Technology Requirements
Students at UB are required to have access to a computer and printer. Although ownership is not required, the majority of students will find these recommendations essential for successful completion of program coursework.
We recommend Windows or Apple laptops or computers. At this time, UB does not support or recommend purchase or use of a Chromebook.
Undergraduate Students
Computer Spec Minimum - Windows
- Laptop
- Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit) - keep your OS up to date
- Intel i5, i7 series processor
- 8GB RAM or higher
- 500GB hard drive or 256GB SSD drive
- Webcam
- Earbud headphones with microphone recommended
Computer Spec Minimum - Mac
- Laptop
- OS 12.2.1 (Monterey) or OS 13.3.1 (Ventura) - keep your OS up to date
- Intel i5, i7 or Apple M1 series Processor
- 8GB RAM or higher
- 500GB Hard Drive or 256GB SSD Drive
- Webcam
- Earbud headphones with microphone recommended
Broadband Specs - REQUIRED
- 1MB download speed
- 1MB upload speed
Software Specs - REQUIRED
- Adobe Reader
- Free (Uncheck McAfee install box)
- Firefox Web browser
- Free (You will use this for UBLearns - Blackboard. DO NOT use Internet Explorer, Safari or Chrome.)
- Microsoft Office 365 - Windows or MAC
- Free for UB students
- Zoom video conference software
- Free Licensed version for UB Students
Software Specs - Recommended
- EndNote
- Free for UB students
Other Strong Recommendations
- Printer & scanner
- 32GB flash drive (portable backup)
Optional
- Second computer monitor to setup a dual monitor system (good for laptop systems)
Graduate Students
Computer Spec Minimum - Windows
- Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit) computer - keep your OS up to date
- Intel i5, i7 series processor
- 8GB RAM or higher
- 500GB hard drive or 256GB SSD drive
- Web camera
- Microsoft LifeCam, if not built in already
- Earbud headphones with microphone recommended
Computer Spec Minimum - Mac
- OS 12.2.1 (Monterey) or OS 13.3.1 (Ventura) - keep your OS up to date
- Intel i5, i7 or Apple M1 series processor
- 8GB RAM or higher
- 500GB hard drive or 256GB SSD
- Webcam
- Earbud headphones with microphone recommended
Broadband Specs - REQUIRED
- 1MB download speed
- 1MB upload speed
Software Specs - REQUIRED
- Adobe Reader
- Free (Uncheck McAfee install box)
- AnyConnect VPN Off-Campus client
- Free for UB students
- Firefox Web browser
- Free (You will use this for UBLearns - Blackboard. DO NOT use Internet Explorer, Safari or Chrome)
- Microsoft Office 365 - Windows or MAC
- Free for UB students
- SPSS (Latest version)
- At instructor’s request (don’t purchase it until you need it for a class)
- Yearly license fee
- Zoom video conference software
- Free Licensed version for UB Students
Software Specs - Recommended
- EndNote
- Free for UB students
Other Strong Recommendations
- Printer
- 32GB Flash Drive (portable backup)
- External Hard Drive 1TB (data collection backup)
Optional
- Second computer monitor to setup a dual monitor system (good for laptop systems)
Additional Information
Pricing includes any UB discounts (if applicable).
For IT help, contact:
You must regularly back up all papers, presentations and research.
UBIT Services Status
