shortcutaub.ie/computerrecs
Students at Auburn have access to several computer labs across campus to help with projects, assignments, tests, and other academic needs. Click here to view a list of available computing labs across campus. We understand, however, that many students opt to bring laptops or other personal computing devices when they come to campus.
The university as a whole does not suggest any specific computers, but certain academic units have recommendations based on various software programs you will be running while in those courses. If you know the course of study you want to pursue, please click the link below to see that unit's recommendations to help guide your purchase.
To be prepared for the possibility of remote instruction, if they do not purchase a laptop, students are still strongly encouraged to have reliable and regular access to a Windows or Macintosh computer, a webcam (built-in on the computer or as an additional USB accessory), and off-campus access to reliable Internet.
Please contact the ACES/Ag IT department for more information at (334) 844-9660.
Please visit the CADC Laptop Requirements page for computer specifications by program area.
Please contact the Harbert College IT Services Department at cobtech@auburn.edu for more information.
The College of Education expects students to be able to use the following programs: Zoom, Canvas, Office, OneDrive, Chrome, Firefox, Panopto, and Respondus. As a result, here are the minimum recommendations.
Mac Laptop Minimum Requirements
Windows Laptop Minimum Requirements
The College of Engineering does not require students to own a personal computer. The physical labs and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) provide access to everything you need to complete your degree. You may find the recommended desktop and laptop specifications on the College of Engineering Personal Computer Recommendations site helpful if you do decide to purchase your own computer. You also need to be aware of potential software compatibility issues if you purchase your own computer.
The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment offers a list of recommended specs as well as a list of bare minimum specifications for running the necessary systems. For Windows devices, the Windows 11 operating system is required.
Forestry uses ArcGIS software which does not run native on Mac operating systems, so they do not recommend the purchase of Mac devices. If you do use a Mac, make sure it has the most updated operating system, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB hard drive for running parallels.
All College of Human Sciences students are required to have a laptop computer. Please visit the CHS Computer Specifications site for additional information.
Mac Laptop Minimum Recommendations
Windows Laptop Minimum Recommendations
Minimum Recommendations for Media Studies & Animation Majors
Mac 13" Laptop Minimum Requirements
Mac 16" Laptop Minimum Requirements
Windows Laptop Minimum Requirements
HCOP students are required to have a laptop throughout their time as a student, as they are used for a variety of tasks such as exams and assignments. Additional information, including HCOP IT contact information, can be found here.
Mac Laptop Minimum Requirements
Windows Laptop Minimum Requirements
COSAM does not have any mandatory computer requirements. Most, if not all, of their specialized software is available via Windows virtualized desktop (WVD) for students. It's really the preference of the student as to what type of computer to purchase: Windows, Apple, Linux, Chromebook, or tablets. The best support on campus will be mostly Windows and Mac, and there is an Authorized Apple Store located at the AU Bookstore in Haley Center. Discounted Apple hardware is available to students. Students also get free access to software like Microsoft Office (O365) and Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, so there is no need to purchase those. A student can also access the Windows virtual desktop (WVD) environment from a Chromebook as well. See more about the COSAM Recommendations here.
NOTE: Although Chromebook is compatible with most of our systems, ProctorU and Respondus Lockdown Browser to take online tests are not fully supported on Chromebook. If you need to take an online test, please have access to a different computer architecture (Windows or Mac) to take your test.
The College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) does not have any mandatory computer requirements. It is the student's preference on the type of system they want to use. There is an Authorized Apple Store found in the Haley Center Bookstore. Discounted Apple hardware is also available to students. Students receive free access to software such as Microsoft Office (O365) with 1TB of OneDrive space and the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite. Most students prefer to typically have a laptop and a tablet while attending CVM for notetaking and testing.
Note: Although Chromebooks are authorized, they are not compatible with some of our systems, such as ProctorU and Respondus Lockdown Browser.
Mac Laptop Minimum Requirements
Windows Laptop Minimum Requirements