Task 4.1: Research and Recommendations
I chose to look into a computer for a UAF student. I researched an Apple MacBook Pro and a Dell Inspiron 14R-2nd Gen laptop. The two laptops are similar in size and specification. The three main specification differences were with the processor, the battery, and the case body construction. The Apple has an Intel Core i5, over the Dell’s Intel Core i3. The Apple also has a 61% larger capacity battery than the Dell. Finally, the Apple MacBook Pro body is milled from a single block of aluminum, making the body very rigid and compact. In addition to the slightly better specifications, the Apple will boot both Mac OS X and Windows (XP, Vista, and 7). However, for all these bonuses, the Apple’s price tag of $1356 makes it $383 more expensive than the Dell. Even though the Apple is more expensive, I think the added battery capacity, build quality, and multiple operating system support is worth it.
Task 4.2: Technical Support Plans
Security Plan
For security Mac OS X is pretty decent without much adjustment, however, there is always a little more one can do to improve security. The website macgeekery.com has some good Mac OS X security tips; some of the tips are also applicable to Windows (see Rules 1, 3, 5, 7, and 0).
In addition to the changes a user can make with how they use their computer, there are some security software utilities that care very useful as well. The built in Firewall is great for most people, but if you plan to turn on a number of services on your Mac upgrading the Firewall it worth looking into. I personally use Doorstop X. Doorstop is very robust and configurable, allowing me to limit access to services by Subnet, and/or specific IP. This level of sophistication isn’t really needed by the average user. I would only recommend this tool for computers in public IP address space, and with constantly shared services. The full Doorstop Firewall suite has a one time cost of $79.
While Mac OS X isn’t targeted very often by viruses, that doesn’t mean no viruses exist. A free, but powerful anti-virus tool is Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition. While I haven’t used the software, it comes well reviewed by MacWorld, CNet, and About.com, among others.
Backup & Disaster Recovery Plan
For backups, and disaster recovery, we can choose from local or remote options. A local option is to purchase an external hard drive, like the Western Digital My Book Essentials drive, and use the built in TimeMachine backup software. A couple remote options are Backblaze or CrashPlan. Both offer unlimited backup storage for $50 a year, and will allow you to backup external drives along with the internal hard drives. CrashPlan is a little better because their service does not delete backed up files when the local file has been deleted unless explicitly told to; Backblaze keeps a backup copy of a locally deleted file for 30 days, and then they delete it from the backup.
Maintenance Plan
The AppleCare warranty covers all manufacture flaws, but will not cover Accidental Damage. Because of the lack of accidental coverage, you will want to take good, physical care of the computer. If you know you are prone to accidents, you may want to consider additional insurance, either through your auto insurance company, or through a third party company. One such company, Safeware, provides insurance for laptops, covering accidental damage, drops, spilled coffee, and theft, among other things. A quote for three years of coverage came to $349.
In addition to caring for the computer hardware, you also need to maintain the software. The Dummies, MacWorld, and MacAttorney sites all have suggestions for maintaining the Mac operating system; in contrast, I only run about one third the utilities those sites suggest, and no where near as frequently as they suggest.
Task 4.3: Cost Analysis
For the average user, the only additional costs over the computer would be for a backup plan. Using an external hard drive for a local backup option would cost about $120. The remote backup option is more robust, expandable, and initially less expensive, however, the initial cost of $50 turns into an annual, recurring $50 cost. Even though the remote option comes with a recurring cost, the backup service would be very well utilized on the University network, where nearly every building has wireless internet access, allowing near constant backups.
Total initial cost of computer and remote backup would be $1406, with a $50 annual cost. If well taken care of, the MacBook Pro laptop will last all 4 years of college, and then some. After 2 years, the student should consider spending no more than $150 to double the installed RAM. If hard drive space is an issue, upgrading the internal hard drive is reasonably easy to upgrade, and external hard drives are readily available.
