Technology Requirements

 

HardwareMinimum Requirements
CPU
  • Quad Core (not counting hyper-threading) 2.4Ghz, Intel VT or AMD V (Intel i7 or better)
  • Virtual box/VMware must be supported
  • Intel is preferred over AMD for Linux support
  • Intel 9th Gen i7 or above is recommended
Memory
  • 16 GB
  • The ability to install more memory is desirable.
Disk
  • 512 GB SSD or better
Graphics
  • Accelerated, Gaming Support
  • Nvidia is preferred over AMD
  • 1920 by 1080 resolution is recommended (at least on an external port)
  • At least 1280 by 1024 resolution
  • HDMI output recommended (perhaps with an adapter)
Sound
  • Mic in/Headphone out (either analog or two free USB ports)
Mouse
  • An external mouse (USB or Bluetooth) is desirable.
USB
  • USB 3.0 desirable for an external disk
  • Other USB ports may be needed for: mouse, printer, mic-in and headphones-out, depending on how these are connected.
Wireless
  • 802.11 n required
  • 802.11 ac is recommended
External monitor
  • A 23" or larger HDMI monitor is recommended, with reasonable resolution.
Laptop or Desktop
  • Windows 11 or macOS 12.4 or above. Linux is also acceptable if a mainstream distribution (e.g. Ubuntu).
Apple
  • MacBook Pros can be used or iMac with above hardware recommendations.
Software
Installs
  • Students must be able to install software on the computer they will use for the cybersecurity courses.
OS
  • Students should Google their chosen system for serious Linux support problems. A few manufacturers use non-standard hardware configurations, making running Linux a challenge.
Microsoft Office
  • Provided to all WMU students.
  • Students should be able to run these programs either on their system or the web versions.
Development Software
  • Provided by the cybersecurity program at no additional cost to the student. These include many Microsoft developer tools and operating systems, as well as VMWare and many open source security tools and Linux distributions.
Service
  • An extended warranty is recommended.