Necessary macOS system configuration

macOS doesn't pull its own weight, at least not in a standard configuration. There are a number of apps that need to be installed. Some of them are free, others are not.

• 2020-10-27 Updated this guide, added section on CursorSense,

Take some time to read my guide on keyboard settings for windows & linux users first.

Goals

1. Let you maximize individual windows for any app.
2. Send a window to a specific half, or quarter of the screen.
3. Turn on/off/tweak mouse acceleration.
4. Increase keyboard repeat rate.

SizeUp

This app is essential. It's one of the few apps that are actually worth paying for. In all honesty, I don't think that a simple thing like maximize / send to half / send to quarter should need a paid third party app to work.

Throw your cash at SizeUp.

Goals one & two achieved.

CursorSense

CursorSense is really good, and I don't mind paying for it actually. It lets you configure acceleration and sensitivity very precisely, and it can save a number of "favorite settings" per input device.

Get CursorSense now.

Goal three achieved.

Keyboard repeat rate

Change the keyboard repeat rate

defaults write -g KeyRepeat -float 1.8
defaults write -g InitialKeyRepeat -int 15

You might have to sign out or restart your computer before the settings take effect.

All goals achieved ★

Have some tea.