Minimum Alabama MBA Laptop System Requirements

The University of Alabama MBA program provides a recommended minimum laptop system configuration required of all incoming MBA students (see Table 1: Minimum Laptop Configuration below). Access to and ongoing use of a laptop will be required for all students to complete the MBA program successfully, and as such the minimum requirements are meant to provide full access to University of Alabama technology resources as well as ensure computing compatibility among MBA colleagues.

Minimum Laptop Hardware Configurations

In order to receive support from The University of Alabama technology group, the basic minimum requirements for the laptop configuration must be met. In Table 1, we have listed the minimum requirements for an Alabama MBA laptop. When ordering, make sure to ask your Dell representative how your hardware selections will affect later upgrades.

Minimum Laptop Software Adaptations

Microsoft Office products are used extensively in the MBA program, and, in the larger business world, about 90 percent of the Fortune 500 companies use Microsoft Office applications in their workplaces. More importantly, the vast majority of internship and employment placements seek University of Alabama MBA graduates with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

The recommended Dell Latitude D630 laptop includes Office XP; however, you may choose to purchase the Office XP elsewhere. Your software purchasing options include:

• Through Dell as part of upgrading your laptop system
• University of Alabama Supply Store
• Computer Specialty Stores

Regardless, all students are expected to have acquired their software applications by the first day of classes in the fall.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Students are welcome to use Macbooks or other Apple hardware. However, you must be able to run the PC version of MS Excel 2007 on your laptop in order to use the course software in OM 506. This software is essential for the homework assignments and exams in OM 506, and it will NOT work with the Mac version of Excel.

Wireless Networking on Campus

You can connect to the C&BA Network with a laptop if you have a wireless network card. Wireless network cards should conform to the 802.11b/g (internal) or 802.11 a/b/g (internal) standard, and carry the 'Designed for Windows XP' logo to insure compatibility with the C&BA network.

Need Wireless Help?

Home Access

While the university offers ample access to computers through its computer labs, the Manderson MBA Dell laptop also comes capable of a dsl connection to the Internet through an internal 56K modem.. As an MBA student, you may also seek additional advice on home access in your Technology Manual.