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Cornell University

Computer Recommendations

These recommendations apply to personally-owned computers that will be used to access Cornell services. (Faculty and staff using university-owned computers should work with their unit's technical support and business office.)

Some otherwise useful technologies don't function well in our residence halls, academic buildings, and administrative offices. See our Unsuitable Technologies article for details. With many people in close proximity, these devices tend to interfere with one another.

Most computers purchased within the past few years running Windows 10, Windows 11, or one of the three most recent releases of macOS, can handle Cornell-related tasks and provide acceptable security updates. 

If you are purchasing a computer, we recommend ordering through the Tech Connection at The Cornell Store (either in person or online at the Cornell Store). They offer competitively-priced Dell and Apple computers in standard configurations, along with links to custom-configured Apple, Dell, and HP (Hewlett-Packard) products with Cornell's discount.

If you choose to purchase your computer somewhere else, it's still worth looking at the standard configurations available at The Cornell Store to get a sense of what specifications you should shop for.

The Technology Connection has partnered The Computing Center to provide service for Apple, Dell, and HP computers, along with HP and Xerox printers, both in and out of warranty, regardless of where you purchased your equipment.

The IT Service Desk provides assistance in using campus network services such as Wi-Fi, as well as other information technology services.

Some colleges, schools, and departments have specific recommendations for their students:

 • School of Hotel Administration
 • College of Architecture, Art & Planning

Support Contact:

Cornell IT Service Desk

Normal Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm (Eastern Time)
Emergency Service Disruptions: After Hours Support

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