Apple - Macs and iPads in Education

iPad technology is one of the most recent innovations schools are implementing in classrooms. This implementation has generated tremendous excitement among students.

Pure iTek is pleased to be part of the excitement. To date, Pure iTek has managed the iPad deployment at Elk Island Catholic School's new high school, Archbishop Jordan in Sherwood Park, utilizing Mobile Device Management (MDM), setup iPad profiles, and Volume Purchase Plan for Education (VPP). Last school year we had the honour of setting up a Mac Lab for an Edmonton Catholic School, Mother Margaret Mary High School.

It excites us to be on-site, powering classrooms with the most current Apple technology.

The iPad is so popular in school. During spring, 2013, I was the parent volunteer in our son's Kindergarten class at Woodbridge Farms School when iPads were introduced to the students. The teacher had me work with students individually in order to assess their familiarity with the device. (Only one student had never used an iPad, but had used her mom's phone to plays games.) The students were to demonstrate how to turn on the iPad, open an App, play the game, change the volume, close the App and turn off the iPad. At each turn, students immediately turned it on, went to the game icon I described and began to play.

New Apple technology in classrooms inspires and and engages students and Pure iTek is proud to participate. 

Mac FAQ

I've worked on both sides of the computer industry. That's right, I didn't start out on the Apple side. I have my Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Certified Novel Administrator (CNA), A+ and others..

Growing up, my Dad and all my Uncles were Apple fanatics, my Dad still has his 1986 Mac Plus. I set up my first Mac when I was six, coincidentally when my Dad got his Mac Plus, but we still used to battle it out over which was better - PC or Mac.

It wasn't until I bought my first MacBook Pro, learned everything there was to it, and became an Apple fanatic (I hope my Dad and Uncles are proud of me now). We have too many iDevices in our home to count on all of our hands. We're even making a trek to Manitoba this July to setup my wife's BFF's (from grade 2) Apple home network. I just LOVE sharing the ease and power Apple products offer with my family, friends, and our clients - new and existing.

Then, just last week our 7 year old son asked my wife and I if we could buy him a Windows computer - THE SHAME!!!!

Anyways, family, friends and clients of ours ask us about Mac and comparing Mac to PC. Here are a few of our frequently asked questions:

Can I use Mac if all or most other employees are using Windows PCs?

Yes. The Mac is compatible with most USB devices and printers, and can join Windows wired and Wi-Fi networks. As Apple Consultants, Pure iTek can move data from a PC to your Mac, work with existing files, set up Microsoft Office for Mac or Office 365. We can even set you up to access corporate email supported for Microsoft Exchange Server.

Can I use my Microsoft Office applications on a Mac?

Microsoft Office is available for Mac, which means you can run Word, Excel, and PowerPoint just as you always have. If you are like us then you already love and use iWorks for Mac - a suite of productivity applications from Apple - includes Pages for documents, Numbers for spreadsheets, and Keynote for presentations. With iWorks you can even open, edit and save as Microsoft Office Files = seamless.

Doesn't the Mac cost more than a Windows PC?

Did you know that Mac typically has a great resale or trade-in value? You can check the current trade-in value by visiting Apple Store Reuse and Recycling, but note this is only available in the states to date as Apple just introduced Reuse and Recycle iPhone in Canada . For more information and to avoid making a costly mistake assuming PCs are more affordable than Macs check out this article "Learn How Resale Value Can Make a Mac Less Expensive Than a PC". 

How does the Mac protect my information?

The Mac has a multilayered system of defences that works to protect data, applications and services against malware. Built-in technologies provide data-at-rest protection by encrypting the entire drive on your Mac. Gatekeeper protects users from downloading and installing malicious software. Advanced security features such as sandboxing, library randomization, and tagged downloads offer runtime protection. 

What about protecting data in transit?

The Mac offers an easy-to-use application-based firewall and VPN clients - at no extra charge.

Contact us today for more information on how Pure iTek can inspire your business and take advantage of Macs in your organization.

iOS In Business

A different approach.

So what is it about iPhone and iPad that make them such a great choice for business?

First, Apple makes both the hardware and the software. Security is considered at every point - from device and data protection, through network communications, to apps. With our Apple consultant support we simplify deployment. Even for deployments into the tens of thousands. And finally, we make it possible for you to put the power of apps to work in your business, driving productivity and creating differentiation.

This approach has led to iPhone and iPad being used at work in more ways than we could have imagined...

Forward thinking.

Forward thinking.

Why You Should Passcode Protect Your iPhone

Protect your data.

Protect your data.

The answer is simple - to protect your data.

There is a bug that can bypass security in iOS 7. This bug allows anyone to disable Find My iPhone and bypass Activation Lock without a passcode. Disabling efforts don't always work and it's difficult to complete, but if someone does steal your iPhone, or if you lose your iPhone all your data can be compromised. The bug is irrelevant so long as your iPhone is passcode protected.

 So to be secure, put a passcode on your iPhone and have a great weekend!

 

Apples Newest iPad

Yesterday Apple announced the iPad with Retina display will replace the iPad 2.  This new iPad is a great alternative giving customers 4 models to choose from. 

iPad 4 starting at $399 with cellular $529

iPad Air starting at $519 with cellular $649

The iPad with Retina display is an affordable option for people to have an enjoyable experience from an iPad because, let’s face it, that iPad 2 was so slow and clunky running iOS7. Also, it finally gets rid of the 30-pin adaptor making all iPads Lightning cables, so there is no need to carry multiple cords.

Let’s not forget the iPad mini. For those of you who have started drifting off to sleep while reading your iPad in bed, or while laying on the couch, you know what happens next. Your eyes close, your arms get tired holding the heavy device and *Smack* you drop your iPad 2 on your head.

iPad mini starting at $319 with cellular $449

iPad mini Retina starting at $419 with cellular $549

So the only thing that's left to decide is - Which size works for you? Give us a call if you’d like to discuss.