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 or AMD Equivalent | i5 Series or AMD Equivalent | i3 Series or AMD Equivalent | i5 Series or AMD Equivalent | i5 Series | i5 Series | M1 | M2 | M1 | M2 |
| Memory/RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB | 8 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" | 27" | 13" | 13" - 16" |
| Video Card | Integrated Graphics | Dual-Monitor Support | Integrated Graphics | Integrated Graphics | Integrated Graphics | Integrated Graphics | Integrated Graphics | Integrated Graphics | Integrated Graphics | Integrated Graphics |
| Operating System | Windows 10 or 11 | Windows 10 or 11 | Windows 10 or 11 | Windows 10 or 11 | Windows 10 or 11 | Windows 10 or 11 | Supported macOS (most recent 3 releases by Apple) | Latest macOS | Supported macOS (most recent 3 releases by Apple) | Latest macOS |
| Network Adapter (LAN) | Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet | USB Ethernet Adapter | USB Ethernet Adapter | Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet | USB-C-to-USB adapter | USB-C-to-USB adapter |
| 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 |
| Optical Drive | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| External Audio | Optional | Speakers | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Speakers | Optional | Optional |
| Webcam | Optional | Optional | Optional | HD Webcam w/Microphone | Integrated | Integrated | Integrated | Integrated | Integrated | Integrated |
| Covers/Cases | N/A | N/A | Optional | Optional | Optional | Type Cover Keyboard | N/A | N/A | Optional | Optional |
For many new Apple computers, we recommend a USB-C-to-USB adapters.
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. Details can be found in the Office 365 Student Advantage article.
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 new computers come with a trial copy of anti-virus software, but when it expires the computer becomes vulnerable. It is important to use a non-trial version of an anti-virus. In addition, all personally-owned computers should be regularly scanned for spyware with a legitimate anti-spyware program such as Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. For further information on viruses, please refer to the Help Desk's article.
Adopted 4/10/2023