to restore the system and fuck the whole MacBook Up?

2nd: when i tested it before buying, i used my old Apple ID with real Personal Information. That's What its running on now. I didnt Format it once more. What about that? Is that a Problem?

And what do i need? Hardware Tools, Software Tools?

Which Version (no links of course) of FL Studio ist the latest one that Works on a silicon Mac? Same for cubase and so on.

Treat me as a total noob on a Mac and please make me Fall in Love with Mac Like ya'll did.

Thanks in advance.

 

Last edited: Jun 2, 2026 at 6:07 PM

Stop worrying, and enjoy your new machine. Everything is good on a "light" side.

You'll have a little learning curve (and a slightly bigger "unlearning" curve to rid yourself of those unseemly ingrained Windows habits), but once you get through that I'm sure you'll wonder why it took so long to move over.

Welcome to Mac!

 

You will be just fine.

enjoy. plenty of help here on the forums.

 

Congrats on getting a MacBook Pro! I finally made the way to the dark side ( ) at the end of last year when I got the Mac M4 Mini for $500 (can't believe how much they've got up since then!!?).

Like you, I was a longtime Windows user and I'm still trying to figure out simple things like file structure. But I'm totally in love with the workflow in Logic Pro (from the sister site), from a singer/songwriter perspective, so I'm happy that I've made the switch.

If prices don't skyrocket on the new M5 MacBook Air, I'm hoping to pick one of those up later this year.

Good luck with the transition!

 

Congrats for the jump to the mac world. You will see, once you get used to the macOS system you won't ever get back to Windows, because of the usability, stability, rather bloatware free system, better security and privacy and less spyware, no annoying constant system updates which installs themself in the background, less warning message boxes, plug and play that really works, better use of RAM, real multitasking, no need to defrag the drives because of the smarter filesystem, powerful Apple Silicon chips, very few battery consumption because of the ARM architecture, also very good for games,...

It's nearly impossible to fuck up the system that it won't boot anymore because of the smart protection system.

Some tools which I find very useful:
Sentinel (for codesigning apps)
Little Snitch (best firewall)
Keka (compressor)
Amphetamine (keep-awake utility)
Adguard (best adblocker)
VLC (best audio/video player)

 

Last edited: Jun 2, 2026 at 6:50 PM

command line tools from xcode.

 

When you run an older Mac for long past it's ability to be updated to newer MacOS, and use OCLP to install your MacOS; it's with either SIP completely disabled or running in a "Custom Disabled" mode. And do you know what happens using only trusted releases and common sense browsing the internet? Nothing. Get a USB flash drive and create a bootable installer. Make a Time Machine backup to an external usb hdd or ssd. It doesn't matter which, SSD is just faster.

I just switched from my good old workhorse Mac Pro cheesegrater from 2010 to an M4 Mac, and it's funny. I almost do not see a lot of stuff being miraculously faster. Stem Separations and rendering long files, sure. It is night and day. But otherwise, the speed increase is not immediately obvious. But when you get Logic 12 open, it's completely different. The workflow of thinking about CPU with every decision you make is gone. You want to put a 32X oversampling clipper in realtime processing. on multiple busses? The M4 doesn't even flinch at it.
Automations aren't "planned", they are performed musically and edited, if you want. Komplete Kontrol went from a lag ingredient to not even noticeable.

Now my old Intel Mac Pro has all my old Intel or U2B plugins installed on it, and it's connected via Audiogridder, SMB enabled, offline but available on the network so I can SSH into it or just open in it like a headless plugin server. I haven't had to install a single app, or plugin, that works via Rosetta2. I'm going to strip every U2B plugin I have so it only has ARM slices of the binaries left. I'm sure I will discover a few that break and need to be returned from backup copies, but it will reduce the storage footprint of plugins by close to 50%.

