How can I get an education discount at the Microstore?

If you are a student, administrator, or staff member, you qualify for special pricing on computers, software and select third-party products. Visit the www.micorstore.ualberta.ca to place your order. Quantity limits apply. See terms and conditions.

Is Microsoft Office available an education discount?

Yes. Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007 and Office:Mac 2008 are available at $75 and $115 respectively. Files created on a PC can be opened on a Mac and vise versa.

Can I run Windows on my Mac?

"Yes. In addition to Microsoft Office, most popular applications are available for the Mac, too. But if you want to use a particular Windows-only application and you have a copy of Windows 7, you have a few options: * If you want to run Windows natively — as if your Mac were a PC — you can use Boot Camp, which is included with Mac OS X Leopardon every new Mac. * If you want to run Mac OS X and Windows side by side, you can purchase Parallels Desktop for Mac or VMware Fusion. Install one of these applications, and you can use Windows programs right next to your Mac applications, without having to restart.
Good to Know: Windows on a Mac.

Can I work with my existing documents, music files, and photos on my Mac?

Yes. Your Mac can open most files from your PC, including Microsoft Office documents (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), PDFs, MP3s, iTunes songs, WAV files, JPEGs, GIFs, and more.

How do I move my files to a Mac?

It’s easy to transfer your photos, music, documents, and other files. Here are two ways to do it: * Copy files from your PC to an external hard drive, connect the drive to your Mac, and move the files over.
* Use a local network to move files directly from your PC to your Mac. For detailed information on moving your files to a Mac, read Switch 101: Migrate Your Files or Your Windows System.

Will my PC devices (cameras, printers, hard drives, speakers, Bluetooth devices) work with a Mac?

"Almost any device that connects to a computer via USB, audio cable, or Bluetooth will work with a Mac. For example, the Mac includes support for over 2000 of the most popular printers from Canon, Epson, HP, Lexmark, and others. And a Mac is smart enough to know what to do when you plug in your digital camera: It opens iPhoto and asks if you want to import your recent photos. If you have questions about a specific peripheral or accessory, visit the manufacturer’s website to find out about Mac compatibility. Read Switch 101: Connect Your Peripherals

Will my keyboard and my “right-click” mouse work with a Mac?

Yes. The Mac is compatible with virtually any keyboard and multibutton mouse, even the ones you use with your PC. Just plug them into the USB port on your Mac and start working. You can also use the multibutton Mighty Mouse, which comes with every iMac and Mac Pro. And the trackpad on MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air offers “right-click” capability — just press the control key when you click.

Will my current email service work on a Mac?

Yes. You can access your current email in two ways: * View web-based email — such as Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo! Mail, and MobileMe mail — in the Safari web browser. * Use the Mail application in Mac OS X Leopard. Simply enter your email account information and you’re good to go. If you have email messages in Microsoft Outlook on your PC, you can transfer them to your Mac using inexpensive third-party software. No matter which method you choose, you can continue using your current email address.

Will my Mac work on campus?

Yes. No matter what kind of network you want to use, whether wired or wireless, a Mac will fit right in. You can share files with any computer on your network, browse the web, access school servers and files, and get all your email. You can also access secure networks with the built-in VPN support.

What about Wi-Fi?

All new laptops are Wi-Fi capable and work with standard wireless routers. Whether you’re on campus or in a cafe, available wireless networks appear automatically. Just select the network you want to join, enter a password if necessary, and you’re connected. Most laptops support industry standards such as 802.11 and WPA/WPA2.

Can I instant message on my Mac?

Yes. Your Mac comes with iChat, Apple’s instant messaging application. iChat supports AIM, Google Talk, and MobileMe. In addition to text messaging, iChat allows you to video chat with friends and family on campus or around the world.* Microsoft and Yahoo! offer Mac versions of their instant messaging applications, too.

Which web browsers will work on my Laptop?

Every Mac includes Safari while every PC includes Internet Explorer. You can also use Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera, and others.

What software is available for the Mac?

Thousands of titles, including the most popular applications you need for school, are available for the Mac. You’ll find everything from Microsoft Office and Rosetta Stone to Adobe Photoshop Elements and Adobe Creative Suite. A huge collection of games covering every genre is available for the Mac, including top sellers such as Age of Empires III, The Sims 2, Guitar Hero III, and many more. Shop Mac software

Is a Mac reliable?

When you buy a PC, you’re buying hardware from one company and an operating system and software from other companies. Not so with a Mac. Because Apple builds both the computer and the software that comes with it, they’re literally made for each other. So a Mac rarely freezes or crashes. And Mac OS X resists most viruses, so you can do almost anything — without worrying about losing everything.

Are laptops secure?

Yes. While no computer connected to the Internet is 100 percent immune to viruses and spyware, the Mac is built on a solid UNIX foundation and designed with security in mind. Most web browsers alert you whenever you’re downloading an application — even if it’s disguised as a picture or movie file. Apple and Windows continually make free security updates available to their owners. You can even have them download automatically.

Is it easy to learn how to use a Mac?

Yes. If you’ve never owned a Mac, you may need a little time to get used to it. But within a week or two, chances are you’ll get along like old friends. And because Mac applications are designed to work in the same intuitive way, once you learn one application — iTunes, for example — you’ll quickly pick up iPhoto, Mail, and the other software that comes with your Mac.

I still have questions before I make my purchase. How can I get them answered?

We have lots of ways to answer your questions. You can call our experts at 1-780-492-1495, email at Microstore@ualberta.ca, or visit us at the lower level of the Bookstore in SUB and talk to our friendly staff.

What kind of support can I expect?

Every Mac comes with service and support that’s consistently rated the best in the business. * Genius Bar Free classes and the Genius Bar If you live near an Apple Retail Store, you can attend free classes on a variety of topics. Or you can get specific questions answered by making a free appointment with a Genius. * ProCare ProCare and One to One The Apple Retail Store also offers services like ProCare, which gives you priority support, and One to One, which provides weekly personal training. Each service costs $99 a year. Find an Apple Retail Store AppleCare and MacBook Warranty and AppleCare Protection Plan If you have a problem in the first year of owning your new Mac, you can take it to an Apple Retail Store or call our help line at 1-800-APL-CARE. And if you purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan, you extend your service and support to three years from the purchase date of your Mac. Learn more