General Recommendation
Georgia Gwinnett College strongly recommends the use of devices that include webcams, microphones, speakers, virus protection, and updated Microsoft Windows or Mac operating systems. The use of devices not meeting these criteria may result in the inability to access important resources or complete course requirements. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that that they have appropriate access to the technology needed for their coursework. If you are unsure of your device’s compliance with these criteria, please consult the GGC Help Desk.
The college provides access to computers through open computer labs such as the Info Commons and other spaces spread across the campus.
The use of other devices such as iPhones, iPads, Android phones, and Chromebooks is permissible in some situations but is not considered a suitable primary device. The use of these type of devices may result in the inability to access important resources or complete course requirements.
Different schools may have specific requirements. Consult your school’s requirements before investing in a device.
School-specific Recommendations
School of Science and Technology
Students in the ITEC program should review their program specific requirements.
School of Business
The School of Business has some recommendations that you should take into account in making that decision. While a laptop is not mandatory, having adequate computing capability is important as you progress through the BBA degree.
- Why a laptop?
In general, a laptop provides more flexibility than a desktop computer. You are better off with your own laptop rather than shared computers. - Why Windows?
Tablets (of any kind), Macs* (MacOS), and Chromebooks are unlikely to be able to operate full desktop versions of software used in many of the BBA courses (Excel 365, Tableau, SPSS, etc.). Some applications, such as PowerBI and MS Project, are available ONLY for Windows PCs.
Get Microsoft Office 365: The latest version of MS Office 365 is freely available to all GGC students.
Get Microsoft Teams: MS Teams is free from Microsoft.
| Specification | Adequate | Better | Best |
| Windows 10 Home Operating System (64-bit) | Version 1903 | Version 2004 | Version 2004 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 2.20 GHz (or equivalent) | Intel Core i5 2.20 GHz (or equivalent) | Intel Core i7 3.10 GHz (or equivalent) |
| Installed RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB to 32 GB |
| Hard Drive/SSD | 256 GB | 512 GB | 1.0 TB |
| Webcam | 720p | 1080p | 1080p |
| Speakers | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in |
| Microphone | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes | Yes |
| Display | 13″ | 14″ | 15″ touch screen |
| Wireless connectivity | 802.11(a)(b)(g) | 802.11(g)(n) | 802.11(ac) |
| USB | USB 3.1 (x1) | USB 3.1 (x2) | USB 3.1 (x2) |
| HDMI output (for external monitor) | x1 | x1 |
- But I have a Mac! If you have a newer Mac (2016 or later), you should consider installing and using software like Bootcamp or Parallels. By installing one of these applications, you can install and run Windows 10 and the Windows version of Microsoft Office (and all other Windows applications) on your Mac.
For more info:
School of Education
No additional requirements beyond the general computer recommendations.
School of Health Sciences
Per the Nursing Student Handbook:
“Nursing students must have access to a laptop computer or tablet device during the program. Although there are computers for use by GGC students on campus, the nursing program has some hybrid courses, where computer access off campus would be necessary and offer convenience for student learning”
The general computer recommendations should meet the needs of nursing students.
School of Liberal Arts
No additional requirements beyond the general computer recommendations.