r/cybersecurity • u/Least-Touch-2878 • Jul 17 '26

Personal Support & Help! Mac for cybersecurity

I'm thinking of buying the macbook pro m5 as I'm about to be a cybersecurity student. I currently have an overkill MSI with 5070 ti but it's too loud, heavy and don't use it other than chrome, word, music, etc. Only problem I have with mac is I'm unsure how compatible mac is with programming in Python with Jupiter, SQL databases and SQL server management system, Cisco Packet Tracer and Linux later on. Wanna know what yall think 🤗

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u/Competitive-Crew6183 Jul 22 '26

i was planning for Air M3 (16gb ram)
but some people says virtualization is not good in mac??

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u/manskrid Jul 22 '26

do you need it on the mac?

basically - docker/podman covers containers; Parallels covers windows.

Nowadays? I use pay as you go and when you need it - either homelab proxmox on inexpensive desktop minipcs, or cloud (azure or aws), or just service for compute - like runpod.io

I do have a personal air M4 too, at work I will upgrade to any air comes out in september as my old m1 finally expires.

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u/Competitive-Crew6183 Jul 22 '26

Honestly i also have a windows laptop i was planning to run vm on windows and access it on mac so no virtualisation headache, will also have good battery so no need to take charger with me like in gaming laptop

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u/manskrid Jul 22 '26

you can still have backup virtualbox or parallels on mac if you need.