Recommended Software
Essential Software
Be sure that your computer is equipped with the following:
- A web browser, such as Firefox, Google Chrome, or Safari - Due to its enhanced security and customization settings, ResComp suggests using Mozilla Firefox.
- While most people have a web-based email account (such as Gmail), you should also consider installing an email client, such as Microsoft Outlook, Apple's mail program, or Mozilla Thunderbird.
- Word processing/office applications such as Microsoft Word - Because Microsoft Office applications are the most common choice, it may be helpful to have them in order to work collaboratively, and UC Berkeley is now offering a free download of the MS Office suite for students and staff. There are also free and compatible alternatives to MS Office: Open Office (available from www.openoffice.org) can read files created in other programs and has versions for Mac, Windows, and Linux. In addition, Google Docs functions similarly to Microsoft Office and is useful for collaboration.
- Design software from Adobe - While these applications are not essential for everyone, they are very useful if you want to develop your design skills, and UC Berkeley is currently offering the Adobe Creative Suite Design Premium package at no cost to students. This includes Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, and more. Go here for more information and to download.
- Security software, which is included in ResComp's Be Secure package, is required in order to meet the campus minimum security standards. Be Secure includes Mozilla Firefox, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, and Symantec Endpoint Protection antivirus software. Residents will be able to download the Be Secure software upon arrival to the residence halls. For more information, please visit our security page.
Latest Operating Systems
Either Windows 7 or Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion) are capable of meeting campus security requirements. However, previous versions are also acceptable, such as Windows Vista or XP and Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) and 10.5 (Leopard). As long as your computer meets the campus minimum security standards and is still supported by the manufacturer, it is not critical to have the very latest version of your operating system.
Please note that we do not support Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME or Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) operating systems because they do not meet campus minimum security standards.
Because several versions of Windows 7 are available, ResComp recommends that you review the information on the Windows website to choose the version that is best for you. All versions are supported by ResComp.
Linux is an alternative, open-source operating system that could be a good option for students. For more information about linux, please visit www.linux.org.