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Exploring Natural Resources (undecided)

College of Natural Resources and Environment

2024-25 Baseline Minimum System Requirements

For All Incoming Undergraduate Students

Platform

PC

Laptop, recommended*

Mac

Laptop

*Chromebook not recommended. For those majors which have geospatial components, most of the software used in the curriculum is PC based and as such requires the Windows operating system. This can be challenging and requires an extra expense and step to configure a Macintosh computer to run Windows software. 

Operating System

Windows 11 (64-Bit)

macOS 13 (or higher)

Processor Speed

Intel Core i-series (11th Gen) or AMD Ryzen Series 6000*

Apple M2 chip*

*PC: If your major requires use of a Windows based software product, please note that some new PCs with an AMD Ryzen Series processor may not run the required Windows based software locally. You should only purchase an AMD Ryzen Series PC if your major requires you to run a Windows based product and they either provide remote access to a Windows operating system or confirm the required software will run with an AMD Ryzen Series PC. Please check with your major before you purchase an AMD Ryzen Series PC.

*Mac: If your major requires use of a Windows based software product, please note that new Macs with the Apple M2 chip may not run the required Windows based software locally. You should only purchase an Apple M2 chip Mac if your major requires you to run a Windows based product and they either provide remote access to a Windows operating system or confirm the required software will run with an M2 chip Mac. Please check with your major before you purchase an Apple M2 chip Mac.

Memory (RAM)

16 GB or higher

16 GB or higher

Storage

Minimum 500 GB SSD (Solid State Drive)

Minimum 500 GB SSD (Solid State Drive)

Webcam

Built-in or external with built in microphone (headset/earbuds recommended)

Built-in or external with built in microphone (headset/earbuds recommended)

Wireless

Wi-Fi Capable

Wi-Fi Capable

Warranty

3 Year on-site service support with accident damage coverage (4 Year is highly recommended)

3 Year on-site service support, AppleCare (4 Year is highly recommended - available through certain vendors)

Software

Software Suite*

Software Suite*

*Students are required to purchase the Incoming Undergraduate Software Bundle through the Virginia Tech Software Service Center. See the Student Software Center for more information.

Included Products: Microsoft Windows Operating System with Microsoft Office 365 Pro Plus
Platform: macOS and Windows
Eligibility: Valid while enrolled in undergraduate classes at Virginia Tech
Note: Office 365 Pro Plus can be downloaded and installed on up to five machines and Office mobile apps can be installed on up to five mobile devices.

Backup

Any backup method of choice including cloud-based services like Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive.

Any backup method of choice including cloud-based services like Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive.

Contact
Les Fuller
540-231-7416
fuller@vt.edu