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The following list will help you ensure you have the computer equipment and software you need. If you haven't already, be sure to review the Getting Started Checklist first.
Prepare Your Computer Equipment
Most Windows and Apple computers that are four years of age or less will be sufficient for coursework. We recommend planning ahead and checking your syllabi required technology (hardware and software) needs. If purchasing a new computer, we recommend these minimum specs:
- Windows or Mac operating system (Chrome books are not recommended)
- Intel i5 (Windows) or M1 (Mac) CPU
- 8GB RAM or greater
- SSD (Solid State) hard drive of 256GB or greater capacity
The "sweet spot" for purchasing a new computer is generally mid-range. If you are on a budget, you may actually be better off purchasing a refurbished computer that meets the specs above rather than buying a budget computer that will be slow today and even slower tomorrow. Likewise, keep in mind that unless you are a gamer, there's no need to spend $2,000 on the fastest computer available. Also note that if you are in a major that requires specific software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Adobe InDesign, you will need more RAM.
If you take classes that demand faster hardware like Engineering or Interior Design, we recommend these minimum specs:
- Windows operating system (Mac and Chromebooks are not recommended)
- Intel i7 CPU or greater
- 16GB RAM or greater
- A dedicated GPU with at least 4GB VRAM
- 512GB SSD
Access Available Software
- Microsoft Office 365
- Once you're enrolled, you have a free subscription to Microsoft Office 365. Visit https://portal.office.com and sign in using your UTC email (ex. abc123@mocs.utc.edu) and UTC password.
- If your UTC email is not recognized, you can confirm your sign-in address for O365 by checking the My Account Info Widget in MyMocsNet.
- Software Index
- Review the UTC Software Index for access to discounted or free software for students.
- Computer Labs
- UTC offers a variety of computer labs that provide access to most software.
- The software index will indicate where software is installed around campus.
- File Storage
- We recommend using your Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive as online storage during your time at UTC. This will allow you to collaborate with others and access your files from anywhere.
- Chat
- Canvas has a collaboration feature to chat, so check with your instructor if that will be used for a specific course. You can also chat with classmates or your instructor using Microsoft Teams, or via your UTC email. Refer to your course's syllabus for best methods of contacting your instructor.
Residence Halls: Dos and Don'ts for Devices
In the residence halls, every room has a port per pillow for connecting internet devices. Also, all residence halls have full wireless coverage provided by the University. In order to provide a certain level of performance, functionality, and security across both wired and wireless networks in the residence halls there are some dos and don'ts as well as some points that should be considered in order to be considerate to other network users.
Dos
- Bring any of the following devices you want: video game consoles, TVs, BluRay players, computers, phones, tablets, etc.
- Bring an ethernet cable.
- If you want to bring a printer, make sure it plugs in through a USB cable.
- Keep computers and devices up to date. Keeping patches current helps ensure a clean and safe device.
Don'ts
- Don't use a router or other device that performs NAT or DHCP on your network jack. Network access will be removed when they are plugged in.
- Don't run your own wireless network. This interferes with the university wireless and degrades performance for other users.
- Don't use wireless printers. It is not possible to print to a printer that is on the wireless. Disable any wireless adapter that may be in the printer.
- Don't use peer-to-peer software. Most of them will not work, however, if one does work network access will be removed when it is spotted.
If you want more than one device plugged into the network jack you are allowed to use a switch. There are some caveats to doing this. Please contact the IT Help Desk at 423-425-4000 with questions. Plug in TVs and BluRay players and don't use them on wireless. Wireless is a shared medium. Performance will be better plugged in and your neighbors will love you for it.
Have Questions or Need Assistance?
- ITHelp.utc.edu - Check out our IT Knowledge Base of step-by-step instructions for technology resources on campus.
- Visit the IT Solutions Center in Maclellan Gym, Room 201