Student Personal Owned Devices - Minimum Specifications

Updated 12/14/23

You are required to own a laptop computer for your coursework by the first day of orientation. Although DMU doesn’t require any specific model or brand of computer, below are the minimum specifications you will need. Please note these are minimum specs, not recommended specs and are subject to change. You can use either the Windows or Mac platform.

Minimum Specifications

Operating System: Windows 10 Version 22H2 or higher, Windows 11 22H2 or higher, or Mac OS 12 Monterey or higher
Memory:  Minimum of 8GB RAM
Processor Speed:  Minimum of Intel Core i3 or equivalent (i5 is recommended)
Windows devices using ARM processors are not supported
Hard Drive/SSD: 256 GB or larger
Wireless:  Any card that supports 802.11 ac protocols (Wi-Fi 5) and WPA2 Enterprise
Active Anti-virus software: Windows Defender, Norton, McAfee, AVG, or comparable

Recommended/Optional Peripherals

External USB Hard Drive: An external USB hard drive is useful for data backups and transferring files between computers. We recommend regularly backing up your data so your important personal files will remain intact in case of hard drive failure in the computer. The backup process is different for Apple and Windows systems.
USB or Built-In Ethernet Adapter: Since wireless network access is now more widely available, some laptop manufacturers have stopped installing ethernet cards for network cable access in certain models of laptops. If you purchase a laptop without an ethernet card, we recommend having a USB ethernet adapter as a backup method of accessing the Internet should wireless not be available.
Webcam: Integrated camera or external USB camera supported by your operating system.
Headphones: Mini-Jack or external USB Headphones supported by your laptop and operating system. Headphones with Bluetooth or other wireless capabilities are not allowed to be used for exams.

Not Approved

Windows devices on ARM processors: These devices are not currently supported by some software needed for your coursework.
Chromebooks, tablets (iOS & Android) or devices running Windows RT, Windows 10 Home on ARM or 10 S: These are great devices, but they are not sufficient to use as your primary computer. You will likely encounter issues running the software needed for your coursework. 
Smart devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Smart Watches, etc.: Our networks require more security and control than a home network and these devices are designed for home networks.

If your program uses ExamSoft/Examplify for testing, please see any additional notes available on their website: https://examsoft.com/resources/examplify-minimum-system-requirements/