When we use macOS alongside Windows in our day-to-day lives, some terms can get mixed up. Switching from one system to the other is much easier if we know the equivalents in each one, since many of the functions we use every day exist on both, but under different names or in different places. Let’s look at these differences so we can work more smoothly and make the most of both systems.
Keys and shortcuts: small differences that make a big difference
If there is one thing we constantly use in our day-to-day work on a computer, it is keyboard shortcuts, and this is where we find some important differences. The Alt key in Windows, for example, is equivalent to the Option key in macOS. Another widely used shortcut is Alt + Tab, which in Windows lets us switch between open applications. In macOS, this feature also exists, although we use it with Command + Tab.
The Command key is one of the most noticeable changes when we use both systems, since it replaces the Control key in Windows in most shortcuts. It takes a bit of getting used to, because Command sits right next to the space bar and two positions away from the ever-present Windows Control key, which is also present on the Mac.
If we work with several windows open, in Windows we will know the feature that shows us all running applications on a single screen. Its equivalent in macOS is Mission Control, which we access with Control + Up Arrow. It is especially useful in multi-display setups, since it instantly arranges all windows and desktops visually.
File management and settings: the foundations of both systems
When we want to personalise our computer, in Windows we turn to the Control Panel, while in macOS we use System Settings. From this section, we can change settings such as the network, the appearance of the Dock, or even the size of icons. Although the design is different, the logic is the same, which makes adapting to the switch much easier.
As for file management, the Windows Recycle Bin has its counterpart in the macOS Trash, always located in the Dock. Meanwhile, what we know in Windows as My PC or This PC is simply called Computer in macOS, and we find it through Finder, the equivalent of Windows File Explorer.
One of the most useful tools for searching for files or applications is Spotlight, which in macOS replaces the Windows search function. By simply pressing Command + Space, we can find all kinds of items in a matter of seconds. On top of that, we can use it to trigger quick actions and even manage clipboard history.
Apps and productivity: different names, similar functions
In productivity too, we find some major similarities. For example, the Photos app in macOS is equivalent to Microsoft’s Photo Editor. Both applications let us organise images, make basic edits, and transfer content from external devices.
When we manage our contacts and calendars, the Contacts and Calendar apps in macOS play the same role as their Windows counterparts. Finally, if we work with external drives or partitions, macOS Disk Utility is the equivalent of Windows Disk Management. With this tool, we can format drives, check their status, and create partitions.
Getting used to macOS when we come from Windows, or the other way around, is much easier than it seems. Especially if we know the equivalents between the two systems, because their services and structures are quite similar. From keys and shortcuts to settings and the main apps, the similarities are far greater than they may seem at first glance.
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