Recommended Configuration for Laptops & PCs

As with most graduate level programs, the use of computers is woven into the learning environment. Students will be expected to communicate with administration, faculty, and other students via email. Faculty may elect to use courseware in their classes, which requires access to an Internet connection and a compatible browser. Much of your research will be conducted online via Lexis/Nexis, Westlaw, and other electronic databases. Given this environment, students are encouraged to purchase a desktop PC or laptop. Lab facilities are available for those students who do not own their own computer.

Computers may be purchased from any vendor, although we recommend you first check out the deals offered by the UConn Co-op. The Co-op is an Authorized Service Provider for different brands, which means should anything go wrong with your laptop while it is under warranty, you may drop it off at the Co-op, where it will be repaired. The University also has a contract/partnership with Dell and you may participate in the HuskyPC program, although this does not include on-site repairs.

The Information Systems Department may offer general guidance on a time-available basis, but does not provide technical support for personal systems. If you purchase a PC or laptop, it is recommended that you buy from a reputable company who will honor the warranty and provide technical support. While we recommend the use of PCs and most of our students own one, we have some students who bring their MACs to school and have no problems connecting to the school's network or running applications.

Recommended Minimum Specifications for Laptops & PCs

Suggested brands: Dell, Toshiba, and IBM

  • Pentium or Celeron processor, 3.0+ GHz
  • 4 GB RAM
  • 20 GB hard drive
  • CD-ROM or DVD drive
  • Wireless Ethernet card
  • Ethernet card (10/100)
  • Windows 7
  • Microsoft Office 2007/10 or Corel WordPerfect Suite
  • Browser recommendation: IE7 or above, Mozilla Firefox

** If you already own a computer, and your system does not meet the recommended specifications stated above, please do not go out and buy a new system. These are merely recommendations for someone purchasing a new system NOW.

Software available from the University

(Windows & Mac versions available)