- #BEST COMPUTER SOFTWARE FOR STUDENTS FULL#
- #BEST COMPUTER SOFTWARE FOR STUDENTS SOFTWARE#
- #BEST COMPUTER SOFTWARE FOR STUDENTS MAC#
While it can take some time to get used to doing everything through a browser, Chrome laptops can do everything that traditional laptops can, and thanks to solid support and updates from Google, Chrome laptops are among the most secure available. ChromeOSĬhromeOS is Google’s operating system built on the popular web browser, Chrome. If you need the most worry-free laptop available and you don’t mind paying a premium, consider getting a laptop from Apple’s MacBook product family.
#BEST COMPUTER SOFTWARE FOR STUDENTS MAC#
The best part about OS X is what you don’t experience crashes, viruses, and random slowdowns are far less prevalent on Mac laptops than competing Windows models. These laptops tend to cost between 10% and 30% more than comparable models from other brands. However, it’s also a bit of a chore to keep the laptop secure from viruses. Because Windows is so ubiquitous, it’s pretty easy to get tech support for a Windows laptop. It’s often found on budget and moderately priced laptops. Microsoft Windows is the most widely used operating system across college campuses. Here’s a look at what makes each OS unique.
#BEST COMPUTER SOFTWARE FOR STUDENTS SOFTWARE#
Many laptops come with 4GB of RAM, but if you need a laptop that’s still going to feel fast after a few years of use (and multiple software updates), get one with at least 8GB, if not 16GB.ĭifferent laptops come with different operating systems, and while there are significant differences in the look and feel of each OS, all of them are more than sufficient for college students. More RAM doesn’t actually speed up how quickly data is processed, but because it controls how much data gets processed at a time, it has a big impact on how fast a laptop feels. This is incredibly important without enough RAM, even the fastest CPU can seem sluggish. RAMĪ laptop’s random access memory (RAM) controls how many tasks the computer can take on simultaneously. For example, a laptop with a seventh-generation i5 CPU is a solid middle-of-the-road choice. Intel periodically upgrades each line, so take note of which generation is included with your potential selection. The most common CPUs for laptops are made by Intel and come in three classes, each faster than the last: i3, i5, i7, and i9. To complicate matters, CPU speeds from different manufacturers can be difficult to directly compare because of fundamental differences in architecture. Naturally, some CPUs are faster and more capable than others. If laptops were cars, CPUs would be the engines. The central processing unit (CPU) is the chip responsible for all operations on a laptop. Portability comes at a premium, as lighter laptops tend to cost more than heavier laptops.
#BEST COMPUTER SOFTWARE FOR STUDENTS FULL#
While that range might not sound huge, the weight of your laptop will definitely make a difference after a full day of carrying it from class to class. Laptops can weigh anywhere from three to seven pounds. A 13-inch or 15-inch model would probably appeal to most people. The screen size essentially determines the overall size of the laptop, so if you’re planning on taking it with you everywhere, it’s worth considering how big a laptop you’re willing to lug around. Most laptops aimed at the college crowd feature screen sizes between 11 and 15 inches on the diagonal. The right choice can help you “future-proof” your investment as much as possible so it lasts as long as possible. It’s important to focus on the technical specifications of your new laptop. Apple, in keeping with their stance of “We don’t want your data,” tracks minimal user data. With default settings, Microsoft Windows tracks and reports user behavior in the name of improving with feedback. If you’re trying to decide between a Windows laptop and an Apple laptop, compare how each company treats privacy.