Student Computer Recommendations

University Technology

University Technology recommends the following minimum requirements for student-owned computers brought to campus.

Already Own a Computer?

We recommend that all computers* (laptops/notebooks and desktop computers) have the following minimum specifications:

CPU: Intel Core i3 or higher
RAM: 4 GB (Mac and PC)
Hard Drive: 500 GB
Optical Drive: CD-ROM
Operating System: Windows 7 or Mac OS X 10.9
Video Card: OnBoard (Integrated)
Network Card: 100 Mb Ethernet network card/adaptor
*Wireless Card (only if using a laptop/notebook computer): Dual Band 802.11n

Looking to Purchase a New Computer?

We recommend that all new computers* (laptops/notebooks and desktop computers) have the following minimum specifications:

CPU: Intel Core i5 or higher
RAM: 8 GB (Mac and PC)
Hard Drive: 1 TB
Optical Drive: DVD burner (Mac: Super Drive)
Operating System: Windows 8.1 or Mac OS X 10.9
Video Card: AMD/nVidia (dedicated/discreet for laptops, 512 MB memory for desktops)
Network Card: Gigabit ethernet network card/adaptor
*Wireless Card (only if using a laptop/notebook computer): Dual Band 802.11ac

Software Recommendations

Microsoft Office 2013 / Office 365 (PC) or Microsoft Office 2011 / Office 365 (Mac)
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Java uninstalled or disabled (why disable Java?)
Antivirus software (Free Antivirus Solutions)

Broadcasting Student Requirements

The Broadcasting Department has specific computer requirements for all incoming students. All broadcasting students much purchase a MacBook Pro computer, an external hard drive, and specific software. Details on the computer requirements for Broadcasting students can be located on the Department of Broadcasting website.