Technology Requirements
Following are the recommended general technical hardware/software specifications for students enrolled in all academic programs at American National University. Please note that
a) these specifications are sufficient for the entire duration of the program,
b) need for specific applications/software would be determined by the actual course(s) registered and the availability of the applications, and
c) although students with Mac computers can access any applications/software by leveraging remote access tools, Mac platform is not recommended and supported.
Minimum Recommended Specifications
1. Ownership of either laptop or desktop is mandatory. Mobile devices such as Tablets/Smart Phones cannot be used for running any applications. Mobile devices may be used for simple tasks such as accessing Canvas courses for checking messages, grades, due dates, and read the slides. For other tasks such as taking test, uploading assignments, and participating in discussion forums, mobile devices are not recommended and must not be used.
2. These recommendations are universal across all academic programs and provide a basic format for all courses. As you move further into a degree program, these requirements may increase (only minimal) based on the expectations of the program and the availability of applications.
| Platform: Intel-based systems | Minimum | Better | Best |
| CPU | 4 core 3.0 Ghz. | 6 core 3.0 GHz. | 8 core 3.0 GHz. |
| RAM | 16GB | 32GB | |
| Storage | 500GB SSD | 1TB SSD | |
| Graphics | {Integrated} OR {2GB} OR {1GB DirectX 11} | {Integrated} OR {4GB} OR {2GB DirectX 11} OR {NVIDIA 4GB} OR {NVIDIA 4GB DirectX 11} | {4GB} OR {NVIDIA 4GB} OR {4GB DirectX 11} OR {NVIDIA 6GB DirectX 11} |
| Operating System | Windows 10 or 11 64-bit (Professional Edition only), No Home Edition | ||
| Extras | 2-3 USB 2.0 or 2-3 USB 3.0 Ports
Microphone Camera External USB Drive for backup (minimum 1 TB) |
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| Recommended Standard Productivity Applications | Access, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, Power BI, Project, Publisher, Visio, Sway, Word, Forms, Delve
Internet browsers like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc. (recommend the use of multiple browsers)
Document Management Application – Adobe Acrobat Professional
Zoom Desktop Client (https://zoom.us/download)
Free Video / Photo Editing (select 1 or2) Application – PowerDirector (best) – Google, Promeo – Best App for Social Media, iMovie – Video Editor App for Beginners, Splice – Free Video Editor for Trimming and Cropping, Quik – Best Video Editor for Montages, KineMaster – Video Editing App For Experienced Editors, Filmmaker Pro – Best for Vertical Editing, InShot – Best Video Editor App for Aspiring Social Media Content Creators, Mojo – Best for Any Kind of Social Media Post, VivaVideo – Best for Beginners
Keep the system up to date with Windows Updates, .NET Framework etc. |
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Some courses may require additional software. Please check your course syllabus. Some courses will have software access codes or keys that are purchased with the textbook.