What do you wish you had known when you first started using a Mac?

Also, is there anything especially unique and useful about a Mac?

I got a Mini from a relative. It is older but uses the latest OS - Mojave I think ?

I'm slowly figuring out how the interface works. It will primarily be used by my wife for her crafting/Cricut stuff.

Learn the keyboard shortcuts.

Learn to navigate using the gestures (both on the trackpad and on a smart mouse).

Two finger tap, two and three finger swipes, etc.

Gotta figure out how to move from desktop to desktop, window to window, and full screen app to full screen app.

I used PC exclusively for work for over 15 years. With my new job we were able to get our own computers and I was able to get ahold of a Macbook Pro on the cheap and made the switch.

1. Learn and understand all the gestures on the trackpad. Scrolling documents and web browsers would drive me cray until I figured out how to use the trackpad correctly.

2. I found the file structure to be different and it took some time to get used to it. When you first get it go into the "Macintosh HD" and create some folders where you can consistently save things.

3. Turn on the "Stacks" functionality on the desktop. It groups like items together and works great.

4. F3 and F4 are easy ways to move around multiple open windows and access applications.

Thats all I got for now.

Apple is very good at putting out security updates to the Mac OS. Update your system when these come out.
I have Malwarebytes on my Mac, no other anti-virus software.

Also, I use iCloud to store my documents, because I have two Macs and this keeps both updated.
I also have an iPhone and iPad, and use Notes extensively for keeping track of most everything. The Apple ecosystem synchronizes the Mac, and iOS devices.
I type my shopping list on the Mac, for example, and it automatically shows up on my iPhone.

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:
Learn the keyboard shortcuts.

I second this. I keyboard much more than I mouse because it is quicker. Just look at the menu (File, Edit, View, etc.) and the keyboard shortcut will show right next to the command you would have selected with a mouse. Use the keyboard shortcut and save that trip up there with your mouse.
 
Also, the Option key is your friend. Again, look at any menu and then hold down the Option key. You will see additional (other) menu choices appear with the Option key.

DON'T...

quote:

For the people who moved from PC to Mac - what tips would you give?

Relax and enjoy getting your life back.

quote:

Originally posted by RHINOWSO:

quote:

For the people who moved from PC to Mac - what tips would you give?

Relax and enjoy getting your life back.

Short, succinct, and to the point.
Nailed it.

Move back

Get an external drive. Plug it in and Time Machine will automatically come up and ask if you want to use it for backups. Answer “yes” and relax.

quote:

Originally posted by mark_a:
DON'T...

This.

I got brainwashed a few years back by the sheer beauty of that 27" HD screen. Transferring my 210,000 digital images to the Mac, however, resulting in me having a 'box' of 210,000 images in date order, rather than the 80-something library files that I was used to having with a PC. There seemed to be no way of resolving the set-up to my satisfaction, so I gave it to my cousin.

quote:

Originally posted by tacfoley:

quote:

Originally posted by mark_a:
DON'T...

This.

I got brainwashed a few years back by the sheer beauty of that 27" HD screen. Transferring my 210,000 digital images to the Mac, however, resulting in me having a 'box' of 210,000 images in date order, rather than the 80-something library files that I was used to having with a PC. There seemed to be no way of resolving the set-up to my satisfaction, so I gave it to my cousin.

Guys, he’s already aquired a Mac and wants some advice. You PC-philes showing up, telling the OP to not use a free or older, low-cost computer, is just plain being a douche. I hate it when Mac people do it in a PC help thread, and it’s just as irritating in reverse. It’s not going to give him cooties if he sets it up for his wife.

Tac, I’m sorry you couldn’t find a way to manage your photo port to Mac. It sounds like you had them managed in some specific software that unfortunately had no analog on the Mac platform. That’s an application problem, not a problem with the platform. This is why I don’t like to use any data management products that store data in libraries. It can lead to just the type of problem you’ve experienced.

1. Be patient, it will be a difficult adjustment at first to not know immediately how to accomplish simple tasks.

2. Back it up with Time Machine to an external drive. This saved my bacon a couple times.

In addition to above if you've live in MS Office for years buy that for the Mac version. WAY easier than relearning Numbers, Pages, Keynote, etc.

Just do it. The Mac is different, but you will eventually get the hang of it and all will be well. I've been clean since 2011.

Get an external drive and use time machine to back up. Super easy.

Take your time and you will have no problem. I found it to be much easier then I thought.

Learn the shortcuts. Lots of videos out there to show you them. Watch a basic one when you start. Then go back after you have been using it and read up or watch more videos on shortcuts.

If you have an issue or can't figure something out post up here or google it. Lots of info around.

quote:

Originally posted by Georgeair:

In addition to above if you've live in MS Office for years buy that for the Mac version. WAY easier than relearning Numbers, Pages, Keynote, etc.

Maybe, but before giving good money to Microsoft, try LibreOffice. It's free, so there's nothing to lose by giving it a try.