Student Laptops – What About Macs?

We have standardized on PCs and Microsoft Windows. We recommend that students do the same, but the choice is yours.

If you decide to use a Mac, please keep in mind that we do not guarantee the same level of support that we do for a Windows system. Also, realize that some software used in the program may only be available for Windows. We provide as much as we can on the Olin Virtual Lab, but not all software can be installed there due to licensing or other issues.

You have three options for running Windows software on your Mac:

  • Use Boot Camp – The Boot Camp feature in macOS lets you configure your Mac so that you can load Windows on it and reboot to switch between macOs and Windows. For info on how to setup install Windows on your Mac using Boot Camp, please see the Apple Boot Camp Support page. Please note that you will need your Windows upgrade that you acquire via the OnTheHub site. You can also take your laptop and Windows software to STS in Gregg Hall and they can provide assistance. Olin IS does not provide Boot Camp support.
  • Use Virtualization Software – Virtualization software such as VMware Fusion or Parallels Desktop lets you run Windows in a virtual machine in macOS. You do not need to reboot to run Windows and you can continue to access all the features and software on your Mac while using Windows. We recommend this solution, although there is a cost for the software. STS is also available to provide support for this option. Olin IS does not provide support for virtualization software on Macs.
Parallels Desktop $39.99 available from the Olin OnTheHub Store (price current as of March 9, 2017) Virtualize Windows PC on your Mac so you can run Windows software.
VMware Fusion $79.99 from the Olin OnTheHub Store (price current as of March 9, 2017) Virtualize Windows PC on your Mac so you can run Windows software.
  • Use Olin Virtual Lab – The Virtual Lab doesn’t actually let you run software on your Mac, but it does let you run software one of our servers, and it appears as if you are running it on your Mac. This option won’t work for software that isn’t available in the lab, such as anything your instructor wants you to install on your own Mac, but it’s worth checking out. The Virtual Lab requires that you have Internet access; it will not work if you are offline. For more info, see our Virtual Lab page.
Whether you use VMware Fusion, Parallels Desktop, or Boot Camp, you will need a copy of Windows. Please note that Mac users who want to run Windows using VMware Fusion, Parallels Desktop, or Boot Camp are able to do so legally using the Windows Upgrade licenses that are available through this program. Microsoft treats the MacOS operating system as the software you are upgrading.
Windows 10 Education The license provided at no charge through Microsoft Software Program. Required if you want to use VMware Fusion, Parallels Desktop, or Boot Camp.

 

If you need assistance installing a Windows solution on your Mac, Student Technology Services (STS) in Gregg Hall is able to assist. Please contact them to set up a time to bring your Mac and your software to their location, and they will assist.

Questions or Comments?

If you have any questions about these configurations, purchasing a computer, or have other questions, please contact the Olin Help Desk (help@olin.wustl.edu).

Microsoft Software for Students

Microsoft Office

All students with Office 365 account are able to download and install Microsoft Office Pro Plus for both Windows and Mac at no cost on up to five PCs or Macs. Instructions are available on the WUSTL Office 365 site. After you graduate you will need to acquire an Office 365 license in order to continue using the software.

Microsoft Windows

Olin has entered into a licensing agreement with Microsoft to provide licenses for Microsoft Windows to Business students at no cost. The software is full-featured, not a demo or trial versions, and you are allowed to continue to use it after you graduate from the University. Note that there may be optional charges for additional services from OnTheHub, but there is no cost to acquire the software.

Software Cost
Windows 10 Education Free

To download software, visit our OnTheHub eStore at http://wustlbusiness.onthehub.com and login using your WUSTL Key account.

To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a degree program that will result in the granting of a business degree (BSBA, MBA, MACC, MSFin, etc.).

Business minors and second majors from other schools at the University are not eligible for this program through Olin. Instead, they should check with their schools to see whether they have a similar program.

Questions or Comments?

If you have any questions about these configurations, purchasing a computer, or have other questions, please contact the Help Desk.