On Thursday, November 22, 2001, at 10:32 PM, JKPA Services wrote: > Hi, I'm new to the group! > > I'm hoping for some suggestions, or just some advice on the following. > > I have been contracted to do some work for a new client, and have found > out > that his operating system is a Mac. > > Arrrrgh, I've only ever seen Mac PCs in computer shops and department > stores, so I'm really hoping someone can answer my questions. > > Firstly, how different is a Mac from my PC which is a MS Windows > set-up, and > are the quick keys etc the same?
Many of the keyboard commands are the same, but there are also many which are different. Be aware that most keyboard commands on the Mac use the Command key (that's the one right next to the space bar, with the Apple symbol on it) where Windows would use the Control key. You will also find that there is less keyboard navigation through dialog boxes, etc. > > Secondly, if my client sends me diskettes with files which I need to > work > on, can I just insert it (the disk) into my A drive and start work, or > am I > required to do anything different because of the different operating > system > I work with ie: Windows. Windows-formatted disks can be read by Macs, but Mac-formatted disks can only be read on PCs if you have special 3rd-party software installed. Just make sure that you use only Windows-formatted disks and you'll be fine. > > Thirdly, how quirky is a Mac, and what should I know which will make my > life > easier in working with one onsite? A HUGE question, the answers to which are the motivating force behind us Mac users. We believe that overall Macs are easier to use and less quirky than Windows machines, but more than that I will not say now for sheer lack of time and space. Perhaps others on the list can enlarge with their thoughts. One thing you SHOULD know about the MacOS which is fundamentally different from Windows, though: the Mac has no equivalent to Windows Explorer. Icons for the various disk drives, partitions, etc, appear automatically on the desktop, and are identified specifically by Volume Name. The Mac OS does not use drive letters, eg, A:, C:, D:, etc, and you'll also find that the Mac will take ownership of any disk you insert, eg, floppy, CD, etc. You cannot remove the disk without the Mac giving you permission. You either have to drag the disk icon to the Trash to eject or use Command-E from the keyboard (with the icon selected). Bear in mind that the current Windows interface in based heavily on long-established Mac principles, so you will find plenty that's familiar as well. -- Peter Hinchliffe Apwin Computer Services FileMaker Pro Solutions Developer Perth, :::::::::::::::::::::::: Western Australia Phone (618) 9332 6482 Fax (618) 9332 0913 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Mac because I prefer it -- Windows because I have to. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
