Get Ready for Computing at VT

Before you buy a computer, please read this page carefully. Virginia Tech requires that entering students have a laptop or tablet computer and strongly recommends that entering students obtain a computer that meets (or exceeds) the university general specifications below.

You should bring the best system you can reasonably afford to Virginia Tech. The specifications listed below are minimums and apply to Windows and Apple Macintosh systems. If you currently own a computer that falls within the range in the table, you may want to start off at Virginia Tech with that computer unless your major requires otherwise. Be advised that your major may require that you get a better computer during your academic career, especially if you plan to start with a low-end model. Students requesting financial aid should keep in mind that an adjustment to the cost of attendance to accommodate the purchase of a computer is only available during the first year of receiving financial aid based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at Virginia Tech. Some departments require a particular (usually higher) configuration in addition to specific hardware and/or software. If you have declared a major, please check the College and Department List of Specifications or call your department to confirm the configuration you will need.

1. Purchase your system

What You Will Need

• Laptop or tablet computer (If you have declared a major, check the college and department specifications, or contact your department for a list of their computer requirements.)
• NIC/Ethernet Card

  For connecting to the Internet in a residence hall or other wired location, you will need an Ethernet card, also called a network adapter or network interface card (NIC). At a minimum, your NIC needs to run on a 10Base-T network and have an RJ-45 connector. You may also benefit from the added capacity of a dual-speed (10/100 Mbps) or tri-speed (10/100/1000 Mbps) Ethernet card at select locations. There are many Ethernet cards or network interface cards (NICs) on the market. If you purchase your computer from a major computer vendor with a factory installed Ethernet card, you should not experience any problems connecting to the campus network. If you're not sure your card is compatible, you can contact 4Help by filling out a form at http://4help.vt.edu/4help or by calling (540) 231-HELP (4357).

• Wireless Network Card

  Wireless networking is available in most instructional and on-campus public areas and coverage will continue to be expanded. The university's wireless network supports the IEEE 802.11g (Wi-Fi) standard in all service locations and the IEEE 802.11a standard in select areas. Virginia Tech's 802.11a service is designed to complement the 802.11g service. *All* locations that have wireless network service support 802.11g, while some are augmented with 802.11a service.

  If your computer does not have built-in wireless network capability, you should obtain a wireless Network Interface Card (NIC) in addition to an Ethernet NIC. At a minimum, the wireless card needs to be compatible with the 802.11g standard (also referred to as 802.11b/g). However, it is recommended that the card be dual mode capable 802.11a/g (also referred to as 802.11a/b/g). Do NOT purchase an '802.11a only' card, as this service is available only in select locations that typically have a high-density of users.

  As of Spring 2008, the IEEE 802.11n wireless network standard had not been ratified. We are evaluating the technology for potential future incorporation on campus. In the interim, 802.11n cards, sometimes labeled as 'AGN' or 'ABGN', are generally compatible with 802.11a/g and should work on our campus (though at 802.11 a/g speeds).

  Students with an active Virginia Tech PID (Personal Identifier) must first register to use wireless LAN services at https://cola.cns.vt.edu. Registration information may be viewed on the web at http://wireless.cns.vt.edu. Information about locations where wireless service is available may be found at the same web site. If you cannot get connected using a card you currently have, contact 4Help by filling out a form at http://4help.vt.edu/4help or by calling 231-HELP (4357).

• Printer with cable
• 25-foot ethernet cable
• Appropriate software suite
  If the appropriate version of Microsoft Office does not come with your system, you can purchase it from the university (approximately $95.00) at very significant savings over even educational prices. Information will be available during summer orientation and at http://www.ita.vt.edu/studentsoftware/website/.
• VTNet CD
  When you arrive at summer orientation, you will receive at no charge a VTnet CD containing anti-virus software as well as the software necessary to connect to the campus network and the Internet. This software is designed to be used with your free Virginia Tech e-mail account (your PID@vt.edu).

Specifications

If you have declared a major, check the College and Department List of Specifications below or contact your department to confirm the configuration you will need. If your College or Department is not listed below you should contact them directly to confirm their specific computer requirements. A complete list of Colleges and Departments can be found at: http://www.vt.edu/academics/academic-departments.html. Many colleges and departments do have additional requirements and suggestions beyond the university baseline. The University Baseline Specifications are the same as those listed for University Studies/Undecided.

Select your intended major from the list below to see your specific requirements: