Laptop Requirements

Laptop/Computing Requirements

Windows 11 / CPU Compatibility Warning
Certain Programs currently do not support Windows 11!

With the release of Windows 11, certain industry-standard applications have not been fully updated by the vendor at this time. Due to limited support by many 3rd party vendors, Fanshawe IT Services currently highly encourages users to stay with Windows 10 until further notice. It is recommended to stay with a Windows 10 based computer for all school purposes at this time, unless explicitly required (listed in the system requirements, below).

Furthermore, please be advised that laptops running ARM CPUs (e.g. those computer that do not use a Intel or AMD CPU) have limited support. This is because certain industry-standard software packages are designed for x86 or x64 Intel or AMD CPUs and will not currently work on ARM (QUALCOMM, for example) processors.

Apple MacBook and Chromebook Warning
Apple M1\M2 MacBooks and Chromebooks are not supported at this time!

Apple MacBook units based on the M1\M2 chipset and Google Chromebooks are both unable to run the Windows operating system out of the box. Most Fanshawe programs are designed to utilize software with the Windows operating system as the expected software platform. As a result, purchasing a MacBook with the M1\M2 chipset or a Google Chromebook for school use is not recommended. Unless specifically stated within your program, it is recommended to stay with a Windows based computer for most school purposes.


Programs that currently fully support an Apple M1\M2 based Laptop are as follows:

  • Photography – MacBook Pro included in tuition
  • MAP1/2 – Requires a MacBook Pro
Please see below for the complete list of Laptop Requirements.

Please note: The laptop recommendations listed on this page are provided by the academic schools for the purpose of CONNECT-enrolled students.
Should you have any questions about laptops (requirements, specs or parameters), or you are not enrolled in any of the programs mentioned on this page, please contact your program coordinator or school administration.
The IT Service Desk recommends you check with your academic school prior to purchasing a laptop.
You can find a list of all academic schools here: https://www.fanshawec.ca/about-fanshawe/schools#

If you require Bootcamp instructions (Installing Windows on a Mac, click here)

Important Note:
Please note, All School of IT Programs now require a WebCam and Microphone
Please ensure that your laptop has a built-in webcam and microphone, which is required for online learning.

School of Information Technology

  • Processor: 64 bit Multicore Intel® w/ Intel-VT  or 64 bit Multicore AMD with AMD-V support
  • Memory: 16GB Minimum
  • Optical Drive: DVD Multi Dual Layer or external USB Optical Drive (Optional)
  • Operating System:Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise, Pro, or Education
  • Hard Disk Drive: 750GB or greater HDD  with external USB Storage Drive
  • Display: UXGA (1600 x 1200) DirectX 12 and OpenGL 4.50 or better
  • Communication devices:
    • Wireless (802.11a/b/g/n compliant)
    • Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps with standard RJ45 jack
  • USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.0 ports (additional USB 2.0 ports optional)

Windows 11 Requirement
CTY Currently requires a laptop with Windows 11. Please upgrade your laptop to Windows 11, a supported version listed below. If you require the installation media, or a serial number, it may be obtained here: https://connected.fanshawec.ca/azuredev/

Required

  • Processor: 64-bit Multicore Intel® w/ Intel-VT OR 64-bit Multicore AMD with AMD-V support
  • Hard Disk Drive:
    • 512 GB SSD (Internal)
    • 1 TB SSD (External USB 3.0 or faster)
  • Memory: 16GB RAM
  • Network Interfaces:
    • Wireless (802.11a/b/g/n compliant)
    • Onboard Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 jack OR USB to RJ45 Adapter
  • USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.0 ports
  • Web Conferencing:
    • Webcam
    • Microphone and Speakers/Headset
  • Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Enterprise, Pro, or Education

Optional

    • Memory: 32GB RAM
    • USB Ports: Additional USB 2.0 ports

  • Processor: 64 bit Multicore Intel® w/ Intel-VT  or 64 bit Multicore AMD with AMD-V support
  • Memory: 16GB Minimum
  • Optical Drive: DVD Multi Dual Layer or external USB Optical Drive (Optional)
  • Operating System:Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise, Pro, or Education
  • Hard Disk Drive: 750GB or greater HDD with external USB Storage Drive
  • Display: Discrete (AMD/NVIDIA), NOT integrated, video card (GPU), supporting at least DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, and Vulkan
  • Communication devices:
    • Wireless (802.11a/b/g/n compliant)
    • Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps with standard RJ45 jack
  • USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.0 ports (additional USB 2.0 ports optional)

