What are the suggested minimum requirements for my computer on campus?

Key words: hardware apple windows mac macintosh computer purchase buy
Suggested Computer Specifications


Windows PC
  • Processor: Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 (or higher models like i7 or Ryzen 7)
  • RAM: 16GB (nothing less than 12GB) as anything less will drastically slow your computer
  • Operating System: Windows 11 (Windows 10 support ended October 2025)
  • Network: If connecting via wire, an Ethernet Network Interface Card with 20 to 40 ft Ethernet cable, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wireless (recommended for laptops)**
  • Solid-State Drive: 512GB (More is better if affordable).  Known as SSD, M.2 and NVMe
  • Antivirus: Windows Defender (built into Windows).  Free antivirus programs like AVG and Avira are also good.  If using something in addition to Windows Defender, use just one additional antivirus
  • All "Critical Updates" installed from Windows Update
 
Macintosh Computer
  • Processor: M1 or better (a 2022 model or better is recommended)
  • RAM: 8GB+ of RAM (16GB or more is better)
  • Operating System: a well maintained and patched Mac OS
  • Network: If connecting by wire, an Ethernet Network Interface Card with 20 to 40 ft Ethernet cable, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wireless (recommended for laptops)** We do recommend a USB-C hub like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Ethernet-Delivery-MacBook/dp/B08C9HZ5YT/
  • Solid-State Drive: Minimum: 256GB (512 or more is better if affordable)
  • All software updates installed from "Software Update" Apple Menu-> Software update and from the App store.
 
Chromebooks
  • Chromebooks will work, but you are limited to applications that run on ChromeOS. If you purchase a Chromebook, we recommend looking in the $300-$500 range. Less-expensive units do not tend to hold up to the riggers of college life
  • Designed for streaming content and using an internet browser
  • Chromebooks are less powerful and serve a different purpose than a Windows or Macintosh computer
  • If you have a Chromebook and need to use a Windows or Macintosh computer, there are public computers available to you all over campus, including all the dorms.  See FAQ169 for a listing of public computers
**Wireless is available throughout campus (see FAQ118 for a detailed coverage map)