UB Student Computer Standards

We recommend Windows or Apple laptops or computers for academic coursework. Tablets or smartphones are also helpful for on-the-go note-taking and messaging.

At this time, UB does not support or recommend purchase or use of a Chromebook.

On this page:

Check with your department or school

Some schools, including the following, have their own computer standards. Speak with them before making a purchase: School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), School of Architecture and Planning, School of Social Work, Graduate School of Education

Minimum Recommendations: Windows Computers

Check Your Current Computer

  • Memory:
    • Minimum 8GB
    • Recommended: 16GB   
  • Hard Drive:
    • Minimum 256GB
    • Recommended: 512GB
  • Network Port: Ethernet port
  • Wireless: 802.11 b/g/n
  • OS: Windows 11 (64-bit) (S mode is not recommended)
  • Webcam: Essential
  • Headphones/earphones: Recommended

Buy a New Computer

  • Memory:
    • Minimum: 8GB
    • Recommended: 16GB
  • Hard Drive:
    • Minimum: solid state 256GB
    • Recommended: 512GB
  • Network Port: 100/1000 Mbps Ethernet port OR USB to Ethernet adapter (optional)
  • Wireless: 802.11ac
  • OS: Windows 11 (64-bit) (S mode is not recommended)
  • Webcam: Essential
  • Headphones/earphones: Recommended

(Standards last updated January 25, 2023)

Minimum Recommendations: Macintosh Computers

Check Your Current Computer

  • Memory:
    • Minimum 8GB
    • Recommended 16GB   
  • Hard Drive:
    • Minimum 256GB
    • Recommended 512GB
  • Network Port: Ethernet Port
  • Wireless: 802.11 b/g/n
  • OS: Minimum Mac OS 13 (Ventura)
  • Webcam: Essential
  • Headphones/earphones: Recommended

Buy a New Computer

  • Memory:
    • Minimum: 8GB (RAM cannot be upgraded after purchase)
    • Recommended: 16GB
  • Hard Drive:
    • Minimum: solid state 256GB
    • Recommended: 512GB
  • Network Port: Purchase an appropriate adapter (optional)
  • Wireless: 802.11ac
  • OS: Minimum Mac OS 13 (Ventura)
  • Webcam: Essential
  • Headphones/earphones: Recommended

(Standards last updated January 25, 2023)

Internet Bandwidth Recommendations

UB uses a variety of collaboration and conferencing tools. To ensure adequate access to these tools, UBIT strongly recommends following Zoom’s minimum Internet bandwidth requirements.

See also

Still need help?

Contact the UBIT Help Center.