Mac for Windows Brains from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Operate a mac with ease
Understand mac equivalents for windows functions
Understand mac terminology
Use keyboard shortcuts
Change important settings
Customize the dock
Organize files
Create shortcuts to files and folders
Set up and use gestures and special clicks on the apple mouse and trackpad
Install and remove applications (programs)
Add user accounts

Set parental controls
Set up a printer
Search on the mac
Use app switching and mission control on the mac
Use task manager equivalents
Find system information about the mac
Share files with other macs and pcs
Install windows on the mac
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Operate a mac with ease
Understand mac equivalents for windows functions
Understand mac terminology
Use keyboard shortcuts
Change important settings
Customize the dock
Organize files
Create shortcuts to files and folders
Set up and use gestures and special clicks on the apple mouse and trackpad
Install and remove applications (programs)
Add user accounts
Set parental controls
Set up a printer
Search on the mac
Use app switching and mission control on the mac
Use task manager equivalents
Find system information about the mac
Share files with other macs and pcs
Install windows on the mac
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

By the end of this section, you'll know how the course is set up, who the instructor is, and we'll go over the things that we'll cover in this course.

Welcome to the course! Learn about who I am, how the course is set up, and all of the cool things you're going to know how to do by the end of this course!

Throughout this course, I will show you features of the Mac, and whenever possible, I will compare them to the features that you're familiar with in Windows.

In the first section, we will touch on the Mac equivalent of each of the following Windows functions (in no particular order)

Start Menu / Start Screen
Task Bar
System Tray
Desktop
Desktop Shortcuts
Recycle Bin
File Explorer
Right Click
Search
Menu bars
Window Behavior
Control Panel

If you feel like I've left any of the basic fundamentals out, feel free to suggest it in the course chat.

Want to open applications, create shortcuts, see what's open at a glance, and get to your files and the trash can? The dock can help you with all of that.

If you're wondering what it's Windows counterpart is, I'd say that the dock is most similar to the taskbar. But it has some functionality of the desktop (shortcuts) and the start menu (opening applications, getting to settings, etc)

In this lecture, you'll learn what the dock can do for you, how to customize it, and how to adjust its placement.

The Mac menu bar always resides at the top of the screen, unlike the menus in Windows that stay at the top of the windows. It shows you what the active program is and gives you menus related to that program. To the right, you have icons similar to the Windows system tray, a powerful search feature called spotlight, and notification center. To the far left of the menu bar, you have the Apple menu that contains different system functions and shortcuts (similar to some of the things you'd find in the start menu)

By the end of this lesson, you'll understand the functionality of the menu bar, how it compares to Windows, and how it behaves.

Macintosh and Windows computers both share the concept of application windows, however they behave a bit differently in each system. Find out what the buttons on the Mac do, and why closing a window doesn't always shut down a program.

System preferences are the Mac equivalent to the Windows control panel. They both contain preferences for things such as displays, sleep times, and other behaviors that occur no matter which applications are running. In this lesson, we will take a look at some of the most fundamental system preferences. I'll challenge you to look through more and explore the settings on your own. Some of the preferences will be covered in later lessons.

The Mac's Finder, much like the Windows File Explorer, is the application you'll use to view, open and organize your files. In this lesson, you'll learn how to change the way files appear and are arranged, how to move, copy and delete files, find where you are, and manage other Finder preferences.

The Mac finder is similar to the Windows file explorer. It's the application that you'll use to open, view and organize your files.

No lesson on fundamentals would be complete without mentioning the trackpad and the mouse. If you're using an Apple mouse or trackpad, you'll need to know a few basics, such as how to right click and scroll, in order to use the Mac without frustration. It may not be obvious at first, but the Apple mouse and trackpad can do everything that your Windows mouse did natively, as well as a bunch more built-in clicks and gestures.

In this lesson, I’ll introduce you to the different mice and trackpads you can use and we’ll talk about what some of the functions mean. After this, you can skip to the video that corresponds to which type of device you want to set up.

If you use an Apple wired mouse, this lesson is for you. If you use a wireless Mac or trackpad, you can skip this video.

Learn about how to program the buttons and adjust the settings for your Apple wired mouse.

If you use an Apple Wireless Mouse, you'll want to watch this video. If you use a wired mouse or trackpad, you can skip this if you'd like.

