Hello, so Im planning on buying a windows computer (I currently have a mac) for compatibility and I was just wondering If i would have to buy all the software required for engineering (CAD or whatever) or if the university provides a student license? Because If I'm going to end up using all the software in the library/lab anyway I don't have a reason to buy a new laptop.

thank you!

You'll need to buy MATLAB, Maple and probably a whole bunch of other pieces of software. Some may have free versions you can use. Or, just do what every other student does-- pirate.

Labs do have most software available for you to use, but they don't tend to be open past 10pm and, sometimes, they'll be booked by other lab groups and students. Having it on your own machine is convenient, plain and simple.

I don't recall having to use any specialized software in first year that required purchasing.

Even for CAD, I believe all work can be completed during your scheduled lab classes.

cad inventor was free you used a code. You had to pay for some like maplesim, maple, matlab. All the software is free in the computer lab if you choose not to use.

When I say pay, i mean "pay". Software ends up being passed along so your choice

Right ok, thanks again

If you're switching from Mac to Windows solely because of the software compatibility, I can tell you I've had a Mac since going into first year eng and up until now I haven't had trouble with compatibility at all! The only thing I've had to use so far that doesn't have a Mac version is AutoCAD, which is available on all of the campus lab computers (that is what I ended up using when I wanted extra time, although as mentioned above you could usually finish your work in your own lab time). There is also the option of running Windows on your Mac machine if you wanted to. For everything else (MatLab & Maple are the ones I remember off the top of my head) you should be fine! Welcome to Mac & good luck

thank you!