How To Set Up New Macbook Pro (Non-Retina)?

[Mike4AU]

My son will be heading off to college in 2 months. I just bought him a 13" MBP, with the i7 Ivy Bridge Processor. This is our first Apple computer.

Can anyone point me in the direction of what we need to do to set it up and which apps are must-have? For example, do we need an anti-virus and if yes, which one? We run the free AVG on our PC's, but this MBP is a whole new world for us.

Thanks for your help.

Mike

[persisting1]

My son will be heading off to college in 2 months. I just bought him a 13" MBP, with the i7 Ivy Bridge Processor. This is our first Apple computer.

Can anyone point me in the direction of what we need to do to set it up and which apps are must-have? For example, do we need an anti-virus and if yes, which one? We run the free AVG on our PC's, but this MBP is a whole new world for us.

Thanks for your help.

Mike

I don't think you need an antivirus. I do not run one with my mac, but there are a few good ones out on the market.

As for programs, check with what his school suggests. There should be a page on the school's site that will tell you what an incoming freshman will need. You might need to get Microsoft Office for Mac. You might also have to get programs that are specific his major.

That's a great computer. He'll be enjoying it!

[SomeCiscoGuy]

I run Intego Virus Barrier - highly recommended.

MS Office for the Mac works OK, just keep in mind that certain files will look different in Office 2010 (PC) vs. Office 2011 (Mac), e.g., certain PowerPoint transitions, etc. Also, should by some chance the school still be running Exchange 2003 (which I highly doubt), Outlook 2011 will not work with Exchange 2003.

Curio is great for projects; notes; etc. that he will use for classes. Definitely check the recommended SW list as noted above.

VMware Fusion works well should he have to have the ability to run Windows for a certain app.

If he's somewhat technical, recommend getting familiar with MacPorts to install some really good free tools, etc.

Any type of development work will need Xcode libraries installed.

Highly recommend you turn on FileVault2 and fully encrypt the hard drive so that if it were stolen, his information is protected. Also recommend dropbox to backup his work to a secure site online should he lose the machine or have a storage failure.

Hopefully this is a good start, let us know what else you find out in terms of sw reqs and we can continue to help steer you.

Also recommend using either SuperDuper and/or Crashplan to backup the entire machine; I use both.

[Mike4AU]

All good stuff....thx!

Mike

[HopefulFred]

Don't forget that there are a lot of discounts on technology/software available to students. For instance, Office Mac is available directly from Microsoft for $100. The school's IT department wants to promote a virus-free network, and may offer a discount on antivirus software as well - ask someone in the admissions office; they may have a list of discounted and free technology for students.

[Mike4AU]

Good idea. I will be sure to check this out. Thanks!

Mike