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Multimedia Journalism

College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences

2026-27 Baseline Minimum System Requirements

For All Incoming Undergraduate Students

Platform

PC

Laptop (Chromebook not recommended)

Mac

Laptop (Macintosh is the preferred platform)

Operating System

Windows 11 (64-Bit)

macOS 15 or higher

Processor Speed

Intel Ultra5 or Ultra7

Apple M4 chip or higher*

*Mac: If your major requires use of a Windows based software product, please note that new Macs with the Apple M4 chip may not run the required Windows based software locally. You should only purchase an Apple M4 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 M4 chip Mac. Please check with your major before you purchase an M4 chip Mac.

Memory (RAM)

32 GB or more

32 GB or more

Storage

Minimum 1 TB SSD (Solid State Drive)

Minimum 1 TB 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

4 Year on-site service support with accident damage coverage

4 Year on-site service support, AppleCare

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.

AND

Adobe Creative Cloud is additional required software, but should NOT be purchased before attending class. CC will be purchased as part of class at a very significant discount to the student.

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.

Additional: 6+GB Discrete Graphics strongly recommended

Contact
Blake Smith
540-231-5292
bsmith15@vt.edu