NOVAdevice: What to Check Before Changing Platforms

Overview

When your NOVAdevice is replaced, you can choose a Windows computer or a Mac. Some Windows computers, including some Surface Pro models, use a different type of processor (the chip that runs the computer) called ARM. If you are thinking about switching to a Mac or to an ARM-based Windows computer, this article explains what to check first.

Instructions

Make a list of the applications you use

1. See which applications are installed on your current computer. Sign in to the UTS Support Portal, select your name in the upper-right corner, select My Profile, and open your computer from the My Assets section. For more detail, see NOVAdevice: Viewing Device Details, Replacement Date, and Installed Software.
2. Write down the applications you need for your work. 
3. Write down any add-ins you use in Word, Excel, Outlook, or PowerPoint. Add-ins are extra tabs or buttons, often added by another application such as a citation manager, a reporting tool, or a meeting service. To see them on Windows, open the application and select File > Options > Add-ins.

If you are considering a Mac

1. Check whether each application on your list has a Mac version.
   • Applications you use in a web browser work the same on a Mac.
   • Access, Visio, and Project are not available on a Mac.
   • Many add-ins for Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint on Windows do not work on a Mac. Add-ins you get from Get Add-ins inside the application usually work on both. For other add-ins, check whether the company that makes it offers a Mac version.
   • Some specialized applications only work on Windows. 
2. If you need an application that only works on Windows, plan another way to use it. UTS does not support running Windows on a Mac (for example, with Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion). Instead, you can:
   • Check whether the application is available through vDesktop, Villanova's virtual desktop service.
   • Request a Windows 365 Cloud PC, a Windows computer you can use from your Mac over the internet. Your department pays for this, so talk with your area's finance manager or director first.
3. Check your equipment, such as printers, scanners, and other devices. Some may not work with a Mac. Your department is responsible for replacing any equipment that does not work. UTS will give you a new dock that works with your Mac.
4. Give yourself time to learn the Mac. Some things work differently. For example, you use the Command key instead of Ctrl, and you find files in Finder instead of File Explorer.

If you are considering an ARM-based Windows computer

An ARM-based Windows computer runs Windows and works the way you are used to. Most applications and equipment work on it, but some do not.

1. Check whether the computer is ARM-based. Look for Snapdragon in the processor information. Surface Pro comes in both ARM-based and standard versions, so check before you choose.
2. Check the applications on your list.
   • Applications you use in a web browser work the same.
   • Microsoft 365 applications, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams, work.
   • Most add-ins for Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint work, but some older add-ins do not. If you rely on an add-in, ask the company that makes it whether it works on ARM-based Windows computers.
   • Most other applications work, though some may run a little slower.
   • Specialized applications from outside companies are the most likely to have problems, especially applications that connect to special equipment. If you are not sure, ask the company that makes the application or contact UTS.
   • If you use a screen reader, dictation software, or other accessibility tools, ask the company that makes them whether they work on ARM-based Windows computers.
3. Check your equipment. Monitors, keyboards, and mice usually work. Printers, scanners, and specialty devices such as card readers, signature pads, and lab equipment may not. If you are not sure, ask the company that makes it. Your department is responsible for replacing any equipment that does not work. UTS will give you a dock that works with your new device.
4. If an application or device you need does not work, you can:
   • Choose a standard Windows computer instead. This is usually the easiest option.
   • Check whether the application is available through vDesktop.
   • Request a Windows 365 Cloud PC. Your department pays for this, so talk with your area's finance manager or director first.

If you are not sure which computer is right for your work, submit a NOVAdevice Consultation request.