Learn how to perform gestures on your wireless mouse and adjust gestures, clicks and taps.

If you use a trackpad, this video is for you. If you use a mouse, you can skip this video if you'd like.

Learn how to perform gestures on your trackpad and set it up to perform the gestures and clicks that you want to use.

If you love gestures, I'll show you some free and inexpensive software that will give you even more gestures on your mouse or trackpad.

We will also do a short review on what we learned in the section about mice and trackpads.

Connecting to the internet is easy. In this lesson, I'll show you a couple of different ways to do that, as well as discuss the most common Mac browsers and where to download them.

Windows has a Windows store where you can purchase applications. Mac has the Mac App Store. Learn how to use this store to download free and paid applications, as well as how to install applications from standard installers. We will also talk about how to uninstall an application.

Just like Windows, the Mac can have multiple user accounts on one computer. In this lesson, you will learn how to set up administrator, standard and managed accounts. You'll learn logging out vs. fast user switching as well as how to enforce parental controls on managed accounts.

The Mac can print to almost any modern printer. Connecting to most printers is as easy as (Apple) pie. hehe In this lesson, you'll learn how to set up a printer with a few clicks, as well as what to do when setup is more complicated.

Spotlight is like Windows search. It is a very powerful search interface that will search everything on your comptuer and more. Learn how to use it for searching, as well as a few other tasks such as an application launcher, calculator and dictionary.

Mission control is most similar, not to a Windows feature, but to a NASA feature. When you think of NASA's mission control, you think of a room where you can see and control everything that's happening at a glance. That's how it works on a Mac. Learn how to get to Mission control with different shortcuts and how to use it to command your Mac.

You'll also learn about a simpler way to switch and quit applications with a keyboard shortcut.

Some of the keyboard shortcuts are very similar to the ones in Windows. You just have to know the secrets. Find out what they are in this lesson.

What do you do when a program stops responding or when you want to see which processes are running and using disk or memory? On Windows, you'd use task manager. On the Mac, you can use Force Quit or Activity Monitor.

What do you do when you want to learn about what hardware is inside your Mac, the serial or model number, or how much space you've used on your hard drive? You'll use "about this Mac" or the more detailed "System Information" application.

How do you share files with other computers (Windows or Mac) on the same network? Find out how in this lesson.

Boot camp functionality comes with your Mac. It will allow you to partition your hard drive into 2 sections - one for Mac and one for Windows. Then it will install Windows in the second partition. You can switch between Windows and Mac by restarting the computer and holding down the option key. Learn how it works in this lecture.

If you don't like restarting your computer to switch between Mac and Windows, you can purchase programs like Parallels or Fusion and run Windows at the same time that you're running Mac. Find out what this is all about.

Career center

Learners who complete Mac for Windows Brains will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Desktop Support Engineer

A Desktop Support Engineer specializes in maintaining and optimizing end-user computer systems, providing in-depth technical assistance and system configuration. For this role, a comprehensive understanding of macOS is paramount. This course offers an exceptional starting point for proficient Windows users to master Mac operations, covering essential areas such as managing user accounts, setting up printers, and understanding system information about the Mac. The ability to install Windows on a Mac using Boot Camp or virtualization software, as explored in the course, is a highly sought-after skill for a Desktop Support Engineer in mixed computing environments. By building a strong command over Mac's unique features, file sharing capabilities, and troubleshooting tools like Force Quit, you will be well-prepared to provide high-level support and ensure optimal performance for Mac users.

See salaries and explore the career path for Desktop Support Engineer

Information Technology Support Specialist

The Information Technology Support Specialist helps users resolve technical issues, ranging from software malfunctions to hardware problems, ensuring smooth operation of computer systems. This course provides a robust foundation for supporting Mac users by demystifying the macOS environment for those familiar with Windows. You will gain practical skills in managing files with Finder, installing and removing applications, and configuring system preferences, which are all crucial for diagnosing and fixing common user problems. Understanding Mac equivalents for Windows functions, such as Task Manager equivalents like Activity Monitor, will enable you to efficiently troubleshoot performance issues. For anyone aiming to excel as an Information Technology Support Specialist in environments utilizing macOS, this course helps build the proficiency needed to confidently navigate, customize, and maintain Mac computers, making you an invaluable asset to any team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Support Specialist

