Windows user trying Mac for first time need some help

[justme007]

some things that I am trying to get used to.

1. when you open an app it does not display full screen
2. the command key is too close wish I could swap that with the control button
3. not able to sort my bookmarks in safari

anyone know how to adjust settings for these items? any other setting adjustments to make this an easier transition for a windows user?

 

[MacsBug]

Hi there and welcome to the forum,

1. Macs actually use windows to diplay apps. YOu can make an app full screen if you want by clicking on the green dot on the top left of the window.

2. To switch the command and Contril keys is quite simple. On newer versions of macOS ou need to go to System Settings -> Keyboard. Look for the button called Keyboard Shortcuts... and then on the left select Modifier Keys... You can change the behavior of the keys to your liking. On older version os macOS you need to go to the System Preferences -> Keyboards and then click on the Modifier Keys button.

3. To sort your bookmarks in Safari you can follow the instructions in this article. https://support.apple.com/en-qa/guide/safari/ibrw462936b2/mac

 

[justme007]

really hard to explain while using the macbook does not seem as snappy responsive as it is on my windows laptop. not sure if its the mouse and keyboard. when I use the windows machine its just solid whereas the mac has some nice features but I feel more strain on my wrist forearm from the way I have to navigate around.

 

[Rodananne]

Which MacBook are you comparing? See Apple Menu > About this Mac.

 

[justme007]

I'm using the new macbook air 13" M3 chip.

I know it sounds counterintuitive but I know there are some settings to make the mac navigation, hotkeys, etc more windows like which will help me transition faster. I just find navigating and using different applications on the mac takes more effort (i know it will take time) and just trying to figure out how to make this easier for me.

some things I noticed:
1. cmd key too close to space bar (going to try swapping cmd and ctrl per previous posting)
2. when I click an app it does not open full screen so I am having to use mouse to double click the window to expand
3. the key applications down at the bottom are too far to right need to figure out how to move to left
4. imported bookmarks with folders into safari but unable to sort
5. using the mouse is not snappy or as responsive going to try different mouse

don't get me wrong there are some features I like on the mac for sure.

 

[MacsBug]

One thing that I would suggest is that instead of trying to make your MacBook Air work like windows, spend some time learning how to use the Mac as its designed.

You will find that once you learn the ins and outs of macOS that you will be more productive.

When I have clients that are switchers I usually tell them the hardest part of switching from Windows to Mac is not learning how a Mac works, but it is to forget how things were done on Windows.

 

[justme007]

i tried sorting the bookmarks in safari per the instructions however that only sorts the books within a folder. how do you sort all your bookmark folders? also is there any way in settings to have my apps open full screen instead of partial?

 

[MacsBug]

I havent done this in awhile, but this is what I did...

1. Under the Bookmarks folder select Edit Bookmarks

2. Click on New Folder on top right. (You can just leave the folder as titled Untitled Folder)

3. Highlight all of your Bookmarks and folders and move them into the Untitled Folder that you created. (Easiest way to select all is to select the top bookmark, hold the shift key and click on the bottom bookmark)

4. Expand all subfolders that are inside of Untitled Folder by clicking on the > to the left of each of the folders.

5. Right Click on the Untitled Folder and select Sort By -> Name

6. Now that all of your bookmarks are in alphabetical order highlight all of them again, and drag them just above of Untitled Folder to put them back in their normal level under Bookmarks

7. Delete the empty Unttled Folder

Should take all of 2 to 3 minutes and all of your bookmarks including folders and folder contents will be sorted alphabetically.

 

[Rodananne]

3. the key applications down at the bottom are too far to right need to figure out how to move to left

Can you explain that sentence a little. What do you call "key" applications? Are you referring to the Dock perhaps?