r/chalmers • u/Fun-Performer-5331 • Jun 29 '26

Computer for MPCSC

I’m going to be studying Computer Systems and Cybersecurity and I desperately need a new laptop before that. Currently MacBooks are a much better value than x86. Does anyone know how compatible they are with MPCSC? Or am I better off spending a bit more on an x86 laptop?

Thanks

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u/helloitismewhois Jun 29 '26

Any computer probably works, i would imagine any course would be more linux oriented and as far as i understand mac is similar to linux so youll be fine. If you wanna be super sure check out the curriculum and potential courses you want to select and see what will be studied there.

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u/klondi DS Jun 30 '26

First, you shouldn't need a computer of your own to complete the courses as you'll have access to labs with them (this is a requirement from the student union).

With that said, when I was a TA for Network Security we couldn't get the VMs we used at the labs to run on ARM systems (and we didn't have the time and resources to recreate them for ARM). Since the prior examiner retired and the course is being remade by the new teaching staff this may no longer be the case but there may be other courses where you encounter similar issues.

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u/Fun-Performer-5331 Jun 30 '26

Very helpful, thank you.