SHC Computer Recommendations for Students

It is very strongly recommended that all SHC students have a laptop computer that meets or exceeds the following software and hardware specifications.

IMPORTANT: Chromebooks and mobile devices (such as iPad, iPad Pro, iPhone, Android tablets and smartphones, Amazon Fire, etc.) are not sufficient for all course activities and are therefore not supported.

Software

Operating system:

Mac: macOS Catalina (10.15) or higher

PC: Windows 10 or higher (alternate versions of Windows 10, such as Windows RT and Windows 10 S, are NOT supported)

IMPORTANT: Updates to computer operating systems may become available at various times in any given school year. Before updating, it’s important for students to verify with their respective software and hardware providers that all required educational software and hardware is compatible with the update.

Web Browsers:

Google Chrome (Mac and PC)

Mozilla Firefox (Mac and PC)

Safari (Mac only; pre-installed) 

Edge (PC pre-installed; Mac)

NOTE: Students are highly encouraged to install Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox in addition to the browsers pre-installed on their computer of choice.

IMPORTANT: Internet Explorer for Windows is NOT supported.

PDF Viewer:

Preview (Mac only; pre-installed)

Adobe Reader (Mac and PC)

Productivity Software:

Microsoft Office 365 (free for students, Mac and PC)

G Suite for Education (free for students, web-based)

Media Player:

QuickTime Player (Mac only; pre-installed)

Windows Media Player (PC only; pre-installed)

VLC media player: (Mac and PC)

Additional Software:

Courses may require other web or application services, some of which may necessitate additional fees. Students are advised to check course requirements prior to registration.

Hardware

Memory (RAM): 8 GB minimum, more recommended

Storage Capacity (built-in): 128GB minimum, 256 GB or more recommended

Webcam (built-in recommended)

Speakers (built-in recommended)

Microphone (built-in recommended)

Network Connectivity: Wi-Fi required, Wi-Fi and Ethernet recommended

Internet

Students are provided Internet access via Wi-Fi on campus and in residence halls.

Off-campus students are required to attain or have access to high-speed Internet access from an Internet service provider (ISP).

To test the network connectivity speed where you’ll be studying, taking exams, etc., go to http://speedtest.net.

Optional Equipment

• Wired or wireless headphones/earbuds with built-in microphone (recommended for video conferencing)

• External storage device (recommended for computer backup and file portability)

• Wired or wireless mouse

• Portable laptop charger (check compatibility with your computer)

Department- or Program-Specific Recommendations

Division of Business

The Division of Business prefers that all incoming Business students purchase a laptop/computer with the Microsoft Windows operating system and the above hardware specifications. Business students are not restricted to using a Microsoft Windows based laptop/computer, but should be aware that the software used in some Business courses (particularly CIS) is either only available or only functions optimally with the Microsoft Windows operating system. Students that choose a laptop/computer with an operating system other than Microsoft Windows will be responsible for acquiring computing resources/support either on their own or through Burke Memorial Library.