Computing

About the Macintosh

As you read the Freeman School's notebook computer specifications, you quickly notice that Microsoft Windows is required. Notebook computer specifications are based on software required in the classroom and for research. Many of the computer programs required for use throughout the curriculum are available for Windows only, such as SPSS and Markstrat. And some classes use Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) in Excel or use programs that require VBA, such as Crystal Ball. VBA is available only in the Windows version of Microsoft Office, thus the requirement for the Windows operating system and Microsoft Office for Windows.

"What about a Macintosh?"
While we can appreciate the Macintosh and its operating system, you will need to run Windows and Office for Windows 2010 on the Macintosh in order to use the required software for the courses in your curriculum. If you prefer the Macintosh, simply ensure that you are also running the Windows operating system and Office for Windows in order to support the software required for your courses.

Macintosh Survival Guide
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. Partitioning, installing, and configuring these products can be challenging, so be sure to print and refer to the Boot Camp technical documentation before taking on this task.

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

• Purchase a full license of Microsoft Windows. Students can still purchase the full version of Windows at education prices at CDWG.
• Purchase a full license of the Microsoft Office Professional Plus Suite for Windows. (See the link for the software purchase page, above.)
• 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.
• After Windows is installed, boot into Windows and install the Microsoft Office for Windows software.
• Note that no help or support is available for preparing your Macintosh to run Windows.

  You can also use an Apple program called "Parallels", which allows you to run Windows from within the Mac OS. You will need to purchase and install Parallels and then install your copy of Windows and Office for Windows.

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

• Purchase a copy of Parallels. Parallels is available at the Tulane Technology Connection, Tulane's on-campus computer store.
• Purchase a full license of Microsoft Windows. Students can still purchase the full version of Windows at education prices at CDWG.
• Purchase a full license of the Microsoft Office Professional Plus Suite for Windows. (See the link for the software purchase page, above.)
• Create a virtual machine in Paralles and install the Windows operating system. See the Parallels documentation for complete information and instructions.
• After Windows is installed, start Windows (in Parallels) and install the Microsoft Office for Windows software.
• Note that no help or support is available for preparing your Macintosh to run Windows. 

Macintosh video output
Our classrooms are equipped with industry-standard 15-pin VGA connectors to accommodate notebook computer video projection.  The Macintosh video output uses a non-standard connector that requires a Macintosh VGA Video Adapter to connect to the classroom projectors. Macintosh accessories are available from the Technology Connection, Tulane's on-campus computer store, and from the Apple Store at www.apple.com.

Macintosh and the Virtual Computer Classroom