Overview
RMC has 18 computing laboratories with ~350 computers available for students in all disciplines. However, most students find it desirable to have a computer in their residence hall room or Fraternity or Sorority House. There is a network connection for each pillow – each student can directly connect to the campus data network and the world via wireless or ethernet port. If a student wishes to have their own computer on campus, we have several recommendations. The computer recommendations below should adequately meet a student’s general on-campus computing needs for four years (although with the ever-changing innovations in technology, there are no guarantees).
Chromebooks are not sufficient as they are not a supported platform for Office 365 or specialty software required for some classes.
Please visit the Department of Physics, Engineering, and Astrophysics computer recommendations for Engineering majors wanting to be able to install Solidworks on their personal Windows computer.
The age of computer systems impacts the level of repairs required. ITS may not be able to provide service for student owned systems that do not meet the minimum recommended specifications listed below:
Windows Computer
Apple Mac Computer
Universal Specifications
- 8 GB RAM or more (16 recommended)
- 256 GB SSD drive or larger (500 recommended)
- Ethernet card (10/100/1000 mbps) and Cat 6+ cable
- Wireless Network card supporting 802.11 ac Dual Band
- Multiport adapter for laptops as needed
- **Microsoft Office 365
- Antivirus optional for Macs and Defender is built into Windows and recommended (no need to purchase a program for either platform)
- ***Laser printer with USB connection optional (free print services are provided in the Library)
- Integrated webcam optional but recommended
*Support for Windows 10 ends Fall 2025, after which time these devices will no longer be allowed on our secure network. (Windows 11 system requirements)
**Software is provided to all students under a Campus Agreement with Microsoft while the student is enrolled. The license will cease upon separation or graduation.
***ITS does NOT provide formal support for student personal printers.
Discounted Pricing
Dell
Randolph-Macon has higher education offering with discounts available for Dell Computers. We do not require that you purchase from Dell, this is only for your information.
Academic pricing is available through the Dell University program. Click “Get Coupon”, then enter your RMC email to receive an email with a 5% off coupon code and a link to eligible computers.
Apple
Apple computers are used by many faculty and students on-campus. Apple computers are supported for network connections and the installation of the Office Professional software subscription.
The Apple for Education site provides access to Apple’s education pricing.
Recommended Warranty & Service Contract
RMC provides offers depot hardware maintenance and repairs for most brands of student-owned computers with an active warranty. RMC has a partnership with Nerds to Go to repair student computers. It is strongly recommended that a student purchase the 3 yr. extended warranty for their system.
If a student has hardware problems but doesn’t have a warranty on the computer, he or she will have the option of using the depot repair services available through ITS. The depot repair services requires a minimum fee to perform a diagnosis and obtain a quote for the overall repair. The diagnostic fee is generally not charged if the student chooses to have the depot repair the computer.