Technology Recommendations for Students

General Technology Recommendations

Check the Wi-Fi & Network for information about connecting these devices to the North Central Network

General Laptop Recommendations for 2022-2023

Item Spec
Operating System
  • Windows 11 (Professional, Education, Enterprise, or Home) 
  • Mac OS X Monterey or newer
Processor (CPU)
  • Intel Core i5 or i7 Quad-core processor (Intel 9th Generation or newer, minimum 1.6 gigahertz)
  • AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 Quad-core (AMD 3rd Generation Ryzen or newer, minimum 1.6 gigahertz)
  • Apple M1 processor
Monitor and video card
  • Laptop: 14” – 15’’ screen (minimum resolution of 1920 x 1080)
  • Desktop: 21" or greater monitor, dual-monitor capable video card.
Hard Drive
  • 500 GB SSD
Memory
  • 16 GB RAM (DDR4 SDRAM or newer)
Software
  • Required: Antivirus Software. Windows Defender is sufficient for Windows 10 computers. 
  • Recommended:

    • Office 365 is available for free for both Mac and PC as part of NCU's Office 365 service. There is no need to purchase Office.

    • Tool to read PDFs, such as Adobe Reader.

Specific Recommendations for Biology

  • Java
  • Adobe Flash

Not Recommended

  • Printers
    • North Central provides printing in student-accessible places and mobile printing solutions. IT does not repair personal printers and they cannot be connected to our network for wireless printing
  • Personal copy of Microsoft Office
    • All students have access to G-Suite (Google). G-Suite includes Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and more.
    • Microsoft Office 365 is provided for free by the university. See instructions to install Office 365 on your device. We can also assist you with Microsoft Office 365 installation when you arrive on campus

Prohibited Devices

  • Wireless routers, gateways, and access points
  • Wired routers or gateways
  • Any other devices that attempt to augment, modify, or interfere with the North Central network
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