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Information technology
- Burns Hall, 1136
- (479) 619-4357
- (479) 619-4222
- techsupport@nwacc.edu
- M-Th, 7:30 am - 6:30 pm
Friday*, 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
*Closed on Friday during summer hours. Please see the academic calendar for summer dates.
Computers and Technology for College
As an NWACC student, you may have questions regarding the types of computers or technology that can help you complete your college coursework. The following information can offer you a great starting point when deciding what type of computer and technology best fit your needs.
Read the below information in Spanish.
Computers Recommended for College
NWACC recommends that students use a Windows desktop or laptop computer. A Mac will also work fine for most classes. Chromebooks are not recommended because they are not compatible with software required for some classes.
The best technology for you will depend on several factors, including your budget and the classes you will be taking. For most students, a basic Windows computer will work. Be sure to read more information below regarding special technology that some degrees may require.
If you need to purchase a computer for college, the following computer specifications
are ideal for researching, typing papers, composing email, and other common tasks.
Computer Specifications
| Component | Good | Better | Best |
| Operating System | *Windows 10 | *Windows 10 | *Windows 10 |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Hard Drive | 128 GB SSD Preferred |
256 GB |
512 GB SSD Preferred |
*Microsoft Windows 10 “S” version and Chromebooks cannot use Respondus products, as there is no Respondus app available. Please consult with your device manufacturer or a tech support service regarding whether to switch to the full version of Windows 10.
Technology for College
- Webcam: A webcam is recommended to participate in remote or online class activities. A webcam
is built into most laptops, and may be purchased as an accessory if you have a desktop
computer.
- Internet: You will need to have internet access, which may be in your home, a local library,
at an NWACC location, or using WIFI at other locations in your community.
- Special software: Some classes will have specific technology that you will need for that class – special
software or other items. Courses that require certain hardware or software will disclose that in the course
notes on the schedule of classes each semester.
- Get FREE Office 365 - As an NWACC student, you have free access to Office 365 applications such as Word, Excel, Power Point, etc. Use your NWACC email and password to log in, and then download on your device or use in the cloud. (Begins at the beginning of the semester, for credit students only.)
Specific Programs
Some college programs will require a specific type of computer to work with software and other computer peripherals. If you plan on enrolling in one of the programs listed below, be sure to view the recommended computer specifications.
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage | 1 TB |
| Graphic Needs | Full 1920 X 108060Hz refresh |
| RAM | 8 GB (minimum, more would be better) |
| Storage | 500 GB |
| Graphic Needs | NA |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage | 500 GB |
| Graphic Needs | 1080P + screen rezGPU: Nvidia GTX 1050+ Dedicated VRAM 2GB |
| RAM | 16GB (RAM in Apple laptops cannot be upgraded later) |
| Storage | 250GB minimum |
| CPU | Intel Core i5 or i7 |
| Display | 15 in., 1440 x 900 pixels, minimum |
| Video Card | A discrete video card with dedicated RAM |
Shopping & Paying for a Computer / Technology
There are many places where you can purchase technology. These include stores in your local community, and online vendors. Shop around for the best deals using the specifications given above.
Feel free to also shop at NWACC's Dell storefront or at the NWACC Bookstore. The Dell storefront offers financing, and you can use your book credit at the NWACC Bookstore.