Computing

About the Macintosh

As you read the Freeman School's notebook computer specifications, you immediately notice that the Macintosh is not an approved platform. While we can appreciate the Macintosh and its operating system, software incompatibilities and operational hurdles don't really make it the best system for our curriculum.

"What about a Macintosh?"

The recommendation against the Macintosh platform is based on software requirements in the classroom. Several classes in the curriculum require the use of Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) in Excel. VBA is the macro language of theMicrosoft Office products. The latest version of Microsoft Office for the Macintosh no longer has VBA in Excel. This lack of VBA in Excel presents a problem for students in classes that require the use of VBA or require the use of other programs that need VBA, such as Crystal Ball. In addition, other programs such as the statistical analysis programs SAS and SPSS are not available.

Macintosh Survival Guide

While having a true Windows-based computer is the best answer, the more technologically-advanced student can work around some of these incompatibilities by partitioning their Macintosh hard disk using Boot Camp and purchasing and installing full copies of Windows and Office for Windows. Purchasing both of these products can be a sizeable expense, which is in addition to, not in place of, the operating system and Office for Macintosh software already purchased. Additionally, partitioning, installing, and configuring these products can take hours and requires a technical understanding that is beyond what most casual users wish to attain.

If you wish to take this path, the following is a short list of the steps:

1. Purchase a full license of Microsoft Windows. Students can take advantage of great educational discounts found on the University's software purchase page.
2. Purchase a full license of the Microsoft Office Professional Plus Suite for Windows. (See the link for the software purchase page, above.)
3. Use Boot Camp to partition your Macintosh drive and install the Windows operating system. Search for "boot camp" in the Finder for complete information and instructions.
4. After Windows is installed, boot into Windows and install the Microsoft Office for Windows software.

Note that support for the Macintosh is not available.

Other details

The Macintosh video output uses a non-standard connector that is incompatible with the projector connections in our classrooms and other projectors. You will need a Macintosh VGA video adapter if you wish to connect your computer to the projectors in classrooms. Macintosh accessories are available from the Apple Store at www.apple.com.