Some programs and classes will require software that will only run on a Windows-based laptop. If you choose to purchase an Apple laptop, depending on your program, you may be unable to complete required course work.

Students in Apparel Design require a laptop running either Mac OSx or Windows. Some business courses require software that is Windows only.

For students in Design and Innovation Management a Windows-based laptop is strongly recommended. It is possible to use a laptop running Mac OSx for most coursework, but some business courses require software that is Windows only.

Students in Interior Design will need to run software on a Windows-based laptop that also has heavier 3D graphics needs. Therefore, a laptop running Windows is required for interior design. It is strongly recommended to have a discreet graphics card as listed in the recommended specifications.

Students in Merchandising Management require a laptop running either Mac OSx or Windows. Some business courses require software that is Windows only.

No, a Chromebook will not support the necessary software for your courses. We strongly recommend the purchase of a laptop that meets the required specifications by major (listed at the top of this page).

Tablets or phones may be used for personal note taking, but course work will require use of a laptop.

• Office 365 (Microsoft teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive and so much more) are provided to students (on up to 5 personal devices) for free! Download this software here.
• Zoom is provided for easy and reliable video and web collaboration. Download this software here.

Many companies offer students a discount for purchasing the technology needed. Please note that these computers are not filtered for College of Business Requirements. Please ensure the computer you purchase follows the requirements outlined above.

1. Dell student discounts
2. Apple student discounts
3. Microsoft student discounts
4. We also encourage students to shop around for the best deals. We encourage you to look at a variety of stores for affordable options and annual sales. While we have recommendations of where you can purchase laptops – you do not need to purchase them from these links. Often, you can find a computer that meets our requirements at a lower cost.

• There are numerous computer labs on-campus that are available to students. The hours for these computer labs vary and might not be as accessible as a personal laptop. Below are two of the computer labs our College of Business students often use:
  • Bernie Newcombe Digital Commons in Austin Hall: 100-seat computer lab on the 2nd floor of Austin Hall (home to the College of Business).
  • The Valley Library located on the second (main floor).
• We encourage you to look at a variety of stores for deals and annual sales. While we have recommendations listed below of where you can purchase laptops – you do not need to purchase them from these links. Often, you can find a computer that meets our requirements at a lower cost.
• If you would like to talk through “paying for college”, we encourage you to connect with our Center for Advancing Financial Education (CAFE). You can make in-person and remote appointments here:

Visit Student Multimedia Services in the Valley Library to check out a laptop or other necessary technology.

Windows computers are available to all COB students in the Austin Hall 290 Computer Lab. Please visit Austin Hall Computer Lab for more information.

If you need a temporary laptop, visit Student Multimedia Services in the Valley Library to check out a laptop rental.

• We encourage you to reach out to the OSU Service Desk, you can find more information here.
• Additionally, you can stop by the College of Business Helpdesk for support - located on the second floor of Austin Hall. More information can be found here.