Computer Recommendations and Free Downloads
The University of Mount Saint Vincent recommends that students purchase a Windows laptop. However, desktops and Macs are also acceptable devices on our campus network. Below are our recommended specifications:
Recommended Computer Specifications
| Windows Recommendations | MAC Recommendations |
| Windows 11 Professional (64 Bit) | macOS14 Sonoma |
| At least 8 GB of Ram | At least 8 GB of Ram |
| At least 250 GB SATA Hard Drive | At least 250 GB SATA Hard Drive |
| Intel i5 processor or higher | Intel i7 or Apple M2 processor |
| Wi-Fi Capabilities | Wi-Fi Capabilities |
| Microsoft Office 365 (can be installed for free as a UMSV student using these instructions: Microsoft Office 365) | Microsoft Office 365 (can be installed for free as a UMSV student using these instructions: Microsoft Office 365) |
| A 4 year warranty | A 4 year warranty |
Please note: Due to various Software incompatibility issues, we strongly discourage students from purchasing Chromebooks.
Computer Discount Deals
All University of Mount Saint Vincent Students are eligible to receive a 10% discount on computer products from Dell Computers and Apple Inc. The links to access these discount sites are below:
Free Downloads
The Computer Services department provides its students with some links to recommended software solutions. Downloading these tools may solve some problems that you may be experiencing on your computer.
Free Anti-Virus Tools
| Software | Reason for Download and Use |
| Grisoft’s AVG Free Anti-Virus Software | Detect and remove unwanted computer viruses and worms |
| McAfee AntiVirus | Remove viruses attacking Microsoft vulnerabilities |
| Avast! Free Antivirus | Excellent Tool for PC real-time virus protection |
| Avira AntiVir Personal – Free Antivirus | Another great free antivirus tool |
| Sophos | Free Anti-Virus protection for Apple computers |
Free Anti-Spyware Tools
| Software | Reason for Download and Use |
| Malware Bytes Anti-Malware | An excellent tool to get rid of computer malware |
| Combofix | Scan for unwanted malware and spyware on older Windows devices (Windows XP, 7, and 8) |
| Adaware | Great tool to get rid of many spyware/malware issues |
| Spybot | Another great tool to get rid of many spyware issues |
| Malware Bytes Anti-Spyware for MACs | Anti-Spyware protection for Apple computers |
Other Tools and Software
| Software | Reason for Download and Use |
| DiskCryptor | Protect important files by encrypting files and folders on any drive |
| Microsoft Office 365 | Instructions on downloading and installing Microsoft Office 365 for students |
| Microsoft Office Training | A great site for self-paced training of various Microsoft Office products |