Why do most schools require Windows and not Mac?

[melssvdv]

I want to start a 2-year nursing course. I have a MacBook, but it seems the requirements for attending the lessons are that students need a Windows laptop.

This isn’t the first time I’ve encountered this issue. But I’m wondering, why do schools nowadays require students to have a Windows laptop instead of a MacBook? Maybe it’s because they’re sponsored by Microsoft (e. g., using Office over other software, etc.)

[exitseven]

I was the technology director in a K-12 school system. We chose Windows as a system wide OS because it is the business standard and most business software runs on Windows machines.

I also worked as a network administrator in a hospital and every hospital I ever saw uses Windows as an OS.

I developed a Medical Informatics curriculum at the college where I work. Everything i based on Windows.

[exitseven]

thanks for the MHO😎

[abc3643]

It's been this was since long before you were born.

This is because PCs (that is, Windows machines) have been the dominant PC platform for over 40 years. It's the same in the working world too with the possible exception of the artistic industries where Macintoshs are preferred.

[Jessica405]

Why use either? Linux distros, like Ubuntu, are the way to go. No bloatware, no spyware, open source.

[Jessica405]

Actually, it is more likely to be software issues. Libre Office can do anything Microsoft can do.

[melssvdv]

Isn't that what men use. It requires a bit more brainpower.

[Jessica405]

There is a version that looks very much like windows. Most Linux distros are easy to use. No more difficult to change to Linuux than it is to go from Mac to Windows.

[Jessica405]

And it's all free!

[melssvdv]

Just did some research and I asked my soon-to-be lecturer about using Ubuntu. She told me not to do it because that is not what the school would recommend. There is this platform that only works in Windows she said.

Still interesting to try it out though. Thanks.

[Jessica405]

Run both in parallel. See which works the best. Dual boot a laptop with Windows and Ubuntu.

[melssvdv]

Are you good with computers? Do you know some programming?

[Jessica405]

I know a fair bit. Build my own desktops. Work with them. Know little about programming these days. Got left behind with 8-bit Atari machines. Used to love 6502 assembler.

[Jessica405]

GTG. Just coming into Harwich port.

[Jessica405]

Thank you for MHO!

[melssvdv]

No problem!

[Anonymous]

Because Windows is used in 80% of the workplace.

[AMS700CX4u2]

I don't know if the same is true now, but in my day windows offered more programs. Everything was windows driven

[Snakeyes7]

I wouldn't be surprised if Microsoft funds them. Windows 10 has reached end of life and windows 11 is actual spyware with ads so I use Linux full time now

[strateguy632]

i agree. good switch! people need to stop buying stuff with windows.

[strateguy632]

windows 11 Windows 11 will take screenshots every few seconds and keeps a website connection called webview 2 ALWAYS running, how much do you trust microsoft? ↗

[Snakeyes7]

@strateguy632 if only RAM prices aren't criminally high, I'd suggest people learn how to build a computer themselves.

[bowenw]

They may use software that will only run on Windows. Ask them if it’s okay for you to run Windows on your Mac as a workaround.

[Summeroflove]

Well I prefer either of those operating systems over Chrome. Not really sure

[strateguy632]

they probably have apps for homework or programs that need windows environment.

[DryGermanGuy]

Microsoft Office (all main programs) is also available for MacOS.

[exitseven]

You can get Office for Macs but it is not exactly the same

[DryGermanGuy]

The main programs (Word, Excel, Powerpoint...) are the same as in creating files compatible to each other. MacOS has no support for Visual Basic (VBA) and has e. g. no MS Visio.