Home Computing Environment

Overview

Home Computing Environment

Minimum Requirements

Please note that the School requires that prior to enrolling and starting the INFO 203 course  all incoming students have computer access in their homes with the following minimum hardware, as well as home internet access:

  • Processor:
    For PCs: Intel Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Core i9, Itanium, Xeon, or AMD APU/Fusion (Bulldozer, Piledriver, Excavator, Steamroller, Bobcat, Jaguar, Puma or Zen/Ryzen).
    For Macs: Intel-based processors (Intel Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Core i9), or Apple M1/M2/M3 ARM processors (M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, M2, M3, M4).
     
  • Operating System:
    • For PC users:  Windows 10 or Windows 11.  

      Important Note:  Windows 10 will reach “end of life” on October 14, 2025.   Users will need to upgrade to Windows 11 prior to that date.  

    • For Mac users:  v13 (Ventura) or v14 (Sonoma) or v15 (Sequoia).  
       
    • Chromebooks: Please note that Chromebooks are NOT supported.
  • RAM: 8.0 GB – 16.0 GB
     
  • Hard Drive: 100GB or greater. Solid State Drives (SSD) and ”Fusion” drives are acceptable, and are recommended where possible. 
     
  • Storage and Backup: 
    • Local Storage:  External hard drives, USB Flash drives, and network-attached storage (NAS) options are strongly recommended.
    • Cloud Storage:  Students may back up course-related materials to their SJSU Google Drive.   For other cloud storage providers, please confirm that the provider has strong security in place to protect your data.    For students using SJSU Google Drive,  you may consider investigating the Google File Stream or Google Backup and Sync applications.   Third-party applications are also available for syncing data to Google Drive.  Important Note:   We strongly recommend maintaining local backups of your data, in addition to any cloud-based backups.   
    • Document Backups:  Students are strongly encouraged to regularly back up critical documents (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, HTML files, etc).
    • Automating Local Backups:  For Windows users, third-party software programs are available that coordinate automatic backups of data to an external hard drive. For Mac users, the Time Machine feature will allow you to set up automatic data backups to either an external hard drive or a network-attached Time Capsule drive. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: You are responsible for backing up anything you want to save from Canvas and other systems. If you have course work on Senna or another system, you are responsible for saving that. We strongly recommend that you keep extra backup copies of anything that might be needed for your e-Portfolio and that you back them up using one or more types of removable media.   Additionally, you may back them up to cloud storage.

  • Audio: Integrated onboard audio or internal sound card or external USB sound card.   External speakers recommended.
     
  • Headsets: Students are required to have a headset with a microphone. USB or Bluetooth headsets are strongly recommended.
     
  • Printing: Local or networked printer (inkjet or laserjet).
     
  • Internet Connectivity: Access to a high-speed connection is required. Minimum requirement: 1.5 Mbps downstream.   Recommended:   3 Mbps downstream, or greater.  You can check your connectivity speed here.
     
  • Two Factor Authentication: Students are required to have a smartphone that supports the free DUO Mobile App for two factor authentication login to the one.SJSU portal.
     
  • Network Hardware: Any appropriate hardware for whatever type of Internet connection you have. For example: DSL modem, Cable-modem, Ethernet adapter, Mobile broadband card, MiFi (cellular WiFi base station), WiMAX modem, satellite dish, etc.

Technology Literacy Requirements

All students applying for admission to the School of Information must have the computer literacy skills described below. These skills will be assumed in all classes and will not be taught by the iSchool faculty or staff.

Have a working knowledge of the basic functions of a Windows or Mac operating system including the ability to:

  • Install and uninstall application programs, (i.e., Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Reader)
  • Create or open zipped files
  • Save to disk, find files, create directories, run programs
  • Copy and paste text, images, etc. from one application to another
  • Use word processing software to create, edit, and save (in various formats) a document which includes images or graphs
  • Use productivity and presentation tools (examples: Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Use a virus protection program (including updating definitions and running scans)
  • Have Internet connectivity and the ability to:
    • Send and receive messages via email
    • Use proper online etiquette (“netiquette”)
    • Add and open attachments to e-mail
    • Install and upgrade a Web browser
    • Search and navigate the World Wide Web using a browser
    • Use a streaming media player

Application Software

Please note that the School requires that all incoming students have software as follows:

