Computing requirements

In general, any desktop or laptop computer purchased in the past two years should be capable of meeting most of your learning needs at Deakin. Mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones may also enable access to many common communication and learning experiences; however, there are likely to be aspects of most courses where the computing capability of mobile devices alone is insufficient, and a desktop or laptop environment is required.

A minimum standard computer suitable for most courses can:

• use a system such as Windows 10 (20H2) or later, macOS Big Sur 11x. or above (refer to Deakin's Standard Operating Environment)
• run a modern browser. Microsoft Edge (new Chromium edition) or Google Chrome are preferred; in most cases you can also use Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari
• run programs to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Microsoft Office 365 with 1TB of OneDrive storage is provided to all staff and students through Deakin’s Microsoft 365 agreement.
• connect to Deakin's wireless network when used on campus, at on-campus student residences or at a learning centre – see 'Connectivity' below
• enable the use of a web camera (external or built-in) and headset (USB or Bluetooth)
• all students are required to use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). To run this will require the DUO app on a phone or tablet, Apple: iOS 14 or higher or Android 10 or higher. Alternatively, a mobile device that can receive SMS/texts.

Your courses may require additional specific software, which may have higher or additional system requirements. Check with your unit chair for any unique technical requirements.

Deakin courses increasingly require reliable broadband internet connectivity, with upload and download capacity. At Deakin campuses and learning centres, this connectivity is available through wireless connection (for portable devices) and through shared computing facilities in libraries and computer labs. Students can also access the wireless connection (eduroam) at many institutions worldwide.

For Cloud learning, students need an internet service provider (ISP). If you have a National Broadband Network (NBN), cable or ADSL broadband plan with your ISP, your internet connection should provide sufficient speed to download required study materials and to engage in online learning activities associated with your Deakin course.

If you rely on your 3G or 4G mobile phone technology to access the internet (and Deakin learning resources), then the speed at which you can do so may vary widely depending on your location and, in the worst cases, may constrain your learning engagement with Deakin.

Some specific activities, such as uploading and/or downloading large files, may be more efficiently conducted at a Deakin campus or learning centre. This is particularly the case for media-rich files, such as videos to/from YouTube, Vimeo or DeakinAir.

In addition, some specialist resources, such as Library resources under copyright licencing, require students to access these from either a Deakin IP address (available when connecting to the Deakin network at any Deakin campus) or via a secure Virtual Private Network.

DeakinSync is your personal portal to relevant Deakin University resources, providing access to everything in one place including tools to access learning resources, our learning environment, manage your time, communicate and collaborate with others and manage your enrolment information.

Most students will be expected to be able to:

• use technologies to find, use and disseminate information; access text, image and audio files on the web (Digital Literacy Graduate Learning Outcome)
• communicate using email and attachments
• create basic documents, spreadsheets and presentations
• manage and back-up files using common file formats
• use a common operating system to install and uninstall software, as well as manage software and settings.

Please direct any queries relating to computing, connectivity and capability requirements to the IT Service Desk.

Deakin also offers a range of services for students experiencing difficulties in meeting these requirements.

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