This is a decent list of utilities. I would add these applications to the list:

Find Any File!
Opera for browser, with Ublock Origin for adblocking,
Bluecat Audio's Patchwork, both the plugin and Standalone especially.
BatChmod, or Permissions Reset2
Wide Blue Sound Audio Plugin Uninstaller
Dr Buho Cleaner (it's like Clean My Mac)
Crossover (for old, but still working great R2R keygens, and new Mocha ones)
Daisy Disk for disk content management, usually to identify big stuff you might remove
Myriad audio file batch convertor
Transmission if you need a torrent client

Disabling Gatekeeper:

Command to disable Gatekeeper: sudo spctl --master-disable
Command re-enable Gatekeeper: sudo spctl --master-enable

Xcode command line, Homebrew, via terminal:

Spoiler

Xcode install:

• Install Apple's command-line developer tools:

xcode-select --install

Homebrew Install

Install Homebrew (the de facto package manager for macOS):

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Verify the installation:

brew --version

Update Homebrew and package definitions:

brew update


Upgrade installed packages:

brew upgrade


Install a package:


brew install wget


Search for available packages:

brew search ffmpeg


On Apple Silicon Macs, Homebrew is typically installed in:


/opt/homebrew

Homebrew is generally the first thing many command-line users install after the Xcode Command Line Tools, since it provides easy access to thousands of open-source utilities and development tools.

Python3 install:

Spoiler

• Install Python 3.14 with Homebrew:

brew install [email protected]

• Verify the installation:

python3 --version

or


python3.14 --version

• Check where it was installed:

which python3

• Upgrade later:

brew upgrade [email protected]

A quick note for people coming from Linux: macOS ships with components that rely on Apple's own system Python infrastructure. It's generally best to leave the system-provided tools alone and use the Homebrew-installed Python for development work. Use python3 and pip3 rather than trying to replace anything Apple installed.

Permissions related Commands:

Spoiler

• Check permissions on a file or folder:

ls -l filename

or


ls -ld foldername

• Change permissions:

chmod 755 script.sh
chmod 644 file.txt
chmod +x script.sh

• Change ownership:

sudo chown username file.txt
sudo chown -R username:staff foldername

• Check who owns something:

stat file.txt

• Verify your current user and groups:

whoami
id
groups

Mac-specific permissions that often confuse new users:

• Traditional Unix permissions (chmod, chown) are only part of the story.
• macOS also has ACLs (Access Control Lists).

View ACLs:


ls -le

or


ls -lde foldername

Remove ACLs recursively:


chmod -RN foldername

Another common issue is extended attributes, especially on downloaded files:

View attributes:


xattr -l filename

Remove all attributes:


xattr -cr filename

A very common example is the quarantine attribute:


xattr -d com.apple.quarantine filename

If an app won't launch even though permissions look fine, check for quarantine attributes before assuming the file is damaged.

For troubleshooting access problems, my usual order is:

1. ls -l
2. ls -le
3. xattr -l
4. Check System Settings → Privacy & Security

practical advice instead of a technical checklist:

Spoiler

• Install Homebrew early. It's the closest thing macOS has to a traditional package manager and makes installing command-line tools much easier.
• Run xcode-select --install to get Apple's command-line developer tools. A lot of software expects them to be present.
• Learn Spotlight (⌘ + Space). Most long-time Mac users launch apps, find files, and perform quick searches this way instead of browsing folders.
• macOS uses zsh as the default shell, so expect a few differences if you're coming from Bash or another environment.
• Some command-line tools behave differently than they do on Linux because macOS uses BSD versions rather than GNU versions.
• Applications are usually installed in /Applications rather than scattered throughout the system.
• External drives are typically mounted under /Volumes.
• You can open files, folders, and applications from Terminal with the open command.
• If an application suddenly can't access files, the microphone, screen recording, or accessibility features, check Privacy & Security settings before assuming something is broken.
• macOS has strong built-in security protections. Avoid disabling things like SIP or Gatekeeper unless you understand exactly why you're doing it.
• Many system settings are managed through Apple's settings framework rather than editing configuration files directly, so sometimes the quickest solution is in System Settings rather than Terminal.
• When troubleshooting, remember that macOS is Unix underneath, but Apple often expects users to interact with the system differently than they would on Linux.

^ i'm not typing all this, but read it. Do Homebrew after Xcode.

