How to Check if Your Computer Meets Course Requirements

Remote and Hybrid courses at Per Scholas require significant computing resources in order to complete many of the learning exercises you will encounter throughout the course. Learn more about the currently required minimum tech specifications here: https://perscholas.org/remote-tech-spec/

18 steps

You’ll use this guide to confirm: - Your laptop type - Memory (RAM) - Processor - Storage space - Operating system ### ⏱ Time required: About 2 minutes Use the results to answer questions on various admissions forms. ### Important - ❌ Chromebooks are not supported - ❌ Tablets/iPads are not supported - ⚠️ MAC M1 Laptops are only supported in specific courses - ⚠️ Depending on your specifications, you may be issued a Cloud VDI issued by Per Scholas staff. This allows you to access a high-spec virtual machine from your existing device to complete all coursework.

Mac Instructions

Open System Settings by clicking the apple icon and select System Settings.

In the 'General' section, click 'About'.

In the About Screen, look for the following to include as responses in admissions regarding your Tech Equipment. - 'macOS' = Operating System - 'Chip' = CPU - 'Memory' = RAM - 'Storage' = Storage Shown here is: - Operating System: Mac OS 15.4 - CPU: Apple M1 - RAM: 8 GB - Storage: 245 GB

Windows Instructions

Open Settings > System > About.

In the About your PC Screen, look for: - 'Edition' = Operating System - 'Processor' = CPU - 'Installed RAM' = RAM Shown here is: - Operating System: Windows 11 - CPU: Intel i7 - RAM: 16 GB

Determine your available disk space

Use your desktops "search" feature to find "File Explorer" and select open.

Locate your primary hard drive. You'll likely find it by clicking "This PC". Your hard drive will likely be called "Local Disk (C:).

Right-click the drive. Choose "Properties" from the pop-up menu.

Windows will show you the status of your hard drive storage with your full capacity, used space, and your free space.

Free up storage space (if you have less than 220-300 GB)

Microsoft Windows has several built-in tools for freeing up hard drive space.

The first Windows tool is Disk Cleanup . Use the “Disk Cleanup” button in the drive properties menu. Disk Cleanup will give you several options for freeing up space on your hard disk including installation files, temporary Internet files, and system files like component updates, system updates, etc. that have already been applied and no longer need to be on your hard drive.

Another common culprit for taking up space on your system is the Downloads folder. Most browsers are set by default to save downloads to this Windows folder. By deleting downloaded files, you may be able to free up many Gigabytes of space on your system. Access the Downloads folder from any Windows Explorer window using the quick links on the left side. If you don’t see it, you can access this by going to This PC link or your User folder.

If you are using a shared computer, be aware that some of the storage may be taken by another user on the system.

You may also have many documents on your machine that may be taking up too much space. If you have the option to move infrequently used or files that you are keeping solely for archival purposes, it may be to your benefit to purchase removable storage (large thumb drive, external hard drive, cloud-based storage, or large capacity optical discs) to hold that information and free up space.

See how much space your Documents folder is occupying by right clicking on the Documents folder and choosing Properties from the menu.

This will bring up an informational window that will tell you how much space the folder is occupying.

Confirm computer has functioning webcam and microphone

You can check for an installed webcam and microphone by using the Device Manager tool in Windows. Use the search bar to open the Device Manager control panel applet.

Uncollapse 'Audio inputs and outputs' and 'Cameras'.

If there is a camera and microphone listed in these categories, you have an installed camera/mic. If nothing is listed, you do not have a webcam.