To meet the requirements of commonly used software and to use the Internet effectively, your computer should meet the following MINIMUM hardware requirements.
It is highly recommended that students check with their college or degree department to see if there are additional recommendations specific to their line of study.
**Note** Due to lack of compatibility with many of our learning tools Google Chromebooks and Pixelbooks are not recommended.
Windows OS - Minimum Device Requirements
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 3000 series or newer, or Intel i5/i7/i9 10000 series or newer
- Operating system: Windows 10 (version 1709) or higher
- Disk Space: 256GB SSD minimum, 512GB NVMe SSD recommended. No Non-SSD or Hybrid drives are recommended
- Memory (RAM): 8GB minimum and 16GB or higher recommendedd
- For networking: TCP/IP. Wireless 802.11 a/g/n (WPA2 compatible).
- Audio Output
- Monitor: 24" or larger. Minimum: 1920x1080. Recommended: 2560x1440 or higher.
Windows Upgrade Advisor
To check your computer to see if it can run a newer version of windows you can download a program from Microsoft called the Windows Upgrade Advisor. It can check your computers hardware and software and advise you on what components will not run under an updated version. Currently the only Windows operating systems that are supported by FAU are Windows 10 (21H2 or later), and Windows 11.
Windows 10 (versions before 21H2), Windows 7, Windows 8 & 8.1, Vista, and Windows XP and earlier, are no longer supported as they are end of life and not eligible for security patches per Microsoft.
Apple OS - Minimum Device Requirements
- Processor: M1 Chip or better recommended
- Operating system: macOS 11 or later versions recommended
- Disk space: 256 GB SSD storage drive or more recommended
- Memory (RAM): Minimum 4GB, 8GB or more recommended
- For networking Open Transport (TCP/IP control panel. Wireless 802.11 a/g/n (WPA2 compatible).
Whether you have a Windows or a Macintosh computer, you would need a 10 Base-T Ethernet adapter card for a wired connection. Most desktop computers already have network cards built-in.
A wireless network card (most often built-in on laptops) supporting 802.11g standards is needed for wireless connectivity (802.11n is recommended).