Windows FAQ for Mac users Part 1

This post is an attempt to give the average Mac user some basic knowledge of the Windows operating system, Windows based hardware and cross-platform troubleshooting tips with Windows based network servers.

If the average user looks at the two system’s side by side today,they will note more similarities than differences. That’s’ because both systems are based on the same icon graphics interfaced developed by Xerox back in the early 1980’s. [Yes, SteveJobs (Apple) copied ideas of the user interface from Xerox and Bill Gates (aka Microsoft) copied ideas from Apple]. Both systems have a Desktop, with icon’s representing the Hard Drive, Trash, and a menu system. Both systems display some sort of start up screen when powered on and can be shut down by selecting this choice from the menu.
It’s the software of the operating system and how it interfaces with the hardware inside the computer where the real differences begin.

Windows systems are based on an operating system called DOS (Disk Operating System) created by Bill Gates (Microsoft) back in the early 80’s as a way to let the computer access a floppy or hard drive. DOS or a revision of it, is still part of current Windows operating system’s including Windows 95, 98, 2000, ME, and XP. One of the rule’s of DOS for filename’s can effect how Mac users must save their files in a cross platform network. The 8.3 rule states that a filename must have no more than eight letters or numbers with a . (dot) and a three letter or number extension (example: myfile.txt). As to what those three letter extensions refer to the list is to long to post here, so lets stay with the basic ones.

.txt = Text (Simpletext)
.doc = Microsoft Word Document (Word For Mac)
.xls = Microsoft Excel (Excel for Mac)
.ppt = Microsoft Powerpoint, (Powerpoint for Mac)
.pic = Pict (Graphic Converter Mac)
.jpg = Jpeg Grapic (Graphic Converter or Photoshop)
.gif = GIF Graphic (Graphic Converter or Photoshop)
.hml = HTML file (Safari, Internet Explorer or Netscape/AOL).
.zip = PKZip (compressed file) [UnZip or Stuffit Expander for Mac]
.exe = Executable (program for DOS/Windows) [not used for Mac*].

<sum> note = some .exe files are compressed programs, while Stuffit expander may uncompress the file, it will still not run the program

More later

Windows FAQ for Mac user’s Part 2
Windows Hardware Basic’s

Like the Desktop operting system’s mentioned in part 1, Mac’s and Window’s based PC’s have similar basic hardware. For instance both computers can come in a case that is square or rectangular * that includes the motherboard (logic board), memory (ram), video board (often built into the logic board), a processor, power supply, hard drive, CD Drive (or other type of CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD Ram [ext]. Both systems also use a Monitor (sometimes built in), mouse and keyboard. Mac’s prior to the iMac also included a floppy drive for 3.5" disk as do most Windows based PC’s today. {*editors note: Yes, I know Apple likes to use more stylish shapes that others are now trying to copy.}

While the parts may have similar names and functions, how they connect to, and how they interface with other hardware in the system can vary from system to system. This can cause much confusion when people go to upgrade or replace parts for a computer system. For instance, while some memory made for Windows PC’s will work with Mac’s, not all memory made for PC’s will work with Mac’s [the same is true for Mac memory working in Windows’s PC’s]. The important thing about memory is to find out what type of memory your logic board will use that is also speed compatible with the processor on the logic board. [This is true for almost any part that goes into a computer.]

An example of a part that has a similar function but a different name would be the PRAM battery on the Mac’s logic board and the CMOS battery on a PC motherboard. While both battery’s provide date and time and some system settings, the types of batteries used and how long they last vary from system to system.

Sometimes a similar name can also cause confusion. For instance both Apple and Windows’ PC makers use USB (Universal Serial Bus), and often consumers think that all USB devices should work on their Mac or PC. But, this is NOT the case. The devices often require a device driver (software) that must work with the operating system that the computer is using in order for the device to function. [note: At least Apple provides a list of compatible devices see http://www.apple.com/guide ],

Since this forum's focus is cross platform networking (ie networking between Macintosh and other personal computers). Here are some basic networking tips that cover both platforms:

Networking Basic’s for Mac and Windows computers

Starting with two computers both Macintosh. Looking at the back (or side) of your Mac will tell you what type of network connections that you can use. (if your still not sure what the symbols mean please check the manual.

Since Ethernet, USB->Ethernet and Firewire are the most commonly used methods for current Mac’s, we will start with the physical connections first:

Ethernet
How to set up a simple ethernet network

Example of a USB-> Ethernet adaptor

How to use Firewire (Target Disk Mode)

There are some excellent diagrams on this web site

to be continued...

How to find information on, and how to start networking by operating system:

Mac OS 9.x
Mac OS X



Microsoft Windows 98
Microsoft Windows XP

Information on how to:

Network Mac to PC

File Share Mac to PC

Share an Internet Connection with another Mac

Please note that not all Microsoft operating systems were listed because they are no longer supported. Please see Microsoft Support Web Site for more info.