Computer
These are the recommended base computer specs for class and personal use while at Nebraska Wesleyan University. We do not recommend using Chromebooks as they cannot run many of the software titles you may want/need to use in class.
PCs
Processor: Intel Core-i5/AMD Ryzen R5 or better
Memory: 8 GB minimum,16 GB recommended
Storage: 256 or larger SSD
Operating System: Windows 10 or 11
Warranty: extended 3-5 year warranty (depending on manufacturer)
Brands: Lenovo, Dell, HP
If buying Lenovo computers you can check the Lenovo Campus Computing Program to check for current deals offered to NWU students, faculty and staff.
Macs
Processor: M1/M2 or better
Memory: 8 GB minimum, 16 GB recommended
Storage: 256 GB or larger SSD
Operating System: MacOS 11 (Big Sur) or newer
Warranty: AppleCare+ 3 year warranty
Please use the Apple Education Store to get the best pricing from Apple.
Microsoft 365
All students have a Microsoft 365 license while enrolled at NWU and for 1 year after graduation.
With your MS 365 account you can install Microsoft Office on 5 computers and 5 mobile devices. Microsoft Office will require you to login with your NWU email address to pull an active license. You can also access Microsoft Office on any web browser from portal.office.com (some tools in Microsoft 365 may not work unless using Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome).
Students have access to 1TB of cloud storage using OneDrive. We recommend using OneDrive over other cloud storage options to ensure sharing and file compatibility with faculty, staff, and other students. If you are using a Windows device you can use the OneDrive desktop client to backup your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders to OneDrive.
All of these Microsoft 365 services can be accessed on any web browser from portal.office.com (some tools in Microsoft 365 may not work unless using Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome).
Security
We strongly encourage all computers to have some form of endpoint protection/antivirus software running at all times. While you are enrolled as a student you have access to Sophos Home Commercial Edition which can be installed on up to 10 computers at a time.
While NWU does maintain this program, we do not manage these Sophos clients nor will we have access to your Sophos dashboard. As such, NWU's support may be limited and Sophos should be the primary contact for support questions.
Other Recommendations
Here are some other items you may want to consider but are not essential to your experience at NWU.
- Wireless mouse
- USB webcam (if your laptop doesn't have one)
- Laptop portable power bank