Quick Explanation of editing hosts via Nano

Spoiler

• Edit the hosts file with Nano:

sudo nano /etc/hosts

• Add entries at the bottom of the file. For example:

127.0.0.1 example.com
127.0.0.1 www.example.com

This redirects those domains to your own computer, effectively blocking them.

• Save the file:
  • Ctrl + O (Write Out)
  • Press Enter
• Exit Nano:
  • Ctrl + X
• Flush the DNS cache so changes take effect immediately:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

• Test the result:

ping example.com

If it resolves to 127.0.0.1, the hosts entry is working.

The hosts file is commonly used to block websites, override DNS for testing, or force a domain to resolve to a specific IP address. Since it's a system file, sudo is required to edit it.

 

Last edited: Jun 2, 2026 at 7:38 PM

Install Logic

 

Thanks for your answers and Tips so far. Looks Like i got a Lot to discover now.
But First of all... Should i Format once Again and create a new Apple ID with Fake data or is it also Something Not to worry about.
Sorry for being so lost.

And also can anyone Tell me If the existing FL Studio Versions Work with Apple silicon? And what cubase version to use because looking at The comments, there's Always someone who says it won't Work.

And especially thank you for welcoming me to the Mac realm and guiding me through. I honestly appreciate ya'll

 

No, you should not do this.

No idea about Fruity, as for Cubase, use the latest version - don't overthink it! ;)

 

OK thank you for your reply. I was Just asking because in the comments section, they say that they reverted Back to a previous Version of cubase because Steinberg messed Up the folder structure

 

Most important: LinearMouse:
https://linearmouse.app/en/

The acceleration of the mousewheel will drive you mad sooner or later, and you can't switch it off with on board stuff, you need a third party app for that.

 

Apple's Magic Mouse is nice and smooth without a scrollwheel. But even with the Logitech MXMaster3 (pc version even!), with the Flow software installed to control multiple machines, I never ran into such a problem. It probably depends more on your model of external mouse how much it actually bothers you.

In Tahoe anyway, if you go to Mouse, Advanced, you can disable pointer acceleration if you want to.

 

What you need the apple id for? Explore the operating system, get used to the key commands and adjust things where needed as you go. Except FLStudio, all the daws work flawlessly. FLStudio is bitchy on apple silicon (M) it crashes way too often to be useful imho. There is a universal steinberg patcher over at macserialjunkie that covers all the Steinberg software incl. Yamaha Montage - consider creating an account there, very useful forum. If logic/garageband isnt an option as an daw for you, stay away from audiounit plugin format and stick to vst3.

Stay away from any optimization tools, stock MacOS runs perfectly fine as is. It totally makes sense to get into the terminal.app, basic commands like ls,chmod,chown,xattr i use on daily basis - xcode tools for commandline are highly recommended

On mac apps are "packages" folders, where everything required is embedded, so you can move them as you like, if your mac can access a filesystem it also can run an app from it. I have many of my "huge" apps stored on a nas that serves the apps for all my macs in a network share.

You have to adjust settings to allow software from sources other than the AppStore : MAC > System Preferences > Privacy > Security > Apps from: AppStore and known devs

I your mac tells you, that an app is not safe to be run (dev doesn't pay $$$ to apple to get that certificate) you can reset the quarantine flags using the terminal: xattr -cr PATH_TO_APP (the terminal supports drag & drop to get the path) there is an app for this task aswell

A good choice you made with that macbook :o) I switched to mac twenty years ago and never looked back.

 

This is not correct. .pkg files are installer packages on macOS. They contain the software payload plus install scripts that the system runs to place things in the right locations.

You can inspect most .pkg files with Suspicious Package (https://mothersruin.com/suspicious-package/), which is way clearer than Finder’s “Show Package Contents”, especially for plugin installers where you’ll often see preinstall/postinstall scripts and the install paths laid out. Perfect for tracking down intended preset install locations and exporting them. Just to note, Suspicious Package's export feature cannot follow symlinks.

 

I went through this when Apple bought Emagic (Logic). I bought a Mac Book Pro, and tried to find my bearings. Luckily for me, every single one of my producer or musician friends had been on Mac for years already, so I felt confident I could call upon them if I got lost.

