Course Overview
Macs vs PCs! People seem to be passionately supportive of or against using Apple Macs versus Windows PCs (personal computers).
This course will look into the design and special features of the Apple MacBook and compare them to Windows PC features. This includes the similarities and differences in hardware, trackpad, internet browser, office suite and more! We will also cover how the MacBook integrates with Apple’s other ‘smart’ technology such as the Apple Watch, iPhone and iPad.
You will be shown around an Apple MacBook and have opportunities to ask questions to someone who has owned an Apple MacBook as their primary computing device for over seven years.
This course is suitable for anyone who owns, plans to own or currently uses an Apple MacBook as well as those who wish to further their understanding of the differences between Macs and PCs.
By the end of this course, you will know and be able to identify major features of an Apple MacBook, its differences with Windows PCs as well as argue the good and bad points of using an Apple MacBook.
Macquarie Community College operates from a range of venues across Northern and Western Sydney. We have campuses in Blacktown, Carlingford, Chatswood, Epping, Mt Druitt, Richmond, and Ryde. Enrol now!
What you will learn
Course outline
This course will look at the special features of the Apple MacBook.
Basic MacOS features
- A look around the hardware
- Trackpad – gestures
- Finder (vs Windows file manager)
- Launchpad
- Dock (vs Windows taskbar)
- Access to internet
- Browser – safari (vs Windows edge or internet explorer)
Apple Family – integration with iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
- Notes
- Contacts
- Calendar
- Apple maps
- iMessage
Advanced Features
- FaceTime
- AirDrop
Office Suite
- Apple Pages (Windows Word)
- Apple Number (Windows Excel)
- Apple Keynote (PowerPoint)
The course will contrast these features to those found in Windows PCs.
The course will then consider the advantages and the disadvantages of the Apple MacBook compared to Windows PCs. There will be time for discussion!
Course outcome
By the end of the course the student will be able to:
- Know the major features of Apple MacBook
- Identify major differences between Apple MacBooks and Windows PCs
- Argue the good and bad points of Apple MacBook
What you need to know
Entry requirements
Students must have basic knowledge of using a PC and should have an Apple MacBook.
Prerequisite: Essential
Participants must be over 60 years old. Tech Savvy Seniors is an initiative of the NSW Ageing Strategy and is funded in partnership between the NSW Government and Telstra.
What you need to provide
- Notepad and pen
- Bring your own Apple MacBook laptop (if you have one) to compare it with the Windows 10 PC provided in the classroom