USNH Computer Software and Hardware Recommendations

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Purpose: Developed to provide minimum and recommended hardware specifications as well as software needs as dictated by specific institution, school, college, or department.

Intended Audience: students, and parents

Environment: All USNH institutions, schools, or colleges

Scope of Article: Personal computer purchases for members of the USNH community.

The following guidelines were developed for typical student use. In most cases, this includes word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, Web browsing and web-based systems. Some programs of study have more rigorous requirements or recommendations as indicated in the table below. Please note: Tablets, iPads, and in some programs of study, Chromebooks are not recommended as primary computing devices. Check with professors on classroom tablet policies for note-taking and other functions.

Further Readings:

USNH Computer Purchasing Program - USNH partners with Apple, Dell, and Lenovo for recommended hardware.

For Institutional purchases, please put in a Desktop Support request with Client Services, and one of our technicians will reach out to assist.

USNH Endpoint Hardware Recommendations 2024-2025

Minimum Hardware Specifications

Intel Core i5 Processor
16 GB RAM
256 GB Solid State Hard Drives
Integrated sound and video, webcam
Wireless: 802.1ac (Wi-Fi 5). 802.11ax
Standard manufacturer warranty

Recommended Hardware Specifications

Intel Core i7 Processor, Apple M1
16 GB RAM
512+ GB Solid State Hard Drives
Integrated sound and video, webcam
Wireless: 802.1ac (Wi-Fi 5). 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) is preferred
Standard manufacturer warranty. Accident protection is highly recommended

USNH Endpoint Software Recommendations 2024-2025

Minimum Software Specifications

Windows 10 OR MacOS 13: Ventura
Microsoft 365 Apps, including OneDrive for cloud storage/backup (formerly Office 365) - free for USNH users
Anti-virus Software

Recommended Software Specifications

Windows 11 OR MacOS 14: Sonoma
Microsoft 365 Apps, including OneDrive for cloud storage/backup (formerly Office 365) - free for USNH users
Anti-virus Software

Keene State College

All departments*

See Minimum or Recommended Hardware Standards

*If you are entering a major such as Graphic Design, Architecture or another major that might have other system requirements, please contact that department directly. If you are not sure, contact them to verify.

Plymouth State University

Program of Study

Minimum Hardware Specs

Software

Business Administration

See Minimum or Recommended Hardware Standards

See Minimum Software Standards

Windows OS is recommended

Graphic Design

Apple Macs are recommended

Graphic Design: 32GB RAM

See Minimum Software Standards

Apple MacOS is recommended

University of New Hampshire and UNH-Manchester

School/College	Recommended Hardware Configuration	Software
College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS)	See Recommended Hardware Standards Mechanical Engineering: 32GB RAM	See Recommended Software Standards Apple MacOS Users: For Windows 10 virtualization, one of the following tools is recommended: Parallels Desktop, VMWare Fusion, Virtual Box For Linux virtualization: QEMU (https://www.qemu.org/) UNH CS, IT, and AD&S programs do NOT require Parallels for macOS
College of Health and Human Services (CHHS)	See Recommended Hardware Standards Chromebooks & iPads are not recommended	See Recommended Software Standards
College of Liberal Arts (COLA)	See Recommended Hardware Standards	See Recommended Software Standards For Art Design, Communication: Media Option, and Art Digital Photography: Mac is encouraged
College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA)	See Recommended Hardware Standards Chromebooks & iPads are not recommended	See Recommended Software Standards
Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics (Paul College)	See Recommended Hardware Standards Apple Macs: Not recommended.	All students: Microsoft 365 Apps for Windows (formerly Microsoft Office) Free for students Apple MacOS Users: Windows 10 operating system via Parallels Desktop, VMWare Fusion, or virtual Box required

University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law

Franklin Pierce School of Law (Law)

See Minimum Hardware Standards

See Recommended Software Standards