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.
The following devices and operating systems are not recommended, as HLS applications such as Canvas, PaperCut and Exam4 are not supported on:
- Apple iPad or iPad Pro
- Chromebooks
- Linux
Windows Minimums
Operating System: Windows 10 “Home”
Computer Processor: Intel Quad-Core 6th-generation Intel Core i5 2.7 GHz
Memory/RAM: 4 GB
Hard Drive: 256 GB
Apple Minimums
Operating System: Mac OS 10.13 “High Sierra”
Computer Processor: Intel Quad-Core 6th-generation Intel Core i5 2.7 GHz
Memory/RAM: 4 GB
Hard Drive: 256 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 Quad‑Core 8th‑generation Intel Core i5 or higher
Memory/RAM: 8 GB or more
Hard Drive: 256 GB or larger
Apple Recommended
Operating System: Mac OS 10.15 “Catalina”
Computer Processor: Intel Quad‑Core 8th‑generation Intel Core i5 or higher
Memory/RAM: 8 GB or more
Hard Drive: 256 GB or larger
Recommended Ethernet Cards
Wired Ethernet Cards
Some current laptops come pre-equipped with 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
Current laptops will usually come pre-equipped with 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.