Looking for Computer Specs for 2008-2009?  They're at our new Computing at VCU Page.

We recommend you take advantage of the new G2GMobile@VCU laptop program.

When you purchase a laptop through this program you will receive a computer that meets the requirements for most programs on campus (School of the Arts AFO students and School of Mass Communications Advertising Track students should click the links below as a Mac may be required or recommended for SOME of you). Computers purchased through this program come with all VCU-required software, plus a 4-year warranty and a 4-year accidental damage plan.

If you already have a computer or would prefere a desktop computer or a computer from another manufacturer, please read through these recommendations before you buy your computer. There are several things you should consider, each student and situation is different, and we want to make sure you get the computer you need. Feel free to contact us to discuss any concerns you have BEFORE you purchase anything. (If you've been here before and have already read this information here's a shortcut to the specs.)

The following academic programs have different or specific requirements for computers. If you plan to be in one of these programs, please check carefully the requirements of your program and make sure you get a computer that conforms to their requirements. If your school/program is not listed here, you can follow the general computer requirements below.

Incoming Freshman: If you already have a computer that meets these specifications, consider bringing your computer to school with you. This is especially practical if your major is undecided or might change, or if you will be going through the Art Foundation program (in which case, your final computer needs will be determined by the program into which you are accepted after your AFO year), or if you plan to transfer into the Pharmacy or Dental schools, which require specific computers when you enter those programs.

Please do be advised, however, that if you are using an existing computer, you will probably need to upgrade your computer at some point during your academic career. How much upgrading you will need to do will be determined by the requirements of your specific program. You may need to purchase a new computer that meets the specifications for new computers by your sophomore or junior year. However, keep in mind that when you do upgrade, you will have a faster, better and possibly less expensive computer than if you purchased it your freshman year.

A note about Macs: In general, VCU supports Windows and Macintosh computers. However, like most colleges and universities, the majority of students and faculty use Windows-based computers. There are some schools/programs at VCU (see chart above) that have specific requirements--for instance, the School of Business and School of Nursing do not support Macintosh computers and discourage their students from using them. Note that some Math courses, including Math 141, require the use of windows-based software. Course requirements can be met by using the computer labs on campus that have that software installed if you are unable to run the required software for the PC portion of the coursework on your computer.

Operating System: VCU requires Microsoft Windows Vista Business or Windows XP Professional SP2, for Windows-based computers, Macintosh OS X 10.4 (or higher) for Apple Macintosh computers. The operating system should come pre-installed on any computer that you purchase. If you purchase a computer that has Windows Vista Home, Home Premium, or Windows XP Home and you plan to live in the residence halls, you will need to upgrade. If you purchase from a non-recommended manufacturer, make sure that upgrading will not void your warranty--some consumer class machines will not work with the higher-level operating systems. Please see the Software Suite information below, as there may be a special upgrade price for students for XP Professional at Online@VCU.

If you are living in the residence halls: For students with computers running Windows, either Windows Vista Business or Windows XP Pro SP2 is required of all student living in the residence halls. If you are purchasing a media center-type computer and wish to take advantage of the home media features, please note you will need to have Windows Vista Ultimate--Home Premium will not work on the VCU network. Windows XP Tablet PC Edition is okay to use if you are planning to purchase a tablet PC. However, Windows XP Media Center Edition is not a substitute for Windows XP Pro and is not supported if you are planning to live in the residence halls. If you are using a Mac computer, then OS 10.4 is required.

Software Suite: Either Microsoft Office 2007 for Windows-based computers or Microsoft Office 2004 for Apple Macintosh computers is required for all students. If your computer does not have MS Office, you can buy the suite for $69.95 from Online@VCU (see "specials") if you are a student and have a student ID. You will obtain a student ID at orientation, so you can plan on making that purchase when you come to orientation.

Other Software: Anti-virus software is available for download from VCU at no charge to all registered students under VCU's site license agreement. All students living in the residence halls are required to install the antivirus software. Mozilla Firefox is recommended for web-browsing for students who prefer to use an alternative to Internet Explorer. Mozilla and anti-virus software can be downloaded free from VCU once you have obtained your VCUCard.

Please Note: Wireless routers, hubs and switches are not allowed in the residence halls. The University maintains a secure wireless network and user-installed devices will affect the integrity of the network and cause the network to go down for entire sections of the residence halls (making students quite unpopular with their neighbors). DO NOT install such devices!

If you will be a new student at VCU beginning in the Fall 2007 semester, please follow these specifications.