WesternU Student Laptop Requirements

Summary

The minimum and recommended specifications for laptops to be used by students at the University.

Body

Updated for Academic Year 2024-2025

WesternU students may use either Windows-based or Apple laptops. We do NOT recommend devices that are not able to run a full version of Windows or macOS. This may include devices like Chromebooks, Android tablets, etc. These types of devices do NOT meet the minimum laptop requirements and will NOT allow you run required software such as ExamSoft (without a WesternU, college purchased license). The exception being tablets running full versions of Microsoft Windows (e.g. Surface, Surface Pro, Surface Book, etc.); these devices are recommended because they have a full OS and you can take notes on them via a stylus. Tablets running iOS or Android operating systems are a great secondary device (especially useful for taking notes), but they are not a laptop replacement.

Please note:

  • Windows S is not supported.
  • Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 are no longer supported by Microsoft nor WesternU TechSupport/IT.
  • Microsoft will end Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Systems with Windows 10 installed will need to be upgraded to Windows 11 by this date.
  • ARM-based devices will almost certainly NOT work for some of the programs you will be required to use as they will be limited to their respective app stores (e.g. Apple App Store or Microsoft Windows Store)
    • These devices include, but are not limited to: Copilot+PC devices (usually a Snapdragon CPU), Chromebooks, Microsoft Surface X, etc.
  • We do NOT recommend switching from Windows to Apple as learning a new operating system while being a medical student is an unwise choice. 

 

Hardware Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications
Processor/ CPU Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 (equivalent or better) Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 (equivalent or better)
Display/ Screen Minimum resolution of 1280x768 (Privacy screen required for PharmD) Minimum resolution of 1440x900 (Privacy screen required for PharmD)
System Memory/ RAM 16GB 32GB
Hard Drive/ Storage 250GB+ (SSD recommended) 250GB+ SSD
Graphics/ Video Integrated Intel HD or AMD graphics Dedicated/Discrete video card (1GB recommended for DMD)
Removable Media Optional: CD/DVD Drive (internal or external) Optional: CD/DVD Drive (internal or external)
Operating System Windows 10, 11, or MacOS (Both updated to latest version) Windows 11, or MacOS (Both updated to latest version)
Ports •    2 x USB 3.0 (or equivalent adapters) 
•    HDMI or Display Adapter
•    2 x USB 3.0 (or equivalent adapters) 
•    HDMI or Display Adapter
Software
  • Microsoft Office 365 (Included for Free)
  • Modern browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, etc.)
  • Adobe Reader (updated to newest version)
  • Antivirus w/ updatable definitions
    • Defender included w/ Windows
  • VLC Media Player (updated to newest version)
  • Microsoft Office 365 (Included for Free)
  • Modern browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, etc.)
  • Adobe Reader (updated to newest version)
  • Antivirus w/ updatable definitions
    • Defender included w/ Windows
  • VLC Media Player (updated to newest version)
Ethernet Optional: 10/100 internal port or adapter and Ethernet cable Optional: 10/100/1000 internal port or adapter and Ethernet cable
Wireless

802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5 or 6) (Wireless AC or AX) 5Ghz internal or USB adapter

802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5 or 6) (Wireless AC or AX) 5Ghz internal or USB adapter

 

WesternU has LIMITED 2.4Ghz coverage in many areas on campus as this is an older and less reliable technology.

You must have a device or adapter compatible with 5Ghz. 

Webcam/Mic Built-In or external USB camera & microphone Built-In or external USB camera & microphone
Warranty Not required but recommended. See recommended column --> 4-year warranty (Warranty duration should match or exceed the years of your program/degree)
Internet (ISP) Speed Download: 25 Mbps | Upload: 5 Mbps  Download: 100 Mbps | Upload: 10 Mbps 

Respondus Lockdown Browser (Integrated through Elentra)

See information from Respondus website: https://support.respondus.com/support/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/89

ExamSoft Examplify Minimum System Requirements

See information from ExamSoft's website: Examplify: Minimum System Requirements - ExamSoft

College Specific Information

COMP/CPM

  • Apple iPads will be provided to students as part of their tuition. These iPads are required and expected to be used much like an assigned book. These may include management that will allow the college to push applications and settings to the iPad as needed. 

CDM

  • Apple iPads will be provided to students as part of their tuition. These iPads are required and expected to be used much like an assigned book.

Learn/Work from Home Information

  • Due to the Learn/Work from Home requirements and current hybrid model, many colleges are requiring that students have access to a secondary device with camera and microphone that is connected to a stable Internet (e.g. Wi-Fi, LTE) connection (in most cases a smart phone). This device must be able to run Zoom, which can be downloaded via your devices app store (e.g. Google Play Store, Apple App Store). This secondary device will allow college proctors to perform a proximity check of your learning area before/while testing to ensure WesternU's educational/integrity standards are upheld. This secondary device also ensures that TechSupport and/or proctors can remotely support you will taking a secure test (e.g. via ExamSoft).

College of Optometry

  • Secondary device with camera and microphone REQUIRED (see above info)
  • Vendors of software used by students at the College of Optometry have stated that their products cannot be guaranteed to work on Apple products.

Details

Details

Article ID: 78200
Created
Mon 5/13/19 11:55 AM
Modified
Wed 8/7/24 7:34 PM