Recommended Hardware Specifications for Students

Learn about Minimum Requirements and Recommended Computer Configurations

Learn about Recommended Ethernet Card

Minimum Requirements and Recommended Computer Configurations

In order for the ITS Service Desk to be able to assist students on their computers, they should meet the minimum specifications below. Our recommendations reflect the requirements for software such as Exam 4 and the HLS-owned license for Microsoft Office. Click here to verify that Exam 4 is supported on your hardware.

Windows Minimums

Operating System: Windows 10 (beginning January 2020)
Computer Processor: Intel Dual Core 2.0 GHz
Memory/RAM: 4 GB
Hard Drive: 100 GB

Apple Minimums

Operating System: Mac OS 10.13 “High Sierra”
Computer Processor: Intel Dual Core 2.0 GHz
Memory/RAM: 4 GB
Hard Drive: 100 GB

If you are purchasing a new system, the ITS Service Desk recommends the following specifications:

Recommended Requirements

Windows Recommended

Operating System: Windows 10
Computer Processor: Intel Dual Core 2.0 GHz or higher
Memory/RAM: 8 GB or more
Hard Drive: 500 GB or larger

Apple Recommended

Operating System: Mac OS 10.14 “Mojave”
Computer Processor: Intel Dual Core 2.0 GHz or higher
Memory/RAM: 8 GB or more
Hard Drive: 500 GB or larger

Recommended Ethernet Cards

Wired Ethernet Cards

Most current laptops will usually come pre-equipped with supported wired Ethernet cards capable of Gigabit Ethernet speeds (1000Mb). Please note that, with the exception of wired Ethernet jacks located in student dorms, personal machines are not allowed to connect to the HLS network over wired Ethernet.

Wireless Ethernet Cards

All current laptops will usually come pre-equipped with supported wireless Ethernet cards capable of 802.11 A, B, G, N, and AC speeds. To get connected to the HLS Wireless Network, you can follow the instructions on the student network access page, or here for the Guest Wireless Network.