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.

Undergraduates

Technology Requirements for Undergraduate Students

Computer Spec Minimum - Windows

Laptop
Windows 10
Intel i5, i7 series processor
8GB RAM
500GB hard drive or 256GB SSD drive

Computer Spec Minimum - Mac

Laptop
OS 10.13 (High Sierra)
Intel i5, i7 series Processor
8GB RAM
500GB Hard Drive or 256GB SSD Drive

Broadband Specs - REQUIRED

1MB download speed
1MB upload speed

Test your speed at speedtest.net

Software Specs - REQUIRED

Adobe Reader
- Free (Uncheck McAfee install box)
Firefox Web browser
- Free (You will use this for UBLearns – DO NOT use Internet Explorer, Safari or Chrome)
Microsoft Office 2016 - Windows or MAC
- Free for UB students
Symantec Antivirus and Firewall
- Free for UB students

Software Specs - Recommended

EndNote
- Free for UB students
Microsoft Skype for Business 2016 video conference software
- Windows users have it as part of Office 2016
- Mac users should download separately
- Windows & Mac: Use these instructions to sign in for the first time

Other Strong Recommendations

Printer & scanner
16GB flash drive (portable backup)

Optional

Second computer monitor to setup a dual monitor system (good for laptop systems)

Graduates

Technology Requirements for Graduate Students

Computer Spec Minimum - Windows

Windows 10
Intel i5, i7 series processor
8GB RAM
500GB hard drive or 256GB SSD drive
Web camera
Microsoft LifeCam, if not built in already
Headset with microphone recommended
- Earbud headphones at minimum

Computer Spec Minimum - Mac

OS 10.13 (High Sierra)
Intel i5, i7 series processor
8GB RAM
500GB hard drive or 256GB SSD
Headset with microphone recommended
- Earbud headphones at minimum

Broadband Specs - REQUIRED

1MB download speed
1MB upload speed

Test your speed at speedtest.net

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 – DO NOT use Internet Explorer, Safari or Chrome)
Microsoft Office 2016 - 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
Symantec Antivirus and Firewall
- Free for UB students

Software Specs - Recommended

EndNote
- Free for UB students

Other Strong Recommendations

Printer & scanner
16GB 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

Purchasing Personally Owned Computers & Electronics

Pricing includes any UB discounts (if applicable).

UB Student Computing Requirements

UB Student Computer Standards

UB Computing Sites

UB Information Technology: New Student Video Tour