15 issues that arise during the transition from Windows to Mac

To switch from Windows to MacOS, we just have to buy an Apple computer and start using it. Sounds simple, but in fact, half-baked Mac owners face many different challenges.

Editorial Layfhakera learn about their experiences, I gathered the most common questions and answers.

1. How to install and remove applications

The most popular question among beginners is connected with the installation and removal of programs. After the monstrous Windows-installers with a bunch of agreements and treacherous ticks additional software just can not believe that you can install, just drag them into the folder "Programs".

In macOS applications are distributed in the form of DMG-images - original files, which are files of the application. To install, just open the image and drag the selected icon in the folder "Programs". the application will appear in a few seconds in Launchpad and is ready for use.

Another option - installing apps from the store Mac App Store. In this case, after clicking "Install" on the page of the application, it immediately appears in the Launchpad.

Installers in the classic sense, and sometimes found on the Mac. However, this happens rarely and mainly for some professional and / or specific software.

To remove the same, as you might guess, just drag the application from the folder "Programs" in the shopping cart or use special tools like CleanMyMac or AppCleaner. But this does not necessarily. Applications of the Mac App Store are removed directly from the Launchpad. When you press the Option key on the corresponding icon appears crosses - just like on the iPhone.

2. Where to look for the "My Computer" and "Start" menu

Another point, which actually enters into a stupor makovodov beginners - is the absence of the usual nature of "My Computer" and "Start" menu. macOS has a slightly different concept of work, and they are just extra. We'll have to get used to.

If you try to draw a parallel, the analogue of the "My Computer" can be considered Finder. Apple File Manager provides access to all data on the internal and external drives, and remote servers.

The "Start" menu macOS partially fulfills  (Apple), which is in the upper left corner of the screen. From here you can send the Mac to sleep, restart or shut down.

During the launch of the application meets the Launchpad - menu with icons of installed applications, where they can be opened, re-order, placed in folders or delete them. Launchpad opens pinch gesture with four fingers or the F4 key.

3. Where files are stored

MacOS on the organization of the file system is much closer to a variety of Linux-distribution, but because no folder "My Documents" and Program files causes Windows sincere former users perplexity.

In macOS user data is stored in your home folder that contains directory "Documents", "Downloads", "Pictures", "Music", "Movies", "Programs", "Desktop". Of the names immediately clear what content where he is.

In addition to the user's home folder and there are others. In the directory "System" operating system files are stored, and in the "Library" - fonts, plug-ins and other objects that are used by applications.

4. Where did the "Control Panel"

Familiar to all users Windows "Control Panel" in macOS not. Instead, it uses the "Settings" allow you to change certain parameters of the system and the computer.

Sections "Settings" reminiscent of the items "Control Panel." They are divided into categories: "Keyboard", "Mouse", "Sound" and others. If you do not know which section is the option you want, use the search at the top of the window.

5. That instead of the Taskbar

Instead of the familiar taskbar in MacOS - the menu bar and Dock, which establishes the icons of frequently used applications, the Finder, basket and the desired folder. Docking can be moved from the bottom of the screen to the right or left.

The menu bar contains a clock, system information such as battery charge indicator and the level layouts Wi-Fi signal, as well as the active application menu, which in Windows is tied to the window. The menu bar is always at the top, move it to another place is impossible.

6. How to work with windows

windows control buttons on the left and not the right cause real inconvenience. For this you just need to get used to. In the end, you will realize that so much more convenient than reaching out to the right side of the window.

But the location of the buttons - it's not so bad, more than discouraging their behavior. The only one that it works as expected - a "Hide". Red button without closing the application, and includes a green full screen instead of turning the entire display.

To explain this behavior is quite simple. Applications in macOS can have multiple windows, so the cross button closes only the current window while the application continues to run in the background. For its completion must press Command + Q or select it from the menu.

Expand the window to full screen, and translate them into full-screen mode is also possible. To do this, before pressing the green button only need to press and hold the Option key or double-click on the window title.

If you miss function deployment while dragging windows to screen borders, try to install the utility BetterTouchTool or use any other window manager.

7. What are the keyboard shortcuts used

Option, Command - these strange keys are evident at first glance on the Mac keyboard. In fact, there is nothing strange: Option corresponds to the usual Alt, and Command - key Win. Control seems to be a sign, but is in a different place and works differently.

Themselves, in most cases a combination of the same, so you need only replace the modifier keys to the relevant. The most commonly used Command: Copy Command + C, to insert - Command + V, to create a new file - yes! - Command + N. Well, and so on.

