Integrated Information Technology Services (IITS)
Integrated Information Technology Services (IITS)
(315) 792-3115
Computer Information
This site is for anyone looking to buy a device for use with University classes, or who wants to verify that the device they currently have will work. We generally do not recommend ChromeOS devices or tablets as a primary device to complete coursework.
Decisions To Make
Everyone’s situation is a little different, so what you choose to get is a personal choice. This section gives you some of our input that may help you decide on the best device for you.
Laptops are usually the best option for people. Desktop computers are great for gamers as they can be more powerful, but they lack portability and can’t go to class with you. Tablets are super portable, but are limited to certain apps and may not be able to run software that a full laptop with Windows could. Of course you can have a mix of these devices if you prefer and can afford to.
If you are looking to buy a computer, you can save up to 10% on the price of a Dell by going to www.dell.com/utica . Other computer manufacturers often have educational discounts as well, so check their websites before purchasing from a retailer like BestBuy or Walmart.
If you are already familiar with a mac and are comfortable with using one, you may want to stay with that platform. However, be aware that some classes require use of software that only works on Windows computers. If you already have a Windows computer, that’s usually good to stay with. Avoid Windows 11 S however, this has limitations on what you can install.
See our program specific requirements below, they may prohibit or discourage Apple computers due to class software requirements.
While Utica University uses Dell for our own computers, and has educational pricing available from Dell we don’t endorse any particular brand. It is recommended to stick with “name brand” manufacturers such as Apple, HP, Dell, Lenovo, or Microsoft. These companies use name brand components and reliable warranties. Components are often the same across brands (i.e. the processor is made by Intel and the memory by Samsung), so purchase based on price and warranty. Get the best warranty you can afford so you know the device can be repaired while you’re a student.
The University has a number of resources available on the main Utica campus. These include computer labs (for a map see www.utica.edu/labs), short term and week long loaner laptops (see the Library), and printers. Students in HEOP or CSTEP programs may also be eligible for a loaner laptop.
Our lab computers often have specialty software such as SPSS, or the Adobe Suite (Ray Simon Convergence Media Classroom - Faculty Center B01 - only) and using those computers at times instead of your own may be useful.
- Microsoft Office. While you’re a University student you’ll have a license to Microsoft Office free of charge. You can use Microsoft’s online tools at www.office.com and/or install the Office Suite (instructions) on your computer. While there are Microsoft apps for tablets, we don’t recommend using a tablet as your primary device to complete classwork. Office includes OneDrive, a cloud storage platform, and one terabyte of storage space. This is a good place to backup important files as you work on them.
- Outlook app. The University uses Microsoft Outlook for our email services. Check your Utica email in a web browser at https://outlook.office.com or get the Outlook app for your mobile device.
- Browsers. It is highly recommended to use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox browsers. If you’re an Apple user, a lot of web pages have trouble when using Safari.
Basic Requirements
These are general guidelines that will work for most people. Please be aware that certain academic programs, or specific classes, may have higher requirements. Check below for our program specific requirements.
We do not suggest any ChromeOS device, even if it does meet these specifications, due to software compatibility concerns.
For information about devices prohibited on our network, see our Networking & Infrastructure page.
Recommended System Specifications
The Help Desk's recommended system specifications are the specs you should look at when deciding on a new computer.
At this time Utica University suggests avoiding the purchase of ChromeOS devices. These are essentially only a web browser and cannot run any special software. Windows computers will provide the highest level of software compatibility. Some academic programs require special software that will only operate on Windows based computers. We recommend you contact your academic advisor regarding this. Both Windows and Apple macOS recommendations are below.
PC Recommended System Hardware | |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Processor Speed | 2.4 GHz dual-core equivalent or better |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Drives | Enough hard drive space to store your programs and files, and an external drive for backup is recommended (or you can use Google Drive for backup in the cloud). |
| Networking | Ethernet and/or Wireless (5 GHz card or "dual band") |
| Software | Latest Google Chrome browser and/or Mozilla Firefox browser |
Mac Recommended System Hardware | |
| Operating System | Mac OS 15 "Sequoia" |
| Processor Speed | Intel Core i5 Processor |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Drives | Enough hard drive space to store your programs and files, and an external drive - with the appropriate adapter - for backup is recommended (or you can use Google Drive for backup in the cloud). |
| Networking | All macs have wireless. |
| Software | Latest Google Chrome browser and/or Mozilla Firefox browser |
Minimum Requirements
Utica University's Help Desk reserves the right to refuse service and support for any computer below these specifications.
NOTE: If you are purchasing a computer now, please make sure it meets at least these requirements. These requirements change each year based on support cycles of there respective manufactures.
PC Minimum System Requirements | |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Processor Speed | 1.6 GHz or equivalent |
| RAM | 4 GB (8 GB preferred) |
| Drives | No minimum |
| Software | Latest Google Chrome browser and/or Mozilla Firefox browser |
Mac Minimum Requirements | |
| Operating System | Mac OS 13 "Ventura" Until Apple discontinues support status. |
| Processor Speed | Any |
| RAM | 4 GB (8 GB preferred) |
| Drives | No minimum |
| Software | Latest Google Chrome browser and/or Mozilla Firefox browser |
Program Specific Requirements
Certain academic programs have slightly different requirements from our basic recommendations based on the software they use.
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Cybersecurity students must have a laptop that will allow them to run numerous cybersecurity tools, create virtual machines (VMware Workstation Pro is free for all cybersecurity students), and design and run simple, intermediate, and complex cybersecurity experiments. Also, if you are a computer forensics student, you will need to make sure that the computer you own or purchase can run various computer forensics software packages.
Cybersecurity students must have a Windows laptop with the following minimum specifications:
- 15.6" Screen or larger (tasks often use multiple open applications and screens)
- 64-bit quad core or Intel Core i7
- 12GB memory (minimum) or 16GB memory (preferred)
- 512GB SSD or 1TB hard drive storage.
The faculty wants to remind students that PCs are more commonly used in cybersecurity than Macs. You will not be able to complete the cybersecurity program on a Mac, Chromebook, Surface Pro, iPad, or similar tablet device. Furthermore, the Cybersecurity Faculty will not support students attempting to use anything but a PC in this program.
Computer: Students are strongly recommended to utilize a Windows PC; all software utilized is designed for Windows PC. While workarounds exist to operate Windows software on Apple computers and Linux distributions, Utica University’s IT helpdesk and the MSDS program do not support the use of these.
- Windows PC
- Windows 11
- 16 GB+ RAM recommended, 8GB RAM is suboptimal
- 500GB+ HDD recommended (internal or external storage), 1 TB is optimal
- 64-bit OS
- 4 or more cores, 2.5GHz or faster (e.g., Intel Core i7 or i9, AMD Quad core)
- Camera and Microphone: There are video presentations and video conferences throughout the program so an electronic audio/video recording capability is required (e.g., computer camera and microphone, smart phone).
It is recommended that you do not use a work/corporate computer for class work, unless officially authorized.
If you have questions relating to the specific requirements of your classes, please contact your instructor(s).
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