The following are required computer specifications to consider when purchasing a new device. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure their device meets College standards and is in full working order.
Note: All courses at MCCN include an online component, whether delivered in-person, hybrid, or fully online. As a result, students are required to have access to a laptop or desktop computer. Tablets, Chromebooks, and iPads are not supported for essential course functions, including testing, and should not be used for these purposes. These devices may be used to view limited course content when appropriate.
Operating System
Windows 10 or later; Mac OS X 12.0 or higher
Processor (CPU)
Intel i7 or i9 processor
Display and Video Card
1280x800 resolution or higher
Dedicated video card
Hard Drive
500 GB or larger hard drive (SSD preferred)
Memory (RAM)
8 GB minimum. 16 GB recommended.
Removable Storage
USB flash drive (32GB or larger)
Software
Microsoft Office Suite – Free Office 365 for Students and Educators | Microsoft Education
PDF reader such as CutePDF Writer, PDFCreator, or Adobe
Networking
Ethernet or Wireless card that supports 802.11 b/g/n protocol
Multimedia
Headset w/microphone and webcam are all required.
Other
Install an additional browser other than Internet Explorer or Safari. Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome is recommended.
Extended warranty (2-3 years) is recommended for laptops. Consider purchasing a backup battery as well.
Make sure to have physical copies of the install disks for any additional software purchased with the device. This will include software keys or licenses needed should a reformat be needed.
Ensure you have everything needed to connect and use your systems, including power cables, USB cables, and Ethernet cables.