Hardware
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS
Here are our basic computer requirements:
Operating System: Windows 10 or 11
Minimum PC Specs:
Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7 or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7
Memory: 16GB RAM
Storage: 256GB SSD
Suggested Vendor: Lenovo
MSBTC Recommends "business-class" laptops. (Better battery life and more durable build quality when compared to "consumer" laptops)
Microsoft Office: Download instructions available here.
You are also required to have administrative access to your computer. If your computer is provided to you by your workplace, you likely won't have this access!
Other Brands:
Microsoft Surface Pros are good computers assuming they meet minimum specifications.
The Microsoft Surface RT does not meet minimum specifications and should be avoided.
iPads and other "tablet" computers whether Android or Apple do not meet minimum specifications.
Chromebooks are not compatible with the software you need for your classes.
Macs powered by Apple Silicon (ARM chips) will not be compatible with the software you need for your classes.
Intel-powered Macs are still compatible, following a Boot Camp / VMWare install.
Macs
All new student computers must be capable of running the 64-bit version of Windows 10 or 11. Some of the classes you will be taking require software that is only available for Windows. The Tech Center provides support for Intel-powered Mac computers. However, Macs running Apple's M1 and M2 chips, proprietary ARM processors, are not supported. Do not purchase the M1 or M2 MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs, and/or Mac Minis until further notice. If you choose to purchase an Intel-powered Mac computer, whether it's a MacBook Pro or Air, the MSBTC will assist you in installing Windows 10 as a secondary operating system. The Tech Center offers one way to install Windows on your Mac:
Bootcamp: Bootcamp allows you to select either your Mac OS or your Windows OS upon boot up. Bootcamp runs without slowing your computer. To bootcamp your computer, you MUST have at least 80 GB of free space on your computer, a laptop charger, an available USB/USB-C port, a computer released during or after 2012, and have the latest Mac OS installed.
MSBTC will provide MSB students with a free copy of Windows 10 and Microsoft Office for Windows. It is not necessary for Mac users to purchase this software.
In order to bootcamp your computer, you HAVE to book an appointment.
Be prepared to spend at least 2 hours in the Tech Center with your computer if you choose to install Windows on a Mac computer. You must be with your computer at all times. If you have any questions, drop by the Tech Center in Hariri and we can explain this further.
If you still have questions, feel free to contact the Tech Center at +1 (202) 687-4721.
PRINTERS
The MSB utilizes the GU PaperCut printing environment. The following features are available on all MSB printers:
"Tap" access to all printers using GoCard or Virtual GoCard app.
Scan to Box
Scan to Google Drive
In addition to the features listed above, MSB students, faculty, and staff can release print jobs to "h.print" printers on campus.
The h.print printers must be installed and selected when sending print jobs. Please select the link below that matches your computer's operating system for installation instructions.
Please see the following page for further details and printing instructions:
https://uis.georgetown.edu/printing/papercut/
Information regarding adding money to your GU GOCard account:
https://gocard.georgetown.edu/add-money-to-your-gocard/
If you are having trouble printing, take a look at our troubleshooting tips for printers on the Troubleshooting page. If you are still having trouble, feel free to give us a call at (202) 687-4721 or stop by the Tech Center in Hariri so our computer professionals can take a look.