System Recommendations

SUPPORTED COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Here at Columbia, owning a computer is not a requirement. We have public computer facilities available in which students can do all of their academic work. However, many students do decide to bring their own computer. Listed below are some guidelines to help you decide what will work best for you, in addition to some basic minimum requirements in order to be able to access and easily use the Columbia network. 

People running systems other than those listed below may acquire network connections, but will receive assistance with only the physical connection.

APPLE

In order to receive support for your Apple computer, you must have OS 10.5 (Leopard) or 10.6 (Snow Leopard). 

WINDOWS

In order to receive support for your Windows computer, you must have Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7. For advice on what kind of computer to purchase, please read our advice on pre-purchase considerations.