SCI
  • Minimum Requirements
  • Additional Recommendations
  • Purchase a New Computer through VCU
  • Why SCI ?

Note: A Desktop or Laptop computer is essential for study at VCU and personal ownership of a computer is required for enrolled students. iPADs, netbooks, eReaders and other similar devices are not suitable for a student’s primary computer.

Students

If bringing a computer you already own, it should not be more than two years old and, at a minimum, it should have:

  • at least 3GB of RAM
  • Microsoft Office version 2007 or greater
  • Windows 7 Home Premium or OSX 10.6 or greater
  • an Ethernet port and WiFi

If you’re buying a new computer, we recommend that at a minimum it have:

  • 4GB RAM
  • an accidental damage protection warranty More Info
  • an i5 or greater/equivalent CPU
  • a version of Microsoft Office 2010 or 2011
  • Windows 7 (Home Premium/Pro/Ultimate) or OSX 10.7
  • an Ethernet port and WiFi

Additional Recommendations:

Don't pay for antivirus subscriptions.
Sophos Antivirus is available to enrolled students as a free download.

  • Don't pay for antivirus subscriptions.  Sophos Antivirus is available to enrolled students as a free download.

  • Optical drives (DVD/CD) can use useful for loading software and music and movies, but are increasingly less important as a built in feature in laptops.
  • You may need to include a USB ethernet adapter and a USB hub if your laptop or netbook does not have these built in.

  • Be security conscious. Consider theft deterrence options like a security cable or Lo-Jack for laptops.

  • Use a high capacity battery if available for portable devices. (laptops, etc)

  • Be prepared to protect data with an external hard drive, online backup service, or cloud storage.
    More Info

  • Utilize purchase programs offered by the School of Business, Pharmacy and Dentistry and VCU's getIT program.

  • If you're choosing or required to have a Mac, you may still need a purchase a copy of Windows to run some software.
    More Info

Stuff you need.


It is recommended that you purchase a new computer through VCU purchase programs.
The Schools of Business, Dentistry and Pharmacy have their own specific purchase programs.
Consult the links provided at the left for more information.

getIT laptops receive the best support on campus!

No cost repairs* and free loaners for delayed repairs!

Get a computer for class. http://go.vcu.edu/getIT

VCU's getIT program has negotiated special laptop discount programs with Apple, Dell and Lenovo.

The laptops offered through getIT are academically priced, meet the SCI minimum specifications, include on-campus warranty service and free loaners in the event of a delayed repair.

This specification applies equally to both Windows and Macintosh based systems and addresses the minimum requirements for student computers at VCU.

*We say "No Cost Repairs" because the computers purchased through getIT are bundled with accidental damage protection insurance from Lenovo or Dell. HOWEVER- Apple does NOT provide accidental damage insurance and repairs due to spills and drops, etc. on a Apple computer will likely have a repair bill.
AppleCare is a warranty extension program, not accidental damage insurance.

 

All incoming freshman and transfer students are required to own a personal computer. This requirement helps ensure students are equipped with the necessary technology to effectively participate in classes and classwork and allows for scholarship and financial aid funds to be applied towards the expense of acquiring a new computer.

If you're using Financial Aid, consult with the Financial Aid department about how funds can be used to reimburse your computer equipment investment.

Study at VCU is a professional activity. The technology required and recommended is carefully thought through by the participants of the SCI committee to provide students with the capacity for a professional level of work output in step with the rigors of the classroom.

Along with proper care, following the SCI requirements will help ensure that the computer you choose will be able to provide approximately three years of reliable service.