  • Processor: 64 bit Multicore Intel® w/ Intel-VT  or 64 bit Multicore AMD with AMD-V support
  • Memory: 16GB Minimum
  • Optical Drive: DVD Multi Dual Layer or external USB Optical Drive (Optional)
  • Operating System:Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise, Pro, or Education
  • Hard Disk Drive:  256GB SSD or greater HDD with external USB Storage Drive
  • Display: 14" XGA (1024x768), DirectX11 and OpenGL 4.0 (or higher) compatible or better
  • Communication devices:
    • Wireless (802.11a/b/g/n compliant)
    • Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps with standard RJ45 jack
  • USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.0 ports (additional USB 2.0 ports optional)

  • Processor: 64 bit Multicore Intel® w/ Intel-VT  or 64 bit Multicore AMD with AMD-V support
  • Memory: 16GB Minimum
  • Optical Drive: DVD Multi Dual Layer or external USB Optical Drive (Optional)
  • Operating System:Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise, Pro, or Education
  • Hard Disk Drive: 750GB or greater HDD with external USB Storage Drive
  • Display: 14" XGA (1024x768), DirectX11 and OpenGL 4.0 (or higher) compatible or better
  • Communication devices:
    • Wireless (802.11a/b/g/n compliant)
    • Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps with standard RJ45 jack
  • USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.0 ports (additional USB 2.0 ports optional)

  • Processor: 64 bit Multicore Intel® w/ Intel-VT  or 64 bit Multicore AMD with AMD-V support
  • Memory: 16GB Minimum
  • Optical Drive: DVD Multi Dual Layer or external USB Optical Drive (Optional)
  • Operating System:Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise, Pro, or Education
  • Hard Disk Drive: 256GB or greater SSD with external USB Storage Drive
  • Display: 14" XGA (1024x768), DirectX11 and OpenGL 4.0 (or higher) compatible or better
  • Communication devices:
    • Wireless (802.11a/b/g/n compliant)
    • Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps with standard RJ45 jack
  • USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.0 ports (additional USB 2.0 ports optional)

  • Processor: 64 bit Multicore Intel® w/ Intel-VT  or 64 bit Multicore AMD with AMD-V support
  • Memory: 8GB Minimum
  • Optical Drive: DVD Multi Dual Layer or external USB Optical Drive (Optional)
  • Operating System:Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise, Pro, or Education
  • Hard Disk Drive: 750GB or greater HDD with external USB Storage Drive
  • Display: 14" XGA (1024x768), DirectX11 and OpenGL 4.0 (or higher) compatible or better
  • Communication devices:
    • Wireless (802.11a/b/g/n compliant)
    • Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps with standard RJ45 jack
  • USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.0 ports (additional USB 2.0 ports optional)

  • Processor: 64 bit Multicore Intel® w/ Intel-VT  or 64 bit Multicore AMD with AMD-V support
  • Memory: 32GB Minimum
  • Optical Drive: DVD Multi Dual Layer or external USB Optical Drive (Optional)
  • Operating System:Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise, Pro, or Education
  • Hard Disk Drive: 750GB or greater HDD with external USB Storage Drive
  • Display: 14" XGA (1024x768), DirectX11 and OpenGL 4.0 (or higher) compatible or better
  • Communication devices:
    • Wireless (802.11a/b/g/n compliant)
    • Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps with standard RJ45 jack
  • USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.0 ports (additional USB 2.0 ports optional)

Apple M1 MacBooks are SUPPORTED
This program supports the Apple M1 Architecture, however requires a MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro (or Max CPU).
  • Processor: 2.6GHz 6‑core Intel Core i7 or M1 Pro
  • Memory: 16GB
  • Operating System: MacOS
  • Storage: 512GB SSD
  • Display: 16"
  • USB Ports: USB-C to USB Adapter

  • Processor: 64 bit Multicore Intel® w/ Intel-VT  or 64 bit Multicore AMD with AMD-V support
  • Memory: 8GB Minimum
  • Optical Drive: DVD Multi Dual Layer or external USB Optical Drive (Optional)
  • Operating System:Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise, Pro, or Education
  • Hard Disk Drive: 750GB or greater HDD with external USB Storage Drive
  • Display: 14" XGA (1024x768), DirectX11 and OpenGL 4.0 (or higher) compatible or better
  • Communication devices:
    • Wireless (802.11a/b/g/n compliant)
    • Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps with standard RJ45 jack
  • USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.0 ports (additional USB 2.0 ports optional)

