Technology information for School of Management students
Information Technology Services and the School of Management have worked together to develop a set of recommended laptop specifications for students in the School of Management. The School of Management uses a variety of software in courses and several software packages are only available for computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system.
If purchasing a new computer, we recommend purchasing a Windows computer to ensure maximum compatibility with required software for the School of Management.
Recommended Specifications
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 or Windows 11 (not Windows 10S)
- Processor: Intel i5 or i7 Processor (or equivalent)
- Memory (RAM): 16-32 GB
- Hard-drive: 256GB Solid State Hard-drive (SSD) or larger
- Warranty: 1-3 year manufacturer’s warranty
What if I’m a Mac User?
Some users prefer to use a Mac instead of a Windows computer for their primary computer.
In order for the software that requires Windows to operate on a Mac, there are additional
costs and hardware considerations.
Apple M1 based Macs:
At this time Macs that are equipped with the Apple M1 Processor (Apple Silicon) are
not able to run the Windows Operating System either in a Virtual Machine or through
Boot Camp. Binghamton University does provide Windows through a Virtual Desktop (BingView)
and in computer labs around campus.
Intel based Macs:
ITS recommends using a Virtual Machine to run Windows on a Mac. This requires a significant
amount of computing resources since the computer will need to run the Mac OS, the
virtualization software, and the Windows Operating System. Setting up a Virtual Machine is a challenging task that is only recommended for advanced
users. The recommended specifications for a Mac that will be running a Windows virtual machine
are:
- Virtualization Software (additional purchase): Parallels
- Windows Operating System (additional purchase): Windows 10
- Processor: Intel i7
- Memory (RAM): 16GB-32GB
- Hard-drive: 512GB Solid State Hard-drive (SSD) or larger
- Warranty: Applecare
What if I have a Chromebook?
Chromebooks are not recommended since they are very limited in the software that can
be installed.
Software
Students may be required to download and/or purchase additional software. Technology-related questions should be directed to Binghamton University's Help Desk at 607-777-6420 or helpdesk@binghamton.edu.
Get Microsoft Office software free: Binghamton University provides Microsoft Office free of charge to students, faculty and staff for use on their personal computers and devices. To obtain this free software, you must have an active Binghamton email address. Visit the University's Information Technology Services Office 365 webpage for instructions and more information.
