Before you purchase a computer, always consult with the program
you're intending to enter first.

Specific Requirements
School of the Arts
School of Business
School of Dentistry
School of Pharmacy

General Requirements
School of Education
School of Engineering
College of Humanities and Sciences
School of Mass Communications
School of Medicine
School of Nursing
School of Social Work
School of World Studies

Looking For Software?
Our on campus VCU Barnes&Noble bookstore has it or can order it or you can purchase it yourself online from JourneyEd.

Protect Your Computer and Identity with Operation ID.

It is important that the computer you purchase meets VCU's minimum specifications and additional recomendations.
Remember, the lowest price isn't always your best value.

If you intend to use a laptop you already own or make a new purchase, the following minimum specifications for both PC and Mac will help assure suitability for coursework:

• The laptop should not be more than 2 years old.
• It should have at least 2 GB RAM.
• It should have a Core 2 Duo (or equivalent) processor.
• It should have 2 ways of connecting to the Internet, (an Ethernet port and Wifi capability).
• For the best results make sure your Windows laptop has Intel WiFi.

What about Netbooks?
Netbooks based on the Atom processor and similar class CPU's are not covered by the current SCI minimum recommendation and are inadequate for serving as the primary computing device for coursework. Additionally, be advised that Netbooks are often equipped with consumer level WiFi hardware and as such may not be capable of accessing the VCU secure wireless connection known as VCU SafeNet Wireless.

Which Windows Version?
We strongly recommend that you do not use the Home versions of Windows. This includes Windows 7 Home Premium, Vista Home Premium or XP Home Edition. The Home editions of Windows will not run statistical analysis software packages commonly used in VCU coursework. Windows 7 Pro, Vista Business or XP Professional are the minimum Windows versions recommended. If you do choose or already own a laptop with a Home version of Windows, an upgrade can be purchased from the http://vcu.bncollege.com, (click on technology, then software). Or, link directy to JourneyEd to purchase it online.  (JourneyEd is Barnes and Nobles software partner)

Click For Additional Purchasing Recommendations.
Need more information?
Contact us at 804-827-5154 or sci@vcu.edu
Get a pdf version of this page. 

Laptops starting at $849
with 3 Year Total Protection

VCU's own laptop program for students. No other program offers what G2GMobile does.