Technical Requirements

At Columbus State, you can use your own laptop or personal computer (PC or Mac) to complete your coursework.

Chromebooks, smartphones, and tablets are not recommended. These devices may not support all the academic software needed to meet your course requirements.

Below are the recommended and minimum specifications for personal device use at Columbus State Community College. 

• Please note: Because technology changes rapidly, these requirements are subject to change without notice.
• Any new computer purchased in the last three years should meet the minimum requirements listed below to use it for coursework.
• If you are purchasing a new laptop, we suggest you follow the recommended specifications listed below.

System Requirements

	Recommended	Minimum
Operating system	PC- Windows 11 Apple- Current MacOS	PC- Windows 10 Apple- Prior MacOS (Still receiving security updates)
Processor	Intel Core i7 or higher/ 2 GHz or faster processor Apple- M4 or higher	Intel Core i5/2 GHz processor Apple- A18 (Neo)
Memory	8 GB of RAM or higher	4 GB of RAM
Video Ram	Dedicated GPU	iGPU (Integrated GPU)
Internal Storage (Hard drive)	512 GB or higher	512 GB
Monitor resolution	1280 x 1024 or higher	1280 x 1024
Internet connection	Consistent minimum upload speed of 4 Mbps or higher; download speed of 1.5 Mbps or higher	Consistent minimum upload speed of 4 Mbps or higher; download speed of 1.5 Mbps or higher
Other technology	Headset with microphone preferred; webcam**	Speaker and microphone**

 

If you are in an academic program that may have specific technology requirements, please check with your instructor or academic department before purchasing a device. You may need to meet different criteria for things like video production, digital design, photography, database work, math/engineering, etc.

**Some classes (such as Live Online) may require a working webcam. You may also need a webcam to take a proctored test.

Click here to read IT's tips for setting up your new computer, adding the necessary software, installing browsers and more.

If you are new to computers and need additional training, check out the Computer basics tutorial available through Learn Free. 

Click here to see which devices and browsers are supported by Blackboard.

Click here to see a list of mobile apps that might be helpful to you as a Columbus State student.

 

We recommend that you have a computer and internet access at home. However if you do not have a computer, you can typically come to campus and use the computer labs. The most widely available computer lab is the Computer Commons in the TL building (TL 116) on the Columbus Campus.

On campus, if you need access to the internet, you can connect to the CSCC wireless network using your Columbus State username and password.

At a minimum, students should have basic computer literacy skills including:

• Using a keyboard and mouse
• Selecting, copying, and pasting text
• Sending and receiving email (with or without attachments)
• Browsing your device to find files to attach
• Saving and retrieving files in different formats (.docx, .pdf, .pptx., etc.)
• Using a text editor (changing font, spell check, etc.)
• Accessing the Internet using a web browser  

For additional technology training and resources, check out the sites listed below: 

• Learn Free - Free technology training from the Goodwill Community Foundation that includes computer basics
• CSCC IT Knowledge Base - Technology information and support for CSCC students and employees
• CSCC Blackboard Student Help - Online resources for students who want to learn more about Blackboard
•  CSCC Blackboard training- A list of available training opportunities and resources including the Blackboard Crash Course and interactive Blackboard orientation