Students will need to navigate a variety of technology systems during their academic career at Sonoran - please refer to these minimum hardware/software requirements to successfully navigate our systems.

Students must have access to a broadband Internet connection, a personal computer manufactured within the last three years. Students may also need a USB Headset (the built-in microphone and speakers of a computer may not be sufficient) and a USB Webcam (most laptops include this functionality) for videoconferencing needs.

A quick word on web browsers and mobile platform access:

• Sonoran systems are accessible by current versions of Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome browsers. Microsoft Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Mac-based Safari browsers will likely function but are not recommended.
• The significant variability of computers, operating systems, web browsers, applications, standards and versions may pose access challenges for some systems. If you find that a system does not work on a specific browser, consider trying a different browser.
• Consider periodically refreshing your browser cache. This tends to solve many browser performance issues. Visit the website:
  https://www.refreshyourcache.com/en/home/ for guidance on your specific browser(s).
• Sonoran systems are not yet formally supported for access on mobile platforms - however, some or even all system features may be functional on your specific device. A computer or laptop, however, is the recommended platform for primary use.
• Note that we discourage and do not support the use of Chromebook devices due to their limited functionality and compatibility.
• Keeping your system updated (operating system, Internet browsers, Adobe Reader, Java, anti-virus, etc.) will provide the best interaction experience with our systems.

Internet Connectivity:

• Access to high-speed network connection (broadband connection such as cable or DSL - not dial-up) with minimum 10MB upload/download speeds and recommended 20MB upload/download performance. When participating in computer-based audio/video conferencing, a wired connection to the Internet is recommended.
• Check your Internet speed using online tools such as: www.megapath.com/speedtestplus
• Note: When using audio/video conferencing tools such as Zoom, Skype, Teams, please close any unnecessary applications that may use processor or Internet bandwidth capacity.

PCs:

• Processor: 2.5GHz Dual-Core (Intel i5 or i7 processor recommended).
• Memory: 8GB RAM.
• Network: 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet (wired port) or wireless adapter.
• Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit operating system recommended) - check for latest updates at update.microsoft.com).
• Hard drive: 250 GB.
• Multimedia capability and speakers.
• Headset with microphone that plugs into your computer (contemporary laptops will have this capability).
• Monitor or laptop screen with 1024 x 768 pixel resolution or better.
• Software - install latest versions unless otherwise specified:
  • Internet Browser: Mozilla Firefox / Goggle Chrome.
  • Google Chrome: chrome.google.com.
  • Mozilla Firefox: www.firefox.com.
• Current anti-virus software.
• Microsoft Office 2016 or Office 365 productivity suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Note: Current students/faculty/staff can download the Office suite on their computers at no charge on up to five personal devices. Visit Student Resources page at My.Sonoran for more information.
• Adobe Reader: get.adobe.com/reader.

Macs:

• Processor: 2.5GHz dual-core or better.
• Memory: 8GB RAM.
• Hard Drive: 500GB.
• Network: 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet (wired port) or wireless adapter.
• Monitor/Screen: 13" LCD supporting 1024 x 768 resolution or better.
• Operating System: OS X High Sierra.
• Software - install latest versions unless otherwise specified:
  • Internet Browser: Mozilla Firefox / Goggle Chrome.
  • Google Chrome: chrome.google.com.
  • Mozilla Firefox: www.firefox.com.
• Current anti-virus software.
• Microsoft Office 2016 or Office 365 productivity suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Note: Current students/faculty/staff can download the Office suite on their computers at no charge on up to five personal devices. Visit Student Resources page at My.Sonoran for more information.
• Adobe Reader: get.adobe.com/reader.