New Mac users, try these tips

— -- 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 overthink 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 the Control key. 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 either. Use it with the arrow keys to skip words. Hold the Shift key as well to select entire words.

Touring the Mac screen

The first thing you'll notice is that your Mac OS X doesn't have a Start menu or taskbar. Instead, you have the Dock. It sits at the bottom center of the screen awaiting your every command.

The Dock contains icons for programs on your Mac. To add a program's shortcut to the Dock, drag the program from the Applications folder. To open a program from the Dock, simply click it once.

Minimizing a window sends it to the Dock. Minimized windows appear between your shortcuts and the Trash.

Setting up your Mac

Odds are, you'll need to configure your Mac to your environment and liking. Here's where you'll use the Apple menu. It provides quick access to system commands. Always visible, it resides at the top left of the screen.

Use the Apple menu to turn off your system or restart it. Or, open System Preferences from the menu. Like Windows' Control Panel, it provides access to network, printer and other computer settings.