Comments on: Mac 101: A Short(cut) History of the Command Key

By: Ammon

Ammon — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 14:58:44 +0000

As a Windows-to-Mac switcher it was a minor annoyance to re-train my brain from the Ctrl-based shortcuts to the Cmd-based ones. They essentially do the same thing. If it proves too difficult a task you can always remap the keys using a utility like DoubleCommand or Keyboard Maestro. @KsbjA don't forget the pretty drop-shadows you get when taking a screenshot on the Mac.

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:24:07 +0000

Very interesting stuff. Glad I found you guys because my wife bought me an IMac for my birthday. Should be arriving any day now. Cheers!

By: Nordic reader

Nordic reader — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 09:52:34 +0000

Rather than a symbol used at Swedish campgrounds, it’s actually commonly used in Northern Europe to mark places of interest: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_John%27s_Arms

By: CrystalSpins

CrystalSpins — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:15:28 +0000

I am forced to use a PC at my office and I still say “apple” when I should say “control.” Also, I used to hit the apple key with my thumb and I have to hit the control key with my pinkie — I get way more cramps in my hands now. My poor pinkie.

Crystal
http://www.crystalspins.com

By: dav1dz

dav1dz — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:45:57 +0000

I hate the fact that Windows users are sometimes ignorant about history. I’m not saying they all are, but some are unwilling to accept the fact that certain things just works better with a Mac and that it is actually more standards conforming.

By: KsbjA

KsbjA — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:56:50 +0000

On the other hand, Mac OS at least has screenshot shortcut. And no, PrntScrn, Win + R, mspaint, Enter, Ctrl + V, Alt + F4, Enter, Enter is not a screenshot shortcut. (Yes, I’m not exaggerating, that’s how you take and save a screenshot on Windows using only the keyboard, but it’s the same procedure with a mouse as well.)

Agreed about the Windows part on all points.

By: KsbjA

KsbjA — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:52:58 +0000

I like how the command key works with almost every letter and every function. Cmd + Q to quit an app (Microsoft went completely crazy with Alt + F4 – seriously, what were they thinking?!), Cmd + W to close a window (works on Windows with the Ctrl key, but it’s next to the quit key, so way better on Mac OS), and another of my Mac-only favorites, Cmd + ‘,’ to open the application’s preferences window. Cut, copy, paste, undo, redo are just widely accepted standards (which, I’m pretty sure, originate from Apple).

By: Dan

Dan — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:09:56 +0000

I love stuff like this

Thanks for the info!!!

By: Sin

Sin — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 07:49:23 +0000

Not really.
I have this http://s3.amazonaws.com/dotclue.org/kybard.jpg keyboard and another external keyboard similar to http://www.electronicsweekly.com/blogs/engineering-design-problems/keyboard.jpg .

I can switch back-forth (both keyboard and OS) with no problem.

By: Hurt Fingers

Hurt Fingers — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 04:53:30 +0000

There is one absolutely crucial reason why the Command key is much better than the Control key:

The Command key is next to the space bar, so it is used by pivoting a thumb.
The Control key is below the Shift key, so it is used by stretching a little finger.

This makes ALL the difference.