Environment: Student looking for requirements for personally owned computer devices
Purpose: Provide minimum requirements for computers for students going to StFX
Computer hardware recommendations:
Minimum Requirements
- Processor: Intel Core i5 (sixth generation or newer) or AMD Equivalent
- RAM: 8 GB
- Hard Drive: 256 GB
- Display: 1024 x 768
Remote Meetings
Recommendations:
- Built-in 720p web cam
- Laptop integrated microphone and speakers.
- A wired headset with a microphone can improve the meeting experience.
Connectivity Requirements
- A high-speed Internet connection, preferably high-speed ADSL, Cable, or similar
- For example, if your connection can support Skype, Netflix and/or YouTube it should be sufficient
- A wired connection to your home Internet router can improve performance in some cases
Operating System
- Windows 10 or 11
- Note: Due to software requirements, Engineering students must purchase a Windows 10 based computer.
- Mac OS Catalina 10.15.7 or higher
- PLEASE NOTE: Devices such as tablets and Chromebooks including (but not limited to) those running Android/iOS/ChromeOS SHOULD NOT be considered replacements for computers meeting the hardware and operating system requirements specified above. While specific applications and software may be completely or partially compatible with these devices, their full functionality cannot be guaranteed and may not be supported in all circumstances.
All available operating system updates must be applied
Browser
Latest stable release of one of the following:
- Chrome (preferred for Collaborate)
- Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
Office & Connectivity Software
All students can install and use the institution's Microsoft Office 365 license on up to 5 devices at no additional cost.
- We recommend every student install the full Microsoft Office suite on their device, including Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Visio for Windows users.
The Office package can be installed by going to office365.stfx.ca, logging int using your StFX credentials and clicking the "Install Office" button in the upper right corner.
Security Requirements
It is highly recommended that your computer operating system be fully up to date and that you have installed an anti-virus/anti-malware tool.
- Windows:
- Operating system updated to the latest version
- Up to date antivirus software, such as Windows Defender which comes free with Windows 10.
- mac OS:
- Operating system updated to the latest version
- We recommend an industry-leading anti virus solution; online review sites can provide guidance on the best products.
Staying in Residence?
Residence technology recommendations
- Along with campus wide wireless access each residence room is equipped with an ethernet connection.
- Wireless printers and personal routers can cause connection issues in residences therefore are not permitted. Printers that connect with a usb cable are allowed.
- StFX offers best effort support for the connection of your gaming or streaming devices. If the device has an Ethernet port we recommend bringing a cable for connection. Gaming and Streaming devices without an ethernet cable will need to be registered by submitting your devices Mac address after arriving on campus.
Register your Gaming/Streaming Device