Computer Recommendations and Requirements

Recommendations

Minimum Hardware Recommendations

• Intel Core i3 processor or equivalent
• 8 GB RAM
• 256 GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
• Wireless adapter

We do not recommend students use a tablet (such as the Microsoft Surface Go or the Apple iPad) as their sole computing device. While tablets can run versions Microsoft Office, they do not necessarily run the full version and typing on them can be more difficult than with a full laptop keyboard.

We strongly recommend students save their documents to OneDrive. This allows users to access their data from any computer, which can be very helpful in case of hardware failure.

Note for School of Business students: Please see the PCSB Laptop Recommendations.

Software Recommendations

Windows-based PC

• Microsoft Windows 11 or newer
• Microsoft Office 365
• Anti-virus software
• Extended warranty coverage
  • 3-year warranty recommend
  • 4-year warranty with accidental damage coverage and on-site service preferred

Microsoft Office and Windows are available to all students free-of-charge. See Software for more information.

Apple Mac

• macOS 14 Sonoma or newer
• Microsoft Office 365
• Anti-virus software
• AppleCare+

Microsoft Office and Windows are available to all students free-of-charge. See Software for more information.

Requirements

All computers connecting to the Providence College network are required to have anti-virus software installed. The college does not provide anti-virus software to students. However, there are recommended free packages available for download. See Anti-Virus Software for more info.

It is the student’s responsibility to keep their anti-virus software up-to-date with the most current virus definitions. It is also the student’s responsibility to keep their operation systems and other software up-to-date with the current security updates and patches.

The Helpdesk will only support PCs running Windows 10 or newer and Macs running macOS 13 Ventura or newer. For more information on receiving support, please see our Support for Students page.