Almost all of the keyboard shortcuts you've learned on Windows are the same on the Mac. The difference is which modifier key you use to invoke them.
On Windows, shortcuts are typically invoked with the Ctrl modifier key.
On the Mac, you use the key, also known as the "command" key. It's in the same physical position as the Alt key on a Windows keyboard, but is nothing like the Alt key.
The Mac has its own Alt key, labeled Opt/Alt. Its primary use is a secondary modifier for keystrokes. Command-Option-S might be "Save As", for example, while Command-S is regular "Save".
The Ctrl key is there on a Mac keyboard, too, but it's hardly ever used for anything.
The relative layouts look something like this:
PC: Ctrl Windows Alt
Mac: Ctrl Opt/Alt
The problem is that you're most likely using a PC keyboard on your Mac. In that specific case, the Opt/Alt and keys are reversed. You can change this in System Preferences, under Keyboard. Truly a huge pain in the rear for switchers. That layout looks like this, instead:
PC keyboard on Mac: Ctrl Opt/Alt
Apple's website has some pretty good hints and tips for Windows switchers. Start here for answers to your specific question about keyboard shortcuts. Then go here and read everything!
Look under the settings for that particular VM, not the "App Preferences." Each specific VM has it's own settings, and there are granular controls for Host <--> Guest
sharing.
I only have Parallels, or I would post screenshots, but it is quite similar, from what I remember of previous VMWare Fusion versions that I used at my old job.
In the "Launch" screen, there should be a gear or some settings button for that specific VM.
Here it is in Parallels, FWIW.
Best Answer
Open System Preferences->Keyboard. Disable F3 first:
Then add an application keyboard shortcut:
Make sure that the text matches the menu item exactly ("Copy" in your case).
PS: Repeat for Paste/F4