Computer Recommendations

Personal Computer Recommendations

About 70% of student-owned computers on campus run Windows, and about 30% run macOS with some Linux mixed in. Students, if you are bringing a personal computer to campus, please review our recommendations for Windows (PC) and Apple (Mac) computers. This list is also applicable to faculty / staff considering purchasing a personal computer.

PC Recommendation

Operating System: Windows 11 (NOT Windows 11 S)
CPU: 11th Generation or newer Intel Core i5, i7 or AMD equivalent
RAM ("Memory"): 8 GB or more (16 GB is strongly recommended)
Hard Drive: 256 GB Solid-State Drive (SSD) or better; NVMe preferred
Network: WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
Warranty: 3-year warranty
Webcam
 

Apple Recommendation

Operating System: macOS 14 (Sonoma)
RAM ("Memory"): 8 GB or more (16GB is strongly recommended)
Hard Drive: 256 GB PCIe-based flash storage or better
Network: WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
Warranty: 3-year AppleCare Protection Plan
Education Pricing: visit http://store.apple.com/us-hed/findyourschool (admitted or enrolled students)
Webcam

* Specifications are subject to change without notice. If you have questions, please call 419-448-2088 or email the help desk.

Preparing your computer:

So that you may get connected as quickly as possible, we recommend that you prepare your computer following the steps below before you arrive on campus. When you connect for the first time on campus, Opswat (formerly SafeConnect) - Policy Key will be installed on your computer and it will analyze your system, making sure it meets these requirements. It will also assist you if you do not meet these requirements.

To prepare your Windows computer for connection to the campus network:

1) You must have an up-to-date antivirus program installed on your computer. We recommend Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender). Windows 10/11 comes with Windows Security; however, if there is a trial version of any other antivirus programs installed, they should be uninstalled. Start > Control Panel > Uninstall a Program.

2) You must have all of Windows Updates installed. Windows Updates are freely available on all Windows based computers. These updates typically download and install automatically, but if you need to check manually, you can click Start > Settings > Update & Security > and click "Check for Updates."

To prepare your Apple computer for connection to the campus network:

1) Make certain macOS is up to date by opening System Preferences > Software Updates.

Note: If you experience difficulties following any of these steps, contact the CNIT Service Desk or drop by Bareis Hall, room 309 during business hours.

Additional information:

• Software
  • Microsoft Office 365 is available at no additional charge to currently enrolled students. This can be installed from home before you arrive on campus. 
  • Google Workspace (Formerly G Suite) is available to all students and offers 20GB of email and document storage (Gmail and Google Drive). You can learn more about using Google Workspace at the Google Workspace Learning Center.
• Device Connections
  • All residence halls offer wireless service in addition to wired Ethernet connections.  If you desire to use a wired Ethernet connection, we recommend a 20-foot CAT 5e or CAT 6 network cable. If you are connecting a gaming console, we highly recommend connecting it to the network using a wired Ethernet connection. 
  • Smart TVs, smart phones, video game consoles, tablets and other devices are all welcome on our network. If you find that is not the case, once you arrive on campus, please contact the helpdesk for further assistance.
• Printing
  • The University provides black/white laser printing in all computer labs, Beeghly Library and in all residence halls.
  • We do not recommend bringing a printer to campus. However, if you do, we ask that you connect it directly to your computer using a USB cable or Bluetooth.