Fitchburg State University has implemented a student laptop requirement for incoming students and transfers.

Don't pay too much for your software! Visit our Software Discounts page for more information on student software purchases.

Mac or PC?

This is the first question to consider before purchasing a laptop for campus. Fitchburg State University supports both Windows and Mac OSX systems.

Fitchburg State recommends the Apple MacBook for Communications Media majors. For nursing majors, a Windows-based laptop is the only accepted system.

For students who prefer to use the Mac OSX platform, the University tries to make accommodations with software, with the understanding that some coursework may require the use of Windows-based applications. In these cases, the Windows-based software is usually made available to students in our computer labs but, because of expense, we cannot guarantee this.

Hardware Specifications

Any modern manufacturer can be used, and as a general guideline, any system purchased within the last two years, with the latest operating system, is acceptable for the start of school. Fitchburg State currently can repair most Apple, Dell or HP laptop issues on campus. We offer free loaners to students while their systems are being repaired, regardless of their brand. As a general guideline for incoming freshman students, we recommend:

• 2.4 GHz or faster processor
• 4 GB RAM minimum
• Windows 7 OS or Apple OS 10.6
• Windows XP and OS Tiger are not supported through our Help Desk nor allowed on the wireless network
• 120 GB Hard Drive or larger
• CD/DVD Drive
• 802.11n Wireless LAN

What About a Warranty?

Fitchburg State recommends a minimum 3 Year Warranty. This covers manufacturers’ defects only. Most brands offer an enhanced 4 year Accidental Damage Protection warranty, which covers parts, labor, and replacement costs for any malfunction. Fitchburg State also suggests optional protection through NSSI insurance, which covers the replacement costs for student’s personal property.

Software Specifications

Visit our Software Discounts page for more information on student software purchases. As a minimum requirement, students should have both an office productivity suite and anti-virus/anti-spyware installed on their laptops.

• Microsoft Office 2010 for Windows-based systems
• Microsoft Office 2011 for Apple computers
  (both are available at discounted rates through the campus bookstore)
• McAfee Anti-virus and Anti-spyware
  (available at no cost through the IT Help Desk)
• For more available discounts, visit our Software Discounts page.

For more information, please contact the 24/7 Call Center at (978) 665-4500 or helpdesk@fitchburgstate.edu, or visit the Help Desk in Conlon Hall, Room 236.