Mac Questions

[MmkLucario]

Hi. Not sure if this is the right place.
My parents and I are thinking of which computer to buy. The charter school that we are with will reimburse us, depending on the price. I’ve been on Windows 10 for a couple of years now.

How is the file management system on macOS? Is it like File Explorer?

Could you download iTunes somehow? How is Finder compared to iTunes?

Lastly, could you right click on a Mac?

Thanks

 

[tstafford]

File management isn't all that different to Explorer. It's folders and files

iTunes had been replaced by Apple Music, Podcasts and Apple TV

Right click - yes. It's a setting in the mouse preferences

 

[MmkLucario]

File management isn't all that different to Explorer. It's folders and files

iTunes had been replaced by Apple Music, Podcasts and Apple TV

Right click - yes. It's a setting in the mouse preferences

Thanks!

I’m guessing that Apple Music functions like iTunes so you can sync your music onto your iPhone and iPad, right?

 

[Dave Braine]

I’m guessing that Apple Music functions like iTunes so you can sync your music onto your iPhone and iPad, right?

Yes.

How is Finder compared to iTunes?

The two don't compare. Finder is a filing system, iTunes stores and plays music/videos etc.

 

[MmkLucario]

The two don't compare. Finder is a filing system, iTunes stores and plays music/videos etc.

Ah my mistake. Thanks!

 

[MmkLucario]

Also, how is backing up Apple devices on a Mac? Is it kinda like iTunes?

 

[meson]

iTunes was a monolithic application to store and sync a variety of media, and still is on Windows.

When you connect a phone to the Mac with a cable, it will show up in Finder. When you click on it, it will give you window to choose what to sync, manage backups, etc.

From there, Apple broke each media type into its own application. Personally, I liked iTunes better than the newer apps, but that’s my opinion.

Backing up iDevices works through Finder very similar to how it worked in iTunes.

 

[MmkLucario]

iTunes was a monolithic application to store and sync a variety of media, and still is on Windows.

When you connect a phone to the Mac with a cable, it will show up in Finder. When you click on it, it will give you window to choose what to sync, manage backups, etc.

From there, Apple broke each media type into its own application. Personally, I liked iTunes better than the newer apps, but that’s my opinion.

Backing up iDevices works through Finder very similar to how it worked in iTunes.

Great, thanks!

 

[MBAir2010]

Aople is nice, everything seems to work and sync with ease

there is always quick and prompt help
such as
if you search "bluetooth disconnected Ventura MacBook Air, 2020"
you will get the apple website first
with a solution!

not fake or useless windows that wants to join a newsgroup on that laptop as Dell demanded.
apple seems to be a great option to use for newbies in 2020!

 

[MmkLucario]

Yeah, it is very different. I guess when I have the opportunity to play around with Macs, I should use it. I think I would have to relearn the keyboard shortcuts too. But it all takes practice and patience to get used to a different OS.

 

[meson]

For keyboard shortcuts replace the control key on Windows machines with the command key on a Mac and you will be correct a majority of the time.

Right clicks can be done by holding down the control key when you click. Two finger clicks on a trackpad or Magic Mouse can be set up as a right click.

 

[MmkLucario]

For keyboard shortcuts replace the control key on Windows machines with the command key on a Mac and you will be correct a majority of the time.

Right clicks can be done by holding down the control key when you click. Two finger clicks on a trackpad or Magic Mouse can be set up as a right click.

Thanks! Dumb question, could you use a third party Bluetooth mouse with the MacBook?

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

You'll get used to Mac pretty quickly

But for many many things , keeping a windows device on the side can be useful, nay necessary

 

[MmkLucario]

In todays world, there is little that Mac cannot do. Certainly on the hardware side so many products work seamlessly on Mac. In fact, I believe even migration assistant can move your files to Mac.

True, but I may have to use a USB stick or something, since the computer I’m using is the family computer.

 

[maflynn]

How is the file management system on macOS? Is it like File Explorer?

Long time PC and Mac user. I've been on Pcs since MS-Dos 2.11 and for Macs - system 7.

