These are the minimum laptop requirements for students taking classes at the Department of Computer Science.
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| Operating System | Windows 10, 11 Pro, Enterprise | Apple OS X 12.x or higher |
| Software Applications | Free download Microsoft O365 | Free download Microsoft O365 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5/i7/i9 | Apple ARM M1/M2/M3/M* or Intel |
| Memory | 16 GB or higher | 16 GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 250/500 GB or higher | 250/500 GB or higher |
| Graphics Card | Integrated min 512MB video memory or higher | Integrated video memory |
| Wireless | 802.11 | AirPort |
| Warranty | 4-year parts replacement on site | 4-year parts and labor AppleCare |
Optional:
- USB Flash Memory Storage Device.
- External USB hard drive for data daily backup.
- Antivirus and Malwarebytes are provided by the University.
FAQ
Q: Can I buy a better, more powerful laptop?
A: The laptop specs on this page are the bare minimum needed to get the job done. If you have the option of purchasing a better machine, go ahead and do so.
Q: Which is better or more practical for taking computer science classes, Windows or Mac?
A: More and more students are choosing Macs because most classes, especially game development classes, are taught on the OS X platform. It is possible to do it on a Windows laptop as well, but it will require more effort.
Q: Do I need a touch-screen computer?
A: No, it is not required.
Q: Is an Ethernet port required?
A: No, our local WiFi connection will suffice.
Q: Is it acceptable if I buy a Toshiba/Sony/Apple/Lenovo laptop?
A: We consider our students to be advanced computer users and suggest going with what you feel comfortable with to play, reconfigure, install whatever is needed, and enjoy your CS classes.
Q: Can I instead buy a tablet?
A: While tablets are lightweight and may be what you are used to in your daily life, they are not well suited for computing power-demanding applications that you will use for CS projects.
Q: Which is better or more practical for taking computer science classes, Windows, Mac, or Linux?
A: While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, consider what courses you will take / specialties you will focus on that are have the most resource-intensive requirements that are operating system-specific, and which requirements could be fulfilled by alternative means such as virtual machines, docker, etc. If you’re in doubt, you may ask professors for class syllabi and guidance.
Please contact us at support@cs.du.edu or 303-871-3299 if you have any questions about the Computer Science Department’s student laptop requirements.