What type of computer should I purchase?
Desktop computers are fully supported, but many students find that a laptop/notebook computer is more versatile. The Office of Information Technology recommends the following general specifications for a new computer purchase.
Please keep in mind that these are merely guidelines; your major/course of study may require something different. You could contact either your advisor, the office of your department head or the office of the dean of your college if you need more specific information regarding what is needed for your coursework.
If more space for larger projects is needed, there are good inexpensive options for high-speed external storage drives beyond just USB thumb drives.
Windows
Minimum CPU/Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 (Desktop)/Intel Core i5-8200Y (Mobile) or AMD Ryzen 5 2600 (Desktop)/AMD Ryzen 3500U (Mobile)
RAM: 16 GB minimum recommended
Hard Drive: 250 gb minimum, 500gb recommended, Solid State Drives also recommended
Optical Drive: If desired, a USB connected CD/DVD/Blu-Ray drive may be required as they are typically no longer built-in for laptops and some small form desktops
Operating System: Windows 11
Wireless Network Card: Support for 802.11 B/G/N
Wired Networking: Onboard ethernet port or Thunderbolt/USB-C ethernet adapter for computers without built-in ethernet connectivity
Mac
CPU/Processor: Apple Silicon M1 or M2 minimum
RAM: 8 GB minimum recommended for Macs with M1 or M2
Hard Drive: 256 gb minimum, 500gb recommended, Solid State Drives also recommended
Optical Drive: If desired, a USB connected CD/DVD/Blu-Ray drive may be required as they are typically no longer built-in for laptops and some small form desktops
Operating System: Mac OS X 11.6.7 and up
Wireless Network Card: Support for 802.11 B/G/N
Wired Networking: Onboard ethernet port or Thunderbolt/USB-C ethernet adapter for computers without built-in ethernet connectivity
What basic software will I need?
You may be interested in Microsoft Office, but OIT encourages you to try Google Drive first. It is available to you at no cost and may be adequate for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and other basic computing tasks. UAH provides Google Workspace to all students, faculty, and staff. This suite of apps includes not only Google Drive, but also Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Sites, and more.
Visit Chargerware for details regarding other online resources and software products available to you for installation or use in a computer lab on campus.
What security software should I buy?
There are a variety of antivirus software solutions suitable for student systems. Learn more about some of your antivirus solutions.
What other "tech items" might I need?
Portable storage
Many students use USB thumb drives/flash drives to carry their documents. For small storage hardware, an 8GB device may be sufficient. The 16GB and 32GB models are relatively inexpensive if you anticipate the need for more storage.
As an alternative, storing your files in Google Drive makes them available on any device when you have network access.
Backup functionality
Both Windows and Mac OS X include user-friendly software to support backup functionality. We recommend that students purchase an external hard drive or subscribe to an online backup service and perform regular backups.
Many companies offer Extended Warranty and Accidental Damage Protection plans. The monetary cost may be worth the benefit of your peace of mind.
Ethernet cable
If you are staying in the residence halls, you must provide your own CAT5e or CAT6 Ethernet cable for access to the wired network. Most retailers stock these in the electronics department.
Blank CD/DVD Media
Some course work must be turned in on CDs or DVDs – ask early in the term and plan ahead if that is the case.