Lawrence Kinlin School of Business

Generic Business Specifications

While there are no concrete requirements for the School of Business, the IT Service Desk recommends the following:

  • Processor: 64 bit Multicore Intel® w/ Intel-VT  or 64 bit Multicore AMD with AMD-V support
  • Memory: 8GB Minimum
  • Optical Drive: DVD Multi Dual Layer or external USB Optical Drive (Optional)
  • Operating System:Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise, Pro, or Education 1
  • Hard Disk Drive: Any Hard Drive 2
  • Communication devices:
    • Wireless (802.11a/b/g/n compliant)
    • Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps with standard RJ45 jack
  • USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.0 ports (additional USB 2.0 ports optional)

1 Apple OSX is not fully supported in certain applications. Users may need to bootcamp their Apple computers. Windows 10 is available free of charge for all Fanshawe Students. ChromeBooks are not supported.
2 The IT Service Desk recommends at least a 7200RPM hard drive, or a Solid State Drive (SSD)

School of Applied Science and Technology

Manufacturing (SolidWorks and NX Requirements)
  • Processor: 64 bit Multicore Intel® w/ Intel-VT  or 64 bit Multicore AMD with AMD-V support (Intel i5 or i7, i7 recommended)
  • Memory: 8GB Minimum, 16GB Recommended
  • Optical Drive: DVD Multi Dual Layer or external USB Optical Drive (Optional)
  • Operating System:Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise, Pro, or Education
  • Hard Disk Drive: 750GB or greater HDD with external USB Storage Drive, SSD Recommended
  • Display: Please consult this link for supported video card configurations.
  • Communication devices:
    • Wireless (802.11a/b/g/n compliant)
    • Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps with standard RJ45 jack
  • USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.0 ports (additional USB 2.0 ports optional)

For further details, please consult the manufacturer websites here:

Please note that students should consult the requirements in the links below. The links below are the manufacturer-recommended specifications.

NX 11 Requirements
SolidWorks Requirements

School of Art and Design

  • Processor: 64 bit Multicore Intel® CPU. i7 Recommended, minimum i5.
  • Memory: 16GB Minimum
  • Operating System:Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise, Pro, or Education
  • Hard Disk Drive: 500GB or greater HDD (SSD Recommended)
  • Communication devices:
    • Wireless (802.11a/b/g/n compliant)
    • Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps with standard RJ45 jack

London South Campus Programs

The IT Service Desk recommends the following laptop specifications for Business and Information Systems Architecture

  • Processor: 64 bit Multicore Intel® w/ Intel-VT  or 64 bit Multicore AMD with AMD-V support
  • Memory: 16GB Minimum
  • Optical Drive: DVD Multi Dual Layer or external USB Optical Drive (Optional)
  • Operating System:Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise, Pro, or Education 1
  • Hard Disk Drive: Any Hard Drive 2
  • Communication devices:
    • Wireless (802.11a/b/g/n compliant)
    • Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps with standard RJ45 jack
  • USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.0 ports (additional USB 2.0 ports optional)

1 Apple OSX is not fully supported in certain applications. Users may need to bootcamp their Apple computers. Windows 10 is available free of charge for all Fanshawe Students. ChromeBooks are not supported.
2 The IT Service Desk recommends at least a 7200RPM hard drive, or a Solid State Drive (SSD)

The IT Service Desk recommends the following laptop specifications for Information Technology Infrastructure

  • Processor: 64 bit Multicore Intel® w/ Intel-VT  or 64 bit Multicore AMD with AMD-V support
  • Memory: 16GB Minimum
  • Optical Drive: DVD Multi Dual Layer or external USB Optical Drive (Optional)
  • Operating System:Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise, Pro, or Education 1
  • Hard Disk Drive: Any Hard Drive 2
  • Communication devices:
    • Wireless (802.11a/b/g/n compliant)
    • Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps with standard RJ45 jack
  • USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.0 ports (additional USB 2.0 ports optional)

1 Apple OSX is not fully supported in certain applications. Users may need to bootcamp their Apple computers. Windows 10 is available free of charge for all Fanshawe Students. ChromeBooks are not supported.
2 The IT Service Desk recommends at least a 7200RPM hard drive, or a Solid State Drive (SSD)

Photography

Students enrolled full-time are not required to purchase a MacBook for Photography. Full-time students will be provided with the new 2021 MacBook Pro 16″ Laptop (Apple M1 Pro CPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) of the latest model year. The cost of the MacBook is included in the program fees.

MacBook information will be provided by your coordinator.