Computer Recommendation

Issue/Question

I am an incoming student and have some questions regarding the computer requirements.

What are the system requirements I should have when purchasing a laptop for school?

What are the requirements for bringing my own computer to USD?

What does USD recommend?

What is minimum recommended computer

Environment

  • USD wireless network
  • Windows computers
  • Mac computers
  • Linux computers

Resolution

Interested in a computer supported by USD?  
  • Purchase a new laptop at a discounted price, See Specification and price at USD Laptop Purchase
    • Add to Student Bill payment option available
    • Support offered by USD Certified technicians
    • If your computer is in for repair a loaner computer will be provided
    • Interested in purcahsing?  Click the Purchase from USD button on this page

Minimum Hardware and Software requirements
Some academic programs will require a laptop or tablet computer. To ensure you have a computer that will meet your academic needs, please review

All computers must meet the minimum requirements to receive ITS assistance connecting to the USD network. If purchasing a new computer, ITS recommends exceeding those minimum requirements for optimum performance.   We recommend systems that meet or exceed the following specifications:
Note:  Requirements may change at any time. Please refer to this page before making any computer purchases.

  • Operating System
    • Recommended
      • Windows 10/11 Pro
      • macOS 13 (Ventura) or Above
    • Minimum
      • Windows 10/11 Home
      • macOS 11 (Big Sur)
    • Current version of Chrome OS can be used with limited support.
    • Linux is Not Supported
    • Windows 10/11 in S Mode is not supported
  • CPU
    • Recommended
      • Intel Core i-Series
      • AMD Ryzen
      • Apple M1/M2
  • Memory
    • ​​​​​​​8+ GB​​​​​​​
  • Wireless
    • ​​​​​​​802.11 ac 2.4/5Ghz or higher​​​​​​​
  • Ethernet Adapter
    • ​​​​​​​100/1000 Base-T​​​​​​​
  • WebCam
    • ​​​​​​​1080p or higher​​​​​​​
Chromebooks:
  • There are some limitations when doing distance learning especially when presenting and sharing your screen. They also do not multitask as effectively as Windows and Mac PC's. Chromebooks do not support some of the testing applications and may not meet the requirements for proctored exams and are therefore not recommended at this time. See Questions Regarding Chromebooks
 
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Details

Article ID: 6274
Created
Tue 4/27/21 2:35 PM
Modified
Fri 5/3/24 12:33 PM
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Related Articles (2)

Chromebooks can be used for USD courses but some courses may require software that is not available on the Chromebook

Related Services / Offerings (2)

Purchase a new laptop at a discounted price.
Purchase a new laptop at a discounted price.