Managed Mac

A broad definiton might be that a Managed Mac is a workstation that includes a set of services designed to enhance security, interoperability, and support for Mac users.

In simpler terms, it could be described as a Mac that is safer for users, and easier to support and mantain for administrators.

You get to focus on your work, while we focus on maintenance.

Not necessarily. The understanding is that we work on the computer (on your behalf) so that you can focus on your work. Management does not preclude ownership nor administration of the workstation. Some owners of managed Macs are administrators on their own computers. However, most software or configuration requests can be handled quite quickly and readily (usually faster than most users can obtain the software themselves).

Pursuant to the previous point, it is still possible for many classes of users to install their own versions of software, either from the App Store or via other means. Additionally, it is always possible to install applications in your home ~/Applications folder to meet your organizational goals. Don't see software that you need? Ask for it, we can usually assign new software titles in minutes.

The list is extensive, and ever changing. Suffice to say (with a few exceptions) that any managed Mac gains access to almost ALL the software the University has license for.

I.T. Services is slowly rolling out a backup service for all administrative staff managed Macs. Talk to your local support person for more information.

The managed Mac team at Simon Fraser University has an ongoing committment to ensuring a safe, reliable and productive computing environment on campus. To this end, we try and respond to all reasonable requests for help. For more information, simply email mac-help@sfu.ca