“Fear not – Switch to Mac, brought to you by our colleagues over on MacFormat magazine, shows new Mac users how to move comfortably from the familiarity of Windows,” TechRadar reports. “Below are 20 common tasks that PC owners perform without thinking about, and their equivalents on a Mac – just as easy!”
On Windows I used to…
• Right-click
• Use [control] for keyboard shortcuts
• Configure my PC with Control Panel
• Use the Start menu
• Defrag my hard disk
• Use [control]+[alt]+[delete] to quit unresponsive programs
• Use [control]+[alt]+[delete] to check processes and system resources
• Tap [backspace]/[delete]
• Move files to the Recycle Bin
• Make shortcuts
• Find stuff in Windows Explorer
• Use Properties to find out about a file
• Rename files by clicking Rename this file in the File Tasks menu
• Set default applications to open certain types of files
• Eject CDs and DVDs
• Safely remove hardware
• Switch between running applications
• Use Windows Messenger to chat
• Use Device Manager
• Add or Remove Programs
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Congrats to those who just got new Mac and especially to those who got their first Mac!
Referring to the Option and Command keys as O and C without first explaining the short hand will only confuse switchers. I wanted to send a link to a recent switcher but, I’m afraid it will make matters worse.
On the TechRadar site there is a poll for tech company of the year. Currently, MicroShite is leading by a large margin.
You know what to do. ®
Why doesn’t apple offer this kind of switcher info with each Mac? What do they offer? Is it included with every new Mac?
I’ve always thought there should be a printed quick start guide and PDF included with every Mac, specifically addressing Windows users and people new to the Mac in general. (Don’t forget, some people are still being exposed to Macs as their first computer, (kids, students, grandparents, etc.)
Basic concepts like select first, then apply action, should be included.
And how many Windows users are still complaining that Macs can’t do right click? I had to show a former Windows user friend how to turn it on with his iMac. He didn’t know Macs could even do it.
The info is not getting out!
And how many Windows users are still not aware that Intel Macs can run Windows? Every time I mention it I get surprised looks and exclaims of how they never heard that.
Apple may not be doing a great job on these user documentation and user info frontiers.
Flash & Shockwave Player for Mac.
Flip4Mac WMV Plug-in to play WMA/WMV through QuickTime.
Perian- adds oodles of codecs for QuickTime.
Adium if you are a IM maven. It does all IM protocols.
Google Earth- the app.
Microsoft Remote Desktop for Mac if you need it.
Handbrake for DVD backup.
All Free
A Few Suggestions for SW to look at:
Circus Ponies NoteBook or AquaMinds Note Taker- both great.
Devon Think and Devon Agent from Devon Technologies.
Intego Virus Barrier is a great AV program with low drag on resources. They offer a bundle that includes Bit Defender if you run Windows on Boot Camp or a hypervisor.
Apple’s iWork is great and plays well with Office files.
There are tons of Mac only apps that will make you a more productive and contented user. Happy Exploring and welcome.
I’ve downloaded the 30 Iwork trial, but am unable to open or find it. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.
I’ve downloaded the 30 Iwork trial, but am unable to open or find it. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.
i love my mac… but i still miss the MAXIMIZE button!
i don’t care if it’s more efficient in OS X… when i want a window to fill the screen, it’s annoying to have to move and resize it, when it could easily be added as a 1 click button.
@:(
Agreed – maximize would be great. I have encountered situations in which the controllable areas of the window were off of the edge of the screen, making it impossible to resize. Besides, it is just a handy thing. It would be nice to add a preference option to the maximize button to enable default offsets. For instance, you could offset maximize by 50 pixels on the bottom of the screen (or wherever you keep the dock) to avoid inadvertently triggering the dock when working in the window.
I would also like to be able to resize a window from any edge of the window, just like in the UNIX Xwindow environment.
These should be fairly simple to add to the MacOS, and would add a nice dose of convenience.