Question: What are the Windows keyboard equivalents for the Mac's special keys?
I just switched from a PC to a Mac. I'd like to use my Windows keyboard, but it seems to be missing some keys. For example, what is the command key I keep hearing about?
Answer:
Newcomers and old pros alike use Windows keyboards with Macs. Why toss a perfectly good keyboard, just because you switched platforms? In fact, Apple even sells the Mac Mini without a keyboard or mouse, allowing customers to supply their own. There's just one little thing wrong with this picture: figuring out some of the keyboard equivalents.
There are five keys that may have different names or symbols on a Windows keyboard than they do on a Mac keyboard, which can make it difficult to follow Mac-related instructions. For example, a software manual may tell you to hold down the command key, which appears to be missing from your Windows keyboard. It's there; it just looks a little different.Here are the five most commonly used special keys on a Mac, and their Windows keyboard equivalents.
Mac key – Windows key
Control – Ctrl
Option – Alt
Command (the four leaf clover) – Windows
Delete – Backspace
Return – Enter
