I am a trans woman and a computer nerd :3
I used a Windows VM when I was in college. Even if you are pursuing a computer science degree, yes, some professors assume/expect that everyone will be using Windows. Using a VM also has the added benefit of you being easily able to get rid of all the programs they made you install as well once the semester is over.
I got my new birth certificate in September this year so it is still possible, although I’m in a blue state (Minnesota). You should still be able to get a court order to change your name at least, and maybe sex but that really depends on your state. Even though you can’t update federal documents now, you should still be able to use those court orders later.
Also if you have mismatching info you can use the court orders to show what’s correct. I did that when I got my passport last year since I only had my name change order at the time so I didn’t bother to get a new birth certificate then.
That’s is really cool. There were a lot of Windows fanboys at my college unfortunately.