Learning OS X

[Corporate Thug]

Thinking about getting a MacBook. I'm about to pull the trigger but my biggest concern is learning how to use a new OS. What's the best way to go about it??

 

[smackababy]

Just jump in. I just recently bought a rMBP last weekend after not using anything Mac (PC wise, at least) for years. It really isn't that different in standard use. There are some programs I would recommend for ease of use. The biggest transition for me is right clicking on the touch pad, but there is a program that helps that. I will have to check the names of them when I get home though.

The difference in file structure between Windows and OSX are hidden well enough. The launch pad contains all your programs similar to how the start menu does, so you don't notice. The launch bar on the bottom is customization enough to have what you want one it.

Learning [Apple] + command rather than Ctrl, Alt, Windows Key is pretty simple too.

Oh, and the command prompt is so much more powerful.

 

[TuxDave]

Ditto, just start. Browse the web the way you've been doing on a PC. Go look up trackpad gestures and see how amazing it is and start browsing the web the better and faster way.

Now.... relearning excel shortcuts on OSX... that's a pain.

 

[KeithP]

Apple's support site has some tutorials you might want to check out.

https://www.apple.com/support/macbasics/

-KeithP

 

[v-600]

Echoing the sentiments above, I did the same as you in the summer. Just get stuck in with it. Google will be your great friend, as is this forum. Also hyperdock, scroll reverser and a couple of other useful tools are available.

 

[HeXen]

Thinking about getting a MacBook. I'm about to pull the trigger but my biggest concern is learning how to use a new OS. What's the best way to go about it??

I bought my Macbook last year and it basically only took a few minutes to get around, download stuff...etc. There's a few quirks to learn but it's more about getting used to them than learning how to do them. Most of it is self expanitory for the most part.
Like installing apps, you drag the app icon to the applications folder and that's it. There's no lengthy multi step installation process or registry files it needs to register.
I just hate how you have to manually unmount everything like .dmg's and iso's. Why it can't unmount at the click of X button i'll never know cause I usually delete those files after I install something.

 

[smackababy]

I am home and on my Mac. Some good programs to help you with your Mac are BetterTouchTool and Spectacle. If you also use Spotify, Spotify Notifications is nice.

 

[sportage]

Yes, jumping to apple and os x was a no brainer.
Not at all like the learning curve with ms windows os, or more so, the frustration curve.

The main thing to notice os x vs ms windows is when an os x program/app is opened, rather than the menu tabs/options (file/edit/view, etc) being located at the top of the open window as with MS windows, in os x those tabs are instead displayed at the very top left of the screen.
When you switch to another opened/active os x app, the tabs/menus switch to display the active app tabs.
That was a little confusing in the beginning for os x vs ms windows.

Another thing you will notice using os x, everything just works!
No more blue screens, freeze-ups, crap-outs, crashes.
You can actually concentrate and get something done without endlessly screwing around with the os itself.
If you want to use iMovie to make a video, you actually can.
And os x versions are either free or under $30. No more $99 ms version crap.
And os x system backup, and photo management, are built-in and incredibility easy and functional to use.
Restoring an app or a previous backup is simple and fast.
You'll soon realize why the "enlightened" as well as the professionals only use os x, and seldom ms windows.

Ps. An apple computer is going to last for many long years to come.
Not like those MS windows machines that become out-dated with every os release.

I would suggest looking into an iMac desktop system as well for the home.
Pure pleasure to use, 27" screens, everything built into the screen, and fast as hell.