  • Microsoft Office 365 is available for all SJSU students. Read more from that page on how to sign in and access via your One.SJSU account.
  • Web browsers: Student should be prepared to work with multiple Web browsers. Links to browser requirements for specific systems are included below. Additional requirements may be imposed on a per-class basis by the instructor in cases where other online resources are utilized:
    • MySJSU: The MySJSU Sign In page will detect your current browser. If you are using an unsupported browser, you will be notified.
    • Canvas: Our learning management system is available on all modern browsers. See that webpage for a quick start guide and to learn more.
    • Zoom: See that page for complete information on how to set up your account and recommended configurations.
  • In order to use digital signatures, which are required on university forms, download a free copy of Adobe Reader DC Or request the full Adobe Creative Cloud for Students from SJSU (one day turn around time required).
  • Information on Using Digital Signatures can be found here
  • DocuSign:   All students now have access to DocuSign for digitally signing SJSU documents.   Login and tutorial information is available here.

Web Browsers and Cookies

Please make sure that your web browser is configured to accept cookies. Several iSchool server programs require the usage of cookies in order to function correctly.

Antivirus and Anti-Spyware Software

Antivirus Software

Students and faculty are responsible for installing and maintaining antivirus software on their home computers. It is a mandatory requirement for both students and faculty that they have antivirus software installed on their home computers, and that they keep their virus definitions up to date. 

Many security programs now also include additional anti-malware features, such as the scanning and removal of anti-spyware. It is recommended that you make sure your security software offers a wide range of anti-malware detection and removal.

Many security software vendors offer free versions of their anti-malware software. These include Microsoft Security Essentials, AVG Free Edition, and Avast! Free Antivirus.

Sophos Antivirus through SJSU

SJSU offers Sophos Antivirus to students and faculty at no cost. Please see the information on the SJSU Antivirus-Sophos page.

To obtain the software, click on the “Antivirus Download” button and enter your @sjsu.edu email to receive a license code.  Check your email and “Create Account” from link in email. When you install the software you can use your personal email as you create your account. (The software is being installed on your personal device.) Be sure to select the “Home” edition, as that edition will connect directly to the central Sophos update servers. (The “Office” edition is connected to the SJSU Sophos update servers and is not suitable for home use).

Anti-Spyware Software

Most current security programs (including Microsoft Security Essentials) also include anti-spyware scanning features. Consequently, you may not need to install a separate anti-spyware scanner. Check your current security software to verify whether it includes anti-spyware capabilities. If not, then you may want to consider switching to a security program that includes anti-spyware scanning, or install a separate anti-spyware scanner.

Some security professionals recommend using multiple anti-spyware scanners, as inevitably no single scanner will identify all spyware/adware. However, running multiple anti-malware packages can sometimes lead to unexpected complications and system slowdowns. Users choosing to run multiple security programs simultaneously should do so with caution.

Email

All students are expected to have an email account at which they can reliably receive communications from their instructors. Students are responsible for any email communications that are missed due to Spam filtering or whitelisting services.

In cases where instructors are unable to reliably communicate with a student at a specific email address, the student may be asked to activate their SJSU Student Email account and use it for all class-related communications.

All SJSU students are automatically issued an SJSU Student Email account about 45 days before their first semester begins. Students may then activate and begin using their SJSU Student Email account. Additional information is available at: https://www.sjsu.edu/it/services/applications/email.php.

Microsoft Office

All students, faculty, and staff at SJSU have access to Microsoft Office 365 which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. You can install the Office apps onto multiple devices.

Visit Microsoft Office 365 Portal with your SJSU Email address and SJSUOne Password to learn more. You have access to this as long as you are an enrolled student. Upon graduation or de-matriculation, you will no longer be entitled to use Office 365 through the Student Advantage program. At such time, the Office desktop applications may enter a reduced-functionality mode, and your access to the Office Online Web applications, as well as SkyDrive cloud storage, will be discontinued.

In order to continue using Office, you would need to either purchase a regular subscription to Office 365, or purchase a license for Microsoft Office. The former option requires annual renewal, while the latter option will give you a permanent license the Office version you purchase. 

There are other online vendors through which you can purchase Microsoft Office at academic pricing. This list is provided as a convenience only. The university provides many options, and there are other educational vendors.