I am so excited. I just bought my first Mac laptop computer 3 months ago. I have been using PC’s for my entire life but one day my processor died and the cost to replace it was more than my laptop was worth so I started researching my options. Because of starting this blog, my research led me to switch to a Mac. I was excited but I didn’t realize there was going to be such a big learning curve to just do basic functions when switching from PC to Mac.
It was so frustrating using the keyboard the first month. “Where is that dang backspace button?” and “How do I even restart the computer?“. Just doing what should be simple tasks were so different on the Mac. I decided to make a list of to top functions that would have made life so much easier for me and share them with you.
Make switching from PC to Mac easier with these 6 quick tips
- Where is the backspace key? On a Mac the Delete key is the backspace key and to do a forward delete you hold the Function key down while pressing Delete.
- To Shut Down or Restart – In order to shut down the computer or restart you click on the apple icon on the top left of the screen and select which option you would prefer. I am embarrassed to say how long it took me to figure out that you are supposed to click on the apple.
- To Access the Control Panel – click on the apple on the top left of the screen and select ‘System Preferences’.
- Instead of Control-Alt-Del – if you need to force close a frozen application you use Command +Option+Esc. I just figured this one out after a month of using the computer and doing a full shut down of the computer whenever something was frozen. Man….this would have saved me so much time!
- Why can’t I Right Click? – Instead of right clicking on something to obtain more options you can either click the trackpad with two fingers or hold down the Control Key down while clicking on the item.
- In order to Print – In every app they same tool bar is at the top of the screen. Next to the apple in the corner is the File selection. Whether you are in word or in a webpage, if you want to print you need move your cursor to that very top toolbar and select File – Print.
It is so weird to me that these important tasks are so different on these computers. We need a universal computer keyboard.Here is the cheat sheet I wanted when I first started with the Mac, it would have saved me so much time. In the end I am getting used to this laptop and even loving the functionality. This is the laptop I purchased, Apple MacBook Pro with 13.3 Inch Screen.
Do you have any tips or shortcuts to using a Mac versus a PC? Please share since I am still a newbie.
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This was so me when my husband gave me my mac. I had no idea what to do. Luckily he is mac certified and we have nothing but macs now so he had to give me a tutorial! This is super handy for anyone in that position!
How lucky that your husband could help. I am floundering with it and my husband still uses his PC but sometimes tries to use my laptop and he gets so frustrated that it is like the blink leading the blind.
I would love a Mac Book! I have a Samsung and I love it. but I have had it for like 4 years. So I need to talk my husband into a MacBook.
Love this quick list. Been using my Mac at home and PC at work for years, so it’s second nature to switch back and forth. However, the learning curve can be a pain when someone first makes the change.
As much as I love your tips, I still don;t think I can make the switch. I am too set in my old ways 🙂
So funny, because I actually switched years ago (work related) and was really nervous about it. Now I am totally obsessed and when I have to use a Windows for some random reason, I’m all anti-Windows and dont like it anymore!Great tips…
Karen | GlamKaren.com
My ex mother in law has macs and she always comes over and wants me to help her with something, I use a pc. So anytime she is here for help it takes me so much longer to get reacquainted with all the settings and stuff.
I love love my Mac. We’re PC and Mac family. It’s funny. My daughter and I feel strongly about Macs and my husband and son feel just as strongly about their PC.
Yes, it seems like people are either on one team or the other. 🙂
I have often considered switching to a Mac just for the security purposes. However, I am not that tech savvy, and I am just now getting used to a PC well enough to become comfortable with it. Switching would just throw me for a loop.
I need to show this post to my husband! He is ALWAYS asking me these questions!
Oh, man I had no idea a Mac was so different! This list would be super helpful to me if I ever switched.
I would be lost without my MAC. I made the switch awhile back, and it is the best thing I have done. It can be a pain to switch so this is definitely helpful.
I am saving this because I am hoping sometime very soon to make this switch! r
These are nice tips for someone ready to switch, I think I will stick to my PC. Not ready to switch just yet.
I am so used to my PC I don’t know if I could switch to Mac, I have always been a Windows girl but I appreciate the advanced technology that MACS offer.
My Pc is on the verge of dying. I am terrified to get a new one.
I was too. It is hard to learn the Mac but after 2 months all is good now. There are still a couple things I am slowly finding quicker ways to handle.
I have used PC until now and have no idea at all how to work with Mac. I heard a lot good references about it, but knowing that I have to learn from a start when switching from PC to Mac, I think I will stick with PC. I bookmark this post though, because you never know in the future I might change my mind and you have fabolous tips here.
I bought my first Mac 10 years ago and there is no way I could go back…I’m absolutely hooked! And these are great tips for people looking to switch
I guess it could be a learning curve when you’ve just transitioned. We’ve been Mac users for more than 10 years now so I’d probably need a lesson on using a Windows PC.
I haven’t used a MAC in yeeeears. Solely a PC for decades. Thought about making the switch but too nervous! Great idea to make a guide!
I’ve used a Macbook for a while and your tips were so helpful. I never knew that tip with the function and delete keys! I just accepted the fact that I would never be able to forward delete again. Lol.
I still forget sometimes to use it. I am so used to my “work around” which is to move the curser to where I can hit delete to backspace.
I found it hard transitioning computers but after a day it seemed natural! Great tips for beginners to Mac 🙂