Students can receive a discount on several software applications simply by using their SMU Email address. Visit smu.onthehub.com to purchase Adobe applications and more.
Students are eligible to download the Microsoft Office suite, SAS, SAS JMP, and Mathematica free of charge under our campus agreement. Also, many software packages are available to use virtually within Apps.SMU, our virtualized environment.
Students have the ability to download the Microsoft 365 apps for FREE at smu.edu/microsoft365. Microsoft 365 can then be installed on up to 10 devices.
Apple and Windows platforms are fully supported and compatible with campus IT services. The following are suggested requirements for a personal laptop and we recommend systems that meet or exceed the following specifications. Please confirm with your program.
| Minimum | Recommended | |
| Memory: | 8GB RAM |
16GB RAM |
| Processor: | Intel i5 processor AMD A10, Ryzen 5 Apple M1 |
Intel i7/i9 processor or higher |
| Storage: | 256 GB or more, preferably SSD | 500GB |
| Graphics: | Intergraded graphics card with minimum 4GB memory | Dedicated graphics card with minimum 4GB memory. |
| Wireless: | 802.11n WiFi wireless networking | 02.11n WiFi wireless networking. |
| Additional: | Built-in video camera and microphone. | Built-in video camera and microphone. |
Lyle programs use software that may not be available for macOS, such as SolidWorks and Fluent, and some that are only partially supported, such as LabView, MATLAB, COMSOL. While Lyle provides computing lab facilities for the completion of coursework, it is recommended that students enrolled in Lyle meet the following recommendations for their personal computers:
| Memory:: | 16 GB or more |
|---|---|
| Processor : | Minimum Intel Core i5; Inter Core i7 or higher recommended |
| Storage: | 512 GB or more, preferably SSD |
| Graphics: | Dedicated graphics card with minimum 4GB memory |
| Wireless: | 802.11n Wi-Fi wireless networking. |
All students at Meadows are expected to have an Apple laptop computer meeting specific criteria as they enter courses in their major. The minimum laptop specifications are as follows:
| Model: | 13" MacBook Air or MacBook Pro |
| Operating system: | macOS 10.10 or higher |
| Processor: | Apple M1 Chip |
| RAM: | 8GB or higher |
| HardDrive: | 256gb or larger |
| Technical Support: | AppleCare Protection plan |
| Software: | Microsoft Office* Other recommended software packages vary by academic division and course. |
More information about the requirement and financial aid to meet the requirement can be found on the Meadows Laptop Requirement page.
SMU has a contract with both AT&T and Sprint. Through these contracts, students can receive discounts on existing or new lines of service. Click on your desired vendor to learn more or sign up for your cell phone discount.