Computer Recommendations

Overview

This article contains the minimum recommended computer specifications for successfully utilizing SEMO's academic technologies.  

Recommendations

  • When purchasing a new computer, you'll want to make sure it has the resources to easily handle the computing requirements for the upcoming years, so you should consider going a little higher on the listed specifications.
  • These recommendations should be effective as long as you maintain your computer, please see Computer Performance Tips.
  • Certain majors may have higher requirements, please contact your college before purchasing a new computer.
  • Apple computers cannot be modified once purchased -- please make sure to consult this page prior to configuring your Apple Mac purchase.
  • Chromebooks are not recommended due to web-based application limitations, however Chromebooks can be used to remotely connect to an on-campus computer lab, please see Remote Computer Labs - Chromebook.

Online students and/or those taking Hyflex classes

  • Online and Hyflex classes require webcams in order to participate and take some exams. While most laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets have webcams pre-installed, an external webcam will need to be added to a desktop computer.
  • Regarding audio
    • Laptop/tablet users - headphones/earbuds will be useful when participating in a class around others.
    • Desktop users - webcams typically have microphones built-in but the computer will need speakers (or headphones/earbuds) in order to hear the class audio.
    • A USB or Bluetooth headset (headphones w/a microphone) is recommended.

Minimum Recommendations

  PC (Windows) Macintosh
Processor Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 Apple Silicon-based Processor
Memory 8 GB 8 GB
Storage 250 GB SSD / NVMe 250 GB Storage
Operating System (Supported) Windows 10 22H2 macOS 12.6.5 Monterey
Internet Connection (for off-campus students) Broadband (DSL, Cable, Satellite, hotspot  - 600Kbps up/down minimum)

Preferred Recommendations

  PC (Windows) Macintosh
Processor Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 Apple Silicon-based Processor
Memory 8 GB - 16 GB 8 GB - 16 GB
Storage 500 GB SSD / NVMe  512 GB Storage
Operating System (Supported) Windows 10 22H2 / Windows 11 22H2 macOS 13.3.1 Monterey
Internet Connection (for off-campus students) Broadband (DSL, Cable, Fiber - 25Mbps up/100Mbps down)

Details

Article ID: 752
Created
Fri 10/1/21 2:36 PM
Modified
Mon 5/22/23 3:39 PM

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