Today's students grew up in a digital world where technology is not only a tool but also an environment for communicating, collaborating, creating and sharing. And unlike previous generations, they bring technology expectations with them to their colleges and universities. That's why more students are arriving on campus with Apple's Intel-based Mac. The Mac is a rock-solid computer that fits seamlessly into most IT infrastructures. Fast, capable and compatible, it offers the best combination of power, flexibility and value in educational computing today.​

A rock-solid computing platform.

Apple is unique in delivering a tightly integrated educational computing solution that combines hardware, system software and applications. Together, these products provide an innovative yet stable platform for learning, with powerful advantages for education users and IT professionals. Mac OS X is one of the world's most reliable and secure personal computer operating systems. From notebooks to 64-bit desktop systems, to servers, to high-performance computer clusters and storage, the Mac offers performance, durability, flexibility, security and easy connectivity.

Fits seamlessly within your IT infrastructure.

Mac OS X helps ensure that the Mac works well with others. Because Mac OS X is based on open standards, it works seamlessly with just about every major file server protocol, including AFP and SMB/CIFS, and open standards such as WebDAV and NFS services running Mac OS X Server, Solaris and other versions of UNIX, Linux, NetWare and IIS. In addition, connecting computers and other devices into a network

is virtually no work at all. Standards-based (IETF) Bonjour technology, built into Mac OS X, allows Mac computers, servers, Windows-based PCs and networked devices such as printers to discover one another instantly with zero configuration, regardless of whether they are connected via Ethernet or wirelessly. And many "Windows-only" peripherals work fine with the Mac, because every Mac ships with thousands of drivers to support most popular devices.

Easy to deploy, manage and maintain.

The Mac is easy to deploy, manage and maintain so IT departments can focus on strategic and mission-critical issues. From an administrator's point of view, all Mac computers running Mac OS X appear identical. This means that policies set for one Mac can be uniformly applied to all, regardless of age. Apple Remote Desktop lets IT staff handle administrative tasks – such as installing an application or an update on all

Mac computers, providing real-time online help to end- users, creating detailed software and hardware reports, and automating routine management tasks – without leaving their desks. And the Mac is rarely afflicted by viruses. With an open source, UNIX-based foundation, Mac OS X offers security features that go above and beyond the norm for Windows- based PCs. And it's simple to install the latest updates. By default, a Mac checks for them weekly. For peace of mind, you can set a Mac to download security updates automatically.

A range of training, certification and technical resources.

Apple offers a range of training programmes on Mac OS X and other key Apple applications and technologies, including certification and professional development programmes for IT professionals, educators and students. For IT professionals, Apple offers online and classroom-based technical courses for all levels, including courses on how to plan, support and integrate Mac OS X, Mac OS X Server and other technologies such as Xsan. Apple's in-depth IT certification programmes verify expertise and create a high level of competency among help desk personnel, technical coordinators and system administrators. Apple also offers educational institutions technical resources for actively planning, implementing and maintaining the Mac in multi-platform environments.

Mac runs Microsoft Office.

Apple supports third-party software developers with application programming interfaces (APIs), tools and access to developer resources via an online community. As a result, schools also have access to hundreds of software products from leading education developers that work seamlessly on the Mac, as well as popular productivity software such as the latest version of Microsoft Office, which is cross-platform compatible with its Windows-based counterpart. In addition, Mac users can easily share documents with Office users on PCs without translation software or special Save As commands.

The cost of a good education is lower than you think.

The cost of tuition is high, but Apple strives to ensure that staff and students get the best computers for science at the lowest possible cost. Apple's education pricing includes substantial discounts for institutional purchases and for individual purchases by students and staff in higher education.

*Requires the purchase of additional software, sold separately.

Apple in education.

For 30 years, Apple has been committed to building innovative products that inspire students and advance teaching and learning in a changing world. Today's generation of students expects the latest digital tools and a learning environment that accommodates a mobile lifestyle, adapts to individual learning styles, and encourages collaboration and teamwork. Education leaders, teaching staff and IT professionals require technology that works in a multi-platform world, offers rock-solid reliability and security, and delivers proven value. Apple provides the comprehensive solutions and resources that education needs to reach today's students. With a combination of training, certification and discounts