Student Computer Recommendations

University-wide standard device specifications that will aid in a student's academic success at Tulane.

Tulane IT, in collaboration with Tulane's schools and departments, has developed standard computer recommendations to best support your academic success at Tulane (TU). However, some degree programs have specific computer requirements.

Click to skip to degree-specific requirements.

Please contact your academic department to confirm the computer requirements for your specific degree program. 


Tablets/iPads/Chromebooks

These devices are not recommended as primary computing devices. However, they are great secondary devices for video conferencing, note-taking, web browsing, email, and on-the-go communication. 

Specifically, Chromebooks are incompatible with most TU software applications.


University-Wide Device Specifications & Recommendations

Below is a list of the standard computing recommendations:

grid-title
Specification
text

Processor

 

 

RAM (Memory) 

 

Drives 
3-2-1 backup strategy recommended which includes use of an external hard drive. 

 

 

 

 



Operating System (OS)
We only support OSs for which the vendor is currently providing security patches and updates.



Screen Size and Resolution 

 




Graphics Card 
Integrated or distinctly attached to the system board. 

 

 

 

 

Network Connection 

 

 



Additional Features 

 

 

Warranty

grid-title
Minimum Recommendation
text

Intel i5 processor

AMD A10, Ryzen 5

Apple M1

8 GB 

 

256 GB SSD (Solid State Drive)

500 GB HDD (Hard Disk Drive)


 

 

 



Microsoft Windows 10


Mac OS


Minimum 13-inch; 1920x1080 resolution 

 

 

 

Integrated GC

 

Dedicated GC

 



Wireless or Wired


 

 

 

Headphones, Microphone, Web Camera and Bluetooth 



3-year accidental damage coverage, which covers more than manufacturer defects

grid-title
Description
text

Any current generation Intel-Core i5 processor 

AMD processors are comparable in performance to Intel 

Apple M1 chip is the new standard for MacBook Pro 

More RAM allows you to run more demanding apps or use apps simultaneously without slowing down the computer. 

Solid state drives (SSD) are much faster than mechanical hard disk drives (HDD), but usually have less storage capacity compared to HDD in the same price range. Unless you have a great number of files or need to store large files (i.e. movies, large pictures, high quality audio files, CAD files, etc.), choosing the faster SSD will make your computer more responsive. To conserve space on a smaller SSD, you can use an external hard drive or cloud storage such as Box or OneDrive to store large files. Log in to your free TU account using your TU credentials.

Window 10 Home, Pro or Education kept updated with Microsoft updates. 

Latest release and two prior releases. Apple provides version updates once a year and typically supports the three most recent with patches. 

Minimum recommendation for laptops. A larger screen impacts portability and battery life but displays more information and increases legibility. A greater resolution provides a sharper display, text and images, providing more detail and less blurring. 

Integrated graphics cost less and are sufficient for general computing.

A dedicated graphics card is frequently included on workstation computers because they can improve the speed of rendering or modeling applications, as well as provide additional processing power for specialized applications.

Most wireless adapters from the last 10 years will be compatible with Tulane’s access points. If your computer does not come with a wired Ethernet port, we recommend purchasing a wired network adapter. Wired network connections offer greater stability and faster speed than wireless, specifically inside residence halls. 

Laptops generally have a built-in webcam, microphone and speakers.  If your device does not include these features, then an external USB camera, microphone and speakers will be necessary. 

Dell Accidental Damage Service 

AppleCare+ 

Microsoft Complete for Business Warranty w Accidental Damage Protection and Replacement Express Shipping 

If you have declared a major or enrolled in a specific degree program, contact your school for their computer and software specifications. Some programs have listed specifications on their website. 

Students may connect their personal computers, tablets, smartphones, and other internet devices to Tulane’s authenticated wireless internet network, Eduroam. This wireless network allows students to seamlessly stay connected on all Tulane campuses.

Click here to connect your devices prior to or upon your arrival on campus.  

PRO TIPS: 

  • Students should connect to Eduroam using an ethernet cable when in their residence halls to maintain maximum internet speeds and minimize connection disruptions.  
  • Set up Eduroam on your devices PRIOR to your arrival on campus, so you can minimize your to-do list and start connecting immediately. 

Most of TU's enterprise software applications (i.e., Zoom, Microsoft Apps) and the recommended devices listed above offer standard accessibility features for employees and students with disabilities. However, these basic standards may not be enough for an individual to easily, comfortably, and successfully navigate their academic and social experience at Tulane.

To request accommodations or learn more about what's available to you, visit the Goldman Center for Student Accessibility.

Free security software for student devices

Students have access to download free CrowdStrike security software to their personal devices. Increase your protection on and away from campus. To get started, click Download Free Student Software.

Secure your passwords

  • DO NOT SHARE YOUR TULANE PASSWORD with anyone, including your parents or guardians.
     
  • USE LONG, UNIQUE PASSWORDS to minimize hackers from guessing your password.

Report, don't click, suspicious email

Update your software and operating systems promptly

Set up multi-factor authentication for your email (required)