There's excellent technical advice here, @clone's in particular, but I was already relatively computer literate when I switched, so basically, the biggest learning curve for me was to learn to use the Cmd key instead of the Ctrl key, the Spacebar, and Return keys.

Second biggest adjustment was the trackpad scrolling: it's reverse scrolling (slide down to go up) by default on a Mac - fuck that. I flipped it so when my fingers slide up, the page slides up. That's it.

Third, was to install Little Snitch - buy or find a copy, install it, set it up, then let it work its magic. It's a must for us musicians.

One other thing I had to unlearn, was to let go of my (founded) fear of viruses and malware. It's been 24 years, I think, I've gone commando ever since: no anti virus software, or malware this or that. Do make sure to disable the Autorun upon download feature - whoever came up with that at Apple is a moron.

Anyway, I got zero infections in 24 years - none. And my laptop and I routinely go to China, Korea, India, Indonesia, Thailand, etc.

What I did get however, that also covers my iPhone and iPad, is two sets of VPNs - always running in the background.

Last perhaps, was to get Better Zip - it doesn't automatically unzip an archive, so you can look at the folder structure before you do extract it. This helped with my peace of mind - the first few years - but I don't recall ever having had reason to not extract.

The bottom line is, if you're constantly on a VPN (not a fixed IP) and only installing music wares, you're statistically unlikely to be a target. Just stay away from smut sites, and mp3 sharing sites, and you're further reducing the % of chances of standing out and waving a white flag at such actors. The rest is common sense that applies to PC and Mac alike.

Take it slow, be patient with yourself mostly, and welcome!

 

Last edited by a moderator: Jun 3, 2026 at 1:46 AM

Once Again thank you all for your much appreciated advice. It's great to have someone willing to Help and Guide me through all this.

I didn't have time to try anything Out so far because I'm Stuck in my 9 to 5. But hopefully tomorrow i'll find time to get the First Things done.

Much to Cover but i asked for it. And you're probably right, i'm overthinking it because I'm used to Windows where that's a Thing.

I Just don't wanna mess Something good Up. I Made a good Deal, its in great condition and i Take Care of such Things.

Anyways you're great, i'll definitely get Back with some more questions

 

1) don't rely on network recovery, make sure to have a functional MacOS installer on some USB stick
2) if you accidentally leave your MacBook assigned to AppleID you won't have credentials to, there's no good way to factory reset it
3) in recent MacOS versions, it's possible to make factory reset/restore of system without formatting the system disk

if you're used to Windows, you may want few utilities to make your life easier
1) Keka - because there's no WinRar, and MacOS cannot extract some things on its own
2) DockDoor - because MacOS doesn't have any sane way to switch between application windows on its dock
3) AppCleaner - because dragging apps into bin doesn't actually uninstall other leftover mess
4) SuspiciousPackage - because sooner or later you'll need to look into .pkg installers
5) PlistEditPro - because sooner or later you'll need to look into .plist system files
6) FreeFileSync - because MacOS finder isn't that reliable to transfer lots of files on its own
7) IINA or VLC - because MacOS built-in apps can't always play all the media formats just like Windows can't
8) Crossover - because sooner or later you'll need to open some Windows .exe, keygens whatever...
9) Sentinel - because Apple's obsession with security won't let you run any app/plugin unapproved by Apple themselves
10) LittleSnitch - because if an app/plugin can't call home, it won't break suddenly

by default you won't be able to write onto NTFS (Windows formatted) disks, hope you got your backups in case you reformat things,
plugins and libraries will require MacOS installers, you can't move your .vst/.vst3 files from Windows, it's not the same thing,

few daily hotkeys to re-learn:
instead of Enter, use CMD+down
instead of F2, use Enter
instead of Delete, use CMD+BackSpace
instead of Ctrl+X and Ctrl+V, use CMD+C and CMD+OPT+V
to close an app, instead of Alt+F4 use CMD+Q
to minimize app, use CMD+M
to preview file/item, use CMD+Space

bonus tip - always stay one major MacOS version behind, that way you'll save yourself lots of troubles running both legit and cracked apps, plugins and device drivers, Apple always likes to change things and break everything, and it's not that easy to roll back major versions of system