Students at UC are required to have access to a computer. Listed below are the recommended technology specifications for hardware and software.
For any questions, feel free to contact the Department of Information Technology at it@ucumberlands.edu or (606) 539-4197 or (877) 633-9146.
Hardware
Processor/CPU
At least Intel Core i5, i7, or i9 (or AMD equivalent) with a speed of at least 2.0 GHz (the higher the better)
This is the "brain" of the computer. This is the piece that makes all the decisions. The faster this part is, the quicker your computer can move through calculations.
Memory
At least 16 GB of RAM (the higher the better)
The more RAM or Random Access Memory you have, the more applications you can run at once. This allows you to quickly flip between multiple applications running at the same time
Storage
At least a 120 GB hard drive or Solid State Drive (SSD)
Hard drives (a.k.a. solid-state drives [SSD]) are for long-term storage. The operating system and all applications on the computer are stored on the hard drive. With the advent of cloud storage (such as Box, our cloud storage solution), this isn't as much of a problem. We recommend at least 120 GB or higher to be able to install Microsoft Office and any updates your Operating System requires.
Screen Resolution
At least 1024 x 768 or higher
Microphone/headset combination
Nearly all online classes will require you to talk with the professor/class. For this purpose, we recommend a USB headset that includes a microphone. Failure to use a headset could cause audio issues in a live class session, such as feedback.
Webcam
Some professors would prefer to see the students they have in class. While some laptops have integrated webcams, if you purchase one without a camera, you would want to purchase a webcam with at least 720p resolution.
USB memory device/flash drive/jump drive
This can be used for saving your files. Or, you can use your UC Microsoft OneDrive account to save all your files in the cloud where they will be backed up at all times.
Optional hardware (but recommended)
These are components that you can get by without but will enhance your learning environment.
Wired Network card
Wired network card, 100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet compatible (a USB-to-Ethernet or Thunderbolt-to-Ethernet adapter could serve this purpose).
Since so much of our work is done online, a stable internet connection is a must. Sometimes wireless interference can cause problems in class, so a wired connection would be preferred.
Software
Operating System
Windows
Windows 10 or 11 (preferable)
If you are using a Microsoft Surface device, please read this article for important instructions on Windows 10 “S mode” versus the standard Windows 10. S mode is not compatible with Examplify, our digital testing software.
Examsoft/Examplify information: Minimum System Requirements
MacOS or Mac OS X
macOS 10.15.7 (Catalina), macOS 11.3 (Big Sur), MacOS 12.3.1 (Monterrey) or higher
Productivity
Microsoft Office 365
Microsoft Office is provided by the University for as long as you are associated with UC. We do not recommend G-Suite or Apple productivity software such as Pages or Numbers.
Optional software
This software isn't technically required but is recommended.
An HTML5-compliant browser
From what we have seen, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and the Microsoft Edge* (based on chromium) are the best to use.
Google Chrome
The industry leader in developing (and steering) web standards.
Mozilla Firefox Quantum
Firefox was revamped with a cleaner interface.
Microsoft Edge
* This is not the Edge that comes on Windows 10. Microsoft has released a new one based on the same code as Chrome and is more standards-compliant than the last version.
An antivirus program
Anti-virus programs help keep both you and the University safe. There are many options available, both free and paid. (For more information, contact the University of the Cumberlands IT department)
- Windows Defender
- Bitdefender
- Malwarebytes
Important note about Chromebooks and Chrome tablets
At this time, we are unable to officially support Google Chromebooks and Chrome-powered tablets, therefore we do not recommend you use them for coursework. Online sessions in Collaborate Ultra may be attended by such devices, but there may be compatibility issues with certain software, such as the inability to use Microsoft Office as well as other limitations that make it more difficult to complete and submit your work.