To meet Program Learning Outcomes for the upcoming academic year and to provide access to technology, it is highly recommended that students own a laptop with wireless networking capabilities meeting or exceeding the recommended laptop requirements specified below.

Microsoft Office is required and is available free of charge via Office 365. Instructions for installation of Office 365 can be accessed through the Microsoft Office 365 page on the left.

While basic computer lab capability is provided in the Library Commons, there may be program specific computer requirements. Students should see the course catalog for specific program or course computer requirements as well.

NO Chromebooks! The use of an iPad/tablet or smartphone solely for academic work is not advisable in any program.

* A warranty agreement from the manufacturer is recommended for any student laptop. 

^ Newer Macbooks with an M1 or M2 chip will NOT be able to dual-boot Windows or run Windows in a virtual machine. Before getting a Macbook with an M1 or M2 chip, please check with your advisor to ensure that your program will not require Windows specific software. 

Recommended Accessories

Laptops with Ethernet port included: We recommend using an ethernet cable with your data port in your dorm room for classes and homework as this network connectivity is more reliable than a WiFi signal. If the laptop you purchase does not have an ethernet port, you can buy an ethernet-to-USB adapter and connect that way. You will also need to buy an ethernet cable.

External hard drive/USB Flash Drive: Strongly recommended for data backup in case of laptop failure and as a secondary file storage location.

Campus Printing: There are printers available throughout campus for student use.  Please refer to Student Network Printing for instructions.

Bringing a Personal Printer: Students are welcome to bring a personal printer to use in their dorm room, however it MUST be a wired connection.  Wireless printers are NOT allowed on the campus Network.

Program Specific Needs

Arts & Communications

• Art, Theatre/Speech
  • Windows or Mac laptop with Office 365
    
    
• Digital Marketing, Graphic Design
  • Windows or Mac laptop with Office 365, will also need to lease Adobe Creative Cloud ($19.99/month student rate). Computers with Adobe Creative Cloud are available in the Graphic Design Lab but hours are limited.
    
    
• Communications
  • All Communications students must possess a laptop computer with Office 365 and at least entry-level video and audio editing software (for video, iMovie for Mac OS, Pinnacle for Windows, or DaVinci Resolve for either platform; for audio, Audacity for both operating systems).
    
  • Additionally, it is very strongly recommended each student acquire a digital video camera with tripod, a digital audio recorder, and a digital still camera. Having this equipment will allow a student greater flexibility in completing course assignments. The Newberry College Communications Program does not provide equipment or computers for student checkout or use. It is therefore important that you acquire your own equipment.

Business Administration

• All majors
  • Windows laptop with Office 365 recommended, Macs do not support all spreadsheet needs
    
    

Humanities

• All majors
  • Windows or Mac laptop with Office 365
    
    

Music

• All majors
  • Windows or Mac laptop with Office 365
    
    

Nursing

• All majors
  • Windows or Mac laptop with Office 365, nursing program needs to use ATI specific software that now works with Windows and Mac laptops
    
    

Online Programs

• Respiratory Therapy
  • Windows or Mac laptop with Office 365
    
    

Science and Mathematics

• All majors
  • Windows or Mac laptop with Office 365
    
    

Social and Behavioral Sciences

• All majors
  • Windows or Mac laptop with Office 365
    
    

Newberry College Office of Campus Technology Help Desk (803) 321-5646