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Recommendations
Minimum Hardware Recommendations
- Intel Core i3 processor or equivalent
- 8 GB RAM
- 256 GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
- Wireless adapter
We do not recommend students use a tablet (such as the Microsoft Surface Go or the Apple iPad) as their sole computing device. While tablets can run versions Microsoft Office, they do not necessarily run the full version and typing on them can be more difficult than with a full laptop keyboard.
We strongly recommend students save their documents to OneDrive. This allows users to access their data from any computer, which can be very helpful in case of hardware failure.
Note for School of Business students: Please see the PCSB Laptop Recommendations below.
Software Recommendations
Microsoft Office and Windows are available to all students free-of-charge. See Software for more information.
Windows-based PC
- Microsoft Windows 11 or newer
- Microsoft Office 365
- Anti-virus software
- Extended warranty coverage
- 3-year warranty recommend
- 4-year warranty with accidental damage coverage and on-site service preferred
Apple Mac
Requirements
All computers connecting to the Providence College network are required to have anti-virus software installed. The college does not provide anti-virus software to students. However, there are recommended free packages available for download. See Anti-Virus Software for more info.
It is the student’s responsibility to keep their anti-virus software up-to-date with the most current virus definitions. It is also the student’s responsibility to keep their operation systems and other software up-to-date with the current security updates and patches.
The Helpdesk will only support PCs running Windows 11 or newer and Macs running macOS 14 Sonoma or newer.
School of Business Recommendations
All Providence College School of Business (PCSB) students should have a personal laptop for use in their classes. Minimum hardware and software recommendations are listed below.
Hardware
| Minimum Hardware Recommendations |
Suggested Hardware Configuration |
| Intel i5 CPU or equivalent |
Intel i5 CPU or equivalent |
| 8 GB RAM |
16 GB RAM |
| 256 GB SSD (solid state drive) |
512 GB SSD (solid state drive) |
| 13″ display (1440 x 900 resolution) with HDMI port or adapter |
14″ display (1920 x 1080 resolution) with HDMI port or adapter |
| 802.11n wireless adapter |
802.11ac wireless adapter |
| Initial battery life of 6 hours |
Additional charger or optional second battery |
| 3-year extended warranty |
4-year extended warranty with accidental damage coverage |
Software
Students should have full administrative rights on their computers to allow for the installation of software.
The IT Department requires all computers connected to the college network to have updated anti-virus software installed along with the latest security patches for the operating system and application software.
Additional software used for courses may be available to install on student-owned computers. This can be found at the Software page. Anything else can be accessed in the computer labs and clusters on campus or via Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD). If a student wishes to use that software on their own personal computer, that software must be purchased by the student.
Contact PCSB
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the recommendations from the School of Business, please contact the PCSB Undergraduate Program directly.
PCSB Undergraduate Program
401-865-2332
pcsb@providence.edu
If you have any question regarding financial assistance options for laptop or other learning hardware/software purchases, please contact the Office of Financial Aid directly.
Office of Financial Aid
401-865-2286
finaid@providence.edu