Devices

Computers, Software & Equipment that Work With Your Courses

UMA Recommended Computer Specifications

*Note; the following specifications are based on an average desired school experience, not a minimum that must be adhered to, but as you progress through school you may find your experience requires more than the following. Additionally, some degree programs will require different specifications.

• Processor – i3 through i7 Intel processors (recommended i5 or i7 series) or AMD Ryzen 2000/3000 series
• RAM – 16 GB
• Hard Drive – 256GB or larger solid-state drive (SSD) (recommended 500 GB or more)
• Operating System – Latest Windows or Apple OS
• Backup Device – External hard drive and/or USB Flash Drive
• Additional Computer Features –
  • Internal or external webcam device 
  • Built-in microphone or external headset 
  • WiFi enabled internet
• Warranty – Pay close attention to any details that your warranty may require and what it covers. 

Ordering Through Retailers

• Dell University of Maine System Online Store 
• Apple store
• Best Buy (Deals can be found before the fall semester)

Note UMA does not endorse any specific brand of computer or device. These links are suggestions to get you started.

Some important advice:

• Most computer vendors offer student discounts or educational pricing. Make sure you ask for this when purchasing a device.
• Many employers provide discounted purchasing of computer equipment. Check with your employer.

Computer Services on Campus and at Centers

*Students in the academic programs listed below will likely have different computer specification needs. 

Consulting with the Academic Program Coordinator or the student’s Faculty Advisor prior to purchasing is strongly recommended:

• Art,
• Architecture, 
• Computer Information Systems, 
• Undergraduate Cybersecurity Program Computer Requirements can be found here, 
• Data Science, 
• Dental Hygiene, 
• Music, 
• Nursing

Software

Suggested Web Browsers

Latest versions of:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Edge (Automatically on PC only)
• Safari (Automatically on Mac only)

Students are highly encourage to install Firefox and Chrome in addition to the pre-installed browser since Chrome and Firefox work smoother with both Zoom and Brightspace.

Digital Storage

Online Storage and/or backup for important documents (ex: Google Drive, One Drive, iCloud)

Microsoft Office 365 (NO COST TO STUDENTS!)

Microsoft offers their Office 365 suite of programs to faculty, staff, and students of higher education institutions that purchase Office for their entire campus. 

Please visit the Office 365 Page and follow instructions there to download the Microsoft Applications, as well as getting more in depth information.

How to Connect to Remote Computer Labs

Select lab computers are also available remotely 24 hours a day for those whose computers are struggling to keep up with school demands. You can visit UMA Remote Labs directly, click ‘connect’ to any available remote computer, download the connection file, and then log in.

UMS Remote Labs provides students remote access to academic software that has traditionally been installed in Computer Labs.  This service extends access to PC (Windows) computer labs offsite to students, faculty, and staff from a PC(Windows) or Mac. These computers are intended to provide software students cannot access otherwise, with the only requirement being a stable internet connection. 

Remote Access VPN

A Remote Access virtual private network (VPN) is a tool for faculty, staff, and students of the University of Maine System to establish a secure connection to the University network from off-campus. The Remote Access VPN service is most useful when needing to access UMS information systems and/or services from off-site. Common examples of resources that require VPN access include:

• Campus file servers
• Remote Desktop

In addition, those with University managed laptops will be able to conduct more “on-campus” work from off-campus by utilizing the Remote Access VPN.

Instructions on how to connect to the Remote Access VPN (Personally owned Devices).

Instructions on how to connect to the Remote Access VPN (University owned Devices)

VPN for students outside of the US

Remote Access VPN

A Remote Access virtual private network (VPN) is a tool for faculty, staff, and students of the University of Maine System to establish a secure connection to the University network from off-campus. The Remote Access VPN service is most useful when needing to access UMS information systems and/or services from off-site. Common examples of resources that require VPN access include:

• Access from outside US
• Campus file servers
• Remote Desktop

In addition, those with University managed laptops will be able to conduct more “on-campus” work from off-campus by utilizing the Remote Access VPN.

Instructions on how to connect to the Remote Access VPN (Personally owned Devices).

Instructions on how to connect to the Remote Access VPN (University owned Devices)

UMA offers in-person computer labs at the Bangor and Augusta campuses and at all of UMA’s Centers.  The labs available during operating hours and are free for all UMA students. Printing & scanning services are available at all of the in-person labs.

Select lab computers are also available remotely 24 hours a day.  Visit  How to Connect to Remote Labs for more information, noting that a VPN  Connection is required. You can visit UMA Remote Labs directly when your VPN is active. 

Lab computers are intended for academic use,  and you’ll need your University credentials in order to log on.

Mobile

Making sure your phone can handle the Pulse App is important. Currently (as of April 14th, 2026) Android 6 and iOS 13 are the minimum/oldest operating systems that can handle the app.

There will be some videos, documents, and pop-ups that will not populate on a mobile device. Note this when using the Pulse App or trying to access anything your professor assigns you.