Minimum and recommended computer configurations

For the College of Engineering and Computer Science some classes will require the use of software that exclusively runs on Windows. For example, CAD and simulation software like Solidworks and Ansys which do not run on MAC OS.

If your major is within either department listed below, you will be using Windows only software very often:

  • Civil, Enviornmental, & Geomatics Engineering (CEGE)
  • Ocean & Mechanical Engineering (OME)

The College of Engineering and Computer Science does offer access to almost all required software through our platform VMWare. While VMWare provides the required software, students will be unable to install new software or modify existing software within VMWare.

The university also offers all Microsoft Office 365 products for free for all students (Word, Excel, etc). For information on how to install these applications visit the following link: Microsoft 365


Windows OS - Minimum Device Requirements

  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 7000 series or newer, or Intel i7/i9 10000 series or newer
  • Disk Space: 256GB SSD minimum, 1TB NVMe SSD recommended. No Non-SSD or Hybrid drives are recommended
  • Memory (RAM):  16 GB minimum.
  • Operating System: Windows 10 or higher.

Mac OS (Apple) - Minimum Device Requirements

  • Processor: M1 Chip or better recommended.
  • Disk Space: 256 GB SSD storage drive or more recommended.
  • Memory (RAM): 16GB minimum.
  • Operating System: macOS 11 or later versions recommended.

FAU GENERAL PC RECCOMENDATIONS