Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech Student Computer Ownership

Laptop Requirement

Georgia Tech requires all entering undergraduate students to own a laptop computer.

Software Requirements

The following software applications are recommended for incoming students in summer & fall 2009. Some of these applications are downloadable from the web or a GT server at no cost to students. See http://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 XP Professional; or Windows Vista Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate.
    This software is included with a new computer purchase.

Email

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.

Data Backup

  • Microsoft Windows Backup.
    Included as part of Windows XP Professional and Windows Vista Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate. Requires external hard drive.

Security

Productivity

  • Microsoft Office 2007 Standard.
    Available for purchase at the Technology Center and other vendors.

Mac OS X Systems

Operating system

  • Apple Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) or better.
    Included with new computer purchase.

Email

Data Backup

  • Apple Time Machine.
    Included with Mac OS X. Requires external hard drive.

Security

Productivity

  • Microsoft Office 2008.
    Available for purchase at the Technology Center and other vendors.

Windows Compatibility

Windows compatability software is not required campus-wide. However, some classes may require the use of specific, Windows-only applications. Students in these classes choosing to use Mac OS X systems will need virtualization software and a copy of Windows in order to run Windows applications.

  • VMware Fusion 2.0.
    Available for purchase at the Technology Center and other vendors.
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional.
    Available for purchase at the Technology Center and other vendors.

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 http://software.oit.gatech.edu at that time.