TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE
Technical readiness is a critical component of success in modern courses. Students should have a functional knowledge of personal computers, including, but not limited to:
- Microsoft Office (software includes Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook Access, and PowerPoint) and knowledge of how to use the software
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (This can be downloaded for free online.)
- Connecting to and using the internet
- E-mail, including sending attachments
- Basic computers skills that include, but are not limited to, creating and saving documents in Microsoft Word, downloading files and saving them to a computer or external drive
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
All students enrolled in courses at UACCM are required to bring your own device (BYOD) that would be suitable for use in scholastic activities such as note taking, document processing, email, and Internet research. While there are a wide range of choices available, students must acquire a device that meets or exceeds the following requirements. Please note that the minimum requirements will operate properly, but the highest affordable specifications are recommended.
Note: Some programs will maintain a computer lab for on-campus work and the Academic Commons has a limited number of laptops that can be checked out for use but can’t be removed from the library.
Devices may be purchased from the University Bookstore or any retail store. If financial aid is awarded, students can charge the purchase of a device in the University Bookstore or use any refund to purchase a device.
Device Specifications
Processor Minimum Requirements
- PC: 1.6 gigahertz (GHz) or faster, 2 core or better
- Mac: Intel or Apple Silicon (As supported by the three most recent versions of macOS.)
Memory Minimum Requirements
- PC: 4 GB RAM Minimum, 8 GB or greater recommended
- Mac: 4 GB RAM
- Chromebook: 4 GB RAM Minimum, higher amounts are recommended.
Hard Disk Minimum Requirements
- PC: 4.0 GB of available disk space
- Mac: 10 GB of available disk space
- Chromebook: 32 GB disk space minimum, 64 GB recommended
Display Minimum Requirements
- PC: 1280 x 768 screen resolution (64-bit Office required for 4K and higher)
- Mac: 1280 x 800 screen resolution
- Chromebook: A screen size of 10.1 inches minimum, larger is recommended
Graphics Minimum Requirements
- PC: Graphics hardware acceleration requires DirectX 9 or later, with WDDM 2.0 or higher for Windows 10 (or WDDM 1.3 or higher for Windows 10 Fall Creators Update).
Operating System Minimum Requirements
- PC: Windows 10 or Windows 11
- Mac: Office for Mac is supported on the three most recent versions of macOS. As new major versions of macOS are made generally available, Microsoft will drop support for the oldest version and support the newest and previous two versions of macOS. Product functionality and feature availability may vary on older systems. For the best experience, use the latest version of any operating system specified above.
Network Requirements
- Current version of Safari, Chrome, or Firefox
- PC: Some features may require .NET 3.5 or 4.6 and higher to also be installed
- 802.11n or 802.11ac wireless network capabilities or better
High Performance Requirements
Certain programs at UACCM will require computing devices with higher performance standards. In these programs, students must secure a device that meets or exceeds that following specifications. Please note that the minimum requirements will operate properly, but the highest affordable specifications are recommended.
Computer
- Microsoft Surface Pro
Processor Minimum Requirements
- Intel Core i3 or better
Memory Minimum Requirements
- 4 GB RAM, 8 GB or greater recommended
Hard Disk Minimum Requirements
- 128GB SSD or larger
Display Minimum Requirements
- 2736 X 1824
Graphics Minimum Requirements
- Graphics hardware acceleration requires a DirectX 10 graphics card
Operating System Minimum Requirements
- Windows 10 or Windows 11
Network Requirements
- Current version of Safari, Chrome, or Firefox
- 802.11ac wireless network capabilities or better
Accessory
- Surface Pen
Platform Considerations
Apple
This platform performs well in our environment. There are apps to access Blackboard and OneDrive. There is a version of Office for Mac computers with an Intel processor, but there does not seem to be much accommodation for iPads. While not 100% compatible, it would still be acceptable assuming access to another computer.
Android
Android offers much the same functionality that would be found on an Apple platform. While not 100% compatible, it would still be acceptable assuming access to another computer.
Chromebooks
ChromeOS is essentially the Chrome browser running in a separate device. Any web site or web-based application that can run in the browser will work on a modern Chromebook. In recent years, Google has expanded Chromebooks to include Android apps, including the Microsoft Office apps for Android. If you’re buying a Chromebook, make sure you get a modern one with full app support, not an older non-app model.
Microsoft
This platform offers the highest level of compatibility. All of the tools we use are 100% compatible with Windows. The only limitation would be the functionality of the device running the operating system.
Questions/Answers
Can my Current computer handle online class?
Check your computer’s configuration and compatibility characteristics with the Minimum Technology Requirements
What if I need technical assistance with my device?
Contact the UACCM Help Center at 501-208-5312 or email helpcenter@uaccm.edu.
How do I connect to the UACCM wireless network?
Select "UACCM-PUBLIC" from your device's wireless network settings options. You should see a popup message prompting you to accept conditions of use. Read the conditions and click "Accept". Once connected, you will get a confirmation message.
Should I bring my device to class every day?
Yes! Your instructor will give more instructions about the importance of the device, specifically for in-class research or assignments.
What if my computer is lost, damaged or stolen on campus?
UACCM is not responsible for lost or damaged devices. If you believe your device has been stolen, contact the UACCM Campus Police.
Can I charge my device on campus?
There are a few charging stations available on campus. We cannot guarantee electrical outlets will be available in all classrooms. Be sure to have your device fully charged before going to class.
Can I print from my device on campus?
Not at this time. Students will have access to UACCM computers and printers in designated areas, such as the Library Complex, for printing.
Will there still be computer labs on campus I can use?
Yes. Computer labs are still available in the Library Complex and Business Technology Center.
Do I need to have a device and textbooks?
Some course materials may be available online or through eBooks. However, some courses may require the purchase of printed materials.
Will I be required to purchase Microsoft Office?
Students will have access to Microsoft Office products while they are enrolled by logging into login.microsoftonline.com and using their campus login credentials.