Technology information for School of Management students
Information Technology Services and the School of Management have worked together to develop a set of recommended laptop specifications for students in the School of Management. The School of Management uses a variety of software in courses and several software packages are only available for computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system.
If purchasing a new computer, we recommend purchasing a Windows computer to ensure maximum compatibility with required software for the School of Management.
Recommended Specifications
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 or Windows 11 (not Windows 10S)
- Processor: Intel i5 or i7 Processor (or equivalent)
- Memory (RAM): 16-32 GB
- Hard-drive: 256GB Solid State Hard-drive (SSD) or larger
- Warranty: 1-3 year manufacturer’s warranty
What if I’m a Mac User?
Some users prefer to use a Mac instead of a Windows computer for their primary computer.
In order for the software that requires Windows to operate on a Mac, there are additional
costs and hardware considerations.
Apple M1 based Macs:
At this time Macs that are equipped with the Apple M1 Processor (Apple Silicon) are
not able to run the Windows Operating System either in a Virtual Machine or through
Boot Camp. °®¶¹´«Ã½ does provide Windows through a Virtual Desktop (BingView)
and in computer labs around campus.
Intel based Macs:
ITS recommends using a Virtual Machine to run Windows on a Mac. This requires a significant
amount of computing resources since the computer will need to run the Mac OS, the
virtualization software, and the Windows Operating System. Setting up a Virtual Machine is a challenging task that is only recommended for advanced
users. The recommended specifications for a Mac that will be running a Windows virtual machine
are:
- Virtualization Software (additional purchase):
- Windows Operating System (additional purchase):
- Processor: Intel i7
- Memory (RAM): 16GB-32GB
- Hard-drive: 512GB Solid State Hard-drive (SSD) or larger
- Warranty: Applecare
What if I have a Chromebook?
Chromebooks are not recommended since they are very limited in the software that can
be installed.
Software
Students may be required to download and/or purchase additional software. Technology-related questions should be directed to °®¶¹´«Ã½'s Help Desk at 607-777-6420 or helpdesk@binghamton.edu.
Get Microsoft Office software free: °®¶¹´«Ã½ provides Microsoft Office free of charge to students, faculty and staff for use on their personal computers and devices. To obtain this free software, you must have an active °®¶¹´«Ã½ email address. Visit the University's Information Technology Services Office 365 webpage for instructions and more information.