Macintosh Standards
Campus Macintosh Upgrade Information
OCCS is currently in the process of reviewing its acceptable policies governing the support standards for Apple computers. Since the last revision of these polices Apple has made tremendous advancements in their hardware and software catalog. Apple has dropped support for the older "Classic" interfaces and OS versions prior to OS 10.4, known as Tiger. Currently OS 10.4 is in its last stages of support as Apple moves forward with its current OS, OS 10.5 Leopard. Detailed below are the currently supportable Apple standards to be used throughout the University.
Operating Systems
Currently OCCS will only provide support for two Apple operating systems, 10.4 Tiger and 10.5 Leopard. With the advances in the ability to integrate OS 10.5 into the ODU computing system it is currently the recommended operating system. OCCS will continue to support OS 10.4, however new systems are not available from Apple with this OS installed and Apple is rapidly decreasing OEM support for this OS.
Hardware Recommendations
Currently the recommended standard for Apple hardware is an Apple computer using the Intel X86 brand processor architecture. By using the Intel processor architecture the computer can take full advantage of the tools available in the current OS 10.5 operating system. It also allows for the use of Microsoft Windows in virtual session using either VMWare Fusion or Parallels virtualization software (dual booting will not be supported as a standard on the University). OCCS will support older Apple computers using the Power PC processor architecture utilizing OS 10.4, however these machines are not recommended for use with OS 10.5.
Ancillary Software
In order for OCCS to maintain a consistent level of service there are certain additional software products that should be used. These software recommendations are similar to the requirements for Microsoft Windows systems and provide access to University resources. Currently OCCS has the following recommendations:
- Prosoft Client version 2.1
- Novell iPrint version 4.36
- Microsoft Office 2008
- Lotus Notes version 7.1 (OS X 10.4 only)
- Firefox Browser version 2.0.14
- McAfee Virus Scan version 8.6
The Prosoft client allows the Apple to access the ODU Novell network resources such as servers and authentication information. This will eliminate the need for all local accounts and allow users to login through the Apple login window using their Novell ID and password.
Novell iPrint provides the same functionality on the Apple as on Windows systems. It will provide access to the University's network printers. This program also eliminates the need for the AppleTalk protocol as well as the direct IP printing method. Since neither of these methods is necessary, OCCS standards will no longer support them. Some networked printers on the ODU campus have Apple drivers already in place; however there is still a number that do not. If there is an iPrint printer that does not have the proper Mac driver please report this to OCCS so that the required driver can be located and loaded.
Microsoft Office 2008 allows the use of Microsoft's new document standards as well as older standards. It will also provide access to Microsoft Exchange email services and instant messaging services through Entourage and Communicator respectively.
Lotus Notes will currently provide access to the ODU email services for OS 10.4 computers. This program however is expected to be replaced by Microsoft Exchange during the summer of 2008. For OS 10.5 computers Microsoft Entourage should be used in an IMAP configuration. The Lotus Notes client is not available for OS X 10.5.
Firefox is the only browser that OCCS can support at this time. Currently it is the only browser available for Apple that is fully compliant with ODU's website, web email access, and other Internet sites.
Contrary to popular belief and TV Advertising, Apple computers are susceptible to viruses. Currently viruses for Apple computers are not as wide spread as they are for Windows systems, however they do exist and pose a significant threat to ODU's network and data resources. For this reason all Apple computers supported by OCCS will be required to have anti-virus software installed. Currently the approved standard software for this is McAfee Virus Scan 8.6.
Acquiring Hardware and Software
To acquire a new Apple computer, peripherals for an Apple computer, or operating system software for an Apple computer it will be necessary to contact the TSP in your area. Any of the ancillary software can be found on the OCCS software download page. If additional software other than what is provided on the download page is required a request will need to be submitted to your TSP for approval and purchase.