Student Computing Requirements

This access goes beyond what is provided in the university’s public computing sites, the university’s My Virtual Computing Lab and School of Management’s student computer lab located in Jacobs 210. 

While ownership is not strictly required, you will find it essential for success in your academic pursuits. If you already own a computer, this site and UB's computing standards site, will help determine if it complies with UB’s and the school’s support standards, ensuring that it meets your needs for discipline-specific work in the School of Management.  

If you are looking to purchase a new computer, refer to the university’s recommended computing standards, in addition to the School of Management’s requirements outlined on this page.

If you are looking to purchase software for your computer, refer to the university's software website. Certain software packages, such as Microsoft Office, are available at no charge.

1. Execute and use Windows-only applications on your computer—Because some School of Management courses use applications that work only in a Windows environment, you are required to have access to a Windows machine. This can be accomplished through a second Windows-only computer or some other means that is your responsibility  Two examples include:
   
   1. MGS 351: All management students must take MGS 351, which entails learning to work with Microsoft Access. Microsoft Office for Macintosh does not include Access. Microsoft Access is available in the Jacobs Computer Lab, other university computer labs, the UBVDI platform, and UB's My Virtual Computing Lab. Currently the online version of Microsoft Office (Office 365) does not include Microsoft Access.
   2. MGA 311: All students enrolled in this accounting course will be required to install IDEA software; currently there is only a Windows-based version of the software. This accounting software is available in the UB virtual computing environment and university computer labs.
2. Exchange Microsoft Office documents without any problems— Because many School of Management courses rely heavily on the use of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), your computer needs to read the latest Microsoft Office documents and save your work in the latest Microsoft Office formats for possible presentation to your instructors.

You must have a webcam.

Ownership of a printer is not strictly required, but you might find it essential for success in your academic work.

There are some simple steps you can take to help protect your computers and personal information from hackers, viruses, scam artists and other online threats. Visit the university’s security website to learn more about protecting your computer and personal data.

You should acquire a form of storage media for storing and backing up your projects and data independent of your computer. It is highly recommended that you acquire a means of securing your laptop or computer for security purposes (i.e. a security lock down cable). Visit the university's security website.

1. Software available to the University at Buffalo students. 
2. Microsoft upgrades are available from the university. 
3. UB’s My Virtual Computing Lab.
4. Additional services available to University at Buffalo students.