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Requirements for Connecting to UNF Networks

Below are the minimum requirements for student owned computes to ensure it can be connected to the systems at UNF.

Required Hardware

A PC (Windows) computer should have:

  • Windows 10 or Windows 11
  • 4GBs of RAM
  • 100GB Storage (or higher)
  • 2 GB or more of free disc space
  • USB port(s)
  • High-speed Network connection (broadband internet) 
  • Wi-Fi for portable devices 

A Macintosh computer should have:

  • Mac OS X 11.0 or higher
  • 4GBs of RAM
  • 100 GB Storage or higher
  • 2 GB or more of free disc space
  • High-speed Network connection (broadband internet)
  • Wi-Fi for portable devices

Mobile Devices – Smart Phones and Tablets

Apple iPhone

Apple iPad 

Android Phones and Tablets

Recommended Hardware

  • Webcam - some courses will have required activities that will require a webcam for course participation and testing compliance, such as:
    • video-conferencing, student-developed video assignments/presentations, etc.
    • remotely proctored testing where visual identification is required.
  • Personal Printer
  • USB Key for storing and transporting files
  • Headphones to hear more clearly when participating in video conferences
  • Microphone (may be included with webcam)

A Note About Tablets & "Light" Devices

Tablets - like iPads, Surface RT's & Android tablets - are great for browsing the Internet and using apps that are built to be mobile. They are not ideal for working seriously in word processing or spreadsheet applications (like MS Word or Excel.) Additionally, while Canvas provides a robust mobile app platform, there are still some limitations in functionality.

"Light" Devices (Netbooks or Chromebooks) - are great option for an "underpowered" laptop. Light, fast, long-lasting, and stylish - most of these devices provide enough power and memory to perform quite well in standard Office applications*. They do sacrifice a little in versatility, customization and graphics/audio in order to keep their weight down - so don't expect the same performance in all areas.

*A note about Office applications on "light" devices: some of these devices run the Office applications natively (on the machine), while others run them through the web, which can affect functionality.

Recommended Software

  • Administrative access to the computer is required to install & update software
  • Operating System: Windows 10 or higher; OR, macOS 11 or higher
  • Internet browser: required to access the Learning Management System (Canvas)
  • Document authoring software: Microsoft Office (includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or an open source platform (GoogleDocs or OpenOffice)
    • UNF Students students are able to download and install Microsoft Office ProPlus desktop applications for FREE. Learn more about Free Software for UNF Students.
  • The UNF Virtual Lab provides faculty & students free access to a selection of software applications from any computing device.
  • File backup software: Microsoft OneDrive
  • Up-to-Date Anti-Virus Protection Software
  • Adobe Flash Player - version 11 (or higher)
  • Adobe Reader - version 11 (or higher)
For additional information on Office 365, anti-virus protection software, UNF's Virtual Lab, and other free software for currently enrolled UNF students, contact the ITS Help Desk, helpdesk@unf.edu, help.unf.edu or on visit them on the first floor of the Thomas G. Carpenter Library.