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)
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
You can check your current speed here: https://www.speedtest.net/
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.
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
32 GB USB stick to periodically back up your data. Example USB products: