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Get Tech-Ready at UD

Tech Tips for Getting Started at UD

All UD students need to have a portable computer (a laptop or notebook). The specific hardware and operating system you'll need can vary depending on your major, so be sure to check the requirements for your program before buying anything.

Good news: As a UD student, you get free access to Microsoft Office and other academic software that might be required for your courses at no extra cost; you can just download and go. You'll also have access to a bunch of helpful tech tools and services, including:

  • IT support from our Service Center if you run into tech trouble
  • Network printing (small fee per page)
  • Reliable campus Wi-Fi and more

Check out the info below to make sure you're set up and ready to go with technology at UD.

Get Free Software

As a UD student, faculty, or staff member, you have access to a variety of licensed software at no cost. Visit go.udayton.edu/software to explore what's available and download essential tools like Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Education.


Questions? We've got Answers. Visit Get Tech Help!

What Technology to Bring

  • Your laptop and mobile devices
  • Power strip with surge protection (bonus if it has USB ports)
  • A built-in or external high-definition webcam
  • External hard drive or USB flash drive (for backups and file transfers)
  • Most laptops have cut down on ports. Having adaptors for USB-C to HDMI, Ethernet or VGA may be helpful as you use your device on campus.
  • Headphones or earbuds (preferably with a mic for virtual meetings)
  • Personal printer (optional – FlyerPrint is available around campus)
  • Printer paper & ink refills (if bringing your own printer)
  • Gaming console or streaming device (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation, Roku) ⚠️ These must be registered on the network. Home assistants like Google Home and Amazon Echo are not supported.

What to Leave at Home

  • Chromebooks (not compatible with UD’s student computer requirements for any major)
  • Wireless printers
  • Wireless routers
  • Amazon Echo/ Dot
  • Chromecast
  • Google Home
  • Devices controlled by mobile apps

Configure Your Devices


Questions? We've got Answers. Visit Get Tech Help!

If you need help with technology at UD, our IT Service Center is here to help.  Whether you're troubleshooting a network issue, have questions about your UD account, or need guidance with campus systems, our team is just a click or call away.  

In addition to general support, our on-campus technicians offer several fee-based services for more in-depth technical needs:

  • Operating system installation – $50
  • University-licensed software installation – $25
  • Virus removal ($75)
  • Data backup ($25 per 25GB)
  • System diagnostics – $75
  • Non-warranty hardware repairs – $50
  • Laptop rentals ($10/day; $50/week)

NOTE: Our technicians typically cannot perform hardware repairs if your device is under manufacturer warranty, as this may void your warranty. However, we’re happy to help you identify appropriate external support options.


Questions? We've got Answers. Visit Get Tech Help!

2025 - Student Technology Recommendations 

UDit has partnered with academic departments across campus to provide computer recommendations based on your major.

While Mac computers are popular personal devices, the School of Business curriculum relies heavily on software that is designed for the Windows operating system. To ensure compatibility and full functionality, a Windows-based laptop is strongly recommended.

Minimum Tech Requirements

  • Processor/Operating System
    • Windows
      Windows 11 Pro / Enterprise / Education (UD students with Home or Pro editions are licensed to download the Education version for free.)
      • Intel or AMD processor required. No ARM processors.
  • Memory (minimum)
    • 16GB (32GB preferred) of RAM
  • Storage (minimum)
    • 512GB SSD (1TB SSD preferred) 
  • Screen / Display
    • 1920 x 1080 resolution minimum
    • 13” display minimum
    • HDMI video output or adapter for presentations

Software Recommendations

  • Microsoft Office (provided to enrolled UD students in August)
  • Anti-virus program (strongly recommended)

Visit https://go.udayton.edu/software to view a list of UD-licensed academic software. Most apps required for classes are available for free.e.

Accessories

  • Working headset (e.g., headphones / earbuds with microphone)
  • A built-in or external high-definition webcam

Note:  Chromebooks do not meet UD’s Student Computer specifications for any major.


Minimum Tech Requirements

  • Processor/Operating System
    • Windows
      Windows 11 Pro / Enterprise / Education (UD students with Home or Pro editions are licensed to download the Education version for free.)
      • Intel or AMD processor required. No ARM processors.
    • macOS:
      Sonoma or higher
      • M3 or newer processor
  • Memory (minimum)
    • Windows: 16GB (32GB preferred) of RAM
    • macOS: 16GB
  • Storage (minimum)
    • 512GB SSD (1TB SSD preferred)
  • Screen / Display
    • 1920 x 1080 resolution minimum
    • 13” display minimum
    • HDMI video output or adapter for presentations

Software Recommendations

  • Microsoft Office (provided to enrolled UD students in August)
  • Anti-virus program (strongly recommended)

Visit https://go.udayton.edu/software to view a list of UD-licensed academic software. Most apps required for classes are available for free.

Accessories

  • Working headset (e.g., headphones / earbuds with microphone)
  • A built-in or external high-definition webcam

Note:  Chromebooks do not meet UD’s Student Computer specifications for any major.


Preferred Tech Recommendations

  • Processor/Operating System
    • Windows
      Windows 11 Pro / Enterprise / Education (UD students with Home or Pro editions are licensed to download the Education version for free.)
      • Intel i7 (8 core or better) or Intel i9 or equivalent AMD processor. No ARM processors.

Minimum Tech Requirements

  • Processor/Operating System
    • Windows
      Windows 11 Pro / Enterprise / Education (UD students with Home or Pro editions are licensed to download the Education version for free.)
      • Quad-core Intel Core i7 or equivalent AMD processor.  No ARM processors.
  • Memory
    • 32GB of RAM
  • Storage
    • 1TB SSD
  • Screen / Display
    • Discrete / dedicated graphics (e.g., NVIDIA or AMD)
    • 1920 x 1080 resolution minimum
    • 13” display minimum
    • HDMI video output or adapter for presentations

Software Recommendations

  • Microsoft Office (provided to enrolled UD students in August)
  • Anti-virus program (strongly recommended)

Visit https://go.udayton.edu/software to view a list of UD-licensed academic software. Most apps required for classes are available for free.

Accessories

  • Working headset (e.g., headphones / earbuds with microphone)
  • A built-in or external high-definition webcam

Note:  Chromebooks do not meet UD’s Student Computer specifications for any major.


College of Arts & Sciences Majors

Art and Design majors are required to use Mac-specific academic tools that may encounter problems running on a PC. 

Minimum Tech Requirements

  • Processor/Operating System
    • macOS
      Sonoma or higher
    • M3 or newer processor
  • Memory (minimum)
    • 16GB (32GB preferred) of RAM
  • Storage (minimum)
    • 512GB SSD (1TB SSD preferred)
  • Screen / Display
    • Graphic Design and Photography majors: MacBook Air M3 with a 15” display.

Software Recommendations

  • Microsoft Office (provided to enrolled UD students in August)
  • Anti-virus program (strongly recommended)

Visit https://go.udayton.edu/software to see a list of UD-licensed academic software; most apps required for classes are provided for free.

Accessories

  • Working headset (e.g., headphones / earbuds with microphone)
  • A built-in or external high-definition webcam

Note:  Chromebooks do not meet UD’s Student Computer specifications for any major.


Minimum Tech Requirements

  • Processor/Operating System
    • Windows
      Windows 11 Pro / Enterprise / Education (UD students with Home or Pro editions are licensed to download the Education version for free.)
      • Intel or AMD processor is required. No ARM processors.
  • Memory (minimum)
    • 16GB (32GB preferred) of RAM
  • Storage (minimum)
    • 512GB SSD (1TB SSD preferred)
  • Screen / Display
    • 1920 x 1080 resolution minimum
    • 13” display minimum
    • HDMI video output or adapter for presentations

Software Recommendations

  • Microsoft Office (provided to enrolled UD students in August)
  • Anti-virus program (strongly recommended)

Visit https://go.udayton.edu/software to see a list of UD-licensed academic software; most apps required for classes are provided for free.

Accessories

  • Working headset (e.g., headphones / earbuds with microphone)
  • A built-in or external high-definition webcam

Note:  Chromebooks do not meet UD’s Student Computer specifications for any major.


Not quite sure what you want to study yet?  As a student in the Discover Program, you’re encouraged to explore your academic options at UD while staying equipped for success. To make sure your tech is up to the task, refer to the computer recommendations for the academic division most closely aligned with your current Discover track. 

For example, if you’re leaning toward the School of Business, be aware that many business applications require a Windows operating system. Purchasing a Mac may require you to buy or access a PC later, which can be costly and inconvenient. Choosing the right technology from the start will help you stay on track, no matter where your path leads.

Note: Chromebooks do not meet UD’s Student Computer specifications for any major.


Minimum Tech Requirements

  • Processor/Operating System
    • Windows
      Windows 11 Pro / Enterprise / Education (UD students with Home or Pro editions are licensed to download the Education version for free.)
      • Intel or AMD processor required. No ARM processors.
    • macOS
      Sonoma or higher
      • M3 or newer processor
  • Memory (minimum)
    • Windows: 8GB (16GB preferred)
    • macOS: 16GB
  • Storage (minimum)
    • 512GB SSD (1TB SSD preferred)
  • Screen / Display
    • 1920 x 1080 resolution minimum
    • 13” display minimum
    • HDMI video output or adapter for presentations

Software Recommendations

  • Microsoft Office (provided to enrolled UD students in August)
  • Anti-virus program (strongly recommended)

Visit https://go.udayton.edu/software to see a list of UD-licensed academic software; most apps required for classes are provided for free.

Accessories

  • Working headset (e.g., headphones / earbuds with microphone)
    • Music Tech students using computers running macOS should purchase headphones without a built-in microphone; built-in microphones tend to interfere with audio recording in several popular applications, such as Ableton.
  • A built-in or external high-definition webcam

Note:  Chromebooks do not meet UD’s Student Computer specifications for any major.


Minimum Tech Requirements

  • Processor/Operating System
    • Windows
      Windows 11 Pro / Enterprise / Education (UD students with Home or Pro editions are licensed to download the Education version for free.)
      • Intel or AMD processor is required. No ARM processors.
  • Memory (minimum)
    • 16GB (32GB preferred) of RAM
  • Storage (minimum)
    • 512GB SSD (1TB SSD preferred)
  • Screen / Display
    • 1920 x 1080 resolution minimum
    • 13” display minimum
    • HDMI video output or adapter for presentations

Software Recommendations

  • Microsoft Office (provided to enrolled UD students in August)
  • Anti-virus program (strongly recommended)

Visit https://go.udayton.edu/software to see a list of UD-licensed academic software; most apps required for classes are provided for free.

Accessories

  • Working headset (e.g., headphones / earbuds with microphone)
  • A built-in or external high-definition webcam

Note:  Chromebooks do not meet UD’s Student Computer specifications for any major.


CONTACT

Information Technologies (UDit)

Anderson Center
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469
937-229-3888
Email