• Yes. There are computers in the library and various labs at SJCC.
• One caveat to consider is that these computer may or may not have the software you need to complete homework, tests, or assignments. Also, you will not have administrative privileges on these machines (which is often necessary for CIS work).

Do not buy a Chromebook, Windows-Surface, iPad Tablet, Android Tablet, or Linux computer to do CIS coursework.

• Non-Windows and Non-Mac computers (operating systems) are not supported by CIS courses.

Buy either a Windows or a Mac laptop.

• CIS Faculty do not care if our students buy a mac or a windows laptop. But we do expect all students to be technically proficient with using their laptop.
• Students who are not proficient using their own laptop should take CIS-041 or CIT-010 before taking other CIS courses.

If you choose to buy a mac, there are a few caveats to consider.

• Most curriculum is designed for Windows.
• Often, mac users must translate and adapt to windows curriculum “on their own.”

Possibly.

• In general, most windows or mac laptops that are less than 3-4 years old are fine for CIS courses.

32Gb or more.

• Memory is more important for fast performance than a laptop’s CPU.
• Memory is important to smoothly run multiple applications.

512Gb or more. SSD disk drives are preferred.

• SSD drives are currently 6-7 times faster than HDD drives.
• SSD drives will make your laptop run much faster.
• SSD drives make software installations much faster.
• Students should buy a laptop that has an SSD.

Yes.

• The type of processor that your laptop has does not matter.
• Software runs on top of the operating systems (windows or mac OS). Software does not run on specific processors (Intel, AMD, et cetera).

Brand does not matter.

• Choose whatever brand you like with the technical specifications that satisfy the requirements in this document.

Usually, it does not matter.

• Nowadays, a laptop's performance is dependent on how much RAM memory you have, and if you have an SSD drive or not. CPU speed is less important.
• If getting the fastest possible processor is important for you, look at benchmarks on Tom’s Hardware.

Yes.

• Most vendors offer students a discount for both hardware and software purchases. Below are a few places to consider:
  • College Buys
  • Journey Ed
  • Apple has a educational discount program for purchases.
  • There are numerous discounts for students. Use Google to find them.

Yes. But there are caveats to consider.

• ITSS no longer has a loaner laptop program. The CIS department has a small number of machines that you may be able to borrow. Contact Mark Branom (mark.branom@sjcc.edu) for details.
• EVC may have a number of machines that you can borrow. Contact EVC for details by filling out this form.
• Financial Aid may provide students with money to choose to purchase a laptop. Please contact Financial Aid for all financial matters as each student’s financial situation is a case-by-case basis.

Possibly. But there are caveats to consider.

• Desktop Windows or Mac computers should have both a Webcam and a Microphone to meet with other students online and/or attending office hours.
• Desktop computers may not work for courses with on-campus labs since they cannot be easily transported into class.

No.

• Students must have administrative level access on their computer to properly install software, configure, and fix issues on their laptop.
• If students decide to borrow a laptop from a friend or parent, students must create their own separate account on the laptop.
• Students should not use another person’s account and login information. Doing this creates security and software configuration issues for both parties.

No.

• Computers issued by companies are administrated by the company's IT department. This prevents proper installation and/or configuration of software that is needed for CIS courses.

Yes.

• Students who do not know how to use their computers should take CIS-041 or CIT-010 which teaches students basic computing skills.
• Students are expected to know how to do the following before taking CIS courses:
  • Know how to install software
  • Know how to navigate and find folders and files
  • Know where files are stored and located on their computer
  • Know how to search the internet and find solutions to basic computer problems

Yes.

• SJCC has free, fast, and reliable internet on-campus.
• Free Wi-Fi is also available in many public spaces and local libraries.
• In general, nowadays, computers do not work without the internet.

Laptop weight is an individual personal choice.

• Students should look at the weight of their laptop.
• Weight is listed in the technical specifications of the laptop.

Size of the screen is individual personal choice.

• Screen size is listed in the technical specifications of the laptop.

We do not know.

• Software requirements are specific to each CIS course.
• Read your course syllabus for a list of software to install.
• Students should install anti-virus software.

It is not required.

• Powerful graphics cards are nice to have, but not required for most CIS courses.
• Search the internet and decide based on what you are looking to use your computer for in the future.