Multi-platform computer labs and classrooms: a magic bullet?

Although the idea of multi-platform computers has been around for a long time, the recent convergence of both the Mac and Windows worlds to Intel hardware has brought this concept to the forefront. Throw in the latest in virtualization technologies, and it is now technically very possible to offer Mac OS X, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Linux, and more all on one single computer. Solutions to allow multi-boot configurations, virtualized operating systems, and API emulation all conceivably mean that a computer lab or classroom could be outfitted with only Macintosh computers, but still be able to provide a range of computing platforms. There are both costs and potential savings to this approach. Some of these come in the form of direct expenses on hardware and software while others are more in the form of administration, support, and training time. Ultimately, a multi-platform lab must meet the needs of the faculty and students who use it. Are the compromises or complexities of these systems detrimental to the actual teaching and computing needs? The University of New Hampshire has been exploring all of these issues as we look towards classrooms slated for new computers in the Summer 2007.