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Faculty and Staff Device Requirements

Faculty and Staff Device Requirements

Owned by Keith Parks
Last updated: Jul 14, 2025 by A.J. Newman

Employees must use a compliant university-managed device for their work. Devices purchased through HuskyBuy and the PC Refresh Program meet modern computing requirements. Device users and fiscal administrators can learn about these specifications.

Technical specifications for computers

Devices must be portable, sufficiently up-to-date, and have adequate memory and storage. They must also be able to run the newest version of their respective operating system (Windows 11 and macOS 15 Sequoia). This allows them to operate effectively and securely both inside and outside of the UConn environment. Below are the minimum technical specifications for computers:

Minimum specifications

Your computer must support Windows 11. In October 2025, Windows 10 will be going “end-of-life”, meaning it will stop receiving security and stability patches from Microsoft. Learn more here: Windows 10 End of Life Information

Processor

Intel Core i5, AMD Ryzen 5 (devices issued by ITS use Intel processors)

Memory (RAM)

16 GB

Internal Storage

256 GB solid-state drive (SSD)

Recommended specifications

Processor

Intel Core i7, AMD Ryzen 7 (devices issued by ITS use Intel processors)

Memory (RAM)

16 GB or more

Internal Storage

512 GB or more solid-state drive (SSD)

Important note about Windows on ARM
Microsoft has recently unveiled a range of new devices branded as “Copilot+ PCs”. Instead of using a traditional Intel or AMD processor, some these computers use a Snapdragon X-series processor. These use a different computing architecture than the majority of computers on the market.

We have done some testing of these machines and while most applications are supported and work well, we have identified a few that are buggy or just refuse to open. Software vendors will need to update their apps to work on these new computers. Until software support improves, we do not recommend buying a Windows on ARM PC.

Minimum specifications

Processor

Apple M1

Memory (RAM)

16 GB

Internal Storage

256 GB solid-state drive (SSD)

Recommended specifications

Processor

Apple M1 or newer

Memory (RAM)

16 GB or more

Internal Storage

512 GB or more solid-state drive (SSD)

Important note about Intel-based Macs
In 2020, Apple transitioned from Intel-based processors to Apple silicon. Apple silicon-powered Macs are significantly more powerful and efficient than older models. It is anticipated that Apple will end support for Intel-based computers in the next few years. Some software manufacturers have already stopped publishing apps that support Intel processors. If you plan to buy a Mac, it should have an Apple silicon M-series processor.

Data encryption requirement

The State of Connecticut requires that all data on state-owned computers be encrypted. When purchasing a Windows PC, the device must have a TPM chip and must be encrypted. Older computers and budget models lack a TPM chip and cannot be encrypted. Apple computers do not require a TPM chip but must be encrypted.

ITS supports computers from Dell and Apple. Buying a device from another manufacturer may limit the ability for ITS to assist. The University has support agreements with both Dell and Apple as well as on-campus hardware repair/support at the Bookstore for these brands. If you have any questions, please contact the Technology Support Center at 860-486-4357 or techsupport@uconn.edu.

Warranty

  • ITS standard is to purchase a minimum of a 3-year warranty on all new computers and tablets. 

  • Laptop computers are purchased with Dell Accidental Damage Protection / Apple AppleCare+.

  • Dell warranties are ProSupport with next-day parts and service.

  • iPads are ordered with AppleCare+ 3 years.

Printers

Whenever possible, printers should be centralized (connected to the network) and leased through UPrint. Leased printers include toner and maintenance. When factoring in the lifetime cost of a printer, it is less expensive to lease a printer.

Recommended devices

If your department or unit participates in the PC Refresh Program, you should talk to your local IT professional or fiscal administrator to request a purchase.

You can buy all of these recommended items through the vendors at HuskyBuy.

Laptop

 

Standard usage

High intensity usage

 

Standard usage

High intensity usage

Windows

Dell Pro Plus (formerly Dell Latitude), 14” or 16”

Dell Pro Max (formerly Dell Precision), 14” or 16”

Mac

MacBook Air, 13” or 15”

MacBook Pro, 14” or 16”

Monitors

Primary

Dell Pro Plus Video Conferencing Monitor

  • 24” - P2424HEB

  • 27” - P2724DEB

  • 34” (ultra-wide) - P3424WEB

Secondary

Dell Pro Plus USB-C Hub Monitor

  • 24”, FHD - P2425HE

  • 27”, QHD - P2725DE

Accessories

  • Headset: Lenovo 100 USB Stereo Headset or Logitech H390 USB Headset

  • Webcam: Logitech C930e

  • Network adapters: USB-C → Ethernet or USB-A → Ethernet

  • Video adapter: USB-C → HDMI

 

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