Whether you're purchasing a new computer or bringing your current computer to campus, be sure it meets ODU's recommended specifications.
If you're looking to buy a Mac or PC, check out the Mobile Monarch student notebook program: The ODU Bookstore has a selection of recommended computers that meet or exceed our specifications, and they're available at special educational prices.
Either way, you want your computer to be portable and powerful enough to last your entire college career.
System Recommendations
| Recommended Specs (Typical User) | Recommended Specs (Power User)* | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Latest version of Windows 10 or macOS | Latest version of Windows 10 or macOS |
| Processor | Latest generation Intel Core Processors (i3, i5, i7) | Latest generation Intel Core Processors (i5 or i7 quad-core or higher) |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 | 16GB DDR4 |
| Video Card | Intel HD Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-series, AMD RX 400-series, or Intel Iris Plus |
| Hard Drive | 256 GB SATA SSD or higher | 256 GB PCIe-NVMe SSD or higher |
| Wired Internet | Any Ethernet card supporting 10/100/1000 Gbps transfer rates | |
| Wireless Internet | Any Wi-Fi card capable of supporting 802.11ac |
* Recommendations for systems that will run Adobe Creative Suite applications, engineering programs, and other graphic/video intensive applications. The engineering program recommends PCs with an i7 or faster processor and a larger hard drive. Apple computers (MacBook, iMac, etc.) are not compatible with engineering software.
Software/Hardware Recommendations
Operating Systems
You'll find that all of our services are available on PC and Mac (with the exception of a very few pieces of specialized software). Just be sure that you're running the latest version of Windows 10 or macOS.
Microsoft Office
As a student at ODU, you can download and use the latest version of Microsoft Office for free. Go to odu.edu/office365 for more information.
Browsers
You can use any browser you like, but make sure you keep it updated to the latest version.
Test your bandwidth to see how your internet speeds stack up.
Anti-virus
Make sure you have an anti-virus program installed on your computer. Remember, anti-virus software is only effective if it is always running and up-to-date. Set your anti-virus to update daily so it has the latest virus definitions and can recognize new threats. (More info)