College of Veterinary Medicine Computer Recommendation
The College of Veterinary Medicine’s minimum recommendations for existing computers do not differ from the general recommendations of NC State University. However, for those considering the purchase of a new computer we recommend a laptop/tablet computer that aligns with the College of Engineering specifications and offer the following suggestions:
Learning Style Quiz Before choosing a laptop or a tablet, please consider your preferred learning styles. A laptop might be best if you are a verbal or reflective learner, are a fast typist and are very comfortable with a mouse. A tablet might be best if you are a visual or active learner, need to take notes and draw diagrams to learn, or have a slower typing style.
Purchase Recommendations
| Windows Based | |
|---|---|
| Operating System: | Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise, educational, or Pro (build 1607 or higher) |
| Memory: | 8 GB minimum; 12-16 GB preferred |
| Processor: | Intel Core i5 or i7 |
| Hard Disk Drive: | 320 GB or greater 7200 rpm HDD or 256 GB or greater SSD |
| Wireless:* | 802.11 a/b/g/n compliant |
| Warranty: | 3- or 4-year on-site parts and labor; with 4-year accidental damage protection with laptops |
*You will need a wireless card to connect a desktop or laptop to a local wireless network.
| Mac Based (Contact vethelp@ncsu.edu w/ configuration questions) | |
|---|---|
| Operating System: | OS – Latest MacOS or iOS (stay current within two versions for Apple Update/Security) |
| Memory: | 16 GB or higher |
| Processor: | Intel Core i5 or i7 |
| Hard Disk Drive: | 256 GB or greater |
| Warranty: | 3-year AppleCare (for iPads as well) |
| **Mac Accessories to consider: |
|
Software
Microsoft Office 365, including full downloadable versions of Office products, is available to NCSU Students at no costs from the NCSU Office 365 website.
Other software available to students can be found here.
Antivirus
NC State University requires use of approved and up-to-date antivirus software for all computers connected to the university’s wired or wireless network. Approved antivirus recommendations are available from OIT.
Data Protection
NC State students have unlimited data storage capacity in their Google Drive space. Office 365 provides 1 TB of storage. Do not store your personal, sensitive data (social security numbers, credit card numbers, passwords) in any cloud storage areas. Cloud storage available via Google or Office 365 may be used for other data or data backup.
Theft Deterrence
Consider engraving your driver’s license or ID number on your computer equipment. NC State Campus Police, offers engraving services. Keep records of serial numbers and Ethernet addresses in a place not on the computer you can find if devices are lost or stolen. See Safe Computing at NC State for more information.
Support
CVM IT can assist students with connecting their personally-owned devices to the university’s wireless . CVM IT does not support software or hardware related issues on personally-owned devices. CVM IT does not grant remote access to CVM, Hospital, or NCSU software/systems including network drives from personally-owned devices.
The Office of Information Technology Walk-In Center has on-site licensed repair technicians certified to do repairs on computer brands that are recommended and sold via the NCSU Bookstores.