Are there any helpful websites where it teaches you how to use a mac?

Question

I've been using a PC all of my life.

I want to switch to a mac...but I don't.

I've used a mac before, and it's so hard because a lot of things are different compared to a PC.

Answer 1

I dont know any web sights, and you have the same search engines I do, so I will share a few things I think are the most different



First off you will notice there is no right click key, to do functions that you would with the PC's right click hold down the control key while clicking.



My absolute favorite feature of the mac is if you hold down the control key, and use two fingers on the touch pad it will magnify anything(my eyes suck)



On a PC if you press enter it will launch the file, not so on a Mac. Pressing enter will rename the file. If you use key board short cuts the Apple key(the key inbetween alt and space) replaces the PC's control key for the most part. To open a file with the keyboard press Apple+O. To copy something press Apple+C, and as your probably guessing pressing Apple+V will past it.



Installing/uninstalling programs are quite different on a Mac. To install an Application you just drag it to the applications folder, and when you want to get rid of it simply drag it to the trash.



Make sure you grab VLC for the Mac if you watch/listen to much digital media



Adium is probably the best(in my opinion) messaging program



I know there is quite a bit more I am missing so if I can think of more I'll update this later, or if you have any specific questions just ask, I use both PC and Mac on a daily basis.



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Mac's task bar is completly different from the PC's. When you install a program it does not automatically go to the "start menu" or "task bar"(Mac calls it the dock), instead you have to drag the application from the applications folder to the dock. To remove something from the dock just drag and drop it any where else on the screen. The only program I have ever installed that has added itself to the dock is MS Office. The trash can is also located on the dock.



Finder is the Mac's file browser. Finder is the square smily face on the dock.



If you use Vista you have probably come to love the new search on the start menu, the Mac has the same feature called spot light, it is the little blue magnifying glass in the upper right hand corner next to your clock. This nifty little program will find anything on your machine very quickly, this is my second favorite feature of the Mac(and yes I know Mac had this feature before Vista was out).



There are also widgets like Vista has, but I personally find widgets to be useless on both a Mac and PC.



It may be a wise investment to buy Parallels or VMWare Fusion(I use Fusion), as they will allow you to run Windows programs in OS X. The Mac also comes with Boot Camp, which will allow you to boot into Windows.

Answer 2

Apple's website has great support forums for one. Maybe you could try the Missing Manual books by David Pogue. I found the Jaguar edition a couple of years ago to be an absolute life saver at times.

The biggest difference I faced between a Mac and a PC is how files are organized. Instead of a C: , you have a directory called Computer, then a subdirectory called Home. The next directory will be User, your name, followed by things like Pictures, Music, and the like. After you get used to it, it actually makes more sense than a letter based naming convention.

At the top of your desktop, there is a GREAT menu structure. The Go menu gives direct access to your Applications, and Recent Folders for examples. Way easier to navigate than double clicking your way around in my opinion.

I get a bit agitated when people complain about the one button mouse. It isn't like you are stuck with that option. I have yet to find a "PC" USB mouse that will not work with my MacBook. Even a those cheap Microsoft mice work, complete with right click capability.

Answer 3

actually quite simple to use, easier then using a windows machine...



the best way is to visit an apple store and play around with some demo units there. all apple stores in US have service personal who will really show you how to use a mac on the spot. however, before you start to learn a mac, throw away complicated thoughts you have when using a windows machine... mac is not so complicated - very simple and straight forward.