KB Sections:
Choosing Between a Mac or PC?
Both the Mac and PC have merits to their functionality and feature set. Each can have Microsoft Office installed and can use all of our online materials via Canvas, SIS, and Outlook Web Access. However, the Mac version of Microsoft Office does not include Access or Publisher.
Consult your advisor about what software you will need for your major or program of study to ensure you're well equipped for the semester.
For more information about discounts on technology offered by the university, visit our using the following link: Discounts Page.
NOTE: Chromebooks and tablets are not acceptable substitutes for a laptop. Online class content does not always function correctly with either of these options. We do not allow wireless routers or Epson printers in the residence halls.
Windows Recommended Specifications
An Intel Core i5, i7, or i9 (11th gen and up), Intel Ultra 5, 7, or 9 (14th Gen) or AMD Ryzen 5000, 6000, 7000, or 8000 series are strongly recommended.
8 GB of RAM is the bare minimum and 16 GB RAM is preferred. For design/graphics/engineering students, we recommend 32 GB of RAM.
512 GB or more Solid-State Drive (SSD) storage. Avoid computers that only have an HDD (mechanical hard drive).
Windows 10 or Windows 11. It should be on at least version 22H2 if Windows 10.
We recommend a laptop with WiFi 6E to be ready for 6 GHz band. Wi-Fi 5 or later is required.
Mac Recommended Specifications
Apple M2 or M3 processor is strongly recommended. A Pro processor or better is recommended for design/graphics students. Intel models may lose software support from Apple as early as 2026, so we do not recommend buying any Intel Macs.
8 GB of RAM is the bare minimum and 16 or 18 GB RAM is preferred. For design/graphics students, we recommend 36 GB of RAM.
512 GB or more Solid State Drive (SSD) storage is recommended.
It needs to be on one of the two most recent major OS versions. Currently that's Ventura or Sonoma.
Supported Devices in Residence Halls
Many students also bring consoles, streaming devices or smart TVs for their residence hall. These can be registered and added to the UWGB-IoT wireless network on campus. Navigate to the following KB for directions on how to register a device on IoT: UWGB-IoT (Internet of Things).
For online gaming, we highly recommend using the available ethernet ports for internet instead of wireless.
Here is a list of the recommended streaming devices to use on campus:
- Apple TV
- Amazon Alexa
- Amazon Echo
- Amazon Fire TV
- Chromecast
- PS4
- PS5
- Roku 2
- Roku Express
- Smart TVs (except Roku)
- Nintendo Switch
- Wii (requires ethernet adapter and must be used on wired network)
- Wii U
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series S/X
We do not support Epson printers in the residence halls. Epson printers interfere with the wireless network and we ask that you do not bring them. If you want to use another brand of wireless printer, we ask that you register them to the UWGB-IoT network. Otherwise we offer free USB cables at the GBIT Service Desk and ask that you turn off the wireless on the printer. We do not have any USB-C printer cables for Macs.
We do not allow wireless routers or hotspots in the residence halls. When students set up their own wireless network on campus, since there are a limited number of usable wireless channels, it interferes with the campus wireless network causing slowness and disconnects for other people around them. If you are having issues with wireless connectivity in your room, please contact the GBIT Service Desk at (920) 465-2309 or at gbit@uwgb.edu to investigate. Most of the time the issue is other students' devices causing interference, which we can locate and have them turn off.