How to Seamlessly Switch Your Mac from Intel to Apple Silicon with Minimal Hassle
This guide walks you through backing up data, reinstalling essential software, and configuring a new Apple‑silicon Mac after moving from an Intel‑based machine, offering practical tips to avoid clutter and ensure a smooth transition.
Data Backup
All documents and drawings are stored online; only a few PowerPoint files need to be saved, which can be uploaded directly to the company cloud drive.
Software Installation
Chrome – sync bookmarks and extensions.
Alfred – quick application launcher.
iTerm2 – using the gruvbox‑dark theme and Zsh to display the current path and Git branch.
Brew, Python, Telnet, Maven and other common tools (note that this Mac does not include Python by default).
Sublime Text and Typora – occasional text editors.
Snipaste – screenshot tool that lets you paste captures anywhere on the screen, handy for code comparison.
IntelliJ IDEA – essential IDE for Go and Java development; despite the cost, it’s indispensable for debugging and code navigation.
Various Go versions – download the ARM build from https://golang.google.cn/dl/, unzip, place it under /usr/local, and create a symlink for the desired version.
Configuration
Log in to meeting software and VPN in advance to avoid connectivity issues.
Set up the built‑in Mail app with a rule to categorize alert emails, ensuring they are visible.
Configure an SSH key for smoother code pulling and server access.
After completing these steps, the new Mac is fully functional; a few days of fine‑tuning are enough to retire the old machine, with only about 14 GB of data transferred, leaving the system clean and efficient.
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