Purpose
The purpose of this standard is to provide the minimum hardware and software standards needed for students planning to bring their own laptop to ensure that it meets their academic needs.
Application
This standard applies to students that already have a laptop or plan to purchase a laptop to use as a student at Indiana State University.
Exceptions
Some academic disciplines, such as Technology, Science, Art and Design may have higher requirements. Please check with your academic adviser for more information.
Standards
Below are the minimum standard specifications for hardware and software. ISU students have access to software at no added charge that can be downloaded and installed on a personal computer.
- Windows 10/Windows 11 or MacOS 10.13 or later*
- Wireless Connectivity (802.11 b/g or 802.11 b/g/n)
- 2.0GHz Dual Core Processor or higher - AMD or Intel Processors ONLY
- Current virus and threat protection (Windows Defender will suffice)
- 8GB Memory
- 120 GB Hard Drive or higher
- In good working condition
- Administrator account access**
*Please check with your academic department to confirm Operating System requirements as they may use programs which specifically require either Windows or Mac. Chromebooks and similar browser-based computers do not meet this standard.
**All personal computers will provide this by default. If your computer is owned by your employer or other entity, you may not have an Administrator account.
CHROMEBOOKS: These devices are not sufficient to complete all academic work at ISU. They will not install necessary software. Additionally, newer Chromebooks have changed their wireless connectivity band to exclusively 802.11 ac, which is has limited availability.
Info! See related articles for additional information about hardware and software at ISU.