Switching between Windows & Mac
Keyboard differences
| Win10:Use the Start button (Win Key) to the left of the spacebar to launch the main menu. Hold the Start key down in combination with other keys for shortcuts. | OSX: Use the Option button for similar functions as the Win button. |
ProTip: The Alt key on a Windows keyboard & the Command key on a Mac keyboard do many similar functions and are located in matching spots on either side of the spacebar.
Where is the main menu and shut down or restart
| Win10: Click Start Button icon in the bottom left corner of the desktop, on the Taskbar. Then click on the Power entry for restart & shutdown options. | OSX: Click the Apple Menu logo icon in the very top left corner of the desktop for options to restart & shutdown. |
Minimizing, restoring and moving windows
| Win10: Each window has minimise, restore and close buttons in the top right corner. | OSX: Each window has minimise, restore and close buttons in the top left corner. |
ProTip: Use Alt-Tab to shuffle through running programs.
How to name search for settings, files, software etc.
| Win10: It’s called Search Box or Search Bar next to the Start Button. Type “control panel”, “settings” or something more specific like “printer” or the name of program you want to launch.
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OSX: It’s called Spotlight. Click the Magnifying glass icon on the top right of the Extras menu. Spotlight will launch. Search “system”, “settings” or something more specific like “printer” or the name of the application you want to launch.
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Where to find general system information
| Win10: Start Button -> Settings -> About | OSX: Apple menu -> About This Mac |
Multitasking
| Win10: The Task Bar along the bottom of the screen will have an icon for each program running. | OSX: The Dock along the bottom of the screen displays icons of each application running with a little black dot beneath it. |
ProTip: Add your favourite software to your Dock or Task Bar. By right clicking on it’s icon for options to add it.
Managing folders and files
| Win10: Use File Explorer. Either click on its shortcut on the task Bar or type “File” in the Search Box and click on the program in the suggestion results. | OSX: Use Finder, it is the left most alias on the Dock or type “Finder” in Spotlight and press enter.
ProTip: Finder is always running, click the icon or your desktop background to see the finder menu. |
How to find and start installed software
| Win10: Start Button -> Click on the program from the alphabetical list to launch it.
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OSX: Finder -> Go -> Applications Click on the application from the alphabetical list to launch it.
ProTip: Some OSX system applications are in an Applications sub-folder called Utilities. |
To find more information on files and folders
| Win10: Right-click on a file or folder and select Properties. | OSX: Right-click on a file or folder and select Get Info. |
How to find and install new software
| Win10: Start Button -> Programs -> Microsoft Store | OSX: Apple menu -> App Store… |
How to run updates
| Win10: Start Button -> Settings -> Update and Security | OSX: Apple menu -> About This Mac -> Software update… |
Terminology
| Win10
Start menu Task bar Settings/Control Panel Recycle Properties Shortcut File Explorer Programs Windows Administrative Tool |
OSX
Apple menu Dock System Preferences Trash Get Info Alias Finder Applications Utilities |
Download this tip as a PDF: Tip 94 – Switching between Windows & Mac (1MB)
