The Department of English includes the following majors:

• English
• English Education
• Publishing Studies
• Creative Writing
• Technical Writing & Rhetorics

Platform and Operating System (Mac vs Windows)

Students enrolled in Technical Writing and Rhetorics or Publishing Studies programs would benefit more by having computers with the Macintosh operating system. Students in any other English Department major can use a computer with the operating system to which they feel most comfortable. Generally, the software that a student would regularly use is available on either platform or a comparable alternative exists.

Following the “New Advanced” specifications should adequately meet a student’s needs throughout their academic program. A computer should include a built-in webcam as video conferencing and the need to record video is being increasingly utilized in coursework.

Computer Specifications

In order to complete their coursework, students will often find it necessary to use computers in their residence, around campus, in classes, or when meeting with project groups. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that students purchase a laptop as they will be disadvantaged without one.

The use of netbooks, chrome books, tablets, iPads, or other low-end systems as a primary device are strongly discouraged. A desktop computer is also discouraged as it will create an undesirable limitation on the student’s productivity.

An English major will find that a computer that meets the following specs (regardless of platform) meets the needs of their major:

• Current generation Intel, AMD, or Apple Processor
• Minimum of 8GB memory
• Minimum of 256+GB SSD storage
• A dedicated Graphics Card - Please note this recommendation applies only to Technical Writing & Rhetoric and Publishing Studies
• A 3 or 4 year warranty that includes Accidental Damage coverage

A selection of models sold at TechZone that meet these requirements are found at the end of this page.  For a complete listing of models return to the home page by clicking the TechZone logo above and browsing by brand.  This list is by no means exhaustive and provides only a small example of the models available.

TechZone recommends a primary computing device with a full-featured Windows or Mac operating System. Chromebooks, iPads, and some entry-level Windows devices are not sufficient for all needs across the University but can be used as secondary devices.

Software Recommendations

Office 365 is a service, available to all faculty, staff and students at Illinois State University. It allows you to:

• Access your email and files from anywhere, on any device
• Store your files in the University-connected OneDrive cloud, for anywhere-access to your stuff
• Download the latest version of Microsoft Office for installation on your laptop or desktop computer
• Install the Microsoft Office App on your mobile devices
• Access Microsoft Office Online (a simplified version of Microsoft Office) even on systems that do not have Microsoft Office installed.

Need assistance installing Microsoft Office? Visit TechZone Service Center in the Bone Student Center for in person assistance or watch either of the following videos: Windows or MacOS.

Adobe Creative Cloud is available to students. Access can be requested at Adobe at ISU

Lab Time and Computer Availability

Students will find that a blend of using a personally-owned computer as well as relying on computer labs is necessary. Open lab times will vary and are posted near each computer lab. A personally-owned laptop will help reduce the reliance on computer labs.