Student Owned Computer Requirements

When choosing a computer to bring to campus, IT Services recommends the following specifications. There is a possibility that other systems may perform adequately, but they may not be supported by IT Services if difficulties arise when connecting to campus technology resources. If purchasing a new computer, IT Services recommends you exceed the specifications below for optimum performance.

Windows PC

Operating System

  • Recommended: Windows 11
  • Minimum: Windows 10

Hardware

  • Processor: 1.6Ghz or faster, manufactured within the last 3 years
  • RAM: 4GB or more
  • Hard Drive: 256GB or larger

Software

Backup

  • IT Services highly recommends students back up personal data (e.g. pictures, music, videos, documents) regularly to avoid data loss in the event of hardware or software issues with personal computers. Backup solutions include a cloud-based service or external hard drive. Keep in mind that external hard drives and other backup solutions can also fail, so it is wise to store important data in more than one location. Students are responsible for their own backup methods and for managing personal data.

Macintosh

Operating System

  • Recommended: OS 12.0
  • Minimum: OS 10.14

Hardware

  • Processor: 1.8Ghz or faster, manufactured within the last 3 years
  • RAM: 4 GB or more
  • Hard Drive: 256GB or larger

Software

Backup

  • IT Services highly recommends students back up personal data (e.g. pictures, music, videos, documents) regularly to avoid data loss in the event of hardware or software issues with personal computers. Backup solutions include a cloud-based service or external hard drive. Keep in mind that external hard drives and other backup solutions can also fail, so it is wise to store important data in more than one location. Students are responsible for their own backup methods and for managing personal data.

Additional

Through the institutions' enterprise agreement with Microsoft, CSB/SJU students are able to download and install Microsoft Office 365 Apps for Enterprise applications at no additional cost. Office 365 Apps for Enterprise includes the familiar and full Office applications, such as Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, it may be installed on up to five devices, and it is available offline. Your Office 365 installation will be free to you throughout your tenure at CSB/SJU. After you leave CSB/SJU, your Microsoft Office 365 Apps for Enterprise subscription will end. At that time, you will have the option of enrolling in other available consumer or commercial subscriptions. If you have a CSB/SJU network account, click the following link for more information and instructions: Get Microsoft Office