These are the Recommended Computer specifications for students.
.
Basic Windows computer
Follow these specifications if the type of classes you will be taking only require things like running Microsoft Office and similar applications, browsing the web, and light duty applications. For most students this will be what you need.
OS = Windows 11 or 10 - 64 Bit. Preferably 11 recommended
CPU = 1.1 GHz or faster, 2-core
Memory = 8 BG RAM
Hard disk = Hard Disk = 7200 RPM SATA ( 512 to 1024 GB of capacity ). SSD ( same size ) recommended
Graphics = the built-in graphics card will be able to handle up to HD quality displays.
Display resolution = 1280 x 768. (64-bit Office required for 4K and higher).
.
Graphic intensive Windows computer
Follow these specifications if you will need to run more graphics intensive programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Autodesk inventor, or SolidWorks -
OS = Windows 11 or 10 - 64 Bit. Preferably 11 recommended
CPU = 2.5 GHz or greater. 3.0 GHz or greater with 4 or more cores recommended
Memory = 16GB. 32 GB recommended
Hard Disk = 7200 RPM SATA ( 512 to 1024 GB of capacity ). SSD ( same size ) recommended
Graphics = 1 GB GPU. 4 GB GPU recommended
Display resolution = 1280 x 1024. 3840 x 2160 ( 4K ) recommended.
.
Mac system requirements
Mac systems with specs capable of running one of the three most recent Mac OS versions will be sufficient to run any basic applications.
Student who would like to run more graphic intense applications such as Photoshop work or video editing on a Mac should be running the most current Mac operating system, and they may want to upgrade their systems with additional RAM and a faster M1 or M2 processor.
.
Can I use a Chromebook?
A Chromebook is not a supported device for use with Gwinnett Tech apps and systems.
You will have problems trying to use a chrome book.
Unsupported devices may encounter unexpected errors and Student Tech Support will be unable to assist in troubleshooting those errors.
Because of the way they interact with the OKTA dashboard, Chromebooks are more prone to get stuck in a log in loop or expired log in Error.
Blackboard support has let us know that they do not support the use of Chromebooks on the blackboard platform. You will get errors similar as if you try to use a phone or a tablet. Mobile devices are not supported on blackboard. Some pages won't display properly, some links won't open.
You may also get errors when trying to access banner, some pages won't display properly, some links won't open.
You will also need Lockdown browser for most classes. The version of Lockdown browser used at Gwinnett Tech is not compatible with Chromebooks.
We would not recommend trying to use a chrome book with Gwinnett Tech sites and systems as there are a lot of issues you may run into. Chromebooks are not a supported device at Gwinnett Tech.
.
Supported browsers
Whichever device you choose, make sure you use a supported browser on that device, Firefox or Google Chrome; and it is the most up to date version of that browser.
.
If you need tech support with anything else please let us know.
You can send us a message, give us a call, or come see us in person in the front lobby in building 100 on the Lawrenceville campus.
Thank you
Student IT Help Desk
Stuhelpdesk@gwinnetttech.edu | 678-226-6407
https://gwinnetttech.edu/helpdesk
Frequently asked questions can also be found on our webpage.
.
Updated February 2, 2023