Arcadia students, faculty and staff can find computer hardware and software recommendations for use on and off campus. If you have questions, please contact HelpDesk.
Hardware
PC
- Processor: 7th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 or better
- Operating System: Genuine Windows® 10 Professional or Home (64-bit)
- Memory: 8GB RAM or better
- Hard Drive: 256GB or better Solid State Drive
- Battery: 6-cell (60WH) Primary Lithium Ion Battery
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth Module
- Camera/Microphone: Webcam and Microphone
- WiFi Wireless: 802.11 b/g/n/ac
- Ethernet Port or USB/USB-C Port
- Accessories: USB-C adapter hub (If applicable)
- Warranty: 3/4 year manufacturer supported warranty
MacBook
- Processor: 7th Gen Intel Core i5 or better or M1 Mac
- Operating System: Mac OS X 10.14 Mojave or better
- Memory: 8GB RAM or better
- Hard Drive: 256GB Solid State Drive or higher
- WiFi Wireless: 802.11b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
- Camera/Microphone: FaceTime HD Camera, Mic
- Ethernet Port or USB/USB-C Port
- Accessories: USB-C adapter hub (If applicable)
- Warranty: AppleCare+ (4-Year)
Chromebook or Tablet Use
Chromebooks, iPads and Android tablets are great and affordable solutions to basic computer needs, such as web browsing and video chat. They may not meet all the needs of your average use as a student. We advise the purchase of a Mac or Windows computer over these when possible!
Major Specific Recommendations
Computer Science
- Windows Laptop
- Processor: 7th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 or better
- Operating System: Genuine Windows® 10 Professional or Home (64-bit)
- Memory: 16GB RAM or better
- Hard Drive: 256GB or better Solid State Hard Drive
- Battery: 6-cell (60WH) Primary Lithium Ion Battery
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth Module
- Camera/Microphone: Webcam and Microphone
- WiFi Wireless: 802.11 b/g/n/ac
- Ethernet Port or USB/USB-C Port
- Accessories:
- USB-C adapter hub (If applicable)
- 1TB External Hard Drive or better
- Warranty: 3/4 year manufacturer supported warranty
If you are unsure, please reach out to IT or your department for specs on software recommendations and requirements.
Supported Software
Operating Systems
In the rapidly changing world of computer technology, the Office of Information Technology requires that computers connecting to the ResNet must meet a minimum operating system level. Permitted operating systems are:
- Window 10
- MAC OS 10.13 or greater
- Linux
Computers which do not meet this standard will not be granted access to the ResNet.
Software Programs
Arcadia University has 8 computer labs around campus with the software necessary for classes. Should you want to purchase software for your computer you can go to the Select Student website for reduced priced software.
- Window 10 or Mac OSX
- Microsoft Office Adobe Reader
- Windows Defender
Purchase Programs for Computer Hardware and Software
Dell Computer Program
IT has forged a partnership with Dell Computer, Inc. to provide Arcadia students, faculty and staff the opportunity to purchase a Dell laptop or desktop computer at a significant savings.
Students
Click here to go directly to the Dell Computer Student Sales page. Follow the detailed instructions to create an account and get discounts on selected systems.
Faculty and Staff
- Visit Dell’s Member Purchase Program: Click Here
- Click “employee discount”
- Click “get coupon”
- Enter work email address and click submit
- A coupon code will be delivered to your inbox that you will copy and paste at checkout
The employee discount is valid with select offers but not with other coupons. Limited quantity deals, order codes, clearance offers, warranties, gift cards and other select electronics and accessories are also excluded from the discount. The employee discount is valid for 5 products per transaction up to 5 transactions per year.
Apple Store for Education
Arcadia students, faculty and staff are eligible to purchase computers and peripherals through Apple, either at an Apple retail location or online at the Apple Store for Education.
Office 365 for Students
Arcadia Students and Educators can sign up for Office 365 Education for free, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and now Microsoft Teams, plus additional classroom tools. Use your valid school email address to get started today.
Click here for more details.
