Mac Users - Start Here
If you have a Mac read this and get it ready before classes start
IMPORTANT: Macs with new ARM-based M1 processors (starting in 2020) should NOT be used in Engineering.
Reason 1: Bootcamp is not compatible - Apple has chosen to no longer support Bootcamp.
Reason 2: You can only install Windows using a VM such as Parallels or Fusion. Your Engineering software will be buggy and slow, if it installs at all.
Here is a list of known issues with M1 processor:
MAE & BME students will have problems installing and using Solidworks on a VM.
As of 10/5/2021 Solidworks does not install on Fusion or Parallels.
BME students - Linx plug in for LabView does not work on M1. You will not be able to work on BME60A projects.
CEE majors will have issues using AutoCad on a VM.
For upper division courses, AutoCad Civil Engineering is used and there is no Mac version.
Other majors will have less issues with using Windows in a VM, but there are no guarantees.
There are NO GUARANTEES an M1 will work. Use at your own risk.
STEP 0 - Determine if you should use Bootcamp or Fusion for Windows
If you plan to use Solidworks or AutoCad >> Install Windows using Bootcamp (You can still do this on intel-based Macs)
Bootcamp makes your Mac dual-boot and you have the option of using Windows or Mac when you power up.
Windows performance is better.
If you're not sure, try this option.
Everyone else (INCLUDING M1 Macs) >> Install Windows using Fusion or Parallels.
Performance of Windows is slower with this option but usually good enough for software not graphically intense.
STEP 1 - OBTAIN WINDOWS 10 PRO
For best results, do not use Safari. Try a different browser such as Chrome or Firefox.
Create a Personal Microsoft Software account
Instructions are at OIT's page for Student O365
Follow instructions carefully
Do not specify a personal gmail account anywhere in the process.
If you use a personal gmail account, you will not have access to the full library of software because Microsoft will not recognize your Academic association.
Only specify your UCINetID and the ucinetid@personalmicrosoftsoftware.uci.edu account.
Login to Microsoft Azure Dev Tools using your "UCInetID@personalmicrosoftsoftware.uci.edu" login account.
Look for "Software"
Find Windows 10 (consumer editions), version 2004 (or more recent)- DVD (.iso)
If you are asked to pay for Windows, then you have not created your account correctly or you have not logged in correctly.
If this happens, try a different browser
Or, clear the cookies in your browser.
If you don't see the download, then contact Lisa Preble, labs@eng.uci.edu.
The Azure Dev Tools site is always changing so contact Lisa if you don't see the correct Windows 10 download.
Click the "view key" box on the right. Copy the serial number to a text file in case you cannot open the page again.
Click on "Download" on the bottom right to download the software.
You'll have Windows installer media in ".iso' format.
NOTE
Sometimes the download fails with Safari so use Mozilla Firefox or Chrome.
If the Bootcamp installation does not like Windows, then download again using a different browser.
Contact Lisa Preble, labs@eng.uci.edu if you have issues obtaining Windows 10 Pro using the Azure for Dev Tools website.
STEP 2 - (OPTION A) - Install Windows on your Mac using Bootcamp. (For Intel-based Macs)
What is Apple's Bootcamp?
Boot Camp is a utility that comes with your Mac and lets you switch between MacOS and Windows.
It allows for Windows to be installed directly onto your hard drive on it's own separate partition.
When you turn on your computer, you can select which OS to use, Apple or Windows.
Prepare your Laptop and Plan
Backup any important files to an external drive or cloud storage in case something bad happens during the installation process.
Remove unnecessary files
Move files to the cloud if you don't need them locally on your laptop
Decide how much space you want to use
In general, plan for 150-250GB
For MAE, CEE, and BME students, consider using half the hard drive for your Windows installation partition.
Your hard drive will fill up quickly
Plan for at least 250GB.
Other majors might get away with 150 GB but it's best to plan for more disk space.
You may have to re-do the work more than once
Install Windows using Bootcamp
Visit the Apple's Bootcamp website for the latest information and instructional guides
Every make & model is different so you need to visit Apple's for the latest information.
Detailed instructions for various MacBooks are found on the BootCamp website
TIP: Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi
Consider installing BootCamp via Ethernet instead of Wi-fi
The process will take about 1.5-2 hours over WiFi.
Using Ethernet, it'll take around 5-10 minutes
STEP 2 (OPTION B) - Install Windows on your Mac using Fusion
Remove unnecessary files
Move files to the cloud if you don't need them locally on your laptop
Download Fusion
Big Sur requires Fusion 12
See this link to determine which version of Fusion if you have a previous MacOS
Use these instructions as a starting point or google for better instructions
STEP 3 - Install system and security updates on Windows.
After installing Windows on your Apple Computer, ensure your Windows OS is up-to-date by visiting Windows Update.
STEP 4 - UCI requires you to install anti-virus software.
Here is a list of free for personal use protection programs is included below.
Windows Defender (included with Windows)
STEP 6 - Install the latest Microsoft .Net Framework.
In order for Solidworks and AutoCad to work, you need to have the latest Microsoft .Net Framework software installed.
This should show up in Windows "Optional Updates".
If not, go to: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=30653
To check which .net version you have visit: http://smallestdotnet.com/
STEP 5 - Install fan control software to help with over-heating (for Bootcamp).
Many Apple users complain of their laptops overheating while running Windows
To solve this issue, it is recommended to install Mac Fan Control.
Other resources for Mac Users
In the event you are having difficulty installing Windows, Please be aware of the following resources:
ANTech Repair Center
(949) 824-7096
For a fee, The ANTech Repair Center can install Windows for you using BootCamp, Fusion, or Parallels.
UCI Virtual Classroom (this is operated by OIT, not Engineering)
UCI Libraries Laptop Checkout
https://www.lib.uci.edu/mrc/mrc-laptops-and-mobile-devices
Laptops can be borrowed for up to 2 hours
Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi for installing BootCamp.
Locations of Ethernet:
MDEA (at every seat)
Engineering Student Lounge, ICS 249. ICS 253, and ICS 259
Register your Ethernet address (aka MAC address).
Use Manual Registration
Login with your UCINetID and type in the MAC address for your Ethernet connection.
http://www.oit.uci.edu/mobile/registration/
Be sure to follow University policy for downloading content.