QCC does not require students to own a laptop or desktop computer, but most students find having one helpful. The following list provides QCC’s recommended minimum computer configurations. If you plan to purchase a computer, consider using this list as a guide. Some programs have additional requirements, which are listed separately. Healthcare students also should review the asterisked note below.
Computer Recommendations
| QCC Minimum and Recommended Specs | ||
| Minimum | Recommended | |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro/Education, 64‐bit, Mac OSX 10.9 or higher | Windows 11, Mac OSX 10.9 or higher |
| CPU | Quad‐core Atom, Dual‐core Celeron, AMD 11 GHz E‐300, Intel i3 or higher | Intel i5 or AMD Dual‐core or higher |
| RAM | 8 GB RAM | 12 GB RAM |
| Storage | 128 GB eMMC or more | 512 GB Hard Drive or 128 GB SSD (256 GB SSD highly recommended) or greater |
| Graphics (GPU) | Integrated Graphics | Integrated Graphics |
| CD/DVD Drive | Not Required | Not Required |
| Interface | 1 USB 3.0 | 3 USB (at least 1 USB 3.0) |
| Network | Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2 | Wireless (802.11g/n or 802.11ac) |
| Browsers | Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge | Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge |
| Audio & Webcam | Speaker & Microphone (embedded or external), Camera or webcam | Speaker & Microphone (embedded or external), Camera or webcam |
Specs for Computer Science, Computer Systems Engineering, Electronic Engineering Technology, Interactive Media and Design, and Manufacturing majors.
| QCC Minimum and Recommended Specs | ||
| Minimum | Recommended | |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro/Education/Enterprise | Windows 11 Pro/Education/Enterprise |
| CPU | Intel Core i7 13th Gen or newer, or AMD Ryzen 7 or higher | Intel Core i7 13th Gen or newer, or AMD Ryzen 7 or higher |
| RAM | 16 GB RAM (upgradeable) | 32 GB RAM (upgradeable) |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD Drive | 1TB SSD Drive (second 1TB SSD optional) |
| Graphics (GPU) | Compatible with DirectX12 or later. WDDM 2.0 driver. Nvidia GPU Optional | Compatible with DirectX12 or later. WDDM 2.0 driver. Nvidia GPU Optional |
| CD/DVD Drive | Not required, but useful | Not required, but useful |
| Interface | 3 USB (at least 1 USB 3.0 & 1 USB-C) | 3 USB (at least 1 USB 3.0 & 1 USB-C) |
| Network | Wireless (802.11g/n or 802.11ac), Wired LAN | Wireless (802.11g/n/ac minimum, ax recommended), Wired LAN |
| Browsers | Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge | Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge |
| Audio & Webcam | Speaker & Microphone (embedded or external), Camera or webcam | Speaker & Microphone (embedded or external), Camera or webcam |
Students enrolled in healthcare programs should also have a tablet type display and a stylus.
Software, Security, and Compatibility Notes:
- Microsoft 365 Education (MS Office) is available to current QCC students for free
- We do not recommend Chromebooks as they do not support some required components
- All computers that connect to the QCC Wireless network must have up‐to‐date antivirus protection.
- We also recommend a product such as Lojack for PCs.
Basic technical support for personal devices is available 24/7 through BlackBelt support services. Call 508.854.4427 and follow the prompts. When purchasing a device, we recommend reviewing the warranty and understanding how to access technical support if needed.
Internet Browsers
Services from Quinsigamond Community College can be accessed through the internet from on or off campus. You will be able to use a computer at a public library to access (login) to these services and sites. Some web sites or services perform better with different web browsers.
Recommended Internet Browser - The Q and Blackboard Learn support the four primary internet browsers.
- Chrome from Google(QCC Recommended) is working better with Blackboard and The Q.
- Firefox from Mozilla (QCC Recommended)
- Edge from Microsoft (Because of Security concerns, we cannot recommend Internet Explorer at this time)
- Safari from Apple (Exception: Safari 5 for Windows)
You can find more information on supported browsers and plugins related to Blackboard Learn based on the October 2014 Bb Learn release.
Clearing your Internet Browser Cache and other support information
It is recommended that you clear your internet browser's cache if you experience problems with access or displays. You can search for support in your browser.