5 tips if you switch from Windows to an Apple MacBook
Get started with your new Apple MacBook
- Tip 1: use the trackpad as right mouse button
- Tip 2: use the shortcuts you're used to
- Tip 3: Apple iWork is as easy to use as Office
- Tip 4: find programs and files with Spotlight
- Tip 5: use the useful function keys
Tip 1: use the trackpad as right mouse button
The trackpad of your Apple MacBook is actually 1 large button. If you click on the trackpad, the effect is the same as with the familiar left mouse button. If you press on the trackpad with 2 fingers, you use the right mouse button. This way, you have all the same functions in your programs as you did on your old Windows laptop.
Tip 2: use the shortcuts you're used to
On your Windows laptop, you can easily copy, cut, and paste pieces of text with the key combination ctrl + C, X, and V. You can use the same letters on your MacBook, but combined with the command (⌘) key. The same goes for nearly all shortcuts you know from Windows. Simply replace the ctrl with command (⌘) and use all of the usual shortcuts on your Apple MacBook.
Tip 3: Apple iWork is as easy to use as Office
Just like your old Windows laptop, your new MacBook doesn't come with Microsoft Office pre-installed. It does have the Pages, Numbers, and Keynote apps. These are free Apple apps for text processing, making spreadsheets, and creating presentations. That way, you don't have to look for separate software to continue to do all your work. These apps are part of Apple iWork, the equivalent of Office. The nice thing about iWork is that it's compatible with Office, so you can still open Word and Excel documents on your MacBook.
Tip 4: find programs and files with Spotlight
The navigation and folder structure on your new MacBook are a bit different from what you're used to. Luckily, you can search for nearly everything with a useful key combination. Press command (⌘) + spacebar on your keyboard and Spotlight will appear. This is a search bar that lets you search your laptop for programs, files, and contacts, for example. You'll also suggest websites that might offer more information on your search term. Siri, the personal assistant in macOS that works with speech recognition, can also find apps and files for you. Just ask Siri to search for a file or folder or to open an app.
Tip 5: use the useful function keys
Even though your Apple MacBook has a row of F keys at the top just like your old Windows laptop, the icons and functions are most important. On some Apple MacBook Pro models, the keys have even been replaced by a Touch Bar. With this top row on the keyboard, you can adjust the brightness of your screen or turn up the volume with the push of a button. You can also easily skip to the next song when you listen to Spotify or see an overview of all your open programs.
