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This article will assist students in selecting computers with appropriate specifications for their course work. All laptop computers should come with a microphone and camera. |
Gen Ed. Computer Recommendation
Gen ed courses do not require any advanced hardware. Low budget computers will suffice. These are not bare minimum requirements but minimum recommendations for a good student experience.
OS: Windows 1011, macOS 11 Big Sur and newer
CPU: i5 2.7 GHz4+ core processors recommended
RAM: 6- 8 to 16 GB of RAM
Graphics: onboard graphics or dedicated GPU with 128MB RAM or better
Peripherals recommended:
Speakers and/or headphone/audio jack
Webcam (integrated or USB plug-and-play).
Browser: Chrome or Firefox (latest version)Browser: Microsoft Edge, or Google Chrome
Example Models:
Apple MacBook Air
Dell Inspiron
HP EliteBook
Lenovo ThinkPad
Tech Ed Computer Recommendation
Tech Ed courses such as GDT, DDT, EMP, MTT require intensive software such as Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, etc. More capable hardware is recommended. These are not bare minimum requirements but minimum recommendations for a good student experience Some CAD software is not available on macOS and Linux operating systems, so Windows 11 is a requirement for programs that use CAD software.
OS: Windows 1011
CPU: 3.0 GHz8+ core processors recommended
RAM: 12- 16+ GB of DDR4 RAMrecommended
Graphics: dedicated GPU with 256MB of dedicated graphics RAM
Hard drive: 256MB SSD
Peripherals recommended:
Speakers and/or headphone/audio jack
Webcam (integrated or USB plug-and-play).
Browser: Chrome or Firefox (latest version)
Browser: Microsoft Edge, or Google Chrome
Example Models:
Asus ProArt
Dell XPS
Lenovo ThinkPad
GDT/EMP Mac Recommendation
Some programs are for fields were Macs are heavily used. Mac technology has a shorter end of life / end of support than PC technology. These are not bare minimum requirements, they are minimum recommendations for a good student experience.
OS: Mac OSX 10.6 and newerOS: macOS 11 Big Sur and newer
CPU: Apple Silicon Pro series processor (M1 Pro and higher)
RAM: 16+ GB of DDR4 RAMrecommended
Graphics: dedicated GPU with 256MB of dedicated graphics RAM
Harddrive: 256GB SSD
Browser: Safari or Chrome for Mac (latest version)
Online Classes Requirements
Online classes have the lightest needs.
OS: Windows 10
CPU: 2.7GHz or higher
RAM: 4 GB or higher
Graphics: Onboard graphics or dedicated GPU
Peripherals recommended:
Speakers and/or headphone/audio jack
Webcam (integrated or USB plug-and-play).
Chrome or Firefox (latest version)
Broadband InternetStorage: 512+ GB recommended
Browser: Google Chrome for Mac