I find the file explorer to be vastly superior to the Finder. Generally speaking its so much easier moving around, copying/pasting files, directories in file explorer. The more involved the tree structure is the more you'll see how much better file explorer is

How is Finder compared to iTunes?

Horrible, maybe because I'm so used to iTunes, I really miss having the app to manage my music, videos, and what not.

Lastly, could you right click on a Mac?

Yes but you I believe it may be disabled by default

 

[pmiles]

If you like to play games on the computer, the Mac may or may not support that habit going forward for you. Macs use the Metal API whereas PCs use DirectX... compatibility can be an issue.

A PC is also going to be decidedly cheaper than a Mac. Understand your reasoning for switching to a Mac... especially when it appears this will be for home schooling.

 

[MacCheetah3]

Here’s a great learning resource to answer your questions and more:

Mac User Guide

Learn what’s new in macOS, how to get started with your Mac and use it with your Apple devices, and how to control privacy and security on macOS.

support.apple.com

There’s a Table of Contents but you can also search. For example, if you search for sync music iPhone the first result is this:

Sync music between your Mac and iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

On your Mac, sync all or a selection of music to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

support.apple.com

 

[MmkLucario]

If you like to play games on the computer, the Mac may or may not support that habit going forward for you. Macs use the Metal API whereas PCs use DirectX... compatibility can be an issue.

A PC is also going to be decidedly cheaper than a Mac. Understand your reasoning for switching to a Mac... especially when it appears this will be for home schooling.

I don’t play much games on the computer, except maybe Minecraft in the future, although I may have trouble learning the keyboard inputs for the game.

We are homeschoolers. I’m looking for a Mac since it will probably last longer and be more reliable than a PC, we are having trouble with the family computer, it keeps freezing up every week, then we have to restart it.
I currently don't do much heavy work on the computer, just being on the web, typing up essays, and backing up devices.

 

[MmkLucario]

Here’s a great learning resource to answer your questions and more:

Mac User Guide

Learn what’s new in macOS, how to get started with your Mac and use it with your Apple devices, and how to control privacy and security on macOS.

support.apple.com

There’s a Table of Contents but you can also search. For example, if you search for sync music iPhone the first result is this:

Sync music between your Mac and iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

On your Mac, sync all or a selection of music to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

support.apple.com

Thanks for the resources!

 

[splitpea]

You'll get used to Mac pretty quickly

But for many many things , keeping a windows device on the side can be useful, nay necessary

Disagree, unless you’re seriously into gaming or a few other niche things. I haven’t had a windows computer for 15 years, and even then I mostly used it for games. Haven’t missed it at all.

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

Disagree, unless you’re seriously into gaming or a few other niche things. I haven’t had a windows computer for 15 years, and even then I mostly used it for games. Haven’t missed it at all.

Unless you go full apple , it’s hard to get rid of windows completely

For example I recently had to update the firmware of my monitor…windows only

Need to do some tricks on my android phone ? Windows ( that one can be considered niche tho)

Need to mod my DSi xl ? Windows

Need a software for physiotherapists? Windows again

Have a problem with a drive , or have a drive formatted in ntfs? Windows

 

[MmkLucario]

Thanks for all of your input guys! I appreciate it very much!

 

[MmkLucario]

I’ll probably post a poll soon for recommendations of which computer would be the best choice, once I know the budget.

 

[tarsins]

Thanks! Dumb question, could you use a third party Bluetooth mouse with the MacBook?

I use a Logitech Master MX 3 on both my MacBook Air and Mac Mini and the Logitech MX Keys Mini for Mac on my Mac Mini.

 

[maflynn]

Thanks! Dumb question, could you use a third party Bluetooth mouse with the MacBook?

Yes, though I've been unhappy with the tracking speed of wireless mice. This isn't really a Mac issue as much as a wireless thing. I get the allure of the wireless keyboard and mouse for computers but definitely try it our to make sure you're happy with it

Also for many wireless logitech mice, they use a little USB nub (not sure its called). As you know Macs don't have USB-A ports, so make sure you get a mouse that is Bluetooth capable. I believe Logitech tells USB-C type nubs (again not sure what you call them), and Bluetooth capable mice, so be careful what you buy.