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Hi.

As others have mentioned Past Perfect does not work on Mac. Also, I would advise you to consider why you would need an Apple product. My intention isn't to turn this into Windows/Mac debate, but I do not think it would be a worthwhile investment for two reasons.

1. The cheapest Apple Computer is a Mac Mini for $500(with no monitor), and I believe the cheapest iMac is $1200.

2. There is nothing that a Mac can do that a windows machine can't. Windows machines with comparable specs to the iMac are 300-400 dollars cheaper. And though most museum related computing work isn't processing intensive, you tend to get more bang for your buck with windows.

Since small museums are usually strapped for cash, I just would never recommend getting a more expensive machine with worse specifications. If you like the All in one design of iMacs, then Lenovo offers excellent computers for almost half the price. HP makes some excellent ones too.

I say this while typing on my MacBook Pro, but it is for personal use. I would never recommend apple computers to a business or non profit. The price is too high when compared to machines of similar performance, and I meet many people who want them because they are the new trendy thing to have. Unless of course, there is a reason you specifically needed an Apple product.

Again, these are just things to consider and I don't know your full reasons for wanting to switch, but this is advice I would give to anyone.

Robert Wolfe

AmeriCorps

PreserveWV

On Sat, Feb 7, 2015 at 3:21 PM, John T. Hart <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Andrea,

Read this article, which explains how to get Windows up and running on a Mac (http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201258). Apple’s additional support page, can give you a lot more detail, some of it a little technical though (http://www.apple.com/support/bootcamp/). Boot Camp should probably be loaded on a Mac when you first get it, it’s been a while since I’ve had to get a new computer so I’m not really sure.

I can tell you from personal experience in a former position that I tried this with a professor’s computer at my graduate program and we had limited success. We could get PastPerfect to install just fine, but when it came time to try and route the folders, etc. to the right target, we had a tough time doing so. If you move forward, I’d definitely recommend pulling someone in who has IT experience with both PC and Mac to lend a hand and troubleshoot.

Good luck!

John

John Hart, Jr.

Museum Registrar

Sullivan Museum and History Center

Norwich University

158 Harmon Drive

Northfield, VT 05663

Direct Phone: (802) 485-3289

Sullivan Museum and History Center

From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Anne Lane
Sent: Saturday, February 07, 2015 1:01 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Moving Past Perfect into Mac

Andrea, Past Perfect only works with Windows. Here at WCU we use Macs, but the ones using PastPerfect are set up as double boot machines, where you can log on to either the Windows or the Mac side. Windows for PP, Mac for everything else. I can't give you any more details because we have an IT department that magically makes things happen, but I can ask some questions. It works, for the most part, just fine.

Anne Lane

Mountain Heritage Center

Western Carolina University

On Feb 6, 2015, at 6:58 PM, Andrea Nelson wrote:

Hello,

Our Museum is considering transitioning our computers and server from PC to Mac. We use PastPerfect for managing our collection. Does anyone have feedback or information on the experience of converting an existing PastPerfect database over to Mac? Advice welcome! Thanks!

Andrea Nelson

Collections & Exhibits Coordinator

Sheldon Museum & Cultural Center

PO Box 269

Haines, AK 99827

(907) 766-2366

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Robert Wolfe
WVU Public History

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