Apple Tips for Windows Users
A few days ago, I purchased my first Mac to add to my home network. As a result, I’ve decided to put together a quick post to help others that might be considering their first Apple purchase.
FYI: I don’t claim to be an expert, but here are a few “transition” tips that might be useful.
Keyboard Shortcuts: Where did my Control-C (Copy), Control-V (Paste) go?
With Apple Mac OS X, use the Command key.
For example, Command-C (Copy), Command V (Paste). The Undo command is activated by pressing Command-Z. The redo command is Command-Shift-Z. Also, you may Command-Tab between your running applications.
View more Mac OS X keyboard shortcuts.
Is there a way to login to my Mac workstation from my Windows desktop ?
Mac OS X comes with a VNC server built-in.
System Preferences -> Sharing -> Screen Sharing.
Related information:
Is there a way to login to my Windows workstation from my Mac?
Microsoft Remote Desktop Client for Mac
Also, VNC is an option too.
How do I install “.dmg” files (new software) on my Mac?
Download the .DMG file. Double-click the .DMG file to open it. Drag the application icon into the Applications folder icon. You’ll see a “plus” sign once you drag application icon onto the application folder. Release the mouse button. Now, the new application will be installed in your Mac’s application folder.
Related Information:
Where can I find a good source of Apple software?
Visit Apple Mac OS X Downloads.
Is there another option for surfing the web and checking my e-mail?
There are Mac OS X versions of Firefox and Thunderbird available.
What happened to my “back” and “forward” mouse buttons for the surfing the web?
You’ll need to download and install SteerMouse to have the ability to go back and forward with mouse button clicks.
How do I know what all applications are open? Where’s the “task manager” ?
Mac HD -> Applications Folder -> Utilities -> Activity Monitor
From the Activity Monitor, you may notice that the “X” puts applications into the background on the Mac and it doesn’t really “close” them.
Also, as you may know, Windows has Alt-Tab to cycle through running application. Well, Apple has Command-Tab which allows you to cycle through your running applications.
Is there a way to easily close all applications that are open?
How do I customize the Apple Dashboard and/or add new widgets?
When you open the Dashboard, observe the bottom left-hand corner. There is a large + sign that will allow you to customize the Dashboard.
More widgets can be downloaded at Apple – Downloads – Dashboard.
Is there a way to easily share my Windows MP3 collection ?
Personally, I just copied my MP3 collection to my Windows Home Server music folder. Now, I just use iTunes on my Apple workstation to play my MP3 collection.
As a side note, you can apparently use your Windows Home Server for your Apple Time Machine backups.
Related information:
Is there a “Windows” style mouse that has more buttons ?
Deathadder Lunar White Mac Pc 1800 Dpi Gaming Mouse
In conclusion, a few more links that might be useful….
