Student Technology Requirements

An internet connection with a 5MBps upload speed and 10MBps or higher download speed is recommended for all CWU students.

• Windows 10 and higher is supported. Microsoft have disclosed a targeted October 2025 end date for Windows 10 support, at which time all students should be on Windows 11 for optimal compatability.
  
  
• MAC OS 14 and higher.

We recommend that you have administrative rights to the computer used for your coursework so you can load software or apply updates as required. If you must use a computer over which you do not have administrative rights (such as a library or lab computer, or a workplace computer), you may experience difficulties with needed functions, such as installing plug-ins.

CWU licenses a wide variety of software for student use.

Instructions for licensing and installing Microsoft Office 365, Adobe products, Azure, Wolfram, and other enterprise computing solutions can be found on the Information Services webpage.

The following web browsers are supported for using Canvas. Due to the successive release cycles of some supported Internet browsers, the two latest releases of each browser are supported. Older browser versions may cause problems using course software.

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox

Internet Explorer/Edge will work, but is typically not a preferred browser alternative.

Internet Browser Settings

The following browser settings are essential:

• Pop-Up Blocker: disabled
• Javascript: enabled
• Java: enabled
• Cookies: enabled

The majority of modern Windows laptops and Mac desktop computers and Macbooks will meet the general requirements for online, distance, and hybrid classes. 

Recommended technology minimums are: 

• CPU: Quad-core or better, 2Ghz or higher (i5/i7, AMD equivalent)
• System Memory: 4GB or higher.
• Hard drive: 100 GB available drive space.
• Monitor capable of 720p.
• System sound capability and built-in or external speakers.
• System microphone capability (built-in or external via USB).
• Webcam: 720p or better (built-in or external via USB).

While mobile and lightweight notebook devices (i.e., smartphones, tablets, Chromebooks) may enable completion of some coursework, they are not guaranteed to work in all situations. The safest alternative is having access to a Windows or Mac computer in the event your mobile device does not fulfill the requirements of the course.

Screen Settings

Your screen resolution (dimensions) should be set at 1280 x 720 or higher.

Special Software Access:

Some courses may require purchase of additional software. Oftentimes, requisite software is available at an educational discount for students. Vendors such as Adobe or Apple will provide this information and what you need to do to acquire the discount (i.e., provide evidence of university enrollment). Information about software is typically provided in the syllabus for your course.

Purchase software

• Students can purchase software applications and operating systems at academic pricing online from the Wildcat Shop