Option C would have to deal much less: it serves as an additional modifier key combinations. Control is used more rarely, well, Shift works in exactly the same way as in Windows.

8. How to cut the text to the Finder

When working in a word processor or other application shortcut Command + X allows you to cut the text and other content. In the Finder, the same shortcut does not work, it is very frustrating for many aspiring and even some Mac power users.

In fact, the function clippings available in the Finder, but it works a little differently. To cut the text, it must be copied as usual, but when you paste a combination of press Option + Command + V instead of the usual Command + V. You can also hold down Option and choose from the menu "Edit" action "Move item here".

9. How to change the layout and use special characters

Another difference, which is very annoying - this layout "Russian typing" as a standard. It is all good, but different from the usual Windows that a comma and a point located on the keys 6 and 7. By this, in fact, too easy to get used to, but can be changed if you wish by going to "Settings» → «Keyboard» → «input source" and include layout "Russian PC."

To switch the keyboard layout used by Windows combination Control + non-obvious to the user space. It can be replaced by a more comfortable Command + spacebar, if we go to "Settings» → «Keyboard» → «Shortcuts» → «input source" and specify a new combination. Moreover, if desired, can be even assign the key switch layouts Caps lock.

Everyone who uses a herringbone-quotes, em dashes, and other special characters are also faced with the problem of keyboard input. On Windows, there is no special characters in the standard layout, so they are administered by means of Alt-codes. In most such Mac symbols included in the layout and can be entered from the keyboard by pressing the corresponding combinations. For example:

• Shift + Option + - long dash (-);
• Option + - - minus (-);
• Shift + Option + = - an open-herringbone quote ( ");
• Option + = - closed-herringbone quote ( ");
• Shift + Option + H - Ruble sign (₽);
• Shift + Option + K - logo of Apple ().

character sets vary depending on the layout. See them all by clicking on the flag in the menu bar and selecting "Show View" keyboard "." When you press the Option key and Shift characters on the panel will change, and you'll see their location.

10. Why not the Print Screen key and Delete

Many newcomers resent the lack of keyboard keys Delete and Print Screen. The latter really is not, because the keyboard shortcut is used for screenshots - Shift + Command + 3 or one of the other. Beginning with MacOS Mojave, screenshots can also be done through the utility "Screenshot", which is caused by a combination of Shift + Command + 5.

Hit the Delete key unfair because it does not exist only on Apple laptops - on the full-size keyboard Keyboard Magic is still there. However, if the standard MacBook pressing Backspace together with the Fn key, then it will work as Delete. Try.

11. How to deal with the scroll direction

By default macOS using conventional scrolling direction when moving the content of a finger. In Windows scrolling works the other way around, so at first it seems unusual. We recommend getting used to, so everything is convenient.

But if you suddenly can not or do not want to - it's easy to change. Open the "Settings» → «trackpad» → «Scrolling or zooming" and uncheck the item "Scroll direction: normal."

12. Why do so few necessary programs

Almost all popular applications are now available on all platforms. Some exclusive software is available under a single operating system, but this for the Mac even more. The only thing not to be missed - it's games. They are few, and they macOS appear much later.

The rest of the problems with applications on a Mac more than far-fetched. If any program and not under MacOS, then it will almost always have a decent analog that is easy to find through AlternativeTo. But for the specific and old software there are ways run Windows-based programs in macOS environment.

13. Why is not the task manager, and Ctrl + Shift + Escape

In fact, there only it is called "System Monitoring". The application is in the folder "Programs» → «Utility" and details the consumption of system resources running programs and processes. Hence, also, any of them can be completed by clicking the appropriate icon.

Although it is more convenient to do it through a special Force Quit menu, which is caused by a combination of Escape + Option + Command and is analogous to Ctrl + Shift + Escape to Windows.

14. How to write files to the NTFS-disks

Due to the NTFS format proprietary to the default macOS you can only browse and copy files to these discs - recording function is not supported. For compatibility with external storage devices at the same time Windows and Mac need to reformat the drive in FAT or ExFAT.

If no write-NTFS drive still does, you have to set the NTFS driver is paid by third-party developers. For example, Tuxera NTFS or Paragon. After that drives formatted with the NTFS file system are available for recording in the Finder and other applications.

15. Is antivirus is needed

And another question that bedevils many young makovodov. In contrast to Windows, macOS has more protection and practically not subject to viruses. Yes themselves and viruses for the Mac is much less.

Despite this, anti-virus software for macOS still exist, but it is not recommended to install them: it is a waste of money and system resources. Compliance with basic hygiene in the network and cancel the installation of dubious apps will be more than enough.