Problems using a mac for school work?

[TwoWheeledSpeed]

Hi im thinking of getting a mac for my studies at sixth form, but ive never had a mac before so i was wonderering if there are any problems in doing so, such as compatability issues or any other problems you may know of.

Any info would be much appreciated. thanks

 

[Queso]

Shouldn't be, and even if there is something that absolutely requires Windows you will be able to get an educational copy for next to nothing and run it in Parallels or VMWare. Ever since the EU forced Microsoft to open up its file formats non-Microsoft software has become far more compatible anyway, so there is always a Mac program that does the general work stuff.

 

[Hellhammer]

Office for Mac is fully compatible with normal Office. Even iWork offers decent compatibility as it can save documents in Windows formats. I've been using mine for school for 1.5 years now, no issues. However, I mainly return my assignments on paper rather than sending them via email as teachers like the paper versions more and they don't freeze their email

 

[maflynn]

The only thing that could give you a problem is if a class you take requires the use of specialized program that runs on windows only. Even then, all you need to do is run windows in vmware

 

[chris-skelding]

Hi, I have been using a Mac for my sixth form work for the past year and have had no problems what so ever. Compatibility wise, iWork is fully compatible with Microsoft Office so you shouldn't have any problems. As others have said you can run windows on your Mac too!

 

[snberk103]

Don't do it. You'll become overly-smug, and become disliked by the Windows users. Every time they start whinging about having to reinstall the OS because they've been infected or something has mucked up the registry (from visiting shady sites and installing questionable software) your only response will become. "Sorry, I can't help.... Macs don't have those problems."

Or at least pretend you have to reinstall the OS every other month or so.... just to fit in.

 

[calb]

You'll be totally fine using a Mac at sixth form. I used a MacBook for my two years without any issues. A 13" MBP serves my needs at uni now. ^_^