Best practices on supporting one or two Macs when everyone else is on other laptops.

Navigating the Mac-Windows-Google Divide in Your Nonprofit

In today’s cybersecurity landscape, the days of a hands-off approach to managing user devices are over. Every single device connected to your network, regardless of its operating system, must be intentionally managed and secured.

This can be a challenge for nonprofits that have a mix of Macs and Windows or Google laptops. While it may seem easier to standardize on one platform, Mac users are often passionate about their devices and are more productive using the tools they know best.

So, how can you effectively support a few Macs within a Windows or Google environment? The answer lies in a combination of policy, proper support, and a modern, cloud-based approach.

Community IT, with 25 years of experience shares our insights on this topic. Allowing Macs in your organization is not only manageable but can also be a strategic advantage. It increases your talent pool and provides a more diverse technological environment, which can make your organization more resilient to certain types of cyberattacks.

Laying the Groundwork with Policy

The first and most critical step is to establish a clear policy. Many nonprofits lack a formal policy on device preference, but having one is essential. Your Acceptable Use Policy should outline the expectations for all end users, including Mac users, and clearly define the level of support your IT team or provider will offer. A modern approach recognizes that simply telling Mac users they’re “on their own” is no longer a viable option due to the security risks it creates. Instead, your policy should be a framework for inclusive, secure, and productive technology use.

The Importance of Intentional IT Support

Once you have a policy in place, the next step is to ensure your support structure is ready.

It’s often easier to adapt your IT support than to force a productive employee to switch devices. Supporting a few Macs doesn’t require a dedicated team of Apple specialists. A few key members of your existing IT staff can be trained to handle basic Mac-specific support needs. This approach not only fosters an inclusive environment but also enhances your team’s overall skill set.

This support is crucial for several reasons. First, the user interface and file structure on a Mac are different from Windows, which can be a source of frustration for both the user and the support staff. As Community IT knows, a support person accustomed to Windows might ask a Mac user to click on a menu item that doesn’t exist on their screen. Having a support team that is familiar with these differences is key to providing effective assistance.

Second, Macs can be a security vulnerability if left unmanaged. They still need regular updates, patches, and endpoint protection. Leaving a single Mac unprotected can create an entry point for an attack that could compromise your entire network. By providing intentional support, you ensure these devices are getting the same level of security and management as your Windows machines.

Understanding the Compatibility Piece

One of the biggest concerns for many nonprofits is compatibility, especially in a Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace environment. The good news is that modern, cloud-based platforms have largely eliminated these issues.

Microsoft 365 and Macs

Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based service, and all its applications are fully compatible with macOS. Users can access their files and applications through a web browser, and there’s a strong collaboration between Apple and Microsoft to ensure seamless integration and timely updates. This means a Mac user can work on the same documents and collaborate just as easily as their Windows counterparts.

Google Workspace and Macs

Similarly, Google Workspace is fully compatible with Macs. However, Community IT points out a few key best practices to ensure the best experience. While the default Mac browser is Safari, Google Workspace performs optimally with Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. These browsers allow for features like offline file access and the creation of multiple user profiles—a valuable tool for nonprofit staff who may work with multiple organizations or need to separate their personal and work accounts.

Advantages of a Mixed-Device Environment

Beyond keeping your staff happy, there are several strategic advantages to allowing Macs in your organization.

The All-Windows vs. All-Mac Debate

From an IT support perspective, an all-Windows or all-Mac environment is simpler to manage due to the uniformity of the operating system. Updates, patches, and security policies can be streamlined across the board.

However, a mixed environment offers significant flexibility and user satisfaction, which often outweighs the added complexity. As Community IT notes, supporting a mixed environment isn’t necessarily double the effort, but it does require more investment in documentation, management tools, and staff expertise. The good news is that the tools for managing Macs have become more accessible and affordable. This makes it easier to find IT providers and staff with the skills to support both platforms.

Key Manage Macs Takeaways for Nonprofits

Community IT wraps up our tips with a few key pieces of advice:

If you’re a nonprofit considering a new IT provider, Community IT recommends asking a few specific questions during the sales process:

  1. Experience and Expertise: What experience does the provider have in supporting Macs? Are any of their staff certified Apple specialists?
  2. Scope of Support: What exactly do they support on a Mac, and how do they manage updates, security, and remote assistance?
  3. Client References: What percentage of their current clients are in a mixed-device environment, and can they provide references?
  4. Tooling: What specific tools do they use for device management, especially for mobile devices like iPhones and iPads?

Ultimately, successfully managing Macs in a nonprofit is about being intentional. Don’t leave your Mac users behind. Create a clear policy, invest in the right support and tools, and you’ll create a more secure, productive, and flexible environment for your entire team.

Ready to get strategic about your IT?

Community IT has been serving nonprofits exclusively for twenty years. We offer Managed IT support services for nonprofits that want to outsource all or part of their IT support and hosted services. For a fixed monthly fee, we provide unlimited remote and on-site help desk support, proactive network management, and ongoing IT planning from a dedicated team of experts in nonprofit-focused IT. And our clients benefit from our IT Business Managers team who will work with you to plan your IT investments and technology roadmap if you don’t have an in-house IT Director.

We constantly research and evaluate new technology to ensure that you get cutting-edge solutions that are tailored to your organization, using standard industry tech tools that don’t lock you into a single vendor or consultant. And we don’t treat any aspect of nonprofit IT as if it is too complicated for you to understand.

Many outsourced IT providers simply won’t support Macs in a Window environment.

Because so many nonprofits see the advantages in managing a few Macs if it means their staff are happier and included, Community IT has a robust practice of all-Mac or some-Mac support, with dedicated Mac certified support staff on our team.

We think your IT vendor should be able to explain everything without jargon or lingo. If you can’t understand your IT management strategy to your own satisfaction, keep asking your questions until you find an outsourced IT provider who will partner with you for well-managed IT.

If you’re ready to gain peace of mind about your IT support, let’s talk.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash