Recommendations for own computer

Device recommendations and support

Xamk informs students of the recommended equipment for their studies, and students acquire the device independently and at their own expense. Teaching is also provided in the campuses’ computer labs if the software required in the programme cannot be installed on students’ own computers.

It is a good idea to have a laptop by the time your studies begin. If you already have a computer, you can start your studies with it and, if needed, purchase a new one later. Apple computers can be used, but their selection of applications is more limited and, overall, more issues have been observed in our environments compared to Windows computers.

This guidance outlines two example devices as a rough guideline. In most degree programmes, the general device recommendation is sufficient. You may want to consider a more powerful computer in the following fields, where the software used may require more from the device:

• Maritime and logistics
• Forestry
• Design
• Game industry and ICT
• Engineering

Device recommendations

General device recommendation (Office 365, IBM SPSS, learning platforms)

• Laptop computer
• At least 8 GB of RAM, preferably 16 GB if Adobe CC products are used
• Windows 11 operating system
• Processor: at least Intel i3 or equivalent AMD
• Wireless connectivity: WiFi 6 or newer
• An extended warranty is recommended if possible (normally 1 year; ask if a longer warranty is available)
• A good battery that lasts for several hours
• Camera, headphones and microphone

More powerful device (Adobe CC, Autodesk, SolidWorks, QGIS etc.)

• Laptop computer
• At least 16 GB of RAM
• Windows 11 operating system
• Processor: at least Intel i5 or equivalent AMD
• Dedicated graphics card with at least 4 GB of memory
• Wireless connectivity: WiFi 6 or newer
• An extended warranty is recommended if possible (normally 1 year; ask if a longer warranty is available)
• A good battery that lasts for several hours
• Camera, headphones and microphone

Software/Licenses

Teaching primarily aims to use software that does not incur costs for students, such as Microsoft Office products, Autodesk products and IBM SPSS, which students can access free of charge. Students are responsible for ensuring that their computer is licensed in accordance with the law.

We recommend installing the Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, etc.) on your computer already before your studies begin. Here is a short guide:

1. Go to portal.office.com and sign in with your Xamk long-form username and the password you have set.

2. Select Apps in the lower-right corner.

3. Then select All Apps.

4. Click Install in the upper-right corner and proceed with the installation.

It is recommended to install other software closer to when you will need it, so you will have the latest version available.

Support before your studies

Programme-specific tutor students will also help you once your studies have started. Xamk’s ICT support staff provide help and guidance via the Service Desk through Xinfo, for example with possible account issues. XPertti on the Xinfo front page can guide you in many matters.