Academics

Student Technology Requirements

Wright School of Business Bachelor of Business Administration Program Student Laptop Requirements

While Dalton State College does not have a blanket computer requirement, the Wright School of Business BBA program requires students to own laptops or borrow them from the library and have continuous access. Our courses use Windows-only software, such as CaseWare IDEA, Power BI, Power Query, Microsoft Visio, and Microsoft Access. Therefore, we recommend a laptop with Windows 10 or higher and do not recommend Apple or other non-Windows devices, such as Chromebooks or iPad.

Any laptops running other operating systems will need to be capable of running Windows using a suitable emulator or through dual-boot. For example, if you are a Mac user, you need to install Oracle’s VirtualBox (or Parallels) before you can install Windows 10/11 and then Microsoft Access, Visio, etc.

Recommended Hardware Specification for a laptop

Component

Minimum

Recommended

Operating system

Windows 10 or higher

Windows 10 or higher

Processor

Intel Core i5 – 10th gen or newer

AMD Ryzen 5

Intel Core i7 or higher

AMD Ryzen 7 or higher

Memory

8 GB

16 GB or higher

Storage

256 GB Solid State Drive (SSD)

512 GB or higher

Resolution

1024 x 768

1920 x 1080 or higher

 

Other specs

Graphic card

An integrated card will suffice. A Dedicated/Discrete Graphics Processing Unit (D-GPU) is not required.

Network card

All modern laptops have a wireless network card, and any technology will suffice.

Ports

HDMI output or compatible with adapters (such as USB-C).

Other options
  • A 3-year accidental warranty
  • External hard drive for backing up data
  • Surge protector
  • Stable high-speed internet connection

Library Laptop Program

Students may borrow a laptop meeting the minimum hardware requirements through the laptop loan program offered by the Robert’s Library. To participate in this program, please visit the following website and complete the online form:

https://daltonstate.libwizard.com/f/laptop-request

You will be enrolled in a waitlist and contacted once a laptop is available. Laptops must be returned by the last day of that semester’s final exam week, even if you are enrolled for the next semester. If not, you will be financially responsible for its cost. Your account will be blocked until the laptop is returned or the cost is paid.