Student personal computer recommendations

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 10

• CPU: i5 2.7 GHz

• RAM: 6-8 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)

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.

• OS: Windows 10

• CPU: 3.0 GHz

• RAM: 12-16 GB of DDR4 RAM

• 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)

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 newer

• RAM: 16 GB of DDR4 RAM

• 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 Internet