Minimum Computing Requirements

Minimum Computing Requirements

Internet Connectivity

Consistent and reliable access to a high-speed (i.e. cable/DSL/fiber/5G) Internet connection with a minimum of 25Mbps download / 5Mbps upload is strongly recommended, particularly for distance, hybrid, and heavily computer-mediated courses. Dial-up connections have insufficient bandwidth and are not supported. Satellite connections may provide enough bandwidth but often suffer from excessive latency and may not work well for real-time applications such as Zoom meetings.

If you are unsure of your Internet connection speed, you can check it here: https://www.speedtest.net/

Note that Internet connection speeds can vary widely in different parts of your residence when using a WiFi connection to your Internet router. 

Computer Hardware / Operating System

The following is a list of the minimum hardware and OS specifications:

• Mac or Windows PC

• PC Operating System – Windows 10 minimum

• Mac Operating System – MacOS 10.14 minimum

• Dual-core processor or better

• Minimum 8GB of RAM; 16GB recommended

• Ethernet or reliable Wi-Fi

• Computer speakers or headphones, a microphone, and a webcam

  • Some suggested options are listed here on Zoom’s website. 

Additional suggested hardware includes a printer/scanner, USB flash drive, and an external hard drive or cloud storage subscription for backup.

• Older operating systems and computers with less memory (RAM) and processing power may function and meet your basic needs for computing. However, they may not be adequate to access Antioch’s online resources.

• Devices running the Chrome OS (i.e. Chromebook), especially entry-level/budget versions, may meet your basic computing and web browsing needs, but the Chrome OS version of PC or Mac software (e.g. Zoom) can have limited functionality in comparison to Mac or PC computers.  

• Most handheld and tablet devices (i.e. Samsung Galaxy, Apple iPad) capable of displaying web pages will allow you to view the content of AU websites. The capabilities of these devices vary widely, particularly in their ability to interface with some AU content.

While these devices may be convenient while traveling, they do not take the place of a Mac or PC computer.

Antioch requires a word processing program that saves and opens text files in multiple file formats (DOCX is recommended). We suggest an office suite that includes word processing, presentation, spreadsheet, and other useful software. Some new computer purchases have this software already installed. Microsoft Office suites are currently used at AU campuses. Microsoft 365 is also available online to current students.

Current students are automatically provided access to Microsoft’s Office 365 version, which can be used online or downloaded and installed on a student’s computer.

To access your student license of Office 365, follow the steps below to log in:

1. Open a web browser and navigate to https:/www.office.com and click on “sign in,”

2. Enter your AUeID number in email format (for example = [email protected]), click “next”

3. If prompted to select “Work or School Account” or “Personal Account,” please select “Work or School Account”

4. Next, enter your standard AUeID password, click on “sign in”

Additionally, Google Workspace is widely used across the University and can be accessed via AUDirect.  Google Workspace provides access to a variety of productivity application capabilities. Files generated with these applications are stored in Google Drive cloud storage.  From here, files can be accessed, shared, and worked on collaboratively with other Antioch users. 

Most of Antioch University’s technologies are accessible through a web browser, so having a supported browser on your home computing system is critical. Antioch online systems are compatible with the following browsers:

• Google Chrome (Latest Version) Recommended browser

• Firefox (Latest Version) Recommended browser

• Safari (Latest Version)

• Microsoft Edge (Latest Version)

• Opera (Latest Version)

While Antioch’s online systems are accessible from nearly any device, for the best learning experience, a desktop or laptop computer is highly recommended.

Note that the best browser for your needs may change over time. It is recommended, therefore, that you have two different browsers installed on your system.

Anti-Malware / Computer Protection

Antioch University urges you to take steps to prevent viruses and other malware from infecting your educational home computing environment. It is critical that you keep your anti-malware software up to date. Free programs provide basic protection but may fall short against more advanced attacks. Paid programs have more robust protection at different price tiers, with the more expensive packages offering options that go beyond traditional malware detection. Examples of these features include blocking websites known to host malware, phishing alerts, spam filtering, password management, and more. AU recommends reading current reviews to help find the best program for your needs.

Additional Software

Your academic department may have additional requirements for applications you will use during your program of study. A specific course may also list additional software requirements in the syllabus. This additional software may have other hardware and/or software requirements above and beyond the minimum recommendations cited here. Check with your academic department or academic adviser for more specific information.