Switch from Windows to Mac OS X

How to Switch from Windows to Mac OS X(1)

There are a variety of reasons one may wish to switch from Windows to OS X, perhaps a family member just bought you a new Apple Computer, or maybe you recently got a job in an office that only uses Macs. Whatever the reason may be, hopefully this article will help you use your Macintosh as efficiently as you would your Windows computer

Steps

1.Find the Dock. This is an essential part of OS X, similar to Windows' Start Menu and Taskbar. The Dock is how you launch new applications, or switch to ones already open. It is also where a window goes when minimized. It is usually at the bottom of the screen, though it can be moved to either side. The Trash Can is also here, which functions exactly as the Windows Recycle Bin.

2.If you use keyboard shortcuts, learn the new ones on a Mac. For the most part, they're nearly identical to Windows shortcuts, except that where Windows uses the Control Key, Macs use the Command Key, which is next to the spacebar, and is marked with an Apple and a Saint Hannes Cross.

3.Learn to use the Finder. This operates a lot like Windows Explorer, and for daily tasks, you should be able to adjust to it easily. Remember the different names for folders on a Mac, "My Documents" is "Home", "Program Files" is "Applications" etc.

4.Familiarize yourself with the Apple Menu. It is the apple in the top left-hand side of the screen, and is the button you will need to click to shut down the computer, put it to sleep, access the System Preferences, and Force Quit applications, as well as several other tasks.

5.Be aware of what application you're working in when you use the Menu Bar. The left side, between the Apple Menu and the File Menu, will say the Application's name. Clicking on that will give you some options, such as hiding all of the windows for that application, or hiding the windows of any other open application, and quitting.

Tips

Before buying a Mac, try using one at an Apple Store, or a friends house.

To add new application launchers to the Dock, simply drag them to the position you want them to reside. To remove a launcher, just drag it out.

Refer to the documentation, AppleHelp, and Apple's Knowledge Base (See links). If you need more help, and are still covered by Apple's 90 Day Warrenty, or AppleCare, call 1-800-MY-APPLE in the US and Canada.

the article source:http://www.wikihow.com/Switch-from-Windows-to-Mac-OS-X