OS X the operating system on a Mac is similar to Windows but they do have some different ways of doing things that may require some learning for new Mac users.

Here are some more differences between Mac OS X and Windows:

• Menu Bar: When using Windows each program uses its own menu bar. When using a Mac program (called an Application) the menu bar on the top of your desktop changes according to the application that is being used
  

  Apple Menu Bar

• Control Panel: Windows users are all to familiar with the control panel. The Mac equivalent is the System Preferences and can be launched from the Dock or the Apple Menu
  

  System Preferences

• Ending Programs:This one sometimes confuses a new Mac user. In Windows to end a program you simply close the Window. On a Mac closing the Window does not end the application. To end an application on a Mac you must either select quit from the menu bar or by pressing thecommand + "Q" keys on the keyboard
  

  Quit an Application in Mac OS X

• Switching Applications: Switching programs in Windows is accomplished by pressing the Alt + Tab keys. This brings up all running programs and allows you to switch between them. Switching applications on a Mac can be done by using pressing the command + Tab keys.
  

  Switching Applications

  Mac also comes with Expose that can show all open windows at once in a smaller version so you can browse through them.

  

  Expose

If your considering making the switch from PC to Mac you may want to consider picking up a cheap Macbook to learn on. You will find that Making the switch is one of the smartest decisions you can make.

Be sure to read PC to Mac-Making the Switch part 1 for more differences.

The Finder

The finder acts much like the start menu on a windows machine. When trying to locate anything on a Mac just click on the finder. The finder is used to access all the content on your hard drive, any external drives, discs or attached devices. All your applications ( the Mac equivalent of programs) can also be accessed in the finder menu. The finder menu also has a history so that any recent work can be opened with one click.

The Finder window is where you access everything on your Mac

There are four viewing options in the finder menu.

• Icons
• List
• Column
• Cover Flow

The Dock

The Dock is located at the bottom of the desktop by default but can easily be moved to the left or right side of the screen. It is a row of commonly used icons of applications that you use on your Mac and also shows you which applications are currently running.Similar to the windows task bar, the Dock also holds windows in their minimized state.

The Dock gives you easy access to commonly used Applications. Notice the glowing blue dot under the running Applications

To open an application simply click on its icon. When an application is running a blue glowing dot appears below the applications icon. Adding applications to the Dock is as simple as opening your applications folder and dragging it anywhere you want it to be. Deleting an application from the Dock is as simple as dragging it off the Dock. Deleting an applications icon from the Dock does not delete the actual application.

Right click Mouse

A right click mouse can be used with a Mac. It is a popular misconception that the Mac doesn't support the right click function. This is simply not true. The Apple Mighty Mouse supports right clicking and you can use just about any USB mouse on the Mac. If you are using a Macbook, to right click you would press the control key while clicking.

like the control panel on a PC, the System Preferences screen is used for customizing functions on your Mac.

The new Track pad on the Aluminum unibody Macbook, Macbook Pro and Macbook Air can be setup to designate the lower right corner as a right click or by pressing the track pad with two fingers.

Installing Applications

Applications on a Mac are the same as programs on a PC. Installing them is much different though. To install an application on a Mac, simply drag its icon into the application folder. That's it! No more waiting for an installation wizard to open. Removing an application is just as easy. Instead of a un-install menu you just drag the icon to the trash and your done.

Installing Firefox on a Mac

Installing Firefox on a PC. How many times do I have to click next?

We recognize that different people have different needs for their computer. What works for one person may not work for another. We would appreciate any additions you may have of comparable features between OS X and Windows,  features that may be missed in the transition from PC to Mac or just your own personal experience in making the switch.