Computer Requirements

To make the best use of the networks available and software used in the College of Engineering and throughout the University, the college recommends that incoming students purchase a laptop computer instead of a desktop model. For students who already have a good desktop computer, there is no need to purchase a laptop. The decision, laptop or desktop, should be based on how the computer will be used.

The preferred specifications for laptop computers in the College of Engineering are:

  • 1 GB of RAM or higher if the computer has 32-bit processor
  • 2 GB of RAM or higher if the computer has 64-bit processor
  • 80 GB or more hard disk space total
  • 802.11b/g or newer wireless for laptops
  • DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive
  • Windows operating system (Windows 7 preferred, avoid Windows Vista)

Note that these specifications are slightly different than the ones for general university at http://oit.nd.edu/start/specs.shtml mainly because we do not feel that Windows Vista performance is good enough to support engineering applications. However, if you already have a laptop PC that runs Windows Vista, or if you cannot buy a PC with Windows 7 installed on it, you can use your Windows Vista PC, only it will be slower. If you already have a Macintosh, most (but not all) applications needed for engineering courses will run on it, so you do not need to buy a new computer either.

If you have any question, please email johanes@nd.edu or call Johanes Suhardjo at
574-631-8427.