Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech Student Computer Ownership

Laptop Requirement

Starting in summer & fall 2008, all students entering Georgia Tech are required to have a laptop computer.

Software Requirements

The following software applications are recommended for incoming freshmen in Summer & Fall 2008. Some of these applications are downloadable from the web or a GT server at no cost to students. See software.oit.gatech.edu for further details.

Operating Systems

Most new laptops will include a pre-installed operating system. When buying a laptop, select an operating system meeting the minimum requirements given on this page.

Windows Systems

Operating system

  • Microsoft Windows Vista Business or higher

Communications

Alternative Software

Alternative software applications may provide capabilities similar to those of the recommended applications. Alternative software is unsupported by Georgia Tech. Students using alternative software must ensure that they can interoperate with the recommended applications listed on this page.

Security

  • McAfee VirusScan & Antispyware Enterprise 8.5i*

Productivity

  • Microsoft Office 2007 Standard
  • Adobe Acrobat 8 Standard

Mac OS X Systems

Operating system

  • Apple Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)

Communications

  • Apple Mail

Security

  • McAfee VirusScan 8.6*

Productivity

  • Microsoft Office 2008

Educational Software

Some classes require the use of specific software, much in the same way that they require a textbook. We recommend buying educational software—such as Maple, Matlab, and Dreamweaver—as you would buy a textbook. Go to class first. If the class syllabus requires a particular software package, buy it or download it from software.oit.gatech.edu at that time.

* - Software available as a free download for students from software.oit.gatech.edu.