Target Tracker has always been Windows-based software. Our iOS app provides features around Observations and some elements of Formative Assessment, but using the software to it full requires the desktop software installed on Windows.
Macs use an operating system known as macOS, if you wish to use Target Tracker on a Mac, it is necessary to purchase* and install the Windows Operating System first.
As there are different ways to do this, we recognise that schools will want to make their own decision so provide some information below that we hope will be useful in this process. Without getting too technical, there are two main ways to run another operating system, such as Windows 10 on your computer:
- You can dual boot two systems, splitting your hard drive into two partitions and running one operating system at a time.
- To change from using your MacOS to Windows, or vice versa, you will need to reboot your computer. As one runs at a time, you will always have the full power of the memory.
- Dual booting is always free
- Whilst there are a number of options; Apple have this support available for using Bootcamp
- You can virtualize one of them, allowing you to run one system inside the other, simultaneously.
- It allows you to run both operating systems at the same time. When doing so though, you’ll have to split your computer’s CPD and RAM between both operating systems, which means everything will run a little slower while both are booted up.
- Virtualize can cost money – VirtualBox is free. Parallels is a popular paid for option.
*Note that you’ll also need files to install Windows 10 as well as a licence for both options. You’ll enter your key during installation, or shortly after, to activate Windows. We suggest you ask your IT Technician at school about this.
There are pros and cons for both options, so maybe do some research to pick the right one for your needs. Googling ‘Using Windows on a Mac’ will show various websites with advice.
Once done you will be able to install and use Target Tracker on an Apple Mac. For installation instructions view our Using Target Tracker at Home article.
