ICT for Students

Laptop, OS and software Requirements

OS: Linux is the preferred platform for all laptops, and it is the one supported by the sysad team: Install Ubuntu 18.04 Download (64 bit) or higher. Other OSes may be fine if you have only theory classes, but for lab courses, not having Linux may requires you to spend more effort creating the lab environment on your laptop, yourself.

Laptop:

  • Minimum: Theory Coursework only (i.e. mainly video watching, some basic programming, documents etc)

    • Intel i3 7th gen min 2 cores (or equivalent processor), 4GB RAM, 120 GB (240 GB for larger datasets) Hard Disk

    • Example products: Lenovo Asus

  • Better (not minimum): Lab Coursework (may need docker installation and running)

    • Intel i5 min 4 cores (or equivalent processor) 8GB RAM, 120 GB (240 GB for larger datasets) Hard Disk

    • Example products : HP Asus

Home Internet/Mobile Data Requirements


These are estimates based on combination of viewing recorded lectures, and some live interactions on audio, and audio+ slides/digital board, plus other academic work done

  • Minimum bandwidth requirement :1 Mbps

  • Average Daily Data: 500 MB

  • Peak Download : 100 MB to 2.3GB per lab course

    • This is a one time only requirement, to be done at the beginning of the semester.

Headset

A Headset is a must for comfortable listening to recorded lectures or listening and speaking in live interactions. Any standard headset will do.


Other

UPS

No Minimum requirement. Recommended mainly for your wifi router or dsl/cable modem, if you have power issues, and if you have a desktop (rather than laptop). These are just claimed estimates by typical manufacturers, no additional tests have been done.


  • 600VA

    • Powering a desktop for ~30 mins

    • Laptop ~ 40 mins

    • Wifi router ~ 15hrs

  • 1100VA

    • Powering a desktop for ~1hr

    • Laptop ~2-3 hrs

    • Wifi router ~ 30hrs

USB

32 GB USB stick to periodically back up your data. Example USB products: