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Computer Technical Recommendations
QCC does not require students to own a laptop or desktop computer, however most students find that it is much easier to have one. The following list is our recommended minimum configurations. Certain programs have special requirements -they are listed separately. If you are planning on purchasing a computer, consider taking this list with you.
2020-2021 Computer Technical Recommendations
2020-2021 Recomendaciones técnicas informáticas
2020-2021 Personal Computer Technical Recommendations |
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| Minimum and Recommended Specifications | Requirements for Specific Majors | |||||
|
Minimum |
Recommended |
Computer Science (Laptop Required) |
Interactive Media |
Manufacturing |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Operating System (We do not recommend Chromebooks as they do not support some required components) |
Windows 10 Pro/Education, 64-bit Mac OSX 10.9 or higher |
Windows 10 Pro/Education, Mac OSX 10.9 or higher |
Windows 10 Pro/Education | Windows 10 Pro/Edu 64 bit, Mac OSX 10.9 or higher |
Windows 10 Pro/Edu 64 bit | |
|
CPU |
Quad-core Atom, |
Intel I-5, |
Intel I-5 Quad Core, |
Quad Core Intel or |
Quad Core Intel or |
|
|
RAM |
4 GB RAM |
8 GB RAM |
8 GB RAM |
6 GB RAM (12-16 GB highly recommended) |
8 GB RAM or higher |
|
|
Hard Drive |
64 GB eMMc or more |
500 GB 5400rpm Hard Drive or |
500 GB 5400rpm Hard Drive or |
500 GB (1Tb highly recommended) 7200rpm, SSD Recommended |
500 GB 7200 rpm or 256 GB SSD or greater |
|
|
Graphics (GPU) |
Integrated Graphics |
Minimum VRAM 2 GB |
Solidworks certified Video Card (http://www.solidworks |
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|
CD/DVD Drive |
Not required. |
24x DVD-RW/DVD, |
Not required, but useful. |
DVD-ROM, External OK |
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|
Interface |
1 USB 3.0 |
3 USB (at least 1 USB 3.0) | ||||
|
Network |
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2 |
Wireless (802.11 g/n or 802.11 ac) |
Wireless (802.11 g/n or |
Wireless (802.11 g/n |
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| Browsers | Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge | Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge | ||||
| Audio & Webcam | Speaker & Microphone (embedded or external), Camera or webcam | Speaker & Microphone (embedded or external), Camera or webcam | ||||
|
Additional Software Office 365 Education is available to students for free through QCC |
Office 365 | Office 365 or Office 2019 (including MS Access for CIS students) | Office 365, Office 2019, Open Office, Acrobat Reader, Quicktime, JDK, Netbeans | Office 365 or Office 2019 | ||
| All computers that connect to the QCC Wireless network must have up-to-date antivirus protection. We also recommend a product such as Lojack for PCs. |
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QCC policy states that we do not offer technical support for student or faculty owned technical devices.
We recommend that at the time of purchase you understand your warranties and how you can receive technical assistance.