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Devices
Computers, Software & Equipment that Work With Your Courses
🆘 If you are unable to resolve any technology issues that are impacting your ability to successfully participate in your course, please reach out to your local Center and/or professional advisor for further assistance.
UMA Technology Recommendations for Students
Although the University of Maine at Augusta does not have a computer requirement for all students, many students choose to bring a laptop computer to a campus or center. If you currently own a laptop, consider bringing that device with you. However, as you progress through your academic career, you may find it beneficial to upgrade and purchase a new device.
If you are bringing a currently owned computer to campus, the minimum specification should include:
PC = Operating System, Windows 10
Mac = Operating System, High Sierra
UMA Student Minimum Computer Specifications
Processor – i3 through i7 Intel processors (recommended i5 or i7 series)
RAM - 8 GB to 16 GB
Hard Drive - 256GB or larger solid-state drive (SSD) (recommended 500 GB or higher)
Operating System – Latest Windows or Apple OS
Backup Device - External hard drive and/or USB Flash Drive
Online Storage and/or backup for important documents (ex: Google Drive, One Drive, iCloud, DropBox)
Additional Computer Features -
Internal or external webcam devise,
built-in microphone or external headset,
WiFi enabled internet
Warranty - Pay close attention to your warranty coverage and accidental coverage for laptops is recommended.
*Students in the academic programs listed below will likely have different computer specification needs. Consulting with the Academic Program Coordinator or the student’s Faculty Advisor prior to purchasing is strongly recommended:
Undergraduate Cybersecurity Program Computer Requirements can be found here.
Art, Architecture, Computer Information Systems, Data Science, Dental Hygiene, Music, Nursing
Ordering Through Retailers 💰
Note UMA does not endorse any specific brand of computer or device. These links are suggestions to get you started.
Some important advice:
Most computer vendors offer student discounts or educational pricing. Make sure you ask for this when purchasing a device.
Many employers provide discounted purchasing of computer equipment. Check with your employer.
Select lab computers are also available remotely 24 hours a day. Visit How to Connect to Remote Labs for more information, noting that a VPN Connection is required. You can visit UMA Remote Labs directly when your VPN is active.
UMS Remote Labs provides students remote access to academic software that has traditionally been installed in Computer Labs. This service extends access to PC (Windows) computer labs offsite to students, faculty, and staff from a PC(Windows) or Mac. These computers are intended to provide software students cannot access otherwise.
A Remote Access virtual private network (VPN) is a tool for faculty, staff, and students of the University of Maine System to establish a secure connection to the University network from off-campus. The Remote Access VPN service is most useful when needing to access UMS information systems and/or services from off-site. Common examples of resources that require VPN access include:
Campus file servers
Remote Desktop
In addition, those with University managed laptops will be able to conduct more “on-campus” work from off-campus by utilizing the Remote Access VPN.
Instructions on how to connect to the Remote Access VPN (Personally owned Devices).
Instructions on how to connect to the Remote Access VPN (University owned Devices)
VPN for students outside of the US
A Remote Access virtual private network (VPN) is a tool for faculty, staff, and students of the University of Maine System to establish a secure connection to the University network from off-campus. The Remote Access VPN service is most useful when needing to access UMS information systems and/or services from off-site. Common examples of resources that require VPN access include:
Access from outside US
Campus file servers
Remote Desktop
In addition, those with University managed laptops will be able to conduct more “on-campus” work from off-campus by utilizing the Remote Access VPN.
Instructions on how to connect to the Remote Access VPN (Personally owned Devices).
Instructions on how to connect to the Remote Access VPN (University owned Devices)
Computer Services on Campus and at Centers
UMA offers in-person computer labs at the Bangor and Augusta campuses and at all of UMA's Centers. The labs available during operating hours and are free for all UMA students. Printing & scanning services are available at all of the in-person labs.
Select lab computers are also available remotely 24 hours a day. Visit How to Connect to Remote Labs for more information, noting that a VPN Connection is required. You can visit UMA Remote Labs directly when your VPN is active.
Lab computers are intended for academic use, and you'll need your University credentials in order to log on.
*Students in the academic programs listed below will likely have different computer specification needs.
Consulting with the Academic Program Coordinator or the student’s Faculty Advisor prior to purchasing is strongly recommended:
Art, Architecture,
Computer Information Systems,
Cybersecurity,
Data Science,
Dental Hygiene,
Music,
Nursing
Software
Microsoft Office 365 (NO COST TO STUDENTS!)
Microsoft offers their Office 365 suite of programs to faculty, staff, and students of higher education institutions that purchase Office for their entire campus.
Visit office.com and "Sign in" using your maine.edu email address.
Office can be installed for use on personal computers at no cost by signing in and selecting "Install Office". The online version may also be used.
Suggested Web Browsers
Latest versions of:
Edge (PC only)
Safari (Mac only)
Students are highly encourage to install Firefox and Chrome in addition to the pre-installed browser.
From the Help menu in Brightspace you can check your browser comparability by clicking System Check.