Introduction to Macs for PC Users
Computing Resources >> Tutorials >> Getting Started >> Intro to Macs for PC Users

Introduction

Basic Differences

Interface
 - Desktop
 - Apple Menu
 - Dock
 - System Preferences
 - Trash
 - "Right-clicking"

Working with Windows
 - Close, Minimize, Maximize
 - Resize, Move
 - Menus
 - Menu Shortcuts
 - Hiding Programs
 - Exposé

Where are all the programs?
 - Macintosh HD
 - Finder
 - Navigating Folders
 - Spotlight
 - Creating Aliases (a.k.a. Shortcuts)

Hardware
 - Turning the Computer On/Off
 - Loading CDs
 - USB Ports

Common Mac Software
 - Safari
 - Mail
 - Dashboard
 - Address Book & iCal
 - iTunes
 - iLife Suite

Common Keyboard Shortcuts

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PDF Handout

 

Menu Shortcuts

What are these crazy symbols beside the menu items?

PCs have keyboard shortcuts in certain programs.   For example, briefly pressing the control key and the P key together is often a quick way to print something.   Control-S often saves an item without having to click on the File menu and then Save.

Macs also have quick ways to perform certain program tasks.   The strange symbols beside some menu items tell you what buttons will quickly repeat that item.   For example, I frequently use the thesaurus in Microsoft Word.   I'd like to know how to quickly run the thesaurus without clicking on the Tools menu then "Thesaurus..." every time.  

Take a look at part of the Tools menu:

The strange symbols to the right of "Thesaurus..." tell us the keyboard shortcut. Briefly hold the keys and letters listed together, just like on a Windows machine.

  refers to the apple key (also called the command key).   Look at the keyboard between the space bar and the option/alt key; you'll see a key that has an apple and this symbol on it.

  refers to the option/alt key.   Find it beside the control key.

  refers to the shift key.

So, our shortcut for the thesaurus is option + apple + R.

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© 2005 Darby Tober | iSchool | UT Austin | webmaster