There is no single specification set regarding a personal computer for use in your studies. Most incoming students use a laptop for portability, with some choosing to use notebooks for notetaking based on preference. Most computers will be adequate since the majority of use will likely be word processing, email, and web browsing; however, the key consideration to focus on is "software delivery." Not every platform will run the specialized software packages that engineers may use. For example, there are several engineering software packages that do not run natively on Apple computers. While it is possible for the new Apple Silicon processors to run Windows via virtualization (Parallels), Microsoft only supports its Windows 11 ARM version, which may not be compatible with software written for the x86.
If you are considering a new computer, it should have at minimum:
• Minimum of 16GB of RAM (suggest additional RAM if not using a separate graphics card)
• Core i7 or greater/equivalent CPU
• Minimum of 500GB of storage (an NVMe drive is recommended)
• Windows 11
• WiFi adapter (WiFi 7 is the latest)
• A graphics card, preferably NVIDIA, is recommended (as opposed to integrated graphics)
For the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department:
• We strongly encourage new students to purchase a PC that can run Windows applications, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint, for which licenses are provided by the university) based on the above minimum specifications. Although a computer with the minimum specifications will work, increasing the specifications will enable your computer to run the software faster and stay relevant longer.
• An acceptable, but not preferred, alternative is a MacBook with Parallels (https://www.parallels.com/products/). Student's computers will need to be able to run several programs which only function on a PC. Parallels is an option to run Windows from a Macbook, but may increase the cost of computer setup should students prefer an Apple product.
• Please do not purchase a Chromebook, as it will only be able to run Google products. Professional engineers use Microsoft products and our classes endeavor to teach our students the basics of these Microsoft products throughout the curriculum so students will be prepared for the workforce.
If you have any questions, please contact Tina Harris 402-472-2371 in Lincoln or Annie Myers 402-554-2462 in Omaha.