Computers and Software for NIACC Students
Parents and students often want to know about computer and software
recommendations for NIACC classes. NIACC does not require students to purchase a
computer for course work. There are many computer labs on campus in the
residence halls and at the NIACC Charles City Center for student use. Most
computer labs use computers with Windows operating system. The Fine Arts and web
design courses also use Macintosh computers. Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access) is the standard for for word processing, spreadsheet,
database and presentation software. WordPerfect and Microsoft Works are not used
in NIACC classes.
Purchasing a laptop for school can be confusing. There are many brands and models of laptops that can be used or purchased. When considering which laptop to purchase keep these recommended
minimum requirements in mind:
- AMD or INTEL processor
- 4 Gigabyte of memory (more is always better)
- 250 Gigabyte hard drive (again more is better)
- DVD-RW - DVD drive that reads and writes
- Built in wireless capabilities
- Battery - check to see what is the expected battery life per use (2 - 8 hrs
per charge?)
Students may also want to have one or more USB "flash drives" or
"thumb drives" to be able to easily move files from their personal
computer to use on a lab computer or vice versa. Every student does have
file storage space on a network drive on campus (their "H" drive), but
this is not accessible from off campus.
These requirements are based on ordinary college usage (writing papers, creating presentations, etc.). If you are taking courses that use designing or other specialty software, please check with your instructor for possible additional requirements you may need.
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Services
This information is provided as a public service. NIACC
has no association with the products, vendors and services listed.
Listing of products, services or vendors above does not imply an
endorsement.
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