Computers at ¶¶Òõ̽̽
Access to a computer is critical for student success, both in and out of class. All ¶¶Òõ̽̽ students are required to have a laptop that meets the minimum specifications outlined below.
Students who might have financial difficulty meeting their computing needs should email Student Financial Services or call 802-656-5700
An Important Note
Chromebooks, iPads, and Android Tablets are not capable of being used as your primary computing device. While these devices can be used in addition to a laptop computer, they do not have the features and software compatibility required for all academic coursework.
Student Laptop Requirement
Minimum hardware specs
Please note: a computer meeting the minimum specifications may not be sufficient for your entire academic career at ¶¶Òõ̽̽.
- A laptopÌýcapable of running the latest version of or
- Series 1 (2023-2024) processor[3], 12th-generation (2022) processor[3], processor[4], or processor[1][2]
- 8 GB memory (RAM)
- 256 GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
- 1920 x 1080 Full HD Graphics (FHD) or better — we strongly recommend avoiding anything less
- Wi-Fi adapter, either built-in or via a USB adapter (must be capable of operating in the 5 GHz band for residence halls)
- Built-in or USB Webcam
Recommended hardware specs
If you're in the market for a new computer for college, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ recommends purchasing an Apple or Dell laptop from the in the Bookstore, where you can find models priced for back-to-school that come with full on-campus service and support.
- A laptopÌýrunning the latest version of or
- Series 1 (2023-2024) processor, 13th-generation (2023) processor[3], processor[4], or Apple M Series processor[1][2]
- 16 GB memory (RAM)
- 512 GB Solid State Drive (SSD) or larger
- 1920 x 1080 Full HD Graphics (FHD) or better
- Wi-Fi adapter or better
- Built-in or USB HD Webcam (≥720p)
Intel-only applications require , which will be installed automatically. Please check with your school for any specialized software needed.
PC (x86) Emulation is not yet fully supported. GSB faculty strongly prefer students use Windows PCs rather than MacsÌý(see notes below under additional recommended specifications accordion.) CEMS supports their Virtual Votey VDI environment.
Check with your class advisors for any compatibility issues and recommended workarounds. Our Hardware Team typically cannot repair laptops with AMD processors.
Optional features and add-ons
- Ethernet port or plug-in adapter (Wi-Fi may not be available in all areas) and an Ethernet cable of at least 25 feet (7.62 m) for use in residence halls.
- Set up OneDrive for backing up data. See Backup and File Storage below.
- For presentations and other academic needs, you may need a suitable plug-in video adapter (e.g., USB-C to HDMI). The carries several popular types of adapter cables.
- A for use during long classes.
The College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences and the Grossman Scholl of Business have additional recommended specifications.
- Grossman School of Business Technology Requirement & Support
- GSB Faculty strongly prefer students use Windows PCs rather than Mac laptops because of application compatibility.
- College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences Computer Recommendations
Buying a computer? Need a backup drive or computer accessory? Visit the ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Techstore!
in the Bookstore is an authorized sales provider of popular Apple and Dell computers and accessories. Take advantage of Back-to-School savings and educational discounts not available anywhere else!
Need in-person IT help? Does your Apple or Dell computer need to be repaired? Visit the Computer Clinic!
¶¶Òõ̽̽ Client Services Hardware Team is an authorized service provider of Apple computers and select Dell computers.
See the Help & Support page for details.
Find a Computer Lab
See Computer Labs > Other Labs.
Networking at ¶¶Òõ̽̽
Wired
¶¶Òõ̽̽ has wired Ethernet connections in all residence hall rooms on a "port-per-pillow" basis, which guarantees one port per student per room (students in rooms with limited wall jacks may pick up a mini-hub from their residence hall's Main Desk after move-in day). Computers plugged into residence hall networks will need to perform a ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Network Registration once per semester.
Wired ports can also be found in various study spots in the Dudley H. Davis Student Center, the , and some classrooms.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available throughout campus, including in residence halls and certain academic buildings. Learn more about Wi-Fi network connections at ¶¶Òõ̽̽ (SC).
IoT Devices - Smart speakers, lights, casting devices, media consoles, and more
For information on devices that are compatible/incompatible with the ¶¶Òõ̽̽ network, see the ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Knowledge Base guide.
Preparing Your Computer for the ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Network
If you bring a computer with you...
You can avoid many potential problems by purchasing a computer through the ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Bookstore's since we can best help you with a computer configured for ¶¶Òõ̽̽ that we are certified to repair. If you do bring a computer with you, please see the recommended specifications above.
Prepare your computer for the campus network before you arrive:
- Install all security updates for your operating system.
- Set your computer to install updates automatically.
- Be sure all accounts on your computer, especially Administrator and ones with administrative privileges, have good passwords. See Protecting Your NetID for guidelines that can be applied to any password.
- Set your Web browser's home page to "myuvm.uvm.edu" or "www.uvm.edu".
- Download and install supported software at ¶¶Òõ̽̽'s Software Download Portal.
After you arrive on campus
Configure and test your Wi-Fi hardware, using the ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Wi-Fi Connection guide.
Backup & File Storage
Secure storage and backup for your important work
With your NetID and password, you can access your private, secure storage space on OneDrive. You can access your files from anywhere in the world, and they are secure and private unless you make them public.
Please refer to the various OneDrive Knowledge Base articlesÌýfor helpful information about OneDrive and how it can be used at ¶¶Òõ̽̽.
Web Publishing and Blogging
With your ¶¶Òõ̽̽ NetID and password, you can access your personal webspace at ¶¶Òõ̽̽ or make your own !
Using ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Email
Why use ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Email?
Even if you already have an email address, you will need to use your ¶¶Òõ̽̽ account. You will receive official ¶¶Òõ̽̽ communication through your ¶¶Òõ̽̽ email account, so be sure to check it regularly!
Learn more about using email at ¶¶Òõ̽̽.
NetID and Email
Your ¶¶Òõ̽̽ email address is tied to your ¶¶Òõ̽̽ NetID. You will also need your NetID for access to many other resources at ¶¶Òõ̽̽. You can activate your NetID as soon as you've been accepted to ¶¶Òõ̽̽.
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