Computer Requirements
The technology requirements listed below have been established to ensure success in navigating digital systems. See program specific requirements at the bottom of this page.
Hardware: Computer Required
We highly recommend portable computers (laptops) for classroom use.
Operating System
Minimum: Windows 10 version: 20H2
Processor
Minimum: Intel Dual Core Processor, 2GHz
Recommended: Intel Core i5 or i7 Processor
RAM
Minimum: 8 GB
Recommended: 16 GB
Note: The speed of the processor and the amount of RAM space will influence how quickly the computer can perform.
Free Hard Drive Space
Minimum: 20 GB
Recommended: 50 GB
Camera and Microphone
A built-in camera and microphone will be needed for web conferencing (Zoom) or online exams. These are often standard with a laptop.
Operating System
Mac OS X - Minimum: 11.7.4 (Big Sur)
Processor
Model year no older than eight years
RAM
Minimum: 8 GB
Recommended: 16 GB
Note: The speed of the processor and the amount of RAM space will influence how quickly the computer can perform.
Free Hard Drive Space
Minimum: 20 GB
Recommended: 50 GB
Camera and Microphone
A built-in camera and microphone will be needed for web conferencing (Zoom) or online exams. This is standard with a Macbook.
If you would like to purchase an Apple computer, we recommend that everyone associated with George Fox take advantage of the educational discount available via the Apple Education Online Store
Chromebooks
We do not recommend Chromebooks. They are not able to install and run software that some classes require.
Software
Office 365
Microsoft Office 365 is provided to all students. Office 365 installation instructions
Internet Browser - We support Google Chrome and Firefox. You may experience other browsers (Safari and Microsoft Edge) will not have functionality with all of the George Fox systems.
- Google Chrome is the recommended browser to use with Google Workspace
- Mozilla Firefox is recommended as a backup browser
Antivirus
Antivirus software is designed to protect your computer from viruses, malware, and other malicious programs. There are several good antivirus programs available, some of which are free. For PC’s we recommend Avast! Antivirus; for Macs we recommend Sophos for Mac.
Backup Storage
An external drive that is separate from your computer- All important files need to be backed up to a second location such as another computer, an external hard drive or Google Drive. You should be able to protect your important documents in the event something happens to your computer.
- USB drives ("jump drives," "flash drives," etc.) are only for transporting documents and should not be used as a backup location.
Internet Connection Speed
The speed at which data is transferred between the Internet and the local network/computer
- Recommended: Broadband (DSL, Cable, Ethernet)
- Note: Broadband speeds of 786 Kbps and/or a 3G connection may be adequate for basic email correspondence and basic internet usage, but you may not be able to participate in course activities involving media and/or web conferencing.
Program Specific Requirements
Some programs may have specific software or hardware requirements beyond university recommendations.
Traditional Undergraduate
Computer Science
- Operating System: You will also need Linux.
- Processor: Dual-core 2 GHz or better
- Memory: 8 GB minimum; 16 GB is recommended.
- Free Hard Drive Space: 80 GB.
Engineering
- Operating System: Current version of Windows
- Processor: Quad-core 2 GHz or better
- Memory: 16 GB minimum
- Solid State Hard Drive recommended with a minimum of 120 GB free space
Business
- Current version of Excel. George Fox-provided Office 365 is sufficient.
Nursing
- Up to date Macbook or Windows 10 or 11 laptop that will work with Examsoft.
- Browser: Up-to-date Firefox or Chrome
Visual Arts
- Studio, graphic and interior design majors should select Mac hardware as detailed above.
Adult Degree Programs
- All students are expected to have a device that will run Office 365.
- Students who take project management courses are required to have a device to run Smartsheet.
Graduate Programs
Physician Assistant (PA)
- Up-to-date laptop that will work with Examsoft.
Questions?
If you have questions or concerns, contact the IT Service Desk.