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Laptop FAQ

Are the mentioned specifications the minimal or recommended specifications? If the mentioned specifications are the recommended specifications, what are the minimal specifications?

Answer: The specifications are the recommended specifications. Most of the software will work on a laptop with lower specifications, but slower or some features may not work. It is up to a student to decide whether they are okay with this. The Faculty of Science has a laptop pool from which students can borrow a laptop for a day. The procedure for borrowing a laptop can be found on: https://wiki.cncz.science.ru.nl/Laptop_uitleenreglement.

What are the specifications based on?

Answers: The specifications were determined based on input from the educational institutes. They have determined with configurations are needed to correctly run the required software, and have tried to estimate the future developments. This is why the recommended specifications are slightly higher that minimally required. However, this means that prospective students that do not have a laptop yet can buy one that will last their entire Bachelor’s or Master’s programme.

Is the 13 inch screen required or can the screen be smaller or larger, if I prefer this?

Answer: The screen size is not a requirement but was also determined based on the input of the educational institutes. Perhaps it is more important to pay attention to the resolution of the screen when choosing a laptop. More and more applications require a full HD screen, which can make text and buttons very small on a small screen. However, this is also up to the student to decide.

My laptop does not meet all the mentioned specifications. Do I need to purchase a new one? I own a Macbook or a lapop with Linux. Do I need to purchase a Windows laptop?

Answer: Most of the applications are web applications, so the OS does not influence the performance, as long as you have a modern browser.

For applications that only work in Windows, it is possible to set up your MacBook or laptop with Linux as a dual boot or run Windows virtually. In the upcoming academic year we will research if it is possible to offer students virtual Windows desktops, with which it is possible to work in the same space regardless of the device, and installing software on your own laptop will not longer be needed. If there are specific cases in which a Windows laptop with the recommended specifications is needed, students can borrow a laptop for a day from the Faculty of Science laptop pool. The procedure for borrowing a laptop can be found on: https://wiki.cncz.science.ru.nl/Laptop_uitleenreglement.

I have a desktop computer. Am I expected to also purchase a laptop?

Answer: Most of the education in the first semester will take place online. Whether education will take place online after this depends on the developments regarding COVID-19 and for example the development of a vaccine. All online education can be attended on a desktop. The Faculty of Science has a laptop pool from which students can borrow a laptop for a day to attend education that takes place on campus and requires a laptop. The procedure for borrowing a laptop can be found on: https://wiki.cncz.science.ru.nl/Laptop_uitleenreglement.

I do not own a laptop or computer and I am not able to purchase one. What should I do?

A new laptop is a large investment. If you would like to buy your own laptop for your study, it is possible to buy a refurbished laptop that meets the requirements, as this will be cheaper. If you are not able to purchase a laptop, we advise you to contact us via owcsupport@science.ru.nl. Together, we will find a solution to ensure you can start studying in September.