Selecting a Computer for College

SCC commonly utilizes Microsoft 365 services. Chromebooks are highly discouraged from being used as primary devices for college work.

IT Services has curated this list of requirements based on the systems and software used at the college.

Some programs have specific technology requirements. We strongly recommend you contact your program instructor to ask if your technology needs differ.

Windows Systems

• Minimum:
  • Storage: 128GB SSD
  • Memory (RAM): 4 GB
  • Processor: Intel with Windows 10 or Windows 11. AMD with Windows 10 or Windows 11
  • Built-in camera, speakers, and microphone (or externally connected devices)

• Recommended:
  • Storage: 128 GB SSD
  • Memory (RAM): 8 GB DDR4
  • Processor: Intel i5 (8^th Gen or newer), or AMD with Windows 10 or Windows 11
  • Built-in camera, speakers, microphone
  • WiFi: 5 or 6, 5Ghz capable

MacOS Systems

Only select models of Mac computers will run the requirements listed below.

• Required Operating System: MacOS High Sierra 10.13 (minimum) or newer MacOS
• Built-in camera, speakers, microphone
• Memory (RAM): 4 GB
• 128 GB Flash / SSD storage
• Intel Core i5, Apple M1, Apple M2

Common Application System Requirements:

• Zoom
• Google Chrome
• Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) – Scroll down to see ‘Microsoft 365 plans for business, education, and government.’
• Respondus Lockdown Browser – Download the attachment, and scroll to pages 13-15.
• D2L – Browsers (Updated within the newest two releases): Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari. Internet Explorer is NOT supported.
• Mobile apps for Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, etc.) – Scroll down to Mobile apps
• Adobe Creative Cloud