Macs and PCs: Not All That Different
It’s important to make the distinction between Apple hardware and the Mac OS X operating system.
The hardware in Apple computers has specs that are in line with today’s PCs and can do whatever PCs can. Since about 2006, Macs have had Intel processors just as most PCs do, and have been capable of running Windows.
Mac OS X is the operating system that comes with Apple computers.
Macs are Common on Campus
Each year we see more and more Macs. In addition to helping students with common software and OS issues, we also assist in setting up their computers with Boot Camp so that they can run Windows when necessary.
Windows-Only Software
Traditionally, software used for specific engineering purposes has been made for Windows (and sometimes Linux). As time goes on, more software companies are releasing versions of their software that will run on Mac OS X. In these cases, we work with those companies and try to make the Mac version available for our students.
However, some engineering software is still available only for Windows. As a Mac user, you have some options to get access to what you need:
- Engineering Computer Labs – In a pinch, you can always go to one of the College’s computer labs. Some are even open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, Engineering lab computers are available in both D.H. Hill and Hunt Libraries.
- Virtual Computer Lab (VCL) – If you’ve got an internet connection, you can use a lab-style computer without going to a lab.
- Install Windows on your Mac – If you’ve got a Mac and you know you’re going to repeatedly need to use Windows, you might want to install Windows on your computer. We have an article specifically about this topic: Windows on a Mac. As always, we can help you with this at our help desks. Important note: Apple has announced that starting in 2020, some MacBooks will be built using ARM based processors that Apple is building themselves. This means that BootCamp is not going to work on these machines. Macs with Intel produced CPUs will continue to be able to use boot camp though.