Computer Software and Hardware Recommendations
UNH Sells Apple and Lenovo devices through the UNH Computer Purchasing Program.
The following are general hardware and software recommendations and computing recommendations by college.
Please note: Tablets are not recommended as primary computing device at UNH. Check with professors on classroom tablet policies for note-taking and other functions.
Hardware Recommendations 2020-2021
Bring Your Own Device - Minimum Standard (consider upgrading)
Processor (CPU): Current generation Intel Core, Ryzen 5 or i7 CPU
Memory (RAM): 16GB
Internal storage: Traditional hard drive or solid state of at least 512GB
Back-up storage: USB 2.0 device
Video connection: Classroom projectors may require adaptors. Most classrooms use HDMI for projectors and digital screens.
Wireless: 802.11n
Recommended for New Purchase
Processor (CPU): Current generation Intel Core, Ryzen 5 or i7 CPU
Memory (RAM): 16GB
Internal storage: Solid state drive of at least 512GB
Back-up storage: USB 3.0 or better device. Visit unh.box.com for free, unlimited cloud storage.
Video connection: Classroom projectors may require adaptors. Most classrooms use HDMI for projectors and digital screens.
Wireless: 802.11ac
Software Recommendations
Anti-malware: Microsoft Security Essentials, Microsoft Windows Defender, Sophos for Mac (Bring Your Own Device), ESET for Institutional Macs. - Free for all users.
Internet Browsing: Internet Explorer 11 (Windows), Safari (Mac), Firefox, Chrome (PC, Mac) - Free for all users.
Productivity: Microsoft Office365 ProPlus (Windows), Micosoft Office365 ProPlus (Mac) - Free for all UNH students. Windows 10 (free to faculty and staff).
Dual Platform (Windows & Mac): Parallels for Mac (16GB RAM, 512GB storage recommended) Windows 10 (full version)
Computer Recommendations by College 2020-2021
College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS)
Hardware
All students: 16GB RAM recommended;
512GB or better storage strongly recommended.
Mechanical Engineering: 16GB RAM recommended,
32GB preferred.
If Apple, configure as dual-platform setup.
Software
All students: Productivity suite required. Recommend Microsoft Office365 ProPlus, Google Docs, or Apple iWork, all of which include online services such as cloud syncing and collaboration.
College of Liberal Arts (COLA)
Hardware
See minimum hardware recommendations from UNH IT
Note: Students taking Paul College courses should follow Paul College computer guidelines below
Software
All students: Microsoft Office365 ProPlus
College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA)
Hardware
See recommendations from UNH IT
Software
All students: Microsoft Office365 ProPlus
Graduate students: Windows 10 Professional operating system
College of Health and Human Services (CHHS)
Hardware
See recommendations from UNH IT - Please note: Chromebooks and iPads are not recommended for CHHS
Software
All students: Microsoft Office365 ProPlus
Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics (PAUL)
Hardware
All students: Windows-based computer strongly recommended
Windows users: 16GB RAM recommended; 512GB or better storage required
Apple users: Windows installation required; 16GB RAM required; 512GB or better storage required
School of Law (LAW)
Hardware
See recommendations from UNH IT
Software
All students: Microsoft Office365 ProPlus
Thompson School of Applied Science (TSAS)
Hardware
See recommendations from UNH IT
Software
All students: Microsoft Office365 ProPlus, including Apple users using a dual-platform setup.
Applied Animal Science students: Quickbooks, Microsoft Publisher (included in Microsoft Office365 ProPlus for Windows)
UNH at Manchester (UNHM)
Software
All students: 8GB RAM recommended
Hardware
All students: Microsoft Office365 ProPlus
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