Windows PC or Apple Macintosh

Pros and Cons
At Lehigh both the Windows and Macintosh platforms are fully supported.  While the majority of students at Lehigh have Windows-based PCs, there is a growing base of Macintosh users (40% of this year's freshmen class).

When it comes to the essential tasks for which students use computers, the Windows and Macintosh platforms are essentially equivalent.  The latest Microsoft Office suite is provided students on either platform, both are able to connect easily to Lehigh's wired and wireless networks, and the majority of coursework can be completed using applications available on both platforms.  Still, there are some differences between the platforms that warrant consideration when choosing which to purchase.

Warranty
Both platforms have the standard parts and labor warranties available for new computers that cover manufacturer defects.  However, users who purchase Windows PCs have the option of adding accidental damage protection to their warranty.  This protection covers parts and labor from damage caused by any type of accident (i.e., liquid spill on keyboard, drops, etc.).  This can be an important option to consider for those purchasing a laptop computer.  LTS strongly recommends that individuals purchasing a Windows laptop add accidental damage protection to their warranty. 

At this time Apple does not offer any kind of accidental damage protection.  Individuals with Macs would be responsible for repair costs for damage resulting from any type of accident, unless they purchase some type of third-party supplemental coverage. 

Computer viruses and spyware
Viruses and spyware are a major concern and problem for Windows users.  While Microsoft's latest operating system Vista is much more secure than previous versions of Windows, the Windows platform is still the target of the majority of viruses and spyware out on the Internet.  With their smaller market share, Macintosh computers are much less targeted, and have far fewer problems with viruses and spyware than Windows users.

While it's true that many Mac-using students run no virus protection at all, LTS still recommends that all computer users, regardless of their platform, should follow the university guidelines, and secure their computers against viruses and spyware with the freely-distributed anti-virus software to ensure that these programs don't become a problem. 

Application software used for coursework
While most coursework can be completed using software available to both the Windows and Macintosh platforms there are some courses that require students to use software that only runs under Windows.  These situations mostly occur in a small number of courses within the Engineering and Business colleges.  While Macs cannot run these applications in OS X there are options available to Mac users so coursework can be completed.  

Most newer Macintosh computers are capable of running the Windows operating system alongside the Mac OS.  Since all Lehigh students are entitled to one copy of Windows, Microsoft allows it to be installed on Macintosh computers as a second operating system.  An overview of the options available can be found at Running Windows on Mac OS X . The process of installing of installing Windows Vista on a Mac takes about 1-2 hours to complete and requires about 20GB of dedicated disk space on the hard drive.

As well, if a Mac user does not want to install Windows on their computer, they can run any needed Windows software from one of the public site computers on campus.  Lehigh currently has over 1000 computers in computer labs across campus, and most are Windows-based, and capable of installing and running any course-required software.