Computer Recommendations

Undergraduate students: A Windows-based laptop is strongly recommended.

Graduate students: A Windows-based laptop is required.

If you’re planning to purchase a new computer, note that the IT Helpdesk recommends Dell Latitude and XPS laptops for our students.  Dell offers a student discount on laptops and accessories.

Minimum system specifications

Your computer should meet or exceed the following specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 or newer
  • Computers with ARM processors (such as Apple M-Series or Qualcomm Snapdragon processors) cannot run the required software applications for accountancy courses.
• Memory (RAM): 32 GB
• Storage (SSD): 1 TB or larger
• Operating System: Windows 11
• Networking:
  • Wi-Fi (802.11 ac or newer)
  • Gigabit Ethernet port or Ethernet adapter
• Software: Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Desktop applications are provided to all UM students.

Apple (Mac) Computers Warning

Mac computers are not recommended for undergraduate students and, for graduate students cannot be used to complete graduate coursework because some required software is available only for Windows.

If you’re an undergraduate student with a Mac, be aware of the following limitations:

• Some required software applications, including the Alteryx Predictive Analytics Tools used in undergraduate courses, will not run on Macs.
• Even when using Windows through Boot Camp, Parallels, VMware Fusion, or VirtualBox, Macs cannot run all of the software applications required for accounting courses.
• Older Intel-based Macs may be able to run Windows 10 using Boot Camp; however some required software is no longer officially supported on Windows 10. Boot Camp does not support Windows 11.
• Macs with Apple Silicon (M-series) processors cannot run Boot Camp.

To identify your Mac's processor, select About This Mac from the Apple menu.

Visit the Apple Toolbox for more information.