Recommended Specifications for Distance Learning Courses and Mobile Devices

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, 13th 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:  Apple Silicon (M1, M2 or M3) (*)
  • Operating System:  Monterey (12.7.6) minimum, Sonoma (14.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 17.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 Tensor (Google Pixel 6/6 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S21) or better
  • Operating System:  Android 12 (Snow Cone) minimum, Android 15.x (Vanilla Ice Cream) 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.)

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