Laptop Requirements and Internet Access for Learning

Please prepare your laptop before admission since there will be many occasions when you are required to use it after admission. For the first semester of AY 2023, Kyoto University is to conduct classes face-to-face in principle, while taking measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection. However, it is also recommended that students set up unlimited internet connection without ever worrying about their data cap since the class format is subject to change from in-person to online classes depending on the status of COVID-19.

Be sure to check the minimum recommended specifications below for laptop and internet environments. However, please note that even if your current laptop does not meet the minimum specifications, it is not necessary to purchase a new one. Please consider the laptop usage situation after enrollment first, and then you can decide whether to purchase the new one if it is necessary.

(a) Recommend Notebook Computer Specifications

Considering the use of your laptop on campus where classrooms vary from class to class, self-study outside of class hours, and attending online classes, we advise that you have laptops that are easily portable, have fast boot-up speed and power-saving features, and also that are strong enough to be able to survive from turbulence knock on your commute to the campus by bicycle or other means.

• The unsupported version by the manufacturer will no longer receive software updates. Windows 10 is also acceptable, but since extended support for Windows 10 is scheduled to end on October 14, 2025, it would be preferable to have the one upgradeable to Windows 11.
• Although more expensive than hard disk drives (HDDs), they are designed for startup speed and power savings for use within KU campus, where classrooms change from class to class, and for fault tolerance when commuting to and from school by bicycle or other means.
• Since there are no charging facilities on campus, we take into account that the batteries can be recharged at home and used throughout the day.
• Tablet-type terminals without keyboards are not suitable for study use, such as report writing, because they require the use of a software keyboard and have a narrower screen.
• It does not matter if it can be handled by a conversion adapter or other means.
• It also has a web version that runs on a web browser, but this recommended specification requires that you be able to use the PC version that runs by installing it on a laptop.
• It does not have to be built-in.

1　Important Note in Each Faculty

• Faculty of Science
  The research fields in the Faculty of Science are diverse, and there is a wide range of required laptop specifications. Therefore, if you have a laptop, and so on which meets or exceeds the above minimum requirements, there will not be so much problem with using it during your first year of study. As for the use of smartphones, you may take online classes, but please note that it plays only a supplementary role. In general, it is preferable to have a laptop for taking online classes, writing reports, etc. For that reason, if you do not currently own a laptop or tablet and if you can afford to purchase the new one, it is recommended that you purchase it at this time.
  
  Be noted that it is difficult to add memory after purchase. It is possible to use USB memory for external storage. Also, regarding display size, storage capacity, and battery life, unless your current laptop is insufficient, there should be no problem. In addition, a camera, speakers, microphone, and the stability of the Wireless LAN connection are essential for taking online classes. It would be desirable to have earphones or headphones with microphones, too in preparation for watching online classes on campus.
• Faculty of Engineering (Department of Architecture)
  From the first semester of the first year, students in the Department of Architecture use their own PCs for exercises in the lecture rooms and drafting rooms. The above minimum specifications required by KU meet our minimum standards, but the following considerations will help make the exercises more comfortable and economical.
  Do I need to purchase a new laptop?】
  If you have no problems with your current laptop for daily use, please take classes with it for the time being. It is not too late to purchase a new one after you enter KU and consult with the faculty members.
  【Windows or Mac ?】
  Since some engineering software packages only run on Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Windows laptop is recommended in this regard. Students who opt for a Mac are responsible for researching what they can do on a Mac, or installing Windows Operating software such as Parallels to operate Windows-based software on a Mac.
  【Graphics Board】
  In the department's exercises, students operate CAD, create 3DCG, and edit images or videos. In such cases, laptops with graphics board offer a higher processing speed and make you feel less stressed. A graphics board is hardware, for example, described as “NVIDIA GeForce RTX”, and is often installed in products in the “Gaming Laptop” category. Of course, it is possible to operate a laptop even without it, but you should pay attention to this item when purchasing a new PC in the future. (A graphics board in this text is not the one built into the CPU.)
  【Computer Mouse】
  For 3D operation, it is recommended to use a computer mouse that has multiple buttons and a scroll wheel.
  【Printer】
  It is not necessarily required to have a printer to take classes, as you can print at convenience stores. However, the use of your own printer makes it easier for you to create drawings, models, etc. and it extends your range of expression. While A4 printers are comparatively reasonable and easily available. A3 printers are generally used in the field of architectural design, and some students have one from the viewpoint that the greater serves for the lesser.

2　Purchasing a Laptop

3　Notes on the Use of Laptop

• Please note that students are required to take the Information security e-Learning.
• Be sure to charge your laptop at home.
• On your commute to the campus, especially when placing your laptop in a bicycle basket, take care not to damage your laptop by dropping it and etc…
• Beware of theft, both on and off campus when carrying a laptop.
• To prevent information leakage in the event of theft or loss, please set strong passwords on your laptop computer and encrypt the internal drive as much as possible.
• Do not use non-authorized software (pirated software, unauthorized licenses, etc.). Otherwise, it may violate copyright laws and the user himself/herself or the university may be held legally responsible. There is also a possibility of virus contamination.

⒝ Recommended Internet Environment