Get Ready for Computing at VT

Before you buy a computer, please read this page very 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 the minimums recommended and apply to Windows and Apple Macintosh systems. 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.

• 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.
• If you currently own a computer that DOES NOT meet the minimum specifications in the table, we suggest that you purchase a new computer that meets or exceeds the minimum recommended specifications.
• If you do not already own a computer, you should purchase a computer that meets or exceeds the recommended minimum specifications.

Please pay special attention to the Software Suite section below. Students must purchase certain software through Student Software Distribution. Do not purchase software from the computer manufacture or elsewhere without reading the Software Suite information or visiting the Software Distribution website.

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 100Base-T, or Fast Ethernet, network and have an RJ-45 connector. Most new computers will have a built in Ethernet card and are ready to connect to the campus Ethernet. If you need to buy one there are many Ethernet cards or network interface cards (NICs) on the market. If you're not sure your card is compatible, you may contact 4Help support staff by filling out the form at http://4help.vt.edu 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 concentration of users.

  As of Spring 2009, 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 or by calling 231-HELP (4357).

• Printer with cable
• 25-foot ethernet cable
• Software Suite
  

  Incoming Undergraduate Microsoft Campus Agreement Software Bundle.

  In order to help streamline the university’s support for our students and to ensure that all students have access to the latest versions of the Microsoft productivity suit and operating system, all incoming undergraduate and transfer students are required to purchase the Microsoft Campus Agreement Desktop bundle. This Campus Agreement software can only be obtained through Virginia Tech Student Software Distribution due to licensing differences with other sources.

  The Campus Agreement license includes Microsoft Office (for both Windows and Macintosh), the Microsoft Operating System and core access licenses for connecting to Microsoft servers. Students are entitled to upgrades at no additional cost on these products (downloaded from the network software servers) as long as they remain an undergraduate at Virginia Tech. New releases of the software can be obtained from the university network software servers (If students want DVD media a minimal charge may apply). Students who own Macintosh systems will have access to the Mac version of Microsoft Office as well as the Windows version of Office and the Windows Operating System. The cost to students is very affordable (approximately $100.00 or less). This past year the cost of a single license of Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise was $77. This is a very significant savings over even educational prices.

  We realize that if you purchase a new computer that it will ship with Windows Vista so you are probably asking why you need to purchase the Operating System again. Because it is in the bundle students can receive those upgrades such as Windows 7 when it is released as well as the Office suite upgrades. Support for these applications will also be streamlined as technicians refine support programs. Microsoft Campus Agreement Software Bundles will be available during summer orientation. Programmatic software for students majoring in Agricultural Technology, Architecture, Building Construction, Business, College of Natural Resources, Engineering, and Landscape Architecture will be available for distribution August 19th. All further information can be found at Software Distribution.

• 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: