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Below are the minimum recommended device requirements for a successful learning experience both on campus and remotely across all the SMPH educational programs.  A general rule of thumb for laptop hardware would be to plan to replace it around every 4-5 years from date of last purchase to ensure that you are able to run the latest operating systems and security updates.  SMPH learners are expected to have regular and consistent access to a device that meets these minimum requirements.

*headset with microphone will also be needed for many educational sessions

PC Requirements:

Operating System: 32-bit and 64-bit Versions of Windows 10 Pro Education or Pro or Windows 11.  Information about upgrading to Windows 10 Pro Education Edition here.

               Windows versions certified for use: Windows 10 20H2, 21H1, 21H2 or Windows 11 21H2 

     Alternate versions of Windows 10, such as Windows RT and Windows 10 S, and Windows 10 Home are NOT supported.

               Only genuine, U.S.-English versions of Windows Operating Systems are supported.

               Tablet devices are NOT supported as primary devices other than Surface Pro type hybrid devices running full versions Windows 10 or Windows 11.

               Device encryption with BitLocker is required.

CPU Processor: Intel Core i5 processor or greater

RAM: 16GB or higher

HardDrive: 256GB SSD or higher

Screen Resolution: 1280x768 or better

Webcam

Microphone

Mac Requirements:

Supported Operating Systems: macOS Big Sur (11.6.3) or macOS Monterey (12.2).

                Only genuine versions of Mac Operating Systems are supported.

                iPads are not supported as primary devices.

                Device encryption with FileVault is required.

CPU Processor: Intel Core i5 processor or greater, or M1 processor (Rosetta 2 might be required for M1 processor compatibility with certain software written for Intel processors) 

RAM: 16GB or higher

HardDrive: 256GB SSD or higher

Screen Resolution: 1280x768 or better

Webcam

Microphone


Tablet Devices

It is important to note that tablet devices such as Android's or iPad's are not fully supported as primary devices at this time.  They are fine as supplemental devices.  The only exceptions are hybrid devices (e.g. Surface Pro) that support running the full version of the Windows 10 operating system.

Additional recommendations from UW-Madison for Learning Online: Technology Tips & Tools - https://it.wisc.edu/learn/learning-online-technology-tips-tools/

Many computer manufacturers and retailers offer discounts on computers to eligible students. Below are a few examples you may want to consider.

APPLE EDUCATION PRICING

DELL EDUCATION PRICING

UNIVERSITY BOOK STORE