That means either buy from the VT Bookstore or from Apple if they let you buy directly from them at student prices. As for software, Macs come with their version of MS Office programs (Pages, Numbers, Keynote, etc.), but Microsoft also sells Office for Apple. She'll find out if she needs the MS program once she gets into class. I wouldn't buy it unless they say she needs it. If she has only used MC programs, you might want to buy "user manuals" for the Apple programs/apps. They are similar, but work slightly differently. (I am a long time Excel user, but worked to find how to do the same things in Numbers.) Also find out what type of Mac she needs. If she doesn't need heavy processing, a Mac Air is fine. If she needs more computing power, she should look at a Mac Pro. I would probably pass on the Neo because it seems suited for a high school student.