Wayne State University

Library and Information Science Program

Computer Requirements

We strongly recommend that each student have complete access to a home computer they control and can configure as needed.  Most work computers are not suitable because they often involve Internet access restrictions, firewalls, and security precautions that interfere with the LIS Program’s learning management systems and other applications. 

 A student’s computer must meet or exceed the following minimum hardware and software requirements before starting classes. If you need assistance determining if your computer meets these requirements, please contact lisptech@wayne.edu.

  • Hardware Specifications (Mac or Windows)
    • Audio / Video
    • Speakers, soundcard
    • Backup Device
      • USB 2.0 device (such as a flash drive)
      • CD / DVD RW
    • Graphics
      • Appropriate graphics card for your type of computer
    • Memory
      • 2GB memory (minimum)
    • Network Connection
      • High speed internet connection
    • Processor
      • 2GHz (minimum)
    • Storage
      • 80GB storage capacity (minimum)
  • Software Specifications (Mac or Windows)***
    • Browser (at least one)
      • Internet Explorer 7.0 or later; Firefox 2.0 or later; Safari 3.0 or later
    • Multimedia
      • Windows Media Player 10.0 or later; Silverlight 1.0 or later; Java Runtime Utility
      • Office Office 2007 Enterprise Edition*
    • Operating System
      • Windows – XP Professional SP2* or Vista Business* (Vista Ultimate preferred)
      • Macintosh – OS X 10.4 or later with Bootcamp or Parallels
    • Additional Software
      • Adobe Reader
      • Antivirus software
      • FTP software
      • Quicktime
  • Additional Requirements for Online Classes
    • Microphone / Headset (may be required for some classes)
    • Web camera
  • Highly Recommended
    • Surge protector, uninterruptable power supply
    • Printer

* Software available to enrolled students at no cost.

** Mac Users required to obtain Bootcamp or Parallels to run required software.

*** Students must have full administrator rights on their computer.