Help Desk Technician

A Help Desk Technician acts as the first point of contact for users experiencing technical difficulties, guiding them through solutions or escalating complex issues. This course is particularly helpful for aspiring Help Desk Technicians who will assist Mac users, especially those transitioning from Windows. You will learn to expertly handle common Mac-related queries, from locating files with Finder to adjusting system settings and understanding window behavior. Knowledge of Mac-specific features like Spotlight for searching and Mission Control for application management, along with keyboard shortcuts, directly translates to efficient problem resolution. The ability to articulate Mac operations by comparing them to Windows functions, as taught in this course, will enable you to communicate effectively with a diverse user base, fostering user confidence and reducing resolution times.

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Technical Trainer

As a Technical Trainer, you educate individuals or groups on how to effectively use software, hardware, or entire operating systems. This course offers a unique advantage for prospective Technical Trainers by providing a structured approach to understanding Mac for those familiar with Windows. It meticulously compares Mac and Windows functions, such as the Dock to the Task Bar, and Finder to File Explorer, which is an ideal framework for explaining new concepts to learners with a Windows background. You will gain a clear understanding of Mac terminology, keyboard shortcuts, and common tasks like application management and file organization. This foundational knowledge allows you to develop and deliver targeted training modules, helping diverse audiences quickly become proficient with macOS. Mastering the Mac through this comparative lens will empower you to guide others seamlessly through their own transition.

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Virtual Assistant

A Virtual Assistant provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely, often managing diverse tasks across different platforms. The deep dive into macOS operations provided by this course is incredibly beneficial for a Virtual Assistant, as many clients utilize Macs for their work. You will learn critical skills such as efficient file management, customizing system preferences, and managing applications—all vital for organizing client projects or troubleshooting minor issues. The course’s focus on using an external hard drive and file sharing capabilities will prove particularly useful when collaborating on documents or transferring data between client systems, whether Mac or PC. Developing proficiency in navigating and managing the Mac environment with ease will expand your service offerings and allow you to support a broader range of clients effectively.

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Office Administrator

An Office Administrator ensures the smooth daily operations of an office, which often includes managing office technology and supporting staff with basic computer needs. The knowledge gained from this course can be very helpful for an Office Administrator. You will learn how to efficiently set up and manage user accounts, including parental controls if applicable, and configure printers for various office needs. Understanding Mac file management with Finder and file sharing with other Macs and PCs on the network will simplify collaborative workflows and resource management. Furthermore, the ability to address common questions about Mac behavior or adjust basic settings will empower you to provide immediate support, minimizing disruptions and enhancing overall office productivity, particularly in environments employing a mix of Mac and Windows computers.

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Educational Technology Specialist

An Educational Technology Specialist integrates technology into learning environments, providing support and training for students and faculty. In many educational institutions, a blend of Mac and Windows computers is common, making the skills from this course highly relevant for an Educational Technology Specialist. You will gain proficiency in managing Mac settings, organizing files, installing and removing applications, and setting up peripherals like printers. The ability to create and manage user accounts, including parental controls, is particularly valuable in a school setting. Furthermore, understanding Mac troubleshooting tools like Activity Monitor and knowing how to share files across Mac and PC networks will enable you to effectively support a diverse user base, ensuring technology facilitates education rather than hinders it.

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Digital Media Producer

A Digital Media Producer oversees the creation of various digital content, including videos, audio, and interactive media, often relying heavily on powerful software applications. Many industry-standard tools for digital media production are optimized for or exclusively run on macOS, making foundational Mac proficiency essential for a Digital Media Producer. This course may be helpful in building that essential comfort and understanding of the underlying operating system. You will learn to navigate the Mac interface, manage files with Finder, and efficiently use keyboard shortcuts and gestures, which are critical for streamlining creative workflows. Familiarity with installing and managing applications, along with understanding system information, helps ensure your creative software runs optimally. Developing a solid command of Mac operations allows you to focus more on your creative projects and less on technical hurdles.

