Explaining Command Key

Question

Level 2

276 points

Explaining Command Key

Hi there - my sister recently got a macbook pro, and she has been more of a PC user over the years and very new to apple/mac. I don't know much about PCs. but she asked me what the key was that has the apple and the other symbol on it.
in my understanding that is called the command key, is that correct? is it similar to the control key on the PC keyboard? that is what i plan to tell her. if anybody else has a good explanation (to someone who is more familiar with the PC) of the key with the apple on it that is next to the space bar on the keyboard of a macbook pro, please let me know.

thanks for any advice. and Merry Christmas!

MacBook Pro 15", Mac OS X (10.5.1), ipod 5th generation, mini ipod

Posted on Dec 25, 2007 12:02 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 25, 2007 12:31 AM in response to belovedjs

belovedjs,

Merry Christmas back!!

Yes, it is the "Command" key, and that is the simplest and most correct way to explain it. It is used when issuing "commands," such as:

Command-O = " Open"

Command-W = "close Window"

Command-delete = "move to trash"

Command-Q = " Quit

etc., etc.

In many cases, the command being issued can be "elevated" by also pressing the Shift key (just as pressing it when typing a character makes that character upper-case). Take the "quit" command, for example. If you issue the command (Command-Q) while also holding the Shift key, you tell the computer to quit everything and log you out. Another good example is Shift-Command-delete, which empties the trash.

The "Option" key generally delivers some type of.... option. Such as the option to copy a file, rather than just move it.

The "Control" key, in most cases, simply allows the single-button mouse (or trackpad) to issue a right-click, such as when a contextual menu is needed or desired.

Scott

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Answer 2

belovedjs Author

Level 2

276 points

Dec 25, 2007 8:38 AM in response to belovedjs

Thanks Scott

that was a very helpful explanation : )

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