Student Computer Specifications
Students in the Graphic Design, Digital Media, and Game Design and Development programs have specific requirements which are outlined below. If you are in one of these programs, please review the information carefully.
All other students are currently exempt from this requirement. Students exempt from the laptop requirement may bring a laptop or PC of their choice but the university recommends that it meet the following minimum specifications. School of Community Economic Development students are currently exempt, yet they are encouraged to bring a wireless laptop of their choice meeting the minimum specifications or to purchase a laptop under Dell's University Program.
(applies to all students except those in the Graphic Design, Digital Media, and Game Design and Development programs)
Windows or Mac? - Whether you choose to bring a Windows laptop or a Mac is entirely up to you. While there are more Windows computers on campus, we continue to see an increasing number of students bringing Macs.
Windows Laptop
Dell is the preferred laptop model and offers a comprehensive, discounted package to SNHU students. However, students may choose any model meeting the minimum suggested specifications.
| Component | Minimum Suggested Specification |
| Processor | Pentium M processor or newer |
| Memory | 1 GB |
| Hard Drive | 40 GB |
| Floppy Drive | Optional-this is no longer a standard feature on most laptops |
| Network Card | Integrated Internal Card 10/100 |
| Wireless Network Card | Required |
| CD-ROM | 24X CD-RW/DVD drive |
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows XP Professional, SP2 (preferred) or Windows Vista |
| Office Suite | Microsoft Office 2007 Professional - required for all students |
| Antivirus software | Symantec antivirus is provided free of charge to all resident students. Non-resident students are required to have antivirus software of their choice in order to connect to the SNHU network. |
| Warranty | 3 year limited warranty - extended coverage highly recommended |
Mac Laptop
Macs are fully supported at SNHU and work with all of our campus systems. Keep in mind however that some of your classes may require software that only comes made for Windows computers. Newer Macs with Intel processors can run Mac OS and Windows on the same computer. If you choose to bring a Mac, it is strongly recommended that you install Windows using Bootcamp which allows you to use your Mac as a Mac or a Windows computer. An even better option is to install Parallels or VMWare Fusion software which allows you to run Mac and Windows at the same time. Macs are only made by Apple Inc. Discounted pricing can be obtained by SNHU students at www.apple.com/edu/snhu
| Component | Minimum Suggested Specification |
| Model | iBook G5 or newer - G5 models are no longer produced and cannot run Windows. All iBook, MacBook, and MacBook Pro models currently sold exceed the minimum specs. |
| Memory | 1 GB |
| Hard Drive | 40 GB |
| Wireless Network Card | Required |
| CD-ROM | CD-RW/DVD Drive |
| Operating System | Mac OS X "Tiger" or "Leopard" |
| Office Suite | Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac |
| Antivirus Software | Symantec antivirus is provided free of charge to all resident students. Non-resident students are required to have antivirus software of their choice in order to connect to the SNHU network. |
| Warranty | AppleCare Protection Plan |
| Recommended but not required | If you have a Mac with an Intel processor we suggest that you also purchase Parallels or VMWare Fusion software as well as a copy of Windows XP or Vista. Note: This will not work if you are bringing an older, non-Intel Mac |
Discounted pricing can be obtained by at www.apple.com/edu/snhu
| Component | Minimum Suggested Specification |
| Model | MacBook Pro |
| Processor | 2.33 GHz Core 2 Duo or higher |
| Memory | 2 GB (4 GB for Digital Media Majors) |
| Display | Personal preference but two things to consider: Size - 15" or 17" - digital media students tend to prefer the larger screen Anti-glare Matte finish or Glossy - Glossy provides richer color but can have a glare from overhead lights. |
| Hard Drive | 200 GB or larger |
| Wireless Network Card | Required but built-in on all Macs |
| CD-ROM | Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW), SuperDrive for Digital Media Majors |
| Operating System | Mac OS X "Tiger" or "Leopard" |
| Required Software | iLife '08 Suite (includes iDVD, iPhoto, iMovie, iWeb, Garage Band) |
| Office Suite | Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac (includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Entourage) |
| Antivirus Software | Symantec antivirus is provided free of charge to all resident students. Non-resident students are required to have antivirus software of their choice in order to connect to the SNHU network. |
| Warranty | AppleCare Protection Plan for MacBook Pro |
| Recommended but not required | We suggest that you also purchase Parallels or VMWare Fusion software as well as a copy of Windows XP or Vista |
Questions about Graphic Design and Digital Media specs?
Contact Harry Umen, Chair, Department of Communication, Media Arts, and Technology.
Students can purchase Adobe software at drastically reduced prices. For more details go to: http://it.snhu.edu/instructionalsupport/software/index.html
| Component | Minimum Suggested Specification |
| Processor | Intel Pentium 4 (3.0 GHz) or AMD Athlon XP 64 or equivalent, with Dual-Core processors |
| Memory | 2 GB |
| Hard Drive | 40 GB w/ minimum of 5.5 GB free |
| Network Card | Integrated Internal Card 10/100 |
| Wireless Network Card | Required |
| CD-ROM | CD-RW/DVD - 8X speed or higher |
| Video Card |
256 MB Shader Model 3.0 compatible video card or equivalent |
| Sound Card |
Windows compatible sound card, including an external plug-in with headset |
| External Mouse | Two button minimum with scroll wheel |
| Operating System | Windows XP, SP2 with Direct X version 9.0c or higher (preferred) or Windows Vista with Direct X version 10 or higher |
| Office Suite | Microsoft Office 2007 Professional - required for all students |
| Antivirus Software | Symantec antivirus is provided free of charge to all resident students. Non-resident students are required to have antivirus software of their choice in order to connect to the SNHU network. |
| Warranty | 3 year limited warranty - extended coverage highly recommended |
Questions about Game Design and Development specs?
Contact Lundy Lewis, Department Chair