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Leah Bittner

“The SMSU RN to BSN Program does not have you take a set amount of credits each semester. This flexible scheduling was perfect for me as it allowed me to vary the amount of credits I took each semester. I would have struggled without that flexibility as I am a non-traditional student who is also a wife, mother of four, and worked full time while completing my degree. This program is designed to fit into your life, whether you want to be a full-time or part-time student.”

Leah Bittner, '22 Alum
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Personal Computers

The Basics

For your primary device, we highly recommend most students use a Windows or Apple laptop computer that meets the minimum or recommended specifications below. However, we don't recommend tablets or Chromebooks as your primary device due to their limitations on connecting to SMSU WIFI and other problems that comes along with it.

Each academic major or program may have specific technology requirements, including various apps, software, or capabilities necessary for coursework. To ensure students can effectively complete their assignments and be well-prepared for their future careers, they should consult with their academic advisor to discuss the appropriate technological devices.

For Windows Computer

Operating System

  • Minimum: Windows 10 (Home)
  • Recommended: Windows 11 (Pro, Education, Enterprise)

Processor

  • Minimum: Intel Core i5 dual-core processor (10th Generation) or AMD Ryzen 5000 series
  • Recommended: Intel Core i5 quad-core processor (13th Generation) or AMD Ryzen 7000 series or later generations

Memory

  • Recommended:16GB or more

Hard Drive

  • Minimum: 256GB or larger hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD)
  • Recommended: 512GB or larger SSD

For Mac Computers

Operating System

  • Minimum: MacOS Ventura
  • Recommended: MacOS Sonoma

Processor

  • Minimum: Intel Core i5 dual-core processor (10th Generation)
  • Recommended: Apple M1 or Newer

Memory

  • Recommended:16GB or more

Hard Drive

  • Minimum: 256GB or larger hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD)
  • Recommended: 512GB or larger SSD

Recommended Accessories

  • Webcam: An integrated or external webcam.
  • Microphone: A built-in microphone or an external one.
  • Speakers: Built-in speakers or external.
  • Headset: A wired or wireless headset with a microphone for clear communication and noise reduction.
  • External Monitor: At least 1080p resolution.
  • Keyboard and Mouse: Comfortable options, either wired or wireless.
  • External Hard Drive: For data backup and additional storage.
  • High-Capacity Battery: For laptops, to ensure longer usage without frequent charging.

Minimum Internet Speed

Internet Speed: A minimum of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speed to support video conferencing, streaming, and online collaboration.

Browser Recommendations

Browsers: The latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari. Ensure they are regularly updated for security and compatibility. 

Provided Technical Services for Students

We recommend all the students to do regularly their Windows Updates. The TRC staff provides assistance for configuring your Wireless Settings for campus access.

If you have Viruses, or another serious problem (such as Blue Screen, frozen screen, etc.) please bring your computer and your power cord to the TRC Helpdesk. We will have you check the computer in, and we will remove the viruses for you. Our average turnaround time for virus-infected computers is about a week. However, some viruses are worse than others, and they will take longer to remove. Also, we operate on a first-come/first-serve basis. If there is a line of computers waiting to be fixed, the wait will be longer. When we have finished removing the viruses from your computer we will call or e-mail you to let you know that your computer is ready to be picked up.

If you think you have a hardware problem, you can bring your computer to us and we will troubleshoot it for you, and let you know what exactly the issue is. If, for example, your Hard Drive is failing or corrupt, and you purchase a new one, you may bring the computer and the new hard drive to us and we will help you install the new hardware.

Note: If your hard drive becomes corrupt, or unreadable, we will be unable to recover your files. It is always a good idea to have a backup of all your files.

The TRC Technician staff can:

  • Service computers for preventive and corrective maintenance.
  • Diagnose hardware problems.
  • Show students how to configure their computer for Windows Updates.
  • Help connect laptops to the wireless network.
  • Help students load personally purchased or open sourced software on their PC.

The TRC Technician staff are unable to provide technical support for the following:

  • Personal student-owned printers.
  • Computers under warranty (Due to liability.)
  • Devices with liquids spilled on them, or fraying/damaged power cords.
  • Most hardware repairs and installations on student-owned computers. (Includes: ordering parts, motherboard maintenance, and laptop screen repair. ITS is able to refer students to local computer shops for such major repairs.)

Hardware repairs that we are able to perform include:

  • Replacing laptop keyboards, hard drives, RAM, etc..

NOTE: Only an SMSU Staff member can perform these Hardware replacements.
NOTE: We DO NOT provide these parts. If a part is broken and the student orders a new part, we will simply replace the hardware for you.

 

To access the other pages under the Student Assistance tab, click on the links below

Last Modified: 11/14/24 8:24 AM | Website Feedback