Cadet Computing

Computer Requirements

Cadets are allowed to bring only laptop computers to VMI. Desktop computers are not permitted.

VMI recommends Dell laptop models with the minimum system requirements listed below.

Purchasing an IT-approved, Dell laptop model with the Dell Care Premium warranty is not required but will ensure prompt priority support and quick turn-around time for any parts ordered. The warranties allows the unit to stay on-site for any repairs by VMI-certified technicians (with a few exceptions including, but not limited, to water damage).

If you have purchased a Dell laptop model with the Dell Care Premium warranty and then experience equipment issues, loaner laptops are available through VMI. Loaner laptops are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dell is giving 10% discount codes. Use the online Dell store, then click “get coupon” on the page and then verify with your school email. You will receive a promo code within 10 minutes to use at checkout. Financing is available through Dell. Dell Care Premium warranty must be added at checkout.

• Accidental Damage Service [PDF]

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Minimum System Requirements

Note: Mac OS devices and Chromebooks are not supported by IT nor are they compatible with a majority of software used at VMI.

Requirement	Windows PC
Platform	Laptop
Operating System	Windows 11 (64- Bit). Mac OS and Chrome OS not supported.
Processor	Any current generation Intel Core Series
Memory (RAM)	16 GB or higher
Storage	Minimum 512 GB SSD (Solid State Drive)
Video	Integrated
Webcam	Built-in or external with built in microphone (headset/earbuds recommended)
Wireless	Wireless NIC included
Warranty	4 Year on-site service support with accident damage coverage
Software	Download Microsoft Office*

ENGINEERING MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

NOTE: With many modern laptops now omitting traditional ports like Ethernet, USB-A, and HDMI, it’s recommended to pair your device with a USB-C multi-port adapter. A widely used Dell option includes: Dell Pro 7-in-1 USB-C Travel Hub (DA326)

(Note: Most standard, compatible USB-C hubs from your preferred vendor will also work.)  

Electrical and Computer Engineering

PLATFORM	Laptop
OPERATING SYSTEM	Windows 11 (64-bit) Professional or Education
PROCESSOR (CPU)	Any current generation Intel Core or AMD Ryzen Series
MEMORY (RAM)	16 GB or higher
STORAGE	1 TB SSD (Solid State Drive)
VIDEO (GRAPHICS CARD)	Integrated
WEBCAM	Built-in or external with build in microphone
WIRELESS	Wireless NIC included
WARRANTY	4 Year on-site service support with accident damage coverage
SOFTWARE	Download Microsoft Office*

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Civil and Environmental Engineering 

PLATFORM	Laptop
OPERATING SYSTEM	Windows 11 (64-bit) Professional or Education
PROCESSOR (CPU)	Any current generation Intel Core or AMD Ryzen Series
MEMORY (RAM)	16 GB or higher
STORAGE	1 TB SSD (Solid State Drive)
VIDEO (GRAPHICS CARD)	Integrated
WEBCAM	Built-in or external with build in microphone
WIRELESS	Wireless NIC included
WARRANTY	4 Year on-site service support with accident damage coverage
SOFTWARE	Download Microsoft Office*

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Mechanical Engineering

PLATFORM	Laptop
OPERATING SYSTEM	Windows 11 (64-bit) Professional or Education
PROCESSOR (CPU)	Any current generation Intel Core or AMD Ryzen Series
MEMORY (RAM)	16 GB or higher
STORAGE	1 TB SSD (Solid State Drive)
VIDEO (GRAPHICS CARD)	Discrete GPU (Any listed under “[ALL] Graphics Cards” meets the minimum requirement from this Solidworks link)
WEBCAM	Built-in or external with build in microphone
WIRELESS	Wireless NIC included
WARRANTY	4 Year on-site service support with accident damage coverage
SOFTWARE	Download Microsoft Office*

Pell grant program

Cadets meeting certain financial qualifications may be eligible for a loaner laptop during their cadetship. See the Policy for the Distribution of Institute owned Laptops to Cadets (GO94) for further details. 

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Technical support for current cadets

• Cadets can receive computer assistance through the Barracks Help Desk. It is possible some non-recommended devices may receive no or very limited support, at the discretion of IT.   
• If you need assistance with your laptop, take the laptop to the Barracks Help Desk in room C-01B. Please bring your power adapter also.  If you have non-supported equipment, our staff will make a reasonable effort to get your machine connected and operational.  However, we will limit the amount of time that we spend troubleshooting any problem to no more than 30 minutes.
• VMI provides public computers for cadet use in some academic buildings, and in the Barracks Study Room (available 24/7). Barracks rooms are configured to allow access to the VMI network and the Internet via a wired and wireless connection. We recommend purchasing a CAT.5E or CAT.6 network cable (5-7 feet long).Do not purchase and/or bring any wireless extender/router devices as they are not allowed.
• VMI IT ensures cadet computers function properly on the VMI LAN.  Support priorities are:
  1. Network configuration for supported equipment.
  2. Network configuration for non-supported equipment.
  3. Software and hardware troubleshooting for supported equipment.
  4. Software and hardware troubleshooting for non-supported equipment. 

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Software

Microsoft Software

• VMI provides Microsoft Windows Operating System and Office Suite software to current cadets free of charge. 
• New computers purchased from the VMI Dell premiere page are preloaded with the latest version of Microsoft Windows Operating System. The latest version of Microsoft Windows Operating System can be downloaded from  On the Hub using your cadet VMI email account.
• The Microsoft Office suite can be downloaded from Outlook using your cadet VMI email account.

Antivirus Software

Antivirus software must be installed when using the VMI network. New computers purchased from the VMI Dell premiere page are preloaded with Windows Defender.