What Computer/Software Do I Need For College?

Overview

Explained below is both the free software offered at SUNY Cobleskill as well as our suggested computer specifications.

Instructions

At SUNY Cobleskill, there is no campus-wide required software for students unless a specific application is assigned by your professor for a course. However, all students receive free access to Microsoft Office 365, which includes commonly used programs like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and more. Each student can install Office 365 on up to five (5) devices. Additionally, you’ll receive 1TB of storage through Microsoft OneDrive, which provides more than enough space for storing your schoolwork and files securely in the cloud.

Recommended Laptop Specifications

If you're planning to bring or purchase a laptop for your studies, we recommend the following minimum specifications for best performance and compatibility with campus systems:

  • Memory (RAM): At least 8GB.
  • Storage: Around 500GB (HDD or SSD).
  • Processor: Intel Core i5 or higher.

While students are welcome to use any brand, SUNY Cobleskill is primarily a Dell-supported campus, and there are added benefits to choosing a Dell device:

  • Special student discounts on Dell Products
  • Warranty support through the ITS Service Desk for Dell systems.

Operating System (OS) Compatibility

Most campus systems and software are optimized for Microsoft Windows. We recommend that you use Windows 11 to ensure full compatibility with academic and administrative platforms used at SUNY Cobleskill.

Dell Discounts and Warranty Support

As a Dell University partner, SUNY Cobleskill students, faculty, and staff have access to exclusive discounts:

Tip:

Having a device in college here at SUNY Cobleskill can make your experience much more seamless, with quick access to applications such as Microsoft 365, Zoom, Brightspace, Web Browsers, and Course specific software.

Important:

Always back up your files using Onedrive. Do not store academic files only on your laptop. Devices can easily be list or damaged.

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Need Help?

If you need assistance or require this information in an alternate format, contact the IT Service Desk:

Location
Warner 016
Phone
(518) 255-5800
TDX Portal
Submit a Service Request (opens in new tab)

This article has been adjusted for EIT standards – [4/10/2026 | Alexis Redmond]