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)
NOTE: Windows 10 goes end of support in October of 2025. At that time, it will no longer be supported on campus.
CPU: 11th Generation or newer Intel Core i5, i7, Core Ultra 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 15 (Sequoia)
NOTE: Sequoia, Sonoma and Ventura are currently supported on campus
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:

Before arriving to campus, we recommend that you configure your laptop and mobile to auto-connect to the Heidelberg network. To do this, you can visit - http://www.heidelberg.edu/wifi - then click on the "Connect to HU_SECURE" button at the top of the screen. When prompted, log into your newly issued Heidelberg email address. 

VIDEO GUIDE - If you are using either a Windows/Apple, or connecting a mobile device, please watch the following video for in-depth instructions.

--Link to video coming soon--

After you have completed the auto-connect instructions, be sure your device is running the latest version of Windows 11 or MacOS to ensure your device is running properly and secure with the latest vulnerability patches. 

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.
  • With Google Workspace, it works best WITH the Google Chrome Browser instead of using Microsoft Edge or Apple Safari.
• 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.