I know Windows Control Key is the Command Key for Windows, so when I am seeing control in a tutorial should I substitute the command key when using MacOS?

That's generally a good idea, but you can also check the key mappings by looking at the menus in Inkscape and see what key combinations are intended. Trial and error will get you going to start, and after a few tests, you should be able to notice when to use the command key versus the control key. Not knowing each and every instance where the tutorial writer is using what computer gets confusing, so pay attention to WHAT they are doing, and locate the corresponding principle within your system. Remember that you always have an Undo button ... =) But it's good to save your work often until you get comfortable using keys.

Yes.

One exception is when you are drawing and want to constrain the shape or angle of say, a box or line or circle. You would hold down the actual control key while doing that. But most menu functiions and activities use the command key. Are there other notable exceptions?

Is this with the beta, or with the 0.92.2 XQuartz thing? https://inkscape.org/learn/faq/#cmd-key-doesnt-work  has some additional info for the latter.

I don't think it's supposed to be like that, Nathan.

Oh? Hmm. Maybe the best guidance then is to take a look at the tooltip (or the status window messages at the very bottom center of the screen) for instructions on which keys (while pressed and held) do what depending on the tool that is selected for use. On my system, the "control" key will "constrain" objects as they are drawn. The "command" key is for menu shortcuts. Is that a 1.0 difference then with the 0.92.x?

Hi there,

I have tried this on MacOS Sierra with Xquartz / 0.92.4 and on High Sierrathe with the 1.0 beta installation.
In both cases Ctrl key works as Ctrl.