Computers

You are not required to purchase a computer for use in the classroom. However, we do recommend the following if you plan on purchasing a computer. Please note that the law library has over twenty (20) Windows based computers available for student use.

Recommended Minimum Configurations
To take advantage of using your laptop for final exams (in selected classes) you must have the hardware and operating system specifications listed below.

Windows
Laptop

Mac
Apple laptop

  • Intel or AMD Processor (1Ghz or greater)
  • 1GB Ram
  • Windows XP, Vista or 7
  • Microsoft Office XP, 2003 or 2007
  • Wired & wireless Ethernet adapter
  • DVD/CDRW combo drive
  • USB Key drive (portable file storage)
  • Intel Processor (1Ghz or greater)
  • 1GB Ram
  • OS X 10.5 or later
  • Microsoft Office
  • Airport or Airport Extreme wireless
  • DVD/CDRW combo drive
  • USB Key drive (portable file storage)

NKU Chase suggests upgrading to a 3 or 4 year warranty. While it may seem like an unneeded upfront expense it's a wise decision. Most laptops only come with a 1 year warranty. The cost to repair an out-of-warranty laptop is very expensive and in some instances equals the cost of the laptop. Accidental damage warranty is also worth investigating as it will cover such things as water damage, impact damage, etc.

Wireless Adapter
If you already own a laptop and it does not have a wireless adapter installed most retail/online stores have USB based adapters available (e.g. Wal-Mart, Best Buy). Chase supports both the 802.11b and 802.11g wireless standards.

Support Team
If you currently own a PC based laptop and wish to discuss its viable use and possible upgrades please contact Brad Thomas at 859.572.6662 or thomasbra@nku.edu.

For Macintosh questions please contact Tom Heard at 859.572.6482 or heard@nku.edu.

Please note that Windows 95/98/98SE/ME,2000, Macintosh OS earlier than OS X 10.4 and Linux are not supported. Limited support is available for Mac OS X 10.4 and PC based Apple systems.