Minimum Computing Specs
| Computer* |
Windows or Mac laptop or desktop |
| Operating System |
Windows 10 (64-bit) or MacOS 11 Monterey (supported OS within the last 2 years) |
| Processor |
Intel Core i5 or AMD equivalent |
| Memory |
8GB or larger |
| Storage Drive Capacity |
256 GB Solid State Drive (SSD) or larger |
| Network/Wi-Fi |
Wireless network card for WiFi access on campus |
| Remote Collaboration |
Web camera, speakers (or headphones) and microphone |
| Supported Browsers |
Chrome, FireFox, Safari, Microsoft Edge |
Chromebooks: are not recommended as there have been compatibility issues reported from students and instructors.
If Chromebooks are chosen, the user should expect limitations and may have to find alternatives to address the need, for instance, in using Respondus Lockdown Browser for taking tests in your courses at RCTC.
Alternatives to Chromebooks could be:
- Using an on-campus lab to perform the work.
- Getting a temporary “Loaner” device from IT (assuming there are supplies of devices available).
- Conducting certain work using a “Facilitated” approach, such as, testing with cameras on with instructor monitoring the activities of the student in real-time.
SmartPhones and some tablets: If you use as your primary learning device, you will encounter limitations. Homework assignments and other activities may not be doable on these devices.
Student Discounts: Most manufacturers will offer student academic pricing on both the purchase of a new computer and when purchasing software, so be sure to ask for an academic discount to help save money!
Microsoft Office365 (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.): As a student at RCTC you will be able to download Microsoft Office 365 for using Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc. for FREE and purchasing it separately will NOT be required.