I was just accepted to Stern’s Undergraduate Business Degree and will concentrate in Finance later on in the course. This may seem a bit odd but could someone whose done Finance or this Business Degree give me a list of the computer software I’ll most probably need? I’m buying a new computer, deciding between Windows and Mac, and want to see if all the software is compatible with what I choose. And also, is the software power hungry- I want to get a laptop powerful enough to meet my needs.
Stern should send you a list of recommended school supplies, including a recommended laptop. I’ve heard that the last few years they’ve recommended Dell Latitudes because they have advanced support for it. I’d definitely go with Windows, though, since some programs may not be compatible with Mac.
@adreamer Yeah if you went to school 10 years ago. Macs are likely more widely used in top universities than window computers. Almost all software is made for both Mac and Microsoft. According for Fortune Mag as of 2010 27% of student computers were Apple so I promise you that the software will be compatible with both systems. The only exception might be if you are entering into a highly technical engineering/math field.
@deller123 I’m really considering the MacBook 12 inch- I don’t really care about the one port. Do you think it would be powerful enough for business- like you said, I’m not doing highly technical engineering or intense graphic work
The only program you are required to download I believe is matlab for stats, everything else is pretty standard modeling in excel. If you aren’t versed in Excel yet and want to work in an environment that also uses PC which if you want to pursue finance, is pretty much every company, then you probably want to avoid a mac. There’s no point in developing a familiarity with a completely different set of shortcuts and application formats that are going to confuse you during interviews.
CPU power for “business” use is negligible, you could use a computer from the 90s to do most of the work you will need it for.
FYI I had both a windows laptop and macbook throughout Stern and still use a windows desktop and macbook air.
