Overview
The hardware listed below will meet typical computing needs for most UWF students. Configuration upgrades may be required for certain applications, research projects, etc. Some applications are available to use from ArgoApps, UWF's virtual computer lab, which provides students access to many desktop applications from various types of computers, even tablets!
Hardware not listed below may have incompatibilities with software such as Respondus Lockdown Browser.
Students should consult with their faculty and department technology support staff for assistance choosing configuration options and peripherals, or for information on additional hardware needs.
Windows Desktop | Windows Laptop | 2-in-1 Windows Laptop | Apple Desktop | Apple Laptop | ||||||
| Minimum | Recommended | Minimum | Recommended | Minimum | Recommended | Minimum | Recommended | Minimum | Recommended | |
| Processor/CPU | i3 Series (10th gen or newer), Ultra 3 series, or AMD Equivalent | i5 Series (14th gen or newer), Ultra 5 series, or AMD Equivalent | i3 Series (10th gen or newer), Ultra 3 series, or AMD Equivalent | i5 Series (14th gen or newer), Ultra 5 series, or AMD Equivalent | i3 Series (10th gen or newer), Ultra 3 series, or AMD Equivalent | i5 Series (14th gen or newer), Ultra 5 series, or AMD Equivalent | M3 or newer | M4 or newer | M3 or newer | M4 or newer |
| Memory/RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Hard Drive/Storage | 250 GB | 512 GB SSD | 250 GB | 512 GB SSD | 128 GB SSD | 256 GB SSD | 256 GB SSD | 256 - 512 GB SSD | 128 GB SSD | 256 - 512 GB SSD |
| Display | 20" | 27" | 13" | 15.6" | 12.3" | 12.3" - 13.5" | 24" | 24" | 14" | 14" - 16" |
| Video Card | Integrated Graphics | Integrated Graphics or dedicated graphics card. | Integrated Graphics | Integrated Graphics | Integrated Graphics | Integrated Graphics | Integrated Graphics | Integrated Graphics | Integrated Graphics | Integrated Graphics |
| Operating System | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Supported macOS (most recent 3 releases by Apple) | Latest macOS | Supported macOS (most recent 3 releases by Apple) | Latest macOS |
| Warranty | 3-year Basic | 3-year Basic | 3-year Basic + Accidental Damage | 3-year Basic + Accidental Damage | 2-year + Accidental Damage | 3-year + Accidental Damage | 3-year AppleCare Protection Plan | 3-year AppleCare Protection Plan | 3-year AppleCare+ Protection Plan | 3-year AppleCare+ Protection Plan |
| Additional Peripherals | ||||||||||
| Battery Backups (UPS) | Optional | Optional | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Optional | Optional | N/A | N/A |
| External Audio | Optional | Speakers | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Speakers | Optional | Optional |
| Webcam | HD Webcam w/Microphone | HD Webcam w/Microphone | HD Webcam w/Microphone or integrated | HD Webcam w/Microphone or integrated | HD Webcam w/Microphone or integrated | HD Webcam w/Microphone or integrated | HD Webcam w/Microphone or integrated | HD Webcam w/Microphone or integrated | HD Webcam w/Microphone or integrated | HD Webcam w/Microphone or integrated |
| Covers/Cases | N/A | N/A | Optional | Optional | Optional | Type Cover Keyboard | N/A | N/A | Optional | Optional |
Other Options
Other computing options such as Chromebooks and tablets have not been completely tested and may have incompatibilities with some software. Students should consult with their faculty and department technology support staff for assistance choosing configuration options and peripherals, or for information on additional hardware needs.
Educational Discounts
Most computer manufacturers offer educational discounts on their websites. Shop around for the best price and warranty before purchasing. UWF does not endorse or recommend a specific vendor or manufacturer; however, the following are examples of educational stores that are available:
Microsoft Office
University of West Florida Information Technology Services is providing Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus to students at no cost via the Microsoft Student Advantage program. Each student may install this software on up to five computers.
Microsoft Office is also available for free through UWF’s ArgoApps.
Anti-Virus Software
It is recommended for all computers to have a reputable, commercially-available anti-virus software installed. Most reputable branded new computers by default have their own anti-virus software integrated into the operating system. Some new computers come with a trial copy of anti-virus software. It is recommended to always keep the operating system or software up to date for best security.
In addition, it is recommended to regularly scan for spyware with a legitimate anti-spyware program.
For further information on viruses, please refer to the ITS Help Desk article.
Adopted 03/10/26