In addition to getting the hang of the trackpad, I keep getting confused because it seems like the Mac has everything in a different location than I’m used to looking in. Here’s a brief translation of how things are done on the Mac vs. a Windows machine.
Menu Bars
On a Windows machine, each program opens in its own window, with its own menu bar.
On a Macintosh, there is a single menu bar across the top of the screen. However, the options on that menu bar change, depending on what application you are currently using.
Dock
On a Windows machine, the Task Bar runs along the bottom of the window and shows you which applications are running. You can quickly switch between applications using the icons here.
On a Mac, you have the Dock. The Dock shows icons for the programs you have selected; usually the ones you run the most often. If the application is currently running, the icon will be highlighted. In the screenshot below, Word is currently running and has a spotlight below it.
You can add programs, documents, or folders onto the dock. Just drag the items icon onto the Dock.
You can remove those items when you find you don’t need them any longer. Just drag the icon off the Dock.
You can change the size of the Dock. Put your cursor over the vertical separator bar (that white dotted line) hold down the left mouse button, and drag to resize.
You can move the Dock from the bottom of the screen to the left or right side. Right-click on the vertical separator bar and select Dock Preferences from the pop up context menu. You see the Dock Preferences dialog. Check the position you want for your Dock, and close the window.
Where’s the Start Menu?
On a Windows machine, you launch applications from the Start Menu, and access different utilities and system settings.
On the Macintosh, there isn’t the equivalent of a Start Menu.
Launch an Application
To launch an application, either click on its icon on the Dock. Or, if it’s not available on the Dock, click the Applications folder, locate the application you want, and click it.
Change the System Preferences
The System Preferences (the equivalent of the Windows Control Panel) can be launched from either the Dock, or from the Apple menu.
Command Key instead of Control Key
On a Windows machine, many keyboard shortcuts use the Control key (Ctrl-S for Save, Ctrl-P for Print).
On a Mac those shortcuts still work, but they use the Command key (⌘ or Command). So, you would press Command-S to save.
Quitting an Application
On a Windows machine, you click the “X” in a red square the upper right corner of the window to quit a program. This will close the window, and exit the application.
On a Macintosh, clicking on the “X” in a red circle in the upper left corner of the window will only close the window. It does not exit the application. To exit the application you must do one of the following:
While the application is active, select Quit from the menu right next to the Apple menu. (This menu usually has the same name as the application.)
Click and hold the application’s icon on the Dock until the context menu appears. Select Quit from the pop up context menu.
While the application is active, press Command-Q.
Force Quit
On the windows machine, you press Ctrl-Alt-Delete to launch Task Manager and force an unresponsive application to quit.
On a Macintosh, you can force an application to quit by doing one of the following:
- Press Command-Option-Escape and select the desired application.
- Control-Click on the application icon on the Dock and select Force Quit.
Resizing Windows
On a Windows machine, the Minimize and Maximize buttons in the upper right corner let you quickly hide your window, enlarge it to full screen, or return to your smaller size.
On your Macintosh, these buttons appear on the upper left corner. The green circle will resize the window to the best size for its contents. The Yellow circle will hide the window. You can restore it by clicking on the icon in the Dock.
Switching Applications
On a Windows machine, Alt-Tab lets you switch between applications.
On your Macintosh, you can switch between applications using the following methods:
Press Command-Tab to see a display of all currently running applications. Click on the one you want to bring it to the front.
Press F3 (the Expose button) to view all the open windows in miniature. Click on the one you want.
Right Click
You can right-click on a Macintosh. Just plug in a standard two-button USB mouse.
If you are using a single button mouse, you can simulate right-clicking by holding down the Control key when you click.
Rename Documents
On a Windows machine you can right-click a file and select Rename this File.
On a Macintosh, select any file and press Enter to display the name in a text box. Rename the file by changing this text.