PC or Mac?
Middlebury supports both Windows-based PCs and Macintosh computers. Software is typically available for both platforms (some specialized applications are not developed for the Mac). Nearly all administrative staff and the majority of faculty on campus use PCs. Approximately 55% of student computers on campus run Windows, with the most of the remainder running Mac OS.
Windows is the current standard as a platform, but alternatives, such as Macs, are increasingly accepted and widely used on campus and in Manning. We encourage you to choose the operating system with which you are most comfortable.Support.There is more campus support for Windows users; UNC services, access to resources, and support experience are Windows-centric. CCI laptops are all PCs, and can be repaired on-campus for free. The SILS Helpdesk staff, however, are well-versed in different operating systems, especially Macs, and though we can’t solve all problems, we are glad to do our best to help you.Windows-only software.Some SILS classes use software that only runs on a PC, so having a non-Windows system means you may have to seek workarounds or other systems to finish schoolwork. Mac users should anticipate needing to install Windows virtualization software (such asBootcamp,ParallelsorVMWare) in order to run Windows-only programs on their computers.
