You just bought a shiny new Mac. If you’re like most former Windows users, your first thought is, “Now what?” Fortunately, a Mac is very easy to use, maybe even too easy. Windows folks tend to over think how to do things on a Mac.

Starting with the keyboard, the Mac keyboard looks different from that of Windows. The Apple/Command key replaces the Windows key. But, it works like the Control key on Windows machines. You’ll use it with shortcuts.

Incidentally, many shortcuts are similar to those in Windows. Just use the Command key in place of Control. For example, use Cmd-C to copy, Cmd-V to paste and Cmd-X to cut. Shift-Cmd-A opens the Applications folder. Option-Cmd-M minimizes all windows. Press the Command key as you drag an item to a different folder to move it.

One shortcut to learn fast is Cmd + ?. It opens the Help menu.

You won’t use the Control key much for shortcuts. However, holding it while clicking opens the contextual menu. This is the equivalent of right-clicking in Windows.

The Alt/Option key isn’t used much with shortcuts. Use it with the arrow keys to skip words. Hold the Shift key as well to select entire words.

Touring the Mac Screen