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Learning how to use the Mac OS
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Fresh-Faced Recruit
Join Date: Jan 2006
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Apr 2, 2006, 02:10 PM
 
Hi, I just bought a new iMac and I was previously a windows user... I'm wondering if there are any tutorials or something similar where I could learn and get tips with images how to use the Mac OS?

thanks.
     
Posting Junkie
Join Date: Feb 2005
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Apr 2, 2006, 03:02 PM
 
If you're in the Finder and look at the "Help" menu, there's the "Mac Help", which has a brief intro for Windows switchers.

The "Help" menu is present in all applications and is generally quite useful.

A couple of pointers:

a) There is always an easier way. General rule of the Mac way: If you want to put something somewhere, try just grabbing it with the mouse and dragging it there. That goes for dragging pictures across programs (say, from your web browser directly into a Word document or as an attachment into an e-mail), for text, documents, and even for file paths (try dragging a folder from a Finder window into a "Save as..." dialog box to go directly to that directory). This is the basic principle, and everything Apple does, from file manipulation to video editing in iMovie to creating music in GarageBand, is founded upon this drag-and-drop principle.

b) Since you're going to be working a lot with different layers, get used to NOT working with full-screen windows. They are a waste of space and hinder your possibilities.

c) The menus at the top of the screen always follow the same hierarchy:

Apple menu: global settings; stuff that pertains to the entire user.

Application menu: Tells you what program is in front at the moment. Includes all settings for that program (including Preferences, always)

File menu: Everything related to the document or window you're working on within the frontmost application

Edit menu: Everything related to the selection you've made within the document or window you're working on

View: Where applicable.

And the Help menu at the far right.


d) The fundamental difference between Windows and the Mac is that Macintosh does not assume that you are completely stupid. Windows sees you trying something and immediately throws up four "helpful" dialog boxes to assist you, and in the end, you feel like a seven-year-old who's been helped along to a final result that is kind of, but not quite, what you actually wanted to do.
The Mac will try not to get in your way. Thus: Once you've gotten the general hang of drag-and-drop, and the menu hierarchy, don't hold back, and just PLAY.

The Mac is all about enjoying getting stuff done.
     
Mac Elite
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Columbus, OH
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Apr 2, 2006, 03:08 PM
 
HyperNova Software, LLC
     
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Apr 2, 2006, 03:36 PM
 
thanks for everyone's help.
im not used to working with layered windows lol.
     
Senior User
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Buenos Aires
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Apr 2, 2006, 09:32 PM
 
Originally Posted by iloveipod
thanks for everyone's help.
im not used to working with layered windows lol.
Getting used to work with layered windows with the aid of exposé will make you happier than MacGyver in a hardware store.

Y no entienden nada... ¡y cómo se divierten!...
     
   
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