Additional Recommendations

• Always follow the specific recommendations and/or requirements (if any) for the program you are entering.


  
  
• VCU recommends an anti-virus package be installed on your computer. Here are some free alternatives.
  
  
• When purchasing a new laptop such as the MacBook or Surface Pro, it is recommended that you also include a USB Ethernet adapter and a USB hub in your order to connect to a wired network and additional USB devices.
  
  
• Be advised that unless specifically required for a particular curriculum, iPads, talets, and smartphones are only suitable as secondary devices for use in class and study.


  
  
• Use theft deterrence options like a security cable.
  
  
• Register your device with the VCU Police.
  
  
• Purchase a laptop that has a higher-capacity battery and a larger Solid State Drive (SSD) if available. 
  
  
• Be prepared to protect data with an external hard drive or an online backup service.


  
  
• While VCU students do receive access to cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Adobe Creative Cloud Storage, data storage and accessibility limits may apply. 
  
  
• To access software available to currently enrolled VCU students, visit https://ts.vcu.edu/software-center
  
  
• All currently-enrolled students at VCU receive access to Microsoft Office 365 for free!
   
• A single copy of the latest versions of Windows 10 or 11 Education is also provided if students need additional features within Windows such as access to the Hyper-V hypervisor to run virtual machines.