Mac Keyboard Basics...

Ric

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If you're new to Mac's then here's a few handy tips to help get around a Mac keyboard.

This is particularly aimed at people who have come from a PC background and have no idea what a 'Apple key' is...


Command Key

The Command Key is also called the Apple key.

It will have either the cloverleaf symbol, the Apple symbol, or both.

cmdkey-1.gif


This key is, more or less, the equivalent of the PC user's Control Key.

This 'modifier' key is used the most !!! If the application you are using 'conforms' to Apple programming guidelines then...

Command + Q will quit a program
Command + W will close the current window
Command + S will save the current file or document.

When someone is explaining to you what keys to press...the + is not pressed unless you have been told to !

When using modifier keys...you would hold down (keep depressed !) and then press the next key...

So Command + p would mean hold down the command key and then press the letter p (command + p is the normal shortcut for printing !)


Control Key

First a bit of history...Mac's over the years have 'always' only had a one button mouse (this has now changed !)

So from a Pc point of view the 'Control Key + Click' is your second/right mouse button.

From a Mac point of view, the 'Control Key + Click' activates the contextual menu.

Have a look at your Mac, hold down the control key and click (and hold down) the mouse button with the cursor on the desktop...see pic below.


Control Clicking in the Finder on the Desktop - below.

contextual001.jpg


As you can see using the control key, can be a very quick way of accessing certain features.

Control clicking in different Applications will give different results, you can also control click on items disks, files, folders etc. again this gives you different options.


Control Clicking in the Finder on the Hard Disk Icon - below.

contextual002.jpg


This is what your 'Control Key is for...

this post is not finished will finish later tonight !

regards

Ric
 

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