Laptop
Specifications
These minimum specifications are for all undergrad students in the Haslam College of Business.
Undergraduates who have further questions may contact Technology Integration Services by email at haslamhelp@utk.edu.
Hardware / Software
Important Purchasing Information
These minimum specifications are for all undergraduate students in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business.Email haslamhelp@utk.edu with questions.
- The specifications given here include minimum recommendations and upgrade recommendations. Please buy laptops that meet at least the minimum recommendations. Any suggested upgrades that you can afford at the time of purchase will only increase the likelihood of keeping your computer throughout your entire program.
- You must purchase a Windows computer with the ability to run the full version of the Microsoft Windows operating system (OS version 11) OR an Apple computer running the Mojave Mac operating system (version 10.14 or higher) with the ability to host a Windows 11 virtual machine. Please note, if you purchase an Apple computer, you will need to purchase additional software to create a Windows environment on your computer. Currently, the only software with such capability to-date to support the “M” chips is Parallels and VMWare Fusion 13 and later.
- File Management – You must manage files on your hard drive such that you have adequate space to run applications required by Haslam. This may require moving files to an external hard drive, a flash drive or a cloud storage option (OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.).
- Back up your work – Purchase an external hard drive, flash drive or choose a cloud storage option (OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.) to regularly back up your files. This will protect you from last-minute problems experienced by previous students.
- We strongly recommend purchasing your hardware and software from the university VolTech shop, which has completive prices and staff familiar with Haslam program requirements. Big box electronics stores are notorious for selling students the wrong operating system. Other software is available to students at no cost via the online software distribution site.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Haslam Technology Integration Services via email (haslamhelp@utk.edu) or our help desk (865-974-4600).
Windows Specifications
Processor Speed
Minimum: Latest generation Intel i5 or equivalent processor
Suggested Upgrade: Latest generation Intel i7 equivalent or higher processor
Note: With the amount of RAM recommended (see below), you should purchase a 64-bit operating system.
Memory
Minimum: 16GB
Preferred: 32GB
Hard Drive
Minimum: 512GB
Suggested Upgrade: SSD, 512GB to 1TB
Network
Required: Wireless (802.11n or better)
Suggested Upgrade: Wired LAN
Display Resolution
Minimum: 1400×900
Suggested Upgrade: 1600×900
Operating System
Any new system that comes with Windows 11 is acceptable
Other Capabilities
Required: Built-in camera/webcam
Macintosh Specifications
Processor Speed
Minimum: MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with M2, M3, M4 chip or equivalent processor
Suggested Upgrade: MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with latest “M” chip or equivalent or higher processor
Memory
Minimum: 16GB
Suggested Upgrade: 32GB
Hard Drive
Minimum: 512GB
Suggested Upgrade: SSD, 512GB to 1TB
Network
Required: Wireless (802.11n or better)
Optional: Wired LAN
Display Resolution
Minimum: 1400×900
Suggested Upgrade: 1600×900
Operating System
macOS 11 Big Sur or newer is recommended
If you are taking a course that requires the use of Windows 11, you will need a macOS that supports Rosetta to be compatible with Apple’s free Boot Camp utility or virtualization software such as VirtualBox (a free product), Parallels or VMWare Fusion (choose one only). Note that Parallels or Fusion must be purchased separately in addition to the purchase of the computer.
You will need a Windows partition or virtual machine to use required software that is not compatible with a Mac operating system. The minimum required memory and hard drive space allotted to your Windows Bootcamp partition or Windows virtual machine (created using VirtualBox, Parallels or VMWare Fusion) should equal at least 4GB Memory and 50GB free disk space.
Windows software is available via free download from the UT Office of Information Technology (OIT) upon registration as a student.
Students who need to use Windows-specific programs must either have access to a Windows machine or, if available, use the application through apps.utk.edu.
Other Capabilities
Required: Built-in camera/webcam