2024-2025 Computer Policy
All students in the software engineering program are required to lease, purchase, or have ready access to a laptop computer that meets or exceeds the specifications listed below for use in the classroom and for homework throughout their course of study. Students can choose between a Windows or Mac platform. Due to software limitations, tablet-only devices, e.g., iPad, mobile phones, and netbook computers, e.g., Chromebooks, are not permitted for classroom use.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i5/i7 8-core 4.6GHz OR Apple M2 8-core |
Intel Core i5/i7 12-cores 5.4GHz or faster OR Apple M3 8- or 12-core |
| Display | 13" | 15" |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB | 16GB |
| Hard Drive | 256GB minimum1 with 100GB unused space.2 | 512GB minimum1 with 100GB unused space.2 |
| Port | Min. 1 USB (or USB-C) port; HDMI, DisplayPort, or Thunderbolt video output | |
| Wireless | 802.11 a/g/n | |
Due to the nature of how laptops are used, students purchasing a new system are highly encouraged to obtain a 3-year (or longer) warranty to protect their investment. Students may also want to consider accidental damage coverage in addition to warranty coverage.
Software engineering student laptops are required to have one of the laptop operating systems actively supported by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) Information Technology Services.3 The current list includes:
- Windows 11 Pro/Enterprise/Education/Home4
- Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise/Education/Home4
- macOS 14 (Sonoma)
- macOS 13 (Ventura)
- macOS 12 (Monterey)
Students are required to install the latest security updates for their operating systems and applications. Students are recommended to have an active, up-to-date antivirus software package installed before connecting to the campus internet. UNL provides anti-malware software to students for work and home computers free-of-charge (https://its.nebraska.edu/endpoint-management/endpoint-protection).
Students are also recommended to install a VPN client to access the UNL network from off-campus.
Software packages required for specific courses will be available for download through the School of Computing website or through Huskertech at substantially discounted prices.
Students are free to purchase their laptop from the vendor of their choice. Huskertech offers discounted academic pricing on both Macs and PCs; more information is available on their website at https://marketplace.unl.edu/huskertech or in person at their location in the basement of the Nebraska Union on City Campus (tel. 402.472.5151). Please be advised that any custom-ordered computer takes between a few weeks to over a month from the time the order is placed to the time the computer is received. All students are expected to have their computer purchased and available for use on or before August 26, 2024.
The College of Engineering prohibits the use of pirated software. Students are expected to certify that all software on their computer is legitimate to have access to the network. Students may be asked to present proof of software ownership. Students who have pirated software on their computers will not be serviced and can be reported to Student Judicial Affairs.
Did you know?
Students with financial need may be eligible for financial assistance in purchasing their computer. Visit the Scholarships & Financial Aid Office (102 ADMS) to learn more.
2 - Solid state disks or flash storage are highly recommended.
3 - Unlisted operating systems should email support@nebraska.edu to request the current list of supported operating systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Is having a high-end processor more important than having 16 GB of RAM?
Answer: The minimum specifications will be sufficient for your coursework. Choosing faster processors or more processors mean applications will start up and run faster. Increasing the memory (RAM) from 8GB to 16GB would also improve performance. Note that if you start off with smaller RAM, it may be possible to upgrade it in the future, depending on the model of computer you purchase; however, it is very unlikely that you will be able to upgrade the processor.
Question: How important is it to have an SSD in my laptop? Is it better to have a small SSD or a bigger hard drive?
Answer: A 256GB SSD (or flash storage) is far preferable to a 1TB traditional hard drive since SSDs (and flash storage) are much faster. If you do not purchase an SSD (or flash storage), it is recommended that you increase the memory to 16GB. The reason to get a larger, slower traditional hard drive instead of a small SSD (or flash storage) would be for personal storage - media files, movies, podcasts and games can take a lot of disk space. If you run low on disk space after a while, you can always purchase an inexpensive external drive for storage.
Remember that if you don't see the exact combination of features you want on the store shelves, you can customize a laptop to your own specifications by ordering from the manufacturer (Apple, Dell, etc.).
Question: Do I need to purchase Microsoft Office products?
The university maintains a Microsoft 365 license. After you have enrolled in classes, you can download Microsoft Office from https://services.unl.edu/service/email-ms365-outlook/install-microsoft-office or use your UNL credentials to access the web-based version of the Microsoft Office suite at https://portal.office.com/.