Since every student will need a computer for classes this fall, you may have questions about what kind of computer will meet your needs.  Our Chief Information Officer has provided some details you may find helpful.  His simplest advice is to search for a new laptop with 8 gigabytes (gb) of memory installed.  That should give a selection that can meet most general needs.

Whether you are shopping for a new or used laptop, or want to be sure the computer you have will do the job, these specifications should set you up to do most anything required for course work: 

1)      Operating System: Windows 10 or Apple macOS

2)      Ram: 6-8 gigabytes of memory (4 gigabytes minimum) (does not include Optane Memory – not the same thing as RAM)

3)      Hard Drive: 240 gigabytes or more solid state drive (SSD) (128 gigabytes minimum)

4)      Processor:  Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 or higher (any dual core CPU as a minimum)

5)      1 year warranty or better on a new laptop

A laptop that meets the minimum criteria should be available for $250-$350, depending on the deals going on at the time you look. Most of the time Best Buy/Staples/Office Depot etc. will have a laptop that meets the ideal criteria for around $350-400.  He recommends avoiding Chromebooks, Android tablets and iPads. Those devices can work to a degree but tend to have shortcomings based on previous student experiences.