Recommended Technology Specifications

Computer recommendations:

Windows computer minimum specifications

  • Intel Core i5 or better/AMD Ryzen 5 or better
  • 16 GB or higher RAM
  • 256 or higher SSD

Apple computer minimum specifications

  • Apple m1 chip or better
  • 16 GB or higher RAM
  • 256 or higher SSD

 

System recommendations:

Operating System Web Browser Screen Resolution

Windows 11 or higher

Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge

1920×1080 or higher

macOS 14 Sonoma or higher

Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox 

1920×1080 or higher

Note; Safari is not supported on a majority of the web-based course software.

 

Bandwidth recommendations:

A home internet or hotspot connection of at least 1.5 Mbps Internet speed as a bare minimum requirement (both upload and download) is highly recommended; a majority of courses have an online component. To determine your Internet speed you can use a variety of Internet speed tests such as https://www.speedtest.net; click on the “GO” button to start. The speed test will check your upload speed, download speed, and latency (ping) both idle and under load.

  Good Better Best

Internet Speed

5 Mbps

20 Mbps

100 Mbps or higher

Latency

<75 ms

<50 ms

<20 ms or lower

 

Additional equipment:

In courses using web conferencing, webcams and microphones are required. Zoom and Microsoft Teams web conferencing tools can also be used for instructor office hours and tutoring sessions. 

  • Webcam
  • Microphone

Important notes of interest:

  1. Chromebooks, smart phones and tablets are not supported by a majority of the publishers and software packages used at the college but can be useful for web applications.
  2. Different areas of study have requirements that exceed the minimum specifications listed above. Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and majors requiring or using graphic and video software will have requirements that match those of a gaming computer. 
  3. Certain areas of study require specialized software which will require administrative rights to the computer to install this software.
  4. The Testing Center in Hopkins has PCs that can be used for test taking if a computer is not available.
  5. Student Services can temporarily check out a laptop for your use; first come first serve basis. These laptops have a majority of the required software installed.
  6. Microcomputer Application courses require Microsoft Access which is not available on Apple devices.

If you have questions on specific courses, programs or content in courses, please contact your assigned navigator, instructor or the program coordinator for details.