Welcome to ResNet at Saint Mary's College!

The recommended computer specifications for ResNet at Saint Mary's College are based on the requirements necessary for connecting to the campus network, accessing Google Workspace for Education, and running Microsoft Office software.

Mac and Windows computers are supported equally by ResNet if they meet the requirements listed in our Student's Guide to Bringing a Computer to Saint Mary's College. The majority of Saint Mary’s students prefer to purchase computers with Apple’s macOS operating system instead of Microsoft’s Windows operating system.

Recommended Configuration for Macs:

macOS version 12 (Monterey) or later
Intel processor
or Apple M1 chip
or Apple M2 chip

8GB of RAM or more
256 GB hard drive or larger
802.11 n/ac compatible wireless network access capability
Microsoft Office 2019, 2021, or 365

Recommended Configuration for Windows:

Windows 11 Pro or Windows 11 Home
or Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Home
2GHz processor or greater, 2-core
8GB of RAM or more
256GB hard drive or larger
802.11 n/ac compatible wireless network access capability
Microsoft Office 2019, 2021, or 365

Additional options for all computers include:

10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet (built-in or adapter)
Ethernet cable (RJ-45 connector)

Minimum computer systems:

A Mac computer with an Intel processor running macOS version 12, at least 4GB of RAM, a 128 GB hard drive, an installed 10/100Base-T Ethernet card (for a wired network connection), and an 802.11g/n/ac wireless network access compatibility meets the minimum requirements needed to connect to our network.
A computer running Windows 10 or later, at least 4GB of RAM, a 128 GB hard drive, an installed 10/100Base-T Ethernet card (for a wired network connection), and an 802.11g/n/ac wireless network access compatibility meets the minimum requirements need to connect to our network.

Unsupported computer systems:

Students who have computers with an unsupported operating system (such as Windows 7, Windows 8, macOS version 10.15 Catalina or earlier, or Chrome OS) will be unable to receive technical assistance from ResNet. ResNet will assist students with the process of upgrading their computers’ operating systems to a supported version if it is possible.
Computers with unsupported operating systems may not be able to connect to the BelleNet network in the residence halls, access Saint Mary’s e-mail, or use features of Google Workspace for Education. Netbooks (including Chromebooks), low-end computers, and older computers could be affected. These computers typically are also unable to install Microsoft Office, Respondus LockDown Browser, and other required course-related software.

Chromebooks:

Google Chromebooks are not supported by ResNet, and a Chromebook will not meet a student’s academic needs at Saint Mary’s College. Chromebooks may have difficulties connecting to the network, and ResNet cannot provide any technical assistance if problems arise. Chromebooks are also unable to have most course-related software installed, including Microsoft Office and Respondus LockDown Browser.

What about tablets?

Devices such as Apple’s iPad, Amazon’s Kindle Fire, and Android tablets should be viewed as complements to a student’s computer, rather than as a computer replacement. ResNet provides basic support for iOS devices (including Apple’s iPad and iPhone), including assistance with issues involving connecting to the BelleNet wireless network and setting up the device to access Saint Mary’s e-mail. For more information about ResNet's mobile device support, please visit http://sites.saintmarys.edu/~resnet/resnetfaq/mobiledevicesupport.html.

Recommended for IoT Devices:

802.11 n/ac wireless network capability
10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet (built-in or adapter)
Ethernet cable (RJ-45 connector)

Requirement for Specific Devices:

All televisions, Apple TVs, and gaming stations (PlayStation, Xbox) must be connected via Ethernet for Internet access.

Recommended Software:

Saint Mary's College offers Microsoft 365 for Students for free to our students. Microsoft 365 offers full versions of current Microsoft Office software that can be downloaded and installed on students' personally-owned macOS and Windows computers. Versions of Office for mobile devices are also included with Microsoft 365. After a license has been assigned, a Saint Mary’s student can install Microsoft 365 software on up to five personally-owned computers and mobile devices. There are no monthly subscription fees associated with the Microsoft 365 license for students.

The Microsoft 365 license for students will expire automatically immediately after a student's active affiliation with Saint Mary’s College ends (this includes graduation). At expiration, the software will enter a reduced-functionality mode (files can be viewed but it will not be possible to edit or create new files) and the OneDrive associated with a student's Saint Mary’s account will no longer be accessible.

For more information and to obtain a license, please refer to the Microsoft Software section of the ResNet FAQ, available here.

Other useful items:

External hard drive for backing up data

Saint Mary's Information Technology staff use various Western Digital external hard drives. The Western Digital Passport drives are available for purchase at the Bookstore, Best Buy, and Amazon.com.

Please note: Saint Mary's College does not support Windows XP (any version), Windows Vista (any version), Windows 7 (any version), or Windows 8 (any version). Please do not bring these operating systems to campus. These operating systems will prevent students from accessing and installing major components of the Saint Mary's College network, including personal network drives, course-related software, Saint Mary's e-mail accounts, and the virus-protection software provided to all students.

Students bringing computers with unsupported operating systems to campus will be required to upgrade their operating systems before connecting to ResNet and receiving ResNet support.

ResNet does not support Android or Chrome OS devices.

Last Modified July 16, 2024