Technology Resources and Links

What are the technology requirements for NIU College of Business Students?

To ensure your success as a student in the College of Business at NIU, you must have access to a personal laptop that meets the specifications outlined below. Your access to this device will play a vital role in your ability to complete coursework, participate in in-class computer-based activities and assessments, online meetings and classes and run necessary business applications.

Minimum Specifications

Processor: Intel Core i5 (or AMD equivalent) or higher
Memory (RAM): 8 GB minimum (16 GB strongly recommended)
Storage: 256 GB SSD or higher
Operating System:
- Windows 11 (strongly preferred) or Windows 10 (64-bit)
- macOS 15 (Sequoia) may be used; however, please be aware that many required business applications, including Microsoft Access, PowerBI and some financial modeling software, are not compatible with macOS. Mac users will need to pay for and install Windows through Bootcamp, Parallels and/or use applications via Anywhereapps to participate in coursework. These virtualization options are typically slower and less stable than when running on a local, native Windows computer.
Tablet computers, Chromebooks or smartphones are not sufficient for use as primary devices for College of Business students.

Other Feature Recommendations

Battery life: Minimum of six hours to support long periods of usage without charging
Display size: Thirteen inches or larger for ease of use with spreadsheets and business tools
Webcam and microphone: Built-in or external, required for online classes and virtual meetings
Software: Microsoft Office 365 (available free for NIU students)
Web browser: current versions of Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox
Security software: Up-to-date antivirus and malware protection

Where Should I Purchase a Laptop?

You are free to buy a laptop at any source, including traditional retailers such as Best Buy or Walmart or online retailers such as Dell, Lenovo or Amazon. If you are on financial aid, you may be able to use financial aid for your purchase at the university bookstore.

Can I Borrow a Laptop?

A limited number of laptop computers are available for daily use in the College of Business Technology Office (COBTech) in case of emergency. Email cobtech@niu.edu or stop into the COBTech office to reserve/pick up. Daily use laptop loaners are for use within the building and must be returned the same day they are loaned. Daily use laptops have a standard suite of productivity and business software installed, students may not install additional software. The NIU Founders Library operates both a daily and a longer-term laptop loaner program.

Is There a Computer Lab in Barsema Hall?

The College of Business Computer Lab (BH 313) is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. when not reserved, with 25 computers including common productivity and business software. NIU maintains several additional computer labs on campus.

Where Can I Get Technical Assistance?

For questions about specialized hardware or software tools used in your courses, contact your professor or their designee.
For technical questions about hardware or general software, wireless access in Barsema Hall and other COB related questions, email cobtech@niu.edu or visit the COBTech Office (BH205) Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For other technical questions, including account and password-related issues, Blackboard and NIU, contact the NIU Division of IT (DoIT) at servicedesk@niu.edu or 815-753-8100.

Where Can I Print?

Barsema Hall has three AnywherePrints/PaperCut printer/copiers for student use. There is at least one printer on each floor. You must use your OneCard. Black and white prints are $0.05 per one-sided page, and color prints are $0.12 per one-sided page. There is no charge for scanning. Learn more about how to print.

1st floor: hallway outside BH119
2nd floor: copy room BH208 (near elevator)
3rd floor: copy room BH308 (near elevator)

How Can I Submit an Announcement for the Barsema Hall Monitors?

College events, organizations and volunteer opportunities are all examples of items we want to promote on our college-wide announcement monitors. If your student organization has an announcement for the building monitors, please fill out this form.