Below are the recommended specifications to support distance learning courses and mobile devices.
*** A webcam and headset/headphones are strongly recommended for online courses (Apple AirPods or other headsets used for phone and video calls on a cell phone will work if they have a compatible connection to your computer. ***
If your computer does not meet the specifications listed below, click here for information on purchasing a new computer.
If you need to purchase a webcam or headset/headphone, check Barry's Online Bookstore.
Windows Personal Computer
- Processor Speed: 3 GHz or better
- Processor Type: Intel Core i5, 11th generation or better
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home or Pro, or Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Disk space: 256 GB Solid State Hard Drive minimum
- Memory (RAM): 16 GB minimum
- Wireless Card: 802.11 ac (dual-band 5GHz/2.4GHz)
- Web Camera: 720p resolution, front-facing with integrated microphone (built into laptop screen) or USB with microphone (for desktops)
- Headset/headphones: any USB, Bluetooth, or 1/8" stereo jack to fit your computer (built-in microphone optional)
Macintosh Personal Computer
- Processor Speed: 2.7 GHz or better
- Processor Type: Intel Core i5, 10th generation or better, or Apple Silicon(*)
- Operating System: Big Sur (11.7.9) minimum, Ventura (13.x) recommended
- Disk space: 256 GB Solid State Hard Drive minimum
- Memory (RAM): 16 GB minimum
- Wireless Card: 802.11 ac (dual-band 5GHz/2.4GHz)
- Web Camera: 720p resolution, front-facing with integrated microphone (built into laptop screen) or USB with microphone (for desktops)
- Headset/headphones: any USB, Bluetooth, or 1/8" stereo jack to fit your computer (built-in microphone optional)
iOS Devices (iPod, iPad, iPhone)
- Operating System: iOS/iPadOS 14.8.1 minimum, iOS/iPadOS 16.x recommended
- Network: 4G/LTE/5G (Optional)
- Wireless Card: 802.11 ac (dual-band 5GHz/2.4GHz)
- Headset/headphones: any EarPod, AirPod or other Bluetooth headphones (built-in micrphone optional)
Android
- Processor Speed: 2.35 Ghz or better
- Processor Type: Octa-core Snapdragon 845 (Google Pixel 3, Samsung Galaxy Note 9) or better
- Operating System: Android 11 (Red Velvet Cake) minimum, Android 13.x (Tiramisu) recommended
- Network: 4G/LTE/5G (Optional)
- Wireless Card: 802.11 ac (dual-band 5GHz/2.4GHz)
- Headset/headphones: any Bluetooth headphones (built-in microphone optional)
(* Some applications may run in emulation mode on Apple's Silicon (M1, M2, etc) CPU, until the developer creates native versions of those applications. While this may not cause a problem, we recommend you consult the developer websites for the application(s) you expect to use for details on Apple Silicon compatibility prior to purchasing an Apple with an Apple Silicon CPU.)