Recommended computer specs vary between majors.
NOTE: We recommend that unless you know for certain that you will only be using your computer for taking notes and will not require any software for your major, do NOT purchase a Chromebook of any kind, as you will not be able to install any software on it.
School of Business & Data Science, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, and The Graduate School
For a Windows machine
Operating system
- Minimum: Windows 10
- Recommended: Windows 11
Storage
- 250GB or more SSD
Memory
- Minimum: 8GB RAM
- Recommended: 16GB RAM
Processor
- Speed: 1.6GHz or faster
- Recommended brands: Intel Core i5; AMD Ryzen 5
Network
- WiFi and Ethernet (or USB to Ethernet adapter)
For a MAC Machine:
Operating system
- Minimum: Mac OS Big Sur 11.7
- Recommended: Mac OS Ventura
Storage
- Minimum of 512 GB Solid State Drive
Memory
- 8GBB RAM or more
Processor
- Minimum of an Intel Core i5 Processor or newer, or Apple M1 Silicon or newer
Network
- WiFi and Wired Ethernet connectivity or adapter
School of the Arts
NOTE: Windows is REQUIRED for Interior Design software
For a Windows Machine:
Operating system
- Minimum: Windows 10
- Recommended: Windows 11
Storage
- Recommended 500GB SSD or larger
Memory
- Recommended: 16GB RAM or more
Processor
- Minimum: 2.5GHz
- Recommended: 3+ GHz
Graphics Card
- NVIDIA or AMD dedicated GPU with 4GB VRAM that supports Vulkan 1.1
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 900 series / Quadro M series and newer
- AMD Radeon RX 400 series / equivalent Radeon Pro series and newer
For a MAC Machine
** ATTENTION: Interior Design students – Software needed for certain courses will only work on a Windows machine.
Operating system
- Minimum: Mac OS Big Sur 11.7
- Recommended: Mac OS Ventura
Storage
- Minimum of 512 GB Solid State Drive
Memory
- Minimum: 8GB RAM or more
- Recommended: 16GB RAM
Processor
- Minimum of an Intel Core i5 Processor or newer, or Apple M1 Silicon or newer
Network
- WiFi and Wired Ethernet connectivity or adapter
Petrie School of Music
For a Mac Machine:
Operating system
- Minimum: Mac OS Big Sur 11.7
- Recommended: Mac OS Ventura
Storage
- Minimum of 512 GB Solid State Drive
Memory
- Minimum: 8GB RAM or more
- Recommended: 16GB RAM
Processor
- Minimum: Intel Core i5 Processor or newer
- Recommended: Apple M1 Silicon or newer
Network
- WiFi and Wired Ethernet connectivity or adapter
What software is needed for your major?
The following software lists are provided for the purposes of helping you choose the right computer. If you know what your major will be at Converse, considering the specs needed to run the software in these lists will ensure you have the appropriate computer for success at Converse. Note: we recommend you do not purchase the software until after you are on campus and instructed to do so by your major advisor.
- Software requirements for Business Administration
- Software requirements for Music Therapy or Music Education majors
- Software requirements for Psychology majors
- Software requirements for Theatre majors
- Software Requirements for Art majors
- Software Requirements for Interior Design majors
Is your computer ready for life on a college campus?
All network devices are required to be registered through the Fortinet scan scan in order to work on campus. In order to pass through this scan, you need to make sure your computer meets all of the following requirements:
- A fully updated Operating System
- If you are running a Windows machine, make sure you have all of the service packs and updates. Note: If it has been a while since you have last performed updates on your computer, it may take some time and a couple of reboots before it is finished.
- If you are running Mac OS X, make sure you have the latest version of the OS installed and run all applicable system updates.
- An Anti-Virus Program
- Make sure you only have one Anti-Virus on your computer because if you have two or more, they may block each other. Instead of having two Anti-Virus programs on your computer it will be as if you do not have any.
- Windows 10 Machines come with Microsoft Defender Antivirus. This is an allowed Antivirus if you prefer to use it.
- You must download one of the below recommended Antivirus programs (or your preferred alternative) if you do not wish to use Windows Defender or if you have a Mac. Yes, Macs can and do get viruses too.
- Make sure your computer is clean of Viruses, Trojans, and Malware before attempting to register your computer on our network. If you do not have an Anti-Virus program on your computer, you can download one from the following links:
- Make sure you have no P2P (Peer to Peer) software installed on your computer.
When you first use the internet, on that machine, on campus, you will be redirected to our network registration page. Follow the instructions and you should be good to go, if your computer meets all of the above requirements. If you have any difficulties feel free to bring your computer to the Campus Technology office, on 3rd floor Kuhn, and we will do our best to assist you with the issue you are having.