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Advised Minimum Laptop Standard
The UCD Lochlann Quinn School of Business and the Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business have a mandatory laptop requirement, students must have access to a laptop computer to access all of the resources they will need to complete their studies.
This facilitates the use of the online learning environment, as well as various forms of eLearning and eAssessment. The programmes at the School rely heavily on student interaction with technology. Students are required to bring their laptop, power supply and network (LAN) cable, and any required adapters, to College on a daily basis when on campus.
Note: During the COVID-19 pandemic, students will also require access to broadband internet from their residence/home.
The College of Business eLearning Team have provided an Advised Minimum Laptop Standard to guide you in sourcing a suitable laptop for your studies. The advised minimum standard operating environment is outlined below:
| System Type | LAPTOP PC-based System |
|---|---|
| Processor | 2.0 GHz or equivalent |
| RAM | 4 GB minimum |
| Hard Disk Size | 150GB (with 30GB free disk space) |
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows 8 Professional or Microsoft Windows 10 Professional. NB: All OS should have English language pack installed. Note: Apple hardware and software is not completely compatible with the UCD online learning environment. (see note below). |
| Network Port | You laptop will need an ethernet network port (RJ45) to connect to the UCD cabled network. Some newer laptops do not offer these, but they are preferred, as the alternative — USB network adapters (see below) — can be unreliable. |
| Network Cable | You will need an ethernet network cable (100 Base-T Ethernet cable, UTP CAT 5, 3-4 meters in length) to connect your laptop to the UCD cabled network. These are a requirement for taking tests in a classroom. |
| USB Network Adapter | If your laptop does not have a network port (see above), you will need a USB network adapter to connect your laptop to the UCD cabled network. |
| Web Camera | You will need access to a webcam to attend virtual meetings and classrooms. If you do not have an internal webcam you will have to acquire a separate USB web camera. |
| Microphone | You will need access to a microphone to attend virtual meetings and classrooms. If you do not have an internal mic you will have to acquire a separate USB microphone. |
| Application Software | MS Office 365 is available to all students of UCD. Click HERE to find out more. Why do I need specific software? |
| Anti-Virus | Installed anti-virus software and a virus-free laptop. UCD students can avail of Sophos anti-virus software, free of charge. Click HERE for more information |
| Browser Software | We recommend having access to two internet browsers, we recommend Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. |
More Information
Can I bring my Apple laptop to the Lochlann Quinn School?
Macs Outside the Advised Standard
While Apple hardware and software is not completely compatible with the UCD learning environment, this is an Advised Laptop Standard and you are still free to make your own decisions. If you decide to use an Apple laptop in the UCD College of Business, you will be responsible for testing in advance of class and addressing any problems that may arise.
Network Adapters
Some Macs may require a network adapter to connect to the ethernet wired network as is required for in-class tests. Some modules may require specific Windows based software, e.g. MS Access, not available for Macs without Windows (see ‘Running Windows on a Mac’ below).
Running Windows on a Mac
Windows 10 can be installed alongside OSX (called dual-booting) on a Mac using Boot Camp or Virtual Box and can be emulated on a Mac using VMWare, Parallels. This service is not offered by UCD IT services and students may find this process technically difficult so we advise you to identify and engage with a third party IT provider.)
UCD ITServices provide limited support for Macs.
Can I bring my Google Chromebook (or Chrome OS device) to the Lochlann Quinn School?
Unfortunately Chromebooks may not meet the needs of the Advised laptop standard as Chrome OS may not be compatible with Zoom virtual classroom tool.
Supported Devices and Operating Systems
Can I bring my tablet instead of a Laptop?
Tablets are considered to be complementary devices to the compulsory laptop requirement. Tablets on the market today are not powerful enough to run the online learning and assessment environments. Most tablets do not have a LAN cable connection. Please note that all in class online assessment must be completed using a laptop connected to the cable (LAN) network.
Why do I need specific software?
The Windows Operating Systems (recommended above) have been rigorously tested with the UCD network and the UCD online learning environment. The Application Software (above) contains tools that are commonly used in practice in the business world. These will be used to deliver in-class training, for assessment purposes, presentations, etc.
