New Computer Purchase Recommendations (2017 – 2018)
Purchasing a new computer as a Northeastern student?
Described below are the minimum recommended specifications that your computer will need
Shopping in stores? Bring these printable specifications along with you!
Last Updated 5/12/17
Operating System
Hard Drive
Processor
RAM Memory
Ethernet Card
Wireless Card
Laptops
Desktops
Windows 7/8/10
Mac OS 10.12 Sierra
250 GB Internal
Dual Core CPU
8GB RAM
10/100/1000
(Gigabit) [may
require USB Ethernet
adapter]
Wireless 802.11
b/g/n/ac card
Windows 7/8/10
Mac OS 10.12 Sierra
250 GB Internal
Quad Core CPU
8GB RAM
10/100/1000
(Gigabit)
Optical Media Drive DVD-RW/CD-RW
Drive [optional]
1TB HDD
External Hard
Drive
Wireless 802.11
b/g/n/ac card
[optional]
DVD-RW/CD-RW
Drive
1TB HDD
Netbooks/ MacBook
Airs/ MacBooks
Windows 7/8/10
Mac OS 10.12 Sierra
128 GB Internal
Dual Core CPU
8GB RAM
10/100/1000
(Gigabit) [may
require USB Ethernet
adapter]
Wireless 802.11
b/g/n/ac card
None
1TB HDD
Can I get my computer fixed on campus?
The ResNet Resource Center, located in the basement of Speare Hall provides support for:
 Windows 7/8/10
 Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) through 10.12 (Sierra)
 Warranty hardware work on Apple and Dell machines
 Older operating systems, mobile operating systems, and hardware work on other brands on a
case-by-case basis.
Why are Netbooks different from Laptops?
Netbooks are smaller laptops that also have downgraded hardware. These are different from Ultrabooks which
are more expensive and have upgraded hardware in a smaller frame. Netbooks, because of the downgraded
hardware, may have difficulty running complex programs such as AutoCAD and Photoshop. Additionally,
based on the storage space available, it may be difficult to install a second operating system (such as installing
Windows onto a MacBook), which could be required for some majors. Netbooks work fine for accessing the
internet and performing basic homework tasks like writing papers or viewing PowerPoints.
What do you mean by ‘may require USB Ethernet adapter’?
While all on campus buildings have Wi-Fi, the most reliable internet access in the dorms is our high-speed
residential network ResNet. To access ResNet, your computer needs to have a wired connection to Northeastern
ethernet ports. Many new computers do not include an Ethernet port, so a USB-to-Ethernet Adapter will be
needed to access ResNet. If you do not plan on using the wired network, NUwave wireless internet is available
throughout campus.
Do I need to purchase my own anti-virus software?
All computers (both Mac-and-Windows-based) should have antivirus software installed. Symantec Endpoint
Protection is provided for free to all Northeastern students. At the start of the academic term, copies will be
available for download. To access this, log onto myNEU, select the Self-Service tab, and click the “Software
Downloads” link.
Do I need to purchase a word processor like Microsoft Word?
As a part of the Microsoft Student Advantage Program, Northeastern students can download Microsoft Office
365 ProPlus for free. Included in this package is Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access, Publisher,
Outlook, Skype for Business, and OneDrive for Business. At the start of the academic term, copies will be
available for download through the ‘Access Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus’ link on myNEU, on the bottom right
under the “Self-Service” tab.
Is an external hard drive a necessary purchase?
It is strongly recommended that all students purchase an external hard drive and back their important data up to
it regularly. This may seem like an extraneous purchase, but regular backups to an external hard drive can
become a lifesaver in the event that your computer fails.
Northeastern also provides access to cloud storage that can be a useful for backing up data as well. All students
are provided with 1 TB of storage in OneDrive through the Microsoft Student Advantage Program, and
unlimited storage space on Google Drive.
What type of hardware protection do I need?
Information Technology Services (ITS) strongly recommends that you purchase an AppleCare or Dell
Complete Care warranty to protect your computer. You may also want to consider purchasing personal property
protection to insure your computer(s), mobile device and other belongings, as it covers against loss due to
accidental damage (liquid spills, cracked screens) and theft, which are not covered under a manufacturer
warranty. Details are available on the Housing & Residential Life website (northeastern.edu/housing).
This sounds like a lot and I’m on a budget, what do you suggest?
Some inexpensive devices are viable options for budget-minded students looking for a functional, portable
computer to perform basic tasks like taking notes, writing papers, and browsing the Internet. These devices may
not be able to run more advanced programs like AutoCAD or Adobe Photoshop because of their hardware
specifications. If your major requires running these programs, we strongly recommend that you purchase a
system that meets the minimum recommended specifications. Please check with your college to determine if
there are any additional computer requirements for your academic program.
I already own a computer, can I bring it to campus?
Most computers manufactured in the past 15 years will be able to connect to ResNet, provided they have at least
a 10Mb Ethernet card installed. You do not need to buy a brand-new, top of the line computer to connect to the
network, write papers, or browse the Internet. However, depending on your computer, your on-campus support
options may be limited.
If you have any computing questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to email us at
[email protected], or call us at 617-373-7967.