Computer Specifications for 2026/2027

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 14 (Sonoma) or later
  
• Intel processor
  or Apple M1 chip
  or Apple M2 chip
or Apple M3 chip or Apple M4 chip or Apple M5 chip
• 8GB of RAM or more
• 256 GB hard drive or larger
• 802.1X 5GHz wireless network access capability
• Microsoft Office 2021 or 365

Recommended Configuration for Windows:


• Windows 11 (Pro or Home)
  
• 2GHz processor or greater, 2-core
• 8GB of RAM or more
• 256GB hard drive or larger
• 802.1X 5GHz wireless network access capability
• Microsoft Office 2021 or 365

Minimum computer systems:


• A Mac computer with an Intel processor running macOS version 14 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 802.1X 5GHz wireless network capability meets the minimum requirements need to connect to our network.
• A computer running Windows 11 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 802.1X 5GHz wireless network capability meets the minimum requirements need to connect to our network.

Unsupported computer systems:


• Students who have computers with an unsupported operating system 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 wireless network on campus, access Saint Mary’s e-mail, use features of Google Workspace for Education, run Microsoft Office software, or access other necessary academic resources.

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, Respondus LockDown Browser, and Examplify.


What about tablets?

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. An iPad should be viewed as a complement to a student’s computer, rather than as a replacement for a student’s computer.


Recommended for IoT Devices:

• Most “Internet of Things” (IoT) devices can be connected to our DeviceNet wireless network in the residence halls.
• Some devices (PlayStation, Xbox) will have a better experience using the DeviceNet wired (Ethernet) network.


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.