Windows on Intel Macintoshes and the University

The Intel Macintoshes are capable of supporting an install of Windows via 2 methods - "BootCamp" and Virtual Machine Emulation products such as "Parallels" and "VMWare".

"BootCamp" is an Apple product which sets up a bootable partition on the Mac and prepares it for an install of Windows. It is a dual boot environment. It has been part of the Apple OS since 10.5 "Leopard". 

"Parallels" and "VMWare" are a Virtual Machine emulation products that are licensed software and have to be purchased. Once installed the user must then install windows in the virtual machine. Windows runs in a virtual environment and a user is able to switch back and forth without rebooting.

Both methods require a licensed copy of Windows for installation.

Both methods also come with all of the security risks inherent in either of the operating systems. The security (patching, etc) of both operating systems is consistent with what is the standard currently on separate hardware.

ITS does not provide support for the use of either product at the present time. 

ITS does not provide any support for "Bootcamp". ITS does not have licenses for "Parallels" or "VMWare", both being purchaseable products from 3rd party vendors, and cannot provide support for an install.

ITS supports a managed windows standard operating environment with the ITS developed image on the Windows PCs. Support for a managed windows environment on a Macintosh would require extensive testing that is not scheduled at the present time.

ITS will not provide any installations or support for either methods. Users are informed that if they install such software they do so at their own expense and risk. ITS will continue to monitor the network to ensure all computers meet mandatory network security standards. Any computers found that do not meet mandatory requirements will be disconnected from the network.