Laptop Recommendations for Rollins College of Business Students
Important Purchasing Information
These laptop specifications apply to all undergraduate students in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). If you have any questions, please contact UTC IT Help Desk at 423.425.4000 or [email protected]
Minimum & Recommended Specifications
- The information below outlines both minimum and recommended laptop specifications. We strongly encourage you to purchase a device that meets at least the minimum requirements. If you are able, investing in upgraded specs now can help extend the useful life of your laptop throughout your college experience.
Operating System
- We recommend you purchase a Windows laptop with Windows 11 (64-bit).
MacBooks are not recommended, as many business-specific applications will not run properly or at all on macOS. Additionally, ARM-based processors (found in some new budget laptops and MacBooks with M chips) are not compatible with required software and should be avoided.
File Management
- You are responsible for managing your files to ensure enough storage space is available for critical programs. We recommend regularly moving files to external or cloud storage solutions such as OneDrive (included with your UTC email account) or Google Drive.
Back Up Your Work
To prevent loss of important data, be sure to regularly back up your work using:
- An external hard drive or flash drive
- Cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.)
Purchasing Tips
- We recommend buying from trusted retailers and double-checking all specifications before purchase. Big-box stores and online sellers sometimes list devices with outdated systems or incompatible components (such as ARM processors or Windows 10). If unsure, contact UTC IT or your academic advisor for help.
Free Software Access
- UTC students have access to essential software like Microsoft Office 365 and more.
To ensure success in your courses and compatibility with required software, please follow the laptop guidelines below. These apply to all students majoring in business-related programs at UTC.
What to Buy
- Specifications we recommend
Operating System:
- Windows 11 (64-bit)
Windows 11 is now the standard; do not purchase laptops that only offer Windows 10.
Processor (CPU):
- Intel Core i5 or i7
- AMD Ryzen 5 or 7
Memory (RAM):
- Minimum: 16 GB
- Recommended: 32 GB (for future-proofing and multitasking)
Storage:
- Minimum: 512 GB SSD
Provides sufficient space for software, files, and projects over multiple years.
Display Size:
- 13" to 15.6"
Ideal balance between portability and productivity.
Ports:
- Ensure your laptop includes or supports:
- USB-A
- USB-C
- HDMI (or compatible adapters)
Battery Life:
- At least 6 hours of usage to support a full day on campus.
Security:
- Use Windows Security (Defender), which comes built into Windows.
It’s reliable and free — no need to purchase third-party antivirus software.
- Windows 11 (64-bit)
What to Avoid
- Specifications we DO NOT recommend
MacBooks (macOS)
- Many required programs will not run on macOS. We strongly recommend a Windows-based system.
ARM-based processor
- (Common in some Surface devices and budget laptops) These are not compatible with essential business software.
Windows 10 laptops
- Windows 10 is being phased out. Buying a Windows 10 device now could result in software and update issues in the near future.
Laptops with only 8 GB RAM
- 8 GB is no longer sufficient for business applications and multitasking.
Devices with 256 GB or smaller storage
- You’ll likely run out of space quickly, especially when working with large files or data-heavy programs.
Third-party antivirus software (e.g., Norton, McAfee)
- Not necessary and often bundled with scams or performance issues. Stick with Windows Defender unless advised otherwise by UTC IT.
- Many required programs will not run on macOS. We strongly recommend a Windows-based system.
For further support, reach out to:
UTC IT Help Desk [email protected]
423-425-4000