Other Majors
Most majors, except those explicitly listed, are not required to own a computer although having one is often helpful.
We recommend that you make a purchase if you deem it beneficial. If you would like to purchase your own Windows or Apple computer, we suggest following these minimum requirements as a guideline.
Most students will be comfortable with and benefit from a Windows laptop or desktop, but if you are more familiar with Apple computers, you should have no problem using an Apple computer with our campus technology. There may be certain technology-related classes however, due to instructor requirements, that you may not be able to use an Apple computer.
You also may use the computers in the Wright Library for assignments.
Minimum Recommended Specifications
Please note: All students are required to take a practical computer applications class(ISTC1005). Microsoft© Office 365 includes all of the software packages taught in that class.
Windows Desktop Specifications
- Windows 11
- Processor
- Intel
- Model: i5 or i7
- Generation: 14th or higher
- Example: Intel i5 14600K
- AMD
- Model: Ryzen 5 or 7
- Generation: 8000 or higher
- Example: Ryzen 5 8600G\
- 16 GB RAM
- 500 GB or more Solid State Drive (SSD)
- 1 Gigabit Ethernet connection
- 19 inch LCD monitor
Windows Notebook
- Windows 11
- Processor
- Intel
- Model: i5 or i7
- Generation: 14th or higher
- Example: Intel i5 14450HX
- AMD
- Model: Ryzen 5 or 7
- Generation: 8000 or higher
- Example: Ryzen 5 8540U
- 16 GB RAM
- 500 GB or more Solid State Drive (SSD)
- Wireless Ethernet - 802.11ac/ax compliant
Additional Software for Windows systems
- Microsoft Office 365 (Available to students at no charge. After students activate their La Roche email they can download Office 365 from microsoft365.com.
- Antivirus software as approved by La Roche (must be kept up-to-date)
Macintosh Desktop
- iMac with 24 inch built in display
- MacOS v14 Sonoma or above
- Mac M3 chip or newer
- 16 GB RAM
- 500 GB or more Solid State Drive (SSD)
- Gigabit Ethernet connection
Macintosh Notebook
- MacBook with 14 inch screen
- Mac OS v14 Somona or above
- Mac M3 Chip or newer
- 16 GB RAM
- 500 GB or more Solid State Drive (SSD)
- Wireless Ethernet - 802.11ac/ax compliant
Additional Software for Macintosh systems
- Microsoft Office 365: Available to students at no charge. After students activate their La Roche email they can download Office 365 from microsoft365.com.
- Antivirus software as approved by La Roche and must be kept up-to-date
Computer Purchases