Students find having a personal computer while attending St. John Fisher University beneficial for both academic and personal use. The Office of Information Technology (OIT) provides the following guidance to help students and families make informed purchasing decisions.
General Guidance for All Students
A laptop computer is strongly recommended for most students. Laptops provide flexibility for studying, attending classes, and accessing campus resources.
- Desktop computers are not recommended due to limited portability.
- Fisher provides campus‑wide high‑density wireless networking, allowing students to connect in residence halls, classrooms, and common areas.
- We recommend purchasing a computer from a major manufacturer that offers reliable support and warranty coverage.
- Whenever possible, purchase a 3‑ or 4‑year manufacturer warranty, ideally with next‑business‑day or on‑site service, to ensure your device remains functional throughout your academic program.
Students may be eligible for education discounts through vendors such as Dell, Lenovo, and Apple.
Apple 1:1 iPad Program
St. John Fisher University is an Apple 1:1 campus. All undergraduate students receive an iPad, keyboard case, and Apple Pencil as part of the iFisher program.
For many academic programs, the iPad may be sufficient for:
- Accessing course materials
- Taking notes
- Reading and annotating documents
- Participating in online activities
However, an iPad does not replace a laptop for every student’s academic needs. Many tasks can still require a traditional computer, including:
- Secure or proctored online examinations
- Specialized or discipline‑specific software
- Advanced file management and easier multitasking
Students should review their program‑specific requirements to determine whether a laptop is required.
Pharmacy and Nursing Students (Laptop Required)
The Wegmans School of Pharmacy and the Wegmans School of Nursing administer examinations using secure online testing software (Examplify). All incoming Pharmacy and Nursing students are required to have a laptop computer.
Recommended Minimum Specifications
To ensure reliability throughout your program, students should purchase a laptop that meets or exceeds the following guidelines:
- Operating System: Current supported version of Windows or MacOS
- Processor: Modern Intel or AMD processor for PC, modern M-series for Mac
- Memory: 16 GB RAM recommended, 8 GB RAM minimum
- Storage: 512 GB solid‑state drive (SSD) recommended, 256 GB SSD minimum
- Webcam & Microphone: Built‑in or external, required for online testing and instruction
ExamSoft publishes official minimum system requirements for Examplify. Students are responsible for ensuring their device meets those requirements at the time of use.
Online Students
Students enrolled in fully online programs are required to have a dedicated computer to ensure successful course participation.
Required Hardware
- Desktop or laptop computer
- Webcam
- Headset with microphone
Connectivity
- Reliable high‑speed internet (cable or DSL or equivalent) is required.
A dedicated computer is recommended to avoid interruptions caused by shared or incompatible devices.
Hybrid and In‑Person Students
Even students attending classes primarily in person should expect some coursework to include online or hybrid components. All students should have access to:
- A computer capable of running video conferencing tools like Zoom
- A webcam and microphone
- Compatibility with the University’s learning management system and academic software
Planning for Longevity
Students are encouraged to purchase a computer that will remain supported and functional through graduation. When selecting a system, consider:
- Academic program length (undergraduate, graduate, or professional)
- Warranty duration
- Battery health and expected lifespan
- Operating system support timelines
Choosing a slightly higher‑spec system upfront often reduces the risk of needing a replacement later.
Need Help Choosing?
If you are unsure what type of computer is right for your program:
- Review your department or program requirements
- Check the ExamSoft minimum system requirements (if applicable)
- Contact the Office of Information Technology Service Desk for general guidance
The Service Desk can provide recommendations but does not sell or repair personally owned devices.
Chromebook Considerations
A Chromebook may provide adequate access to the required technologies and can be significantly less expensive than a PC or Mac, but please be sure to check with your academic advisor for any specialized needs.
Many applications can be used in ChromeOS or through the browser on a Chromebook, however Chromebooks may not be able to run the software needed for some academic programs and/or specific courses. There are some limitations when doing distance learning especially when presenting and sharing your screen. Due to the limited hardware specifications, they also typically do not multitask as effectively as Windows and Mac PC's.
Chromebooks do not fully support some of the testing applications used at Fisher and may not meet the requirements for proctored exams given by some faculty, therefore they are not recommended at this time.
What software does Fisher recommend?
We encourage compatibility with the software we provide in our classrooms and labs. We have standardized on Microsoft Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 apps: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Microsoft 365 Apps
Fisher provides Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) to students at no charge while they are enrolled at Fisher. Students can download and install Microsoft 365 apps by visiting the Microsoft 365 for Students knowledge base article.
Many new computers come with a trial version of Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 apps pre-installed. Please be advised that Fisher faculty use Microsoft 365 apps and many require that you turn in documents electronically. Microsoft 365 may not read files created in other Office Productivity Suites (i.e. OpenOffice, LibreOffice, or Apple iWork).
Google Apps
Students have access to Google's suite of collaboration applications called Google Apps for Education. Google Apps includes Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Sites (shared workspaces). Information about Google Apps is available at Google Apps Learning Center.
Apple Apps
Students have access to many Apple apps on their iPads, like Pages, Numbers and Keynote.
Web Browsers
We recommend the latest versions of Chrome or Firefox. Other browsers such as Edge, Opera, or Safari are also acceptable, but may not provide full functionality to all campus resources.
Does Fisher service computer equipment?
Computer Repairs & Service
Due to the variety and number of student computers, we are unable to service student computers. We do provide support and assistance in getting student computers connected to our network and the Internet, as well as basic troubleshooting at the OIT Service Desk. It is imperative that the student computer has a current operating system (with all the latest updates), is in good working condition, and meets the minimum recommendations.
Purchasing Computers
St. John Fisher does not have a computer store on campus. Many PC manufactures such as Dell or Lenovo offer Education discounts to students. For students wishing to purchase a Mac, please visit the Apple Education site or your local Apple Store.
Purchasing Software
Discounted pricing on select software packages is available for students to purchase from certain vendors. Two that the Office of Information Technology recommend are OnTheHub and JourneyEd.