Computer requirements for JD, LLM, and SJD students

Modified on Mon, 25 Sep 2023 at 11:36 AM

For students entering in Fall 2023

These requirements apply to all students enrolling in on-campus degree programs at the School of Law. This includes JD, LLM, and SJD degrees. There are separate computer requirements for the online MSL degree and certificate programs.


Minimum Requirements

Students are expected to have a laptop computer running a supported version of macOS or Windows which meets the following minimum requirements:


macOS:

  • Operating System: 

    • macOS Ventura 13.0+ (Recommended)
      See https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212735 for information about upgrading to macOS Ventura

    • The previous two versions of macOS are also supported, but this changes annually. When a new version of macOS is released, this requirement becomes the new version of macOS and the two previous versions.
      NOTE: As of October 24, 2022, macOS Catalina (10.15.7 and below) is no longer supported

  • Processor: 

    • Apple M-series (Recommended)

    • Intel Core i5 or greater

  • Memory:

    • 16 GB (Recommended)

    • 8 GB (Minimum)

  • Storage: 256 GB (Minimum) 

  • Functional webcam, microphone, and WiFi

Windows:

ARM-based processors are not supported

  • Memory: 

    • 16 GB (Recommended)

    • 8 GB (Minimum)

  • Storage: 256 GB (Minimum) 

  • Functional webcam, microphone, and WiFi

  • English (United States) Language Pack must be installed

Notes

  • Chromebooks are not supported

  • iPads and other tablets are not supported

  • You must have administrator privileges on your computer

  • You must have a licensed version of the operating system

  • Virtualization software may not be used to run the operating system

While it may be possible to complete much of your coursework with a tablet or other mobile device, only laptop computers that meet the minimum requirements are officially supported.


Supported Web Browsers:

The two most recent versions of the following web browsers are supported:

  • Edge (Windows only)

  • Safari (Mac only)

  • Chrome

  • Firefox

We highly recommend updating your web browser to the current version. Other web browsers and older versions of the web browsers listed above may work but are not officially supported.


Software

The following software is available to law students while enrolled at Wake Forest University. 


Office 365

This includes Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 

Download from https://software.wfu.edu/download/office-365/

Adobe Creative Cloud

This includes Adobe Acrobat Pro DC for creating and editing PDF documents.

Download from https://software.wfu.edu/download/adobe-creative-cloud/ 

Zoom

This is the preferred video conferencing platform at Wake Forest University.

Download from https://software.wfu.edu/download/zoom/


Ditto

This enables wireless screen sharing from Windows computers and Android devices in law school classrooms, courtrooms, and conference rooms. Macs and other Apple devices should use the native AirPlay functionality. 

Download from https://software.wfu.edu/download/ditto/


Google Drive

Use Google Drive for desktop to automatically backup your computer to the cloud. 

Download from https://software.wfu.edu/download/google-drive-for-desktop/


Antivirus

Make sure you have antivirus software to keep your device safe and protect it from threats. Mac users can download our recommended antivirus software, Avast, here: https://software.wfu.edu/download/avast-antivirus/


Windows users with Windows 10 or 11 have Windows Security enabled by default, which provides the latest antivirus protection. More information can be found here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/stay-protected-with-windows-security-2ae0363d-0ada-c064-8b56-6a39afb6a963



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