I've just gotten a MacBook Pro for Easter.

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Level 1

4 points

I've just gotten a MacBook Pro for Easter.

Never used a Mac before to this extent and am trying to figure out how to get the arrow keys to work. Before this, the only times I've used Macs were when I was in uni, before I got my own laptop and that was only when the Dell PCs were all occupied-which wasn't often. On my last laptop, the arrow keys and the page up/down/home/end keys were separate, but they're not on the MacBook Pro and it's frustrating when I'm typing something and need to go back a line or a few words, but have to use the touchpad to do so. Can't figure out how to do it on my own, and the only people that can help me-my uncle and a few cousins-would likely end up confusing me and them trying to explain it.

Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Apr 27, 2012 5:07 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

sig

Level 8

35,862 points

Apr 27, 2012 5:16 PM in response to RGPuck

Stop down to an Apple store and sign up for their one on one or some of their other newbie programs where you can work with Mac experts that'll help guide you thru the growing pains.

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Answer 2

RGPuck Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 27, 2012 5:20 PM in response to sig

The closest Apple store to me is in Ann Arbor and for the time being, it's not practical for me to drive 45 minutes or more one way.

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Answer 3

sig

Level 8

35,862 points

Apr 27, 2012 5:47 PM in response to RGPuck

Visit your local bookstore and get some books on Macs and Mac OS X. Books by David Pogue are suggested.

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Answer 4

RGPuck Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 27, 2012 5:57 PM in response to RGPuck

I might...or see if the local library has them, but I wanted to see if I could get help here first because Macs are one of the most popular computers out there and if the libraries and bookstores are as I remember, they might not have what I need right away-on hold or out of stock-and by the time I can get hold of a book that can help, I'll have gotten it straighted out. That's how it's always worked with the books on newer computer systems and the stores and libraries never get enough in stock to meet the demand, at least not in my area.

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Answer 5

db24401

Level 4

1,564 points

Apr 27, 2012 6:00 PM in response to RGPuck

Might you glean some knowledge from on-line?

http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/tour/

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Answer 6

Apr 27, 2012 6:00 PM in response to RGPuck

Sometimes all you need is to hold the "fn" key to get at the functions that are alternate uses of keys.

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Answer 7

RGPuck Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 27, 2012 6:13 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

That helps, somewhat, Grant. However, it gives me the home/end/page up/page down features, which isn't what I need. I need the arrows.

@ db24401-I've gone through the Mac 101 tour. Doesn't help me a bit. It's focused on everything BUT the keyboard. I appreciate the thought, though.

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Answer 8

db24401

Level 4

1,564 points

Apr 27, 2012 6:22 PM in response to RGPuck

Maybe this will help. I found it using Google.

http://smashingtips.com/mac-leopard-cheat-sheets

There are others available --.

http://support.apple.com/kb/index?page=search&src=support_site.home.search&local e=en_US&q=Mac%20OS%20X%20keyboard%20shortcuts

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Answer 9

RGPuck Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 27, 2012 6:38 PM in response to db24401

Didn't find much help w/ the first-could only find one that dealt w/ MacBook Pro and couldn't download. The second, well, let's just say that I can now use the back arrow as such, but not any of the others. 😊

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Answer 10

Courcoul

Level 6

18,558 points

Apr 27, 2012 6:45 PM in response to RGPuck

First off, KONGRACHULATIONS!!!

Next, if you can't even drive to the library, David Pogue's excellent Missing Manual books are also available for either online (Safari service, unrelated to Apple's browser) or computer (PDF) viewing. Just be sure to get the right ones for your Mac's operating system (10.5 = Leopard, 10.6 = Snow Leopard, 10.7 = Lion, exact info available in the About this Mac item on the Apple menu).

http://shop.oreilly.com/category/browse-subjects/apple-mac/mac-os-x.do

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Answer 11

Apr 27, 2012 6:46 PM in response to RGPuck

What program are you using when the arrows disappoint you so?

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Answer 12

RGPuck Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 27, 2012 6:58 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Text Edit. I'm working on some stuff that I'm posting online.

As for the David Pogue books-I've actually got one of his, but it's not a Mac book. When I'm not writing for my own amusement, I am an amature magician. His book is regarded in many shops as one of the best books out there. If his computer books are as good as his magic book, I'm not suprised. He's got a way of writing that makes stuff easy to understand, no matter your age or mental capabilities.

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Answer 13

db24401

Level 4

1,564 points

Apr 28, 2012 1:21 AM in response to RGPuck

maybe this will help

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1343

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Answer 14

carl wolf

Level 6

14,625 points

Apr 28, 2012 2:08 AM in response to RGPuck

"could only find one that dealt w/ MacBook Pro and couldn't download."

What computer are you using? Your post read "MacBook Pro". Regardless, the manuals are online and, if you check closely, you can use the Help Center, and enter "keyboard".

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Answer 15

RGPuck Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 28, 2012 6:49 AM in response to carl wolf

The place where the manual was required me to buy a pass before it would allow me to download and I'm on a limited income. I do have a MacBook Pro and can download stuff, but if the place requires a pass to download, then I'm stuck.

@ db: THANK YOU!!! If we weren't computers away, I'd hug you!

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