Dual-booting Macs in computer labs

   A message posted today to the SIGUCCS list, a mailing list for
higher education computing support providers, offers a very early
glimpse of a practice that may or may not catch on more widely:
providing Macintoshes in a dual boot (Windows XP and Mac OS X)
configuration in public computer labs.

FYI,
Aron Roberts
Information Services and Technology

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Date:         Fri, 16 Mar 2007 13:21:09 -0400
Sender: SIGUCCS Discussion List <SIGUCCS_at_LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
From: "Potocki, Jeff" <JPotocki_at_FAIRFIELD.EDU>
Subject: Re: SIGUCCS Digest - 14 Mar 2007 to 15 Mar 2007 (#2007-43)
To: SIGUCCS_at_LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Hello.  This is a response to Allan's question about dual-booting macs.
At Fairfield University, we have begun to deploy dual-booting macs on
campus.  This option allows us to do many things to accommodate our
users, students, faculty and staff.
1.  We have first deployed dual-booting macs in our training room.  This
allows us to offer training on both platforms with using only one
machine.
2.  We have begun to deploy dual-booting macs in our public computer
labs.  Again, we can use one machine to do both platforms.  Since we are
using iMacs to do this, this eliminates the use of a cpu box and a
separate monitor, thus providing more table and workspace in the labs.
This also cuts down on machine abuse since you're only dealing with one
piece of equipment.  Also, networking is easier since you use cat
5/copper connections for the mac.  No fiber!  We initially had fiber to
the desktop and yes, had to convert over, but makes more sense in the
long run.  Cheaper and doesn't break as easily.
3.  Support.  Yes, our support technicians have to be trained to support
macs.  That's the nature of the beast.  You have to lay down the law
here.  Get your support people trained!  Cloning and deploying dual-boot
macs has yet to be nailed down to a science.  We have our own process
and it is working so far.
4.  We're seriously considering the option of going with Apple as our
provider of computers on campus, mostly stemming from the large service
and quality issues we have been having with Dell, our current provider.
Again, Apple has a great reputation of having reliable hardware.
5.  As for recording what OS is being used by students, we have not yet
decided what to do about this.  Our goal as providing technology support
to the university is to offer options.  By doing this, our users become
more technologically aware of, well, technology.  If this helps them to
become more tech savvy or more comfortable with using computers, then
great.  They have the option to explore.  This promotes learning.
6.  There are no licensing issues here.  Our agreement with Microsoft
allows us to put XP on any machine.
7.  It seems that I feel strongly about this, but we are not pro apple.
We are a PC dominated campus, but our mac population is growing.  This
opportunity for dual-booting goes beyond the pc or apple debate.  It's a
user support issue.
Hope this helps.  If you want to talk further about this, feel free to
contact me.  Thanks.
jpotocki_at_mail.fairfield.edu
Jeff Potocki
Software Support Specialist-Training Coordinator
Computing and Network Services
Fairfield University
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