Information: Computer Standards for Students

 

What is recommended for your specific major?

Some majors recommend certain laptop specifications due to the much more demanding programs that you will use throughout your degree. Listed below are all the recommended hardware lists based on your major.

• Mechanical and Civil Engineering
• Computer Information Technology and Web Design and Development

 

Hardware

What are the minimum processor and RAM requirements?

Notes:

• Dual and single-core laptops have a reduced frame rate when screen sharing (around 5 frames per second). For optimum screen sharing performance on laptops, we recommend a quad-core processor or higher.
• Linux requires a processor or graphics card that can support OpenGl 2.0 or higher.

 

Is my computer too old?

We recommend you use a computer that is less than 3 years old. However, if your computer is older, make sure that it meets all I-Learn Computer Standards.

How much available hard drive space should be on my computer?

We recommend a minimum of 20GB of free space.

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What should my monitor resolution be?

We recommend 1024x768 or greater.

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Do I need speakers, headphones, or microphones?

We recommend you have access to speakers, headphones, and a microphone.

 

Operating System

What operating system should I use?

Microsoft Windows

• Windows 10 or Higher - Recommended
• Windows 8 or 8.1

NOTE: For devices running Windows 10, they must run Windows 10 Home, Pro, or Enterprise. S Mode is not supported.  

Apple MacOSX

• MacOS X with MacOS 10.7 or higher

NOTE: We do not recommend Chromebook laptops for I-Learn/University use.  

 

Internet Browser

What should my internet speed be?

We recommend you use 2Mbps or better. Check your current speed.

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Which internet browsers should I install on my computer?

We recommend you have at least two of the following items installed:

Windows

Google Chrome (Download Google Chrome)

• Version Chrome 30 or higher

Mozilla Firefox (Download Firefox)

• Version Firefox 27 or higher

Microsoft Edge

• Version Edge 12 or higher

MacOS

Apple Safari

• Version Safari 7 or higher

Google Chrome (Download Google Chrome)

• Version Chrome 30 or higher

Mozilla Firefox (Download Firefox)

• Version Firefox 27 or higher

Check which version you're using. Find out which version of an internet browser you've installed.

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What is a browser plug-in?

A browser plug-in is an add-on piece of software that can provide improved performance to your browser.

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Should I download an internet browser plug-in to my computer?

We recommend you have one of the following:

Adobe Acrobat Reader

• DC or Higher - Recommended
• 11 - Minimum

Adobe Flash

• 18 or Higher - Recommended
• 17 - Minimum

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When installing my browser, what settings should I use?

We recommend that you:

• Enable third-party cookies
• Enable JavaScript
• Allow pop-up exceptions for:
  • *byui.edu

 

Anti-Virus/ Malware Protection

What anti-virus or malware protection should I install on my computer?

We recommend you use the following resources to reduce potential risks to your computer:

• Sophos Home (Windows and Mac)
• Malewarebytes: Windows, Mac
• CCleaner: Windows, Mac 

 

Accessibility

What screen readers do you recommend?

The latest versions of JAWS and VoiceOver

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System Requirements

• An internet connection  broadband wired or wireless (4G/LTE)
• Speakers and a microphone  built-in or USB plug-in or wireless Bluetooth
• A webcam or HD webcam - built-in or USB plug-in
• Or, an HD cam or HD camcorder with a video capture card

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Mobile devices - not recommended.

Students and Faculty may use mobile devices for limited activities within courses. Since courses use a wide variety of technologies and content formats your experience in a given course varies from working to not working. Simple activities like viewing modules, calendars, and content within the LMS should work. We recommend using the Canvas mobile application on your mobile phone. 

 

Zoom Requirements

Zoom High DPI (Dot Per Inch) support

High DPI displays (above 1080x1920) are supported in Zoom version 3.5 or higher

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Zoom Bandwidth requirements

The bandwidth used by Zoom will be optimized for the best experience based on the participants’ network. It will automatically adjust for 3G, Wi-Fi or Wired environments.

You can test your speed here.

Note: add 512Kbps to all numbers below if you use Canvas and Zoom at the same time.

Recommended bandwidth for meetings and webinar panelists:

• For 1:1 video calling:
  • 600kbps (up/down) for high-quality video
  • 1.2 Mbps (up/down) for 720p HD video
  • Receiving 1080p HD video requires 1.8 Mbps (up/down)
  • Sending 1080p HD video requires 1.8 Mbps (up/down)
• For group video calling:
  • 800kbps/1.0Mbps (up/down) for high quality video
  • For gallery view and/or 720p HD video: 1.5Mbps/1.5Mbps (up/down)
  • Receiving 1080p HD video requires 2.5mbps (up/down)
  • Sending 1080p HD video requires 3.0 Mbps (up/down)
• For screen sharing only (no video thumbnail): 50-75kbps
• For screen sharing with  video thumbnail: 50-150kbps
• For audio VoIP: 60-80kbps
• For Zoom Phone: 60-100kbps

Recommended bandwidth for webinar attendees:

• For 1:1 video calling: 600kbps (down) for high-quality video and 1.2 Mbps (down) for HD video
• For screen sharing only (no video thumbnail): 50-75kbps (down)
• For screen sharing with  video thumbnail: 50-150kbps (down)
• For audio VoIP: 60-80kbps (down)