2011-12 Computer Standards

Northwestern Student Computer Standards – 2010/2011

Windows Minimum Computer Requirements
Northwestern College’s minimum computer requirements are intended to ensure that the equipment you use meets the minimum requirements to support you in your academic program. We have listed recommended features that provide a better experience; minimum requirements follow in parentheses.

Most new computers sold today meet these recommendations. Netbooks may not meet all requirements.

Windows Hardware Requirements
• Type: Laptop (All students are required to have laptops)
• CPU: Intel Dual Core 2.0GHz processor or AMD equivalent (minimum Intel 1.6GHz or AMD equivalent)
• Memory: 1GB for Windows XP (minimum 512MB) or 2GB for Windows Vista or Windows 7 (minimum 1GB)
• Network: 10/100 or Gigabit Ethernet connection
• Hard Disk: 120GB (minimum 60GB)
• Optical Devices: DVD/CD-RW combo drive
• Portable Storage: A USB flash drive is helpful
• Wireless: Integrated, USB, or PCMCIA 802.11g compatible wireless card
• Warranty: Some form of extended warranty program with on-site, next business day repair is recommended
• Networking cable: 14-foot or longer Cat-6 Ethernet network cable (network cables are sold in the Campus Store)

Windows Software Requirements
Operating System: Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7
Antivirus: A current antivirus client with active subscription is required in order to connect to Northwestern College’s Internet. Northwestern College will provide you with the Symantec Antivirus Client for free if you do not have one. If you are interested in obtaining a free anti-virus program before arriving at Northwestern College, consider AVG Free at http://free.avg.com/

Office Suite: Microsoft Office 2007 is required. Professors expect your work to be submitted using Microsoft Office formats. Microsoft Office 2007 ($100+tax) is available in the Campus Store at exclusive academic pricing.

Tip: You may visit www.dell.com/nwc to receive educational discounts.



Apple Minimum Computer Requirements
Northwestern College recommends the Windows operating system. Northwestern College applications and websites are designed to work with Windows computers running Internet Explorer. Northwestern College seeks to include support for Mac operating systems and browsers whenever possible. Students may choose the Apple operating system for personal or programmatic reasons.

Northwestern College’s minimum computer requirements are intended to ensure that the equipment you use meets the minimum requirements to support you in your academic program. We have listed recommended features that provide a better experience; minimum requirements follow in parentheses.

Apple Hardware Requirements
A notebook-style computer is required for all students who require an Apple computer.

• Any Apple Macbook or Macbook Pro laptop will meet the minimum requirements.
• Networking cable: 14-foot or longer Cat-6 Ethernet network cable.
• Portable Storage: USB Drive (recommended: 1GB)
• An Apple Care Protection Plan is strongly recommended for all Apple computers.

If you are using an older Apple laptop it must meet the following minimum requirements:
• CPU: 1.5 GHz or faster Intel Processor (minimum: G4 1GHz Power PC processor)
• Memory: Recommended: 1 GB or more (minimum 512 MBs)
• Hard Disk: Recommended: 100 GB or more (minimum 40 GBs)
• Optical Devices: DVD-RW/CD-RW combo drive (minimum CD/R-W drive)
• Network: 10/100 Ethernet connection
• Wireless: Apple Airport card or equivalent


Apple Software Requirements
• Operating System: OS X 10.5 “Leopard” or OS X 10.6 “Snow Leopard” (minimum Apple OS X 10.3.9 or higher)
• Antivirus: An antivirus program is recommended, but not required.
• Office Suite: Microsoft Office Mac 2008 (minimum Microsoft Office Student and Teachers Edition 2004)

Mac OS X must be patched to the latest version in order to connect to the internet at Northwestern College.

Tip: You may visit store.apple.com and click “Education Store” to receive education discounts.