Posted on Apr 14, 2020
What is the best computer for use by an Army National Guard officer?
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I’m shopping for a new computer for personal use at home and Guard work whenever necessary. I’ll soon be commissioning through state OCS into either Signal or Ordnance. I’ve had a MacBook Pro for the past 11 years that’s been an absolute champ (I just enlisted a year ago so it’s been for mostly non military use), but I’ve been reading about issues with cac readers and AKO etc. Any advice for this 09S is appreciated.
Posted in these groups: Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC)
Computers
Computers
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
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Truth be told, any $250 Windows laptop would be fine for this.
if you want to stick with Mac, buy a newer one, and a copy of Windows and install that in VMware.
And get a new CAC reader.
Pro tip: you might occasionally need to read or send an encrypted email on webmail. That is only possible with Windows Internet Explorer.
Every answer you will ever need to get set up or solve a problem on Windows, Mac or Linux can be found on militarycac.com
if you want to stick with Mac, buy a newer one, and a copy of Windows and install that in VMware.
And get a new CAC reader.
Pro tip: you might occasionally need to read or send an encrypted email on webmail. That is only possible with Windows Internet Explorer.
Every answer you will ever need to get set up or solve a problem on Windows, Mac or Linux can be found on militarycac.com
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LTC Jason Mackay
Agree, the so what is being able to operate CAC enabled, especially in the Guard or Reserve. Save you trips to the Armory to handle 5 minute tasks like signing something.
I think a Windows platform would be less of you figuring out work arounds because the system was designed around Windows platforms. Truth in lending: I despise iOS platforms. I actually have my students keep a running log of my hatred of MACs and iOS.
I think a Windows platform would be less of you figuring out work arounds because the system was designed around Windows platforms. Truth in lending: I despise iOS platforms. I actually have my students keep a running log of my hatred of MACs and iOS.
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Honestly, you can do everything you mentioned, that you want to get accomplished on a cheap windows laptop worth about $200.
We can talk about purchasing a laptop that would be right for you, but for strictly accessing government websites, all you need to do is follow the steps in the link below to insure you have the right certificates on your system.
https://public.cyber.mil/pki-pke/end-users/getting-started/
We can talk about purchasing a laptop that would be right for you, but for strictly accessing government websites, all you need to do is follow the steps in the link below to insure you have the right certificates on your system.
https://public.cyber.mil/pki-pke/end-users/getting-started/
Getting Started – DoD Cyber Exchange
Individuals who have a valid authorized need to access DoD Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)- protected information but do not have access to a government site or government-furnished equipment will need to configure their systems to access PKI-protected content.
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Unless they've changed the rules, your personal computer is not authorized for processing official military work, especially if it needs to be encrypted. I'd check with your Information Security Officer and see what their recommendations are to avoid an unpleasant experience down the road. They will be more than happy to assist you with answers.
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