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Graphic Designer

The role of a Graphic Designer involves creating visual concepts using computer software to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. Macs have long been the industry standard for graphic design due to their interface and software ecosystem. This course may be useful for an aspiring Graphic Designer to quickly become adept with the macOS environment. You will gain mastery over fundamental aspects like customizing the Dock and menu bar, managing windows efficiently, and understanding file organization within Finder – all crucial for maintaining an organized and fast-paced design workflow. Learning keyboard shortcuts and advanced mouse or trackpad gestures will significantly enhance productivity when working with demanding design applications. Becoming proficient with your Mac's operations helps build a seamless creative process, allowing you to execute your artistic vision without technical impediments.

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Video Editor

A Video Editor manipulates and arranges video footage to create a final product, often using specialized editing software that runs on high-performance machines. The course may be helpful for an aspiring Video Editor whose professional toolkit predominantly features Macs. Understanding the core operations of macOS is fundamental for efficient workflow within demanding video editing suites. You will learn to smoothly navigate the Mac's interface, manage extensive media files with Finder, and utilize Mission Control for efficient application switching, which are all vital for juggling multiple applications and large projects. The ability to use keyboard shortcuts and customize trackpad gestures can dramatically speed up editing tasks. By developing a strong understanding of how the Mac operates, you can optimize your system for performance and concentrate on the intricate details of your video projects.

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System Administrator

A System Administrator is responsible for the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems, especially multi-user computers such as servers. While a System Administrator role typically requires an advanced understanding of operating systems and networking, this course may be useful in building a foundational understanding of macOS for administrators working in mixed environments. You will learn about core Mac functionalities like user account management, system preferences, and file sharing, which are essential for basic system configuration and maintenance. Understanding Mac equivalents for Windows features, along with the ability to install Windows on a Mac via Boot Camp or virtualization, provides valuable insight for managing cross-platform compatibility. This course helps build familiarity with the Mac's operational nuances, which can be beneficial when integrating and supporting Macs within a larger IT infrastructure.

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Software Quality Assurance Analyst

A Software Quality Assurance Analyst tests software to identify bugs and ensure it meets specified requirements and performs reliably across various platforms. This course may be useful for a Software Quality Assurance Analyst as it provides a deep understanding of macOS behavior and functionalities. When testing applications designed for Mac, proficiency in navigating the operating system, managing files, and understanding system preferences is fundamental. You will learn about Mac-specific features like window behavior, application management, and task manager equivalents, which are crucial for observing and documenting software performance and issues within the Mac environment. The ability to install Windows on a Mac also provides insight into cross-platform compatibility testing, enhancing your capability to ensure software quality for a diverse user base.

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Client Success Manager

A Client Success Manager ensures clients achieve their desired outcomes while using a company's product or service, often involving guiding them through technical aspects. This course may be helpful for a Client Success Manager, especially when supporting clients who use Macs. Understanding how the Mac operates, from file management with Finder to navigating system preferences, allows you to better empathize with and guide clients through software installations or usage specific to macOS. The knowledge of Mac-specific features like Spotlight or Mission Control can help you explain product functionalities more clearly, even if your product is cross-platform. By developing a solid grasp of the Mac environment, you can provide more informed and effective support, ultimately boosting client satisfaction and retention.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates clear, concise, and accurate documentation, such as user manuals or online help guides, for complex products and processes. This course may be useful for a Technical Writer whose work involves documenting software or procedures for users on various operating systems, including macOS. Understanding the nuances of Mac operations, its terminology, and how it compares to Windows is crucial for creating accurate and user-friendly Mac-specific instructions. You will gain a detailed understanding of Mac features like the Dock, Menu Bar, System Preferences, and Finder. This enables you to articulate how to perform tasks on a Mac, such as installing applications or managing files, ensuring your documentation accurately reflects the user experience and addresses potential cross-platform confusions.

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IT Asset Manager

An IT Asset Manager oversees the lifecycle of an organization's hardware and software assets, from procurement to disposal. This course may be useful for an IT Asset Manager who needs to manage a fleet of Mac computers, even if not directly using them daily. Understanding where to find system information about the Mac, such as hardware details and storage usage, is directly relevant to tracking inventory and planning upgrades. Knowledge of how Mac user accounts and application installations work provides context for licensing compliance and software deployment strategies. While not a hands-on user role, familiarity with the Mac's operational structure and system specifics, including file sharing and network connectivity, helps in making informed decisions regarding Mac asset management and maintenance within a diverse IT ecosystem.

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Mac for Windows Brains

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