Computer Hardware & Software Requirements for a Personal Computer (PC)

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 PC

Software for PC

  • 2.0 Ghz Core 2 Duo CPU
  • 4 GB RAM
  • 80 GB HDD
  • 802.1 1n (laptop)
  • Windows Vista (or higher) Note: Microsoft no longer supports Window XP after 02/14
  • Microphone and Camera (Internal or External)
  • MS Office for PC 2007-2010: This includes Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint although you may not be required to use Excel. 
  • Quick Time: You will need this software to view videos (WVM) and listen to podcasts.  The free software can be downloaded from: www.apple.com/quicktime/download/

  • Adobe Reader (PDF Reader): many of the documents shared with students are in .pdf format. You will need this software to download and read these documents.  The program can be downloaded for free at: www.adobe.com
  • Silverlight: Microsoft Silverlight is a free web-browser plug-in that enables interactive media experiences, rich business applications and immersive mobile apps. The system requirements for Microsoft Silverlight and associated technologies are listed below.
  • Operating System: Windows 7,Windows Vista, Windows 8
  • Intel® Pentium® III 450MHz or faster processor (or equivalent) 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. The system requirements for Adobe Flash Player and the following associated technologies: (Windows Operating System: Windows 7,Windows Vista, Windows 8) (Intel® Pentium® III 450MHz or faster processor or equivalent) (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. The system requirements for Oracle Java Runtime and the following associated technologies: (Windows Operating System: Windows 7,Windows Vista, Windows 8) (Intel® Pentium® III 450MHz or faster processor or equivalent) (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. The system requirements for Adobe Shockwave and the following associated technologies: (Windows Operating System: Windows 7,Windows Vista, Windows 8) (Intel® Pentium® III 450MHz or faster processor or equivalent) (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 PC.

Mobile devices such as phones and tables cannot be used as a substitute for a PC 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