Working Remotely

You will need a laptop or desktop computer that can function reliably. The following guidelines are minimum computer specifications required for general purpose computing and participating in online instruction. Students should also review their academic program as specific majors may require greater specifications to adequately run required software.

Apple Computers

Operating system: Mac OS (Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, Monterray or later)

Processor: Intel Core i3 or higher; M1 is recommended

RAM: At least 8 Gigabytes of RAM*

Storage: At least 128GB SOLID STATE hard drive (SSD)

Camera: All Apple MacBooks come with a built-in camera and microphone that are suitable for education.**

Windows Computers

Operating system: Windows 10/11

Processor: Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3

RAM: At least 8 Gigabytes of RAM*

Storage: At least 128GB SOLID STATE hard drive (SSD)

Camera: Built-in or external web camera (480p or higher resolution) with microphone**

*Increased RAM tends to improve performance and speed. If you work with intensive programs-such as video editing, graphics, music notation software, etc, you may find 16GB or more RAM will be more suitable.

**Most desktops and laptops have a built-in web camera and microphone. If these built-in devices aren't functioning, you'll need to acquire an external camera or microphone.

We recommend a minimum bandwidth of 1.5 Mbps for both upload and download speed especially when participating in video calls. Most providers, even satellite, should offer basic packages that exceed this amount. For more information about residential internet and WIFI. please contact your internet service provider.

"How do I check my internet connection speed?"

You may check your upload and download speeds on a mobile or desktop device with an online tool

"What do upload and download speeds mean?"

1. Upload speed - refers to how quickly you send data from your device to the internet. This will effect the time it takes to upload an assignment to Canvas, share a photo online, or write a blog post. This number is typically lower/slower than download speed.
2. Download speed - refers to how quickly you receive data from the internet to your device. Activities like streaming video, gaming, downloading files, and viewing web pages are all determined by the download speed. This number/speed can be effected by a variety of factors.

Many of us are stressing our home networks like never before. If you find yourself having connectivity challenges, consider some of the following tips:

• If connected via WiFi carefully review the placement of your wireless router and laptop
  • The farther away you are the more chance for signal disruption and interference
  • Ensure your wireless router is in the open and not in a cabinet to allow for best signal propagation

• If possible select the 5Ghz WiFi network instead of the 2.4Ghz WiFi network
  • 5Ghz is more capable and has less interference. Nearly all modern routers provide this capability
  • Please refer to the manual or service provider information for details on specifics

• If enabled consider shutting off extra WiFi networks such as "guest" or "open"
  • Sometimes these networks are added or turned on by default

• Depending on the age of your wireless router, consider upgrading your hardware
  • You should look for "802.11ac" capable wireless routers. This is the latest signaling technology
  • New routers are more powerful, have better range, and offer other benefits

• If the placement of your router and computer allows consider a wired connection
  • Wired connections are not susceptible to signal loss or interference resulting in the best connection

• Check for competing for internet consumption
  • Streaming video services such as Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and others can consume large amounts of bandwidth
  • Online gaming and gaming consoles should be considered. They may be consuming bandwidth if on but not used.

• Consider ad-blocker extensions for your internet browser
  • Web-based Ads, pop up videos, and other nuisances can unnecessarily consume bandwidth
  • Each browser can add these extensions at no cost

If you participate in video teleconferencing activities (Zoom, Teams, etc.), a web camera can help personalize the experience and keep you connected to your colleagues and students. Most laptops/mobile devices have built-in cameras for teleconferencing, but if your device or home setup doesn't have one then you may need to acquire an external USB camera.

These simply plug in to a computer and work without installing/configuring and are often much better quality than built-in peripherals! Visit the link below to find a wide range of webcams with differing levels of features and form factors, all of which would pass as a recommendation.

Recommended Webcams

Note: This is not an affiliate link and UIW receives no compensation from anything purchased. The link serves to show a particular brand/models of product that are recommended. Please, purchase a product from your desired retailer.

A microphone captures your voice and/or audio and sends it to listeners on the other side of a conference call, Zoom meeting, Teams, etc. Naturally, if you're planning on participating in remote conferencing calls on your PC you'll want to have a microphone. Most laptops/mobile devices have built-in microphones for teleconferencing, but if your device or home setup doesn't have one then you may need to acquire an external USB microphone.

These simply plug in to a computer and work without installing/configuring anything and are often much better quality than built-in peripherals! Visit the link below to find a wide range of microphones with differing levels of features and form factors, all of which would pass as a recommendation.

Recommended Microphones

Note: This is not an affiliate link and UIW receives no compensation from anything purchased. The link serves to show a particular brand/models of product that are recommended. Please, purchase a product from your desired retailer.

If you need to take calls for your job, you can install the RingCentral app (see Phone and Voicemail section below) to handle calls remotely on your existing UIW work number. Any calls to your work number would be directly routed to your Smart Phone with options to customize the ring, call options, and more. Additionally, many productivity services (like Office, Teams, Zoom, Calendar, etc) are also available on mobile in robust and convenient applications. Live chat with colleagues through apps like RingCentral or Teams can prove to be incredibly convenient when off campus!