Computers at UVM
Computers at UVM
Student Computing Questions and Answers
Important Note: Chromebooks, iPads, and Android Tablets are not capable of being used as your primary computing device. While these devices can be used in addition to a laptop computer, they do not have the features and software compatibility required for all academic coursework.
Students who might have financial difficulty meeting their computing needs should email Student Financial Services or call 802-656-5700.
Students purchasing a new laptop are strongly encouraged to choose a model with at least 16 GB of memory and a 512 GB solid-state drive. These specifications are more likely to remain useful throughout a student’s academic career than a computer that only meets the minimum requirements. If you're in the market for a new computer for college, UVM recommends purchasing an Apple or Dell laptop from the UVM Techstore in the Bookstore, where you can find models priced for back-to-school that come with full on-campus service and support.
Some programs, including those that use specialized business, engineering, design, data analysis, GIS, or scientific software, may have additional requirements or may strongly prefer Windows laptops. Students should check with their school, college, or academic advisor before purchasing a computer.
Student Laptop Requirement
Minimum hardware specs
Expect roughly a 1-2 year life span at UVM.
- A laptop capable of running the latest version of macOS or Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise
- Current Generation Intel i5 / i7, AMD Ryzen 7, or Apple M-Series processors
- 8 GB memory (RAM)
- 256 GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
- Wi-Fi 5 / 802.11ac or better (must be capable of operating in the 5 GHz band for residence halls)
- Webcam and microphone
Recommended hardware specs
Expect roughly a 3-4 year life span at UVM.
- A laptop running the latest version of macOS or Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise
- Current Generation Intel Ultra 5 / 7, AMD Ryzen 7 / 9, or Apple M2-Series processors (or A18 Pro) or higher
- 16 GB memory (RAM) or higher
- 512 GB Solid State Drive (SSD) or larger
- Wi-Fi 6 or 6E / 802.11ax or better (must be capable of operating in the 5 GHz band for residence halls)
- Webcam (≥720p) and microphone
Extras and Getting Help
Optional extras and add-ons
- Set up OneDrive for backing up data. See Backup and File Storage below.
- For presentations and other academic needs, you may need a suitable plug-in adapter (e.g., USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to Ethernet). The UVM Techstore carries several popular types of adapter cables.
- A laptop power bank for use during long classes.
- Ethernet port or plug-in adapter (Wi-Fi may not be available in all areas) and an Ethernet cable of at least 25 feet (7.62 m) for use in residence halls.
The College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences and the Grossman School of Business have additional recommended specifications.
- College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences Computer Recommendations
- Grossman School of Business Technology Requirement and Support
- GSB Faculty strongly prefer students use Windows rather than Mac laptops because of application compatibility.
Buying a computer? Need a backup drive or computer accessory? Visit the UVM Techstore!
UVM's Techstore in the Bookstore is an authorized sales provider of popular Apple and Dell computers and accessories. Take advantage of Back-To-School savings and educational discounts not available anywhere else!
Need in-person IT help? Does your Apple or Dell computer need to be repaired? Visit the Computer Clinic!
UVM Client Services Hardware Team is an authorized service provider of Apple computers and select Dell computers.
See the Help and Support page for details.
Additional Resources
Networking at UVM
Wired
UVM has wired Ethernet connections in all residence hall rooms on a "port-per-pillow" basis, which guarantees one port per student per room (students in rooms with limited wall jacks may pick up a mini-hub from their residence hall's Main Desk after move-in day). Computers plugged into residence hall networks will need to perform a UVM Network Registration once per semester.
Wired ports can also be found in various study spots in the Dudley H. Davis Student Center, the Howe Library, and some classrooms.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available throughout campus, including in residence halls and certain academic buildings. Learn more about Wi-Fi network connections at UVM (SC).
IoT Devices - Smart speakers, lights, casting devices, media consoles, and more
For information on devices that are compatible/incompatible with the UVM network, see the Network compatibility for Media Streaming, Game Consoles, and Smart Devices UVM Knowledge Base guide.
Preparing your computer for the UVM network
If you bring a computer with you...
You can avoid many potential problems by purchasing a computer through the UVM Bookstore's Techstore. If you do bring a computer with you, please see the recommended specifications above.
Prepare your computer for the campus network before you arrive:
- Install all security updates for your operating system.
- Set your computer to install updates automatically.
- Be sure all accounts on your computer, especially Administrator and ones with administrative privileges, have good passwords. See Protecting Your NetID for guidelines that can be applied to any password.
- Set your Web browser's home page to "myuvm.uvm.edu" or "www.uvm.edu".
- Download and install supported software at UVM's Software Download Portal.
After you arrive on campus
Configure and test your Wi-Fi hardware, using the UVM Wi-Fi Connection guide.
Backup and file storage
Secure storage and backup for your important work
With your NetID and password, you can access your private, secure storage space on OneDrive. You can access your files from anywhere in the world, and they are secure and private unless you make them public.
Please refer to the various OneDrive Knowledge Base articles for helpful information about OneDrive and how it can be used at UVM.
Getting Microsoft 365 Office Apps
UVM students have access to Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and other tools used throughout the academic experience. Visit our Microsoft 365 guide for installation steps and details on using your UVM account to get started.
Using UVM email
Why use UVM email?
Even if you already have an email address, you will need to use your UVM account. You will receive official UVM communication through your UVM email account, so be sure to check it regularly!
Learn more about using email at UVM.
NetID and email
Your UVM email address is tied to your UVM NetID. You will also need your NetID for access to many other resources at UVM. You can activate your NetID as soon as you've been accepted to UVM.