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).
Dell is giving 10% discount codes. Use the , then click 鈥済et coupon鈥� 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.
Loaner laptops are available for cadets who are experiencing equipment issues. Loaner laptops are provided on a first come first served basis.聽
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 * |
ENGINEERING MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
NOTE: With many modern laptops now omitting traditional ports like Ethernet, USB-A, and HDMI, it鈥檚 recommended to pair your device with a USB-C multi-port adapter. A widely used Dell option includes:
(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 * |
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 * |
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 () |
| 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 * |
Pell grant program
Cadets meeting certain financial qualifications may be eligible for a loaner laptop during their cadetship. See the鈥� for further details.
Technical support for current cadets
- Cadets can receive computer assistance through the鈥疊arracks Help Desk.鈥疘t is possible some non-recommended devices may receive no or very limited support, at the discretion of IT.鈥��
- If you need assistance with your laptop, take the laptop鈥痶o the Barracks Help Desk in room C-01B. Please bring your power adapter also.鈥� If you have non-supported equipment, our staff will make a reasonable effort to get your machine connected and operational.鈥� However, we will limit the amount of time that we spend troubleshooting any problem to no more than鈥�30 minutes.
- VMI鈥痯rovides 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鈥痺ired 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.鈥� Support priorities are:
- Network configuration for supported equipment.
- Network configuration for non-supported equipment.
- Software and hardware troubleshooting for supported equipment.
- Software and hardware troubleshooting for non-supported equipment.
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 can be downloaded from On the Hub using your cadet VMI email account.
- The Microsoft Office suite can be downloaded from 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.
Questions? We’re Here to Help
Connect with Information Technology
Email: help@vmi.edu
Phone: (540) 464-7643
Information Technology Office
315 Nichols Engineering