Student Personal Computers - Suggested Specifications
This guide is intended for incoming students and parents to help make informed decisions on purchasing or bringing a computer for use on campus and in the residence halls.
General information about computing devices
Most current personal computers will connect to the SU Network wirelessly, or through the network port in your residence hall room using an Ethernet cable. Your computer should have one of the following as a minimum system configuration. Windows based computers must be running Windows 10 or 11, updated Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware software. Macintosh computers should be running at least MacOS version 13 (Ventura).
Note that devices like Chromebooks, iPads, Galaxy tablets, or devices with Windows 10S only allow installation from an app store rather than from outside sources. For these devices, many applications will not be able to be installed. Please keep this consideration in mind when shopping for a new device and how you intend to use the device. SU IT does not recommend these devices be purchased to be the primary device for a student for course work.
Windows Laptops/PC (cost generally $700 and up)
| Windows Laptops/PC-Advanced (cost generally $1200 and up)(Recommended for the following Majors: Accounting, Management & Marketing, Economics & Finance, Information & Decision Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Geography & Geosciences, & Psychology)
|
|---|
Important Considerations for Macs
Macs are great for many tasks, but they don’t always work with Windows-only software required in some courses.
Before buying a new device, please consider your major and how you plan to use the device for your classes. SU IT recommends checking your program’s tech needs before purchasing a Mac.
If you already have a Mac and need to use Windows software, you may need to use on-campus Windows computers, like those in computer labs or available for loan from the Library Circulation Desk.
Apple Macbook/iMac (cost generally $900 and up)
| Apple Macbook/iMac-Advanced (cost generally $2100 and up)
|
Tablets
Tablet computers such as the iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Amazon Fire HD, and Windows Surface can make a great complement to your laptop or desktop computer, due to their small, lightweight profile and portability. Most all of them connect easily to our SU wireless network. With the exception of the Windows Surface Pro, which runs a full version of Windows, we do not recommend using a tablet for your only computing solution. For the Windows Surface Pro, we also recommend a USB Ethernet Adapter (http://www.apple.com/search/ethernet-adapter)
What Not To Bring
Not all "network" devices are compatible with our network. Specifically, the following items are known not to work.
Routers, Switches and Wireless Access Points. Routers, switches and wireless access points are not permitted on the network. Plugging one in may result in your network port being deactivated.
Wireless Printers. Wireless printers will not be able to connect wirelessly on our network. These are meant to be shared on private networks, and cannot be set up on the SU wired or wireless network. You can connect your wireless printer directly to your computer using a USB cable (usually provided with the printer).
Wireless or Network Storage Devices. Like wireless printers, these devices are intended for small, private home networks. Also like wireless printers, these devices usually have cables that can be used to directly attach them to your computer for use in Residence Halls.
Devices that connect to your computer wirelessly. Some devices, like Google Chromecast, require a computer to wirelessly connect in order to function. These devices will not work on our wireless network. Other devices, like Apple TV, have both stand alone and connected features. These will work, but the features that require wireless connection to other devices will not.
Related articles
Did this solve your issue??