Be careful about choosing a color printer, they use a lot of toner or ink and can be very expensive to keep up. It would just be useful for when the student wants to review hard-copy materials. Most schools use electronically submitted materials, not printed copies, so the need for a printer is not as high. Macs come with the video capability built in, PCs require the user to buy and install a camera and its operating application.

Flash® Player Add-ons that make a differenceīoth Macs and PCs have video capability so student can see each other as they chat on their college’s web network or using Skype.Microsoft® Outlook Express 6.0 or other email program.Microsoft® Internet Explorer® version 6.0 or later.Internet service provider (ISP) account.

Monitor and video card with 1024 x 768 ppi or greater resolution.

56.6 kbps modem or high-speed Internet connection.

Anti-virus application – updated regularly.

Minimum computer specifications to get the job done: Once you have everything figured out, talk to students, instructors, and school counselors to find out what your program requires. If you are looking for a school, our online education tool can help. Need help figuring out your major? Browse our home page ( ) for a list of program and degree options. Tip: Knowing what classes and school you will attend will help you figure out your computer and software needs are. If a student is going to purchase a new computer, these issues are important, as most new computers have sufficient RAM memory and fast processors to handle streaming video and download files quickly. It’s okay to be needy in this relationship.įor example: Most online schools want their students to have enough computing power to download and stream video presentations without having annoying memory dumps interrupting the professor’s presentation. Find out what computer functions you need to be successful in your classes and what features would help make your life easier throughout your studies. Online class requirements are the starting point. Much of the decision on which type of computer is best rests in how it will be used. There are some significant and some insignificant differences in computers. What do you want out of the relationship?

Best mac computer for college student