Technical Requirements

All SUNY Empire online courses are accessible using a standard Mac or PC with a reliable internet connection.

You’ll have online access to Microsoft 365 (M365), which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, OneDrive, Microsoft TEAMS and Skype for Business. You can download the full Microsoft 365 suite on multiple devices, including your PC, Mac, Android device, iPad and/or iPhone.

And our IT Service Desk is ready to answer your questions about:

  • Access to your college account(s).
  • Hardware and software.
  • Technologies used to access your courses.
  • Online messaging and collaboration tools.
  • Videoconferencing and presentations.

Learn more about Microsoft 365 for students and minimum hardware and software recommendations or call our at 888-help-009 (888-435-7009).

Minimum Computer Requirements for Online Courses

FeatureRecommendedMinimum
Memory 8GB 4GB
Hard Drive 500GB or larger 250GB
Network 802.11ac Wireless Card
100 Mbps Ethernet Card
*Intel recommended		 802.11ac Wireless Card
100 Mbps Ethernet Card
*Intel recommended
Operating System** Windows: Windows 10
Mac: macOS 10.15 Catalina or higher
Mac OS updates are free		 Windows: Windows 10
Mac: macOS 10.15 Catalina
Peripherals Internal/External Speakers or headset and Microphone
Web Camera capable of video web conferencing
A DVD/CD-Rom drive may be needed to install software in select courses.		 Internal/External Speakers or headset and Microphone
Web Camera capable of video web conferencing
A DVD/CD-Rom drive may be needed to install software in select courses.

How to check your browser settings and plugin requirements:

Please Note:

  • Students will have access to the full Office365 Suite, including OneDrive for cloud storage, on the first day of the semester.
  • Windows 10 or higher is recommended due to security constraints and end of life support by Microsoft, effective January 14, 2020.
  • A high-speed internet connection with a connection speed of 1.5 MB/s or better.
    • Use of satellite and cellular connection may result in slow connection errors including timeouts, resulting in unsuccessful access to online course materials.
    • Use of public access or work computers and internet may result in slow connection and access issues when accessing online course materials. These computers may not permit access due to security limitations of the public or work location.

Tablets and Mobile Devices

While tablets and smart phones offer convenience to accomplish many computing-type tasks, the use of Apple iOS and Android devices are not fully compatible with all Empire State College IT services.

  • Some features and functions may be difficult to access or inoperative (i.e. iPads uploading files to Brightspace for online courses).
  • To ensure complete access to the college’s online systems and services, a computer or laptop is recommended as your primary device.

How to check your computer systems:

Instructions to Check your Windows 10 and above Computer System Information

  1. Click on the “window” icon in the lower left corner.
  2. Click “settings gear” icon for the Window Settings
  3. Click on “System”
  4. Click on “ About” to display computer settings

Or

  1. Click on the “Magnifying Glass” icon in the lower left corner for the search field
  2. In Search field type “About” and click on “About your PC”

Instructions to Check your Macintosh Computer Operating System

  1. Click Apple icon (first icon on menu bar)
  2. Click About this Mac

Note: These will display the processor speed, installed RAM or memory, and Operating System version.

If you have questions or experience issues, our IT Service Desk is a click or phone call away.

IT Service Desk

Email
service-desk@esc.edu

Call
888-help-009 (888-435-7009)
518-587-2100, ext. 2420
800-847-3000, ext. 2420

Hours
Sunday: 1 - 9 p.m.
Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: Closed

Chat