Bringing a Computer

Computer Recommendations:

If you want to bring your own computer to campus, you can bring a PC or a Mac, either will work on our campus network. Any modern computer should be sufficient, and you can use the recommendations below to help make your decision.  * See note below about Chromebooks, Surface and iPads

Hardware

• Processor:
  Intel Core i3      ( i5 preferred, i7 optional)
  AMD Ryzen 3     (Ryzen 5 preferred, Ryzen 7 optional)
• Memory: 8GB     (or higher)
• Hard Drive: 500 GB  (Solid State drives recommended **)
   **Solid State drives increase the speed and durability of computers and are highly recommended.

Network Interface Card

Your desktop or laptop will require either wired or wireless access to the campus network.  Wired connections use an ethernet port, common on most desktops, but not too often on laptops.  Wireless connections are built into all modern laptops, but not as common in desktops.  But either can be added, most commonly as a USB device. To add a wired network interface, look for a USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter supporting 10/100/1000 Mbps compatible with your version of Windows or Mac OS X operating system.  To add a wireless network interface, look for an 802.11ac dual band 2.4/5GHz wireless network adapter compatible with your version of Windows or Mac OS X operating system.

 Operating System

PC Windows 10  OR
Mac OS X 10.13 or newer

*Chromebooks / iPads

These devices are supported on the USI network.  However, it should be noted that these devices are NOT compatible with several programs that are NECESSARY for course work. The mentioned equipment has compatibility limitations on installing third party software for example: Respondus Lockdown Browser and Proctorio (Required for Exams), CAD software, and Textbook Publisher software.

*Surface

Most Surface computers work fine, but the Surface Pro X model does not use standard Intel components and should be avoided as it doesn’t run all Windows software

Accessories

• If living in USI Housing - You should also buy an Ethernet cable.  Wired is more reliable and more secure.
• USB Flash Drive 8 GB (or more).  This is not entirely necessary - as we have OneDrive - cloud storage.

Software

• Antivirus Software - Some form of up-to-date antivirus software is strongly recommended.

You do NOT need to buy Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, OneNote, Outlook) as it is available in all computer labs and web versions are available. 

Students can download the full version of Microsoft Office for free through the MyUSI portal.  Access to this software is for current staff and students.

If you are a resident student, you can use our high-speed Ethernet connection to connect to the USI's network and access Internet right from your room. USI provides both wired and wireless Internet access.

If you should have any questions regarding these services, please contact our Help Desk at (812) 465-1080 or contact us via email by clicking the link in the top right.