<p><a href="http://eng.ufl.edu/students/computerrequirements/index.php%5B/url%5D">http://eng.ufl.edu/students/computerrequirements/index.php</a> lists the Engineering Department requirments, but what about other Departments. Also, what is the differnce between a MAC and PC?</p>
<p>Just search "computer requirements" and the name of the department and it usually comes up.</p>
<p>To see the difference between Mac and PC:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/%5B/url%5D">http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/</a></p>
<p>Thnaks, but I was told (and correct me if I am wrong), that a PC is good for work, documents, etc. (something a student would need), while a MAC is best for graphics and fun stuff. Also, isn't a MAC more compatible with more programs?</p>
<p>Actually, it's the other way around- there are more programs made for Windows than for the Mac. However, one of the neat features of the Mac is that with Boot Camp, you can run Windows on your Mac or even alongside Mac OS X with a third-party application (like Parallels). </p>
<p>While a Mac is good for graphic design stuff, it can also do word processing just as good as Windows can. The majority of the programs for Windows, such as Office, are also available natively for the Mac (Microsoft Office:mac 2008).</p>
<p>i'm guessing that if i use boot camp and have both windows and mac on it it will slow down the over all performance of the laptop? can i assume this? do any of you use both windows and mac frequently on your laptop?</p>
<p>One thing about Boot Camp (free with Mac OS X) is that you can only run one OS at a time. So if you are in Mac OS X and want to run a Windows program you have to restart the computer and start the Windows partition. The benefit from this is that in Boot Camp Windows will run as fast as a regular PC.</p>
<p>Running Windows and Mac side-by-side with Parallels (not free) will definitely slow down your computer, but not by much if you are running any program that is not too processor-intensive (such as Microsoft Office 2007). The benefit from this is if you either want to run a few programs that are Windows-only or want to run an application directly in Mac OS X without the hassle of restarting.</p>
<p>hey also, i notice dell has a discount available for student as long as you provide acceptance to the college. any idea what the discount would be if i get accepted into UF lol?</p>
<p>A mac is a computer made by apple that runs on the macintosh operating system. A PC is a computer made by many different companies that runs on microsoft windows operating system. </p>
<p>People say macs are better for graphic design and "fun stuff" but anything you can do on a Mac you can do on a windows PC.</p>
<p>there is really no reason to get a mac over a PC.</p>
<p>EDIT:
About the dell discount,
there is a chart showing what percent you save on this page, it varies by price and service plan. It ends up being from 2% for a computer under $800 w/ a 1or 2 year service plan up to %12 off for a $1600 computer w/ a 3 or 4 year service plan.</p>
<p>Get a Dell. I ordered one for small business, except it was really for my personal use. I got a $700 laptop for $400. With the whole line of Adobe software, there really is no reason to get a $2000 Mac.</p>
<p>big_al that helped alot thanks</p>