Computing on Campus Computers are a vital part of life at Bentley and you are expected to bring a personal laptop computer to campus. You will use it to communicate, access online resources, register for classes, complete and submit class assignments and countless other academic tasks. Bentley provides a list of computer specifications to insure you can work in Bentley’s computing environment. Please be aware that you do not need to purchase Microsoft Office 365 as it is made available to you at no additional cost while you are a registered student at Bentley. While Bentley does not require a specific laptop, we strongly advise you to purchase a Windows computer as it provides the best experience across the curriculum. If you choose to use a Mac computer, several courses require you to install or run software that is only compatible with a Microsoft Windows Operating System and will not run on a Mac Operating System. If you choose to use a Mac computer, IT 101, GB 310 and many courses in Accountancy, Computer Information Systems, Finance and Information Process Management require you to run the MS Windows based applications. In order to do the work in these classes, you will need to use an online virtual environment or install a virtualization software and Windows on your Mac computer. Also, you may incur additional costs to acquire virtualization software for your Mac. If you choose to use a Mac computer you must have a minimum of 16GB of memory. Installing virtualization software is both time consuming and requires advanced technical knowledge
to use on your Mac computer. Purchasing a New Computer Bentley offers educational pricing on Windows and Apple computers. Each year Bentley reviews brands, models, and configurations based on product quality, reliability, value and the ability to meet the needs of the Bentley curriculum. Last year, Bentley offered Lenovo laptops. Computers can be purchased from secure procurement portals provided by Micros Northeast (for Windows-based products) and Apple (for MacOS products). In addition, please note that tablets, iPads and Chromebooks do not provide adequate functionality in order to complete your necessary academic work at Bentley. These platforms are not supported or advised for academic work at Bentley. While students are not required to purchase Bentley’s recommended laptop computers via the Micros Northeast and Apple portals, there are advantages to doing so, including access to vetted business-class computers, educational discounts, three-year warranty and accidental damage coverage, on-campus repair services, and priority access to a loaner should your computer need repair. For information on computer configurations, available software, links to purchase Windows and Apple computers, and more, visit bentley.edu/offices/it/ information-incoming-students.
15 n
