Computer Hardware & Software Requirements for a Mac

Platt College has established the following minimum standards for student laptops. We recognize that many students begin their academic programs with very serviceable laptops. If students wish to purchase a laptop prior to coming to Platt College, or use their existing laptop computer, it should at least meet the requirements listed below.

Student Laptop General System Requirements for Mac	Software for Mac
1.8 Ghz Core 2 Duo CPU 4 GB RAM 80 GB HDD 802.1 1n (laptop) OS X 10.6 Microphone and Camera built-in	MS Office for Mac 2008-2011: This includes Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint although you may not be required to use Excel. Quicktime is standard on a MAC. Adobe Reader comes standard on a MAC. Silverlight: Microsoft Silverlight is a free web-browser plug-in that enables interactive media experiences, rich business applications and immersive mobile apps at www.microsoft.com/getsilverlight/Get-Started/Install/Default.aspx Mac OS Operating System: Apple Mac OS X 10.6+ (Intel-based) or above with Intel Core™ Duo 1.83GHz or faster processor, 4GB of RAM at www.microsoft.com/getsilverlight/Get-Started/Install/Default.aspx Adobe Flash Player: Adobe Flash Player is a free web-browser plug-in that enables interactive media experiences, rich business applications and immersive mobile apps at www.adobe.com Mac OS Operating System: Apple Mac OS X 10.6+ (Intel-based) or above with Intel Core™ Duo 1.83GHz or faster processor, 4GB of RAM at www.adobe.com Oracle Java Runtime: Oracle Java Runtime is a free web-browser plug-in that enables interactive media experiences, rich business applications and immersive mobile apps at www.java.com Mac OS Operating System: Apple Mac OS X 10.6+ (Intel-based) or above with Intel Core™ Duo 1.83GHz or faster processor, 4GB of RAM at www.java.com. Note: most browsers require that Java be enabled in the preferences. Adobe Shockwave: Adobe Shockwave is a free web-browser plug-in that enables interactive media experiences, rich business applications and immersive mobile apps at www.adobe.com Mac OS Operating System: Apple Mac OS X 10.6+ (Intel-based) or above with Intel Core™ Duo 1.83GHz or faster processor, 4GB of RAM at www.adobe.com
Chrome Books and Mobile Devices
Because Chrome books do not support specific software required at Platt (such as Microsoft Office and Microsoft Silverlight), they cannot be used as a substitute for a MAC. With the exception of the Microsoft Surface Pro 3, mobile devices such as phones and tables cannot be used as a substitute for a Mac because they do not support the required software at Platt such as Microsoft Office and Microsoft Silverlight. They can be used to access Platt College Email as well as test taking in My Platt College. Note: ATI testing is not possible on these devices.

Student Laptop General System Requirements for Mac

Software for Mac

1.8 Ghz Core 2 Duo CPU
4 GB RAM
80 GB HDD
802.1 1n (laptop)
OS X 10.6
Microphone and Camera built-in

MS Office for Mac 2008-2011: This includes Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint although you may not be required to use Excel.
Quicktime is standard on a MAC.
Adobe Reader comes standard on a MAC.
Silverlight: Microsoft Silverlight is a free web-browser plug-in that enables interactive media experiences, rich business applications and immersive mobile apps at www.microsoft.com/getsilverlight/Get-Started/Install/Default.aspx
Mac OS Operating System: Apple Mac OS X 10.6+ (Intel-based) or above with Intel Core™ Duo 1.83GHz or faster processor, 4GB of RAM at www.microsoft.com/getsilverlight/Get-Started/Install/Default.aspx
Adobe Flash Player: Adobe Flash Player is a free web-browser plug-in that enables interactive media experiences, rich business applications and immersive mobile apps at www.adobe.com
Mac OS Operating System: Apple Mac OS X 10.6+ (Intel-based) or above with Intel Core™ Duo 1.83GHz or faster processor, 4GB of RAM at www.adobe.com
Oracle Java Runtime: Oracle Java Runtime is a free web-browser plug-in that enables interactive media experiences, rich business applications and immersive mobile apps at www.java.com
Mac OS Operating System: Apple Mac OS X 10.6+ (Intel-based) or above with Intel Core™ Duo 1.83GHz or faster processor, 4GB of RAM at www.java.com. Note: most browsers require that Java be enabled in the preferences.
Adobe Shockwave: Adobe Shockwave is a free web-browser plug-in that enables interactive media experiences, rich business applications and immersive mobile apps at www.adobe.com
Mac OS Operating System: Apple Mac OS X 10.6+ (Intel-based) or above with Intel Core™ Duo 1.83GHz or faster processor, 4GB of RAM at www.adobe.com

Chrome Books and Mobile Devices

Because Chrome books do not support specific software required at Platt (such as Microsoft Office and Microsoft Silverlight), they cannot be used as a substitute for a MAC.

With the exception of the Microsoft Surface Pro 3, mobile devices such as phones and tables cannot be used as a substitute for a Mac because they do not support the required software at Platt such as Microsoft Office and Microsoft Silverlight.

They can be used to access Platt College Email as well as test taking in My Platt College. Note: ATI testing is not possible on these devices.

For more assistance regarding specifications for computer software/hardware, please contact Mark Finken, Coordinator of IT Services.