Need help buying a computer?
The Deakin Student Support Scholarship supports students who experience financial or personal hardship, yet display passion, perseverance and commitment to study. You could receive up to $10,000 per year.
What computing set up will you need?
To fully engage with Deakin's learning experiences, you must be able to access and use internet-connected devices.* This includes having a desktop computer or laptop, reliable internet connectivity and the capability to navigate our online learning environments effectively.
Best uni laptop or desktop?
Generally, any desktop or laptop computer purchased in the past two years should meet most of your learning needs at Deakin. While mobile devices like tablets and smartphones can access many communication and learning tools, some course components may require the greater computing capability of a desktop or laptop.
What’s the minimum standard for your computer?
A minimum standard computer suitable for most courses should:
- use a currently supported Microsoft Windows or Apple macOS operating system. For information on current support for Microsoft Windows, please visit Supported versions of Windows client | Microsoft Learn. Information on currently supported Apple operating systems can be found at Apple macOS | endoflife.date.
- run a modern browser such as Microsoft Edge (Chromium edition) or Google Chrome; Mozilla Firefox and Apple Safari are also generally acceptable
- support document, spreadsheet and presentation software – Microsoft Office 365, including 100GB of OneDrive storage, is provided to all staff and students through Deakin’s Microsoft 365 agreement
- connect to Deakin's wireless network on campus, at student residences, or learning centres
- enable the use of a web camera (external or built-in) and a headset (USB or Bluetooth)
- support Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) using the DUO app on a phone or tablet (iOS 14 or higher, Android 10 or higher) or a mobile device that can receive SMS/texts.
Additional software may be required for specific courses. Check with your unit chair for any unique technical requirements.
Are you a current student?
Access a range of self-help resources and support to help you with Wi-Fi access, your student email, passwords, printing, files, software and more.
Internet connectivity requirements
In all study modes, Deakin courses increasingly utilise our online learning platform. This requires reliable broadband internet with both upload and download capacity. On Deakin campuses and learning centres, connectivity is available through wireless networks for portable devices and shared computing facilities in libraries and computer labs. Students can also use the eduroam wireless connection at many institutions worldwide.
Online learning
For online-based learning, students need an internet service provider (ISP). If you have a National Broadband Network (NBN), cable or ADSL broadband plan, your internet connection should provide sufficient speed for downloading study materials and engaging in online learning activities.
Mobile internet
If you rely on 3G or 4G mobile technology, the speed may vary depending on your location, which could affect your learning experience with Deakin. In some cases, it might constrain your engagement with course materials.
Using lots of data
Certain activities, like uploading or downloading large files, are more efficient at a Deakin campus or learning centre. This is especially true for media-rich files, such as videos to/from YouTube, Vimeo or DeakinAir.
Accessing library resources
Some specialist resources, such as library resources under copyright licensing, require access from a Deakin IP address (available on any Deakin campus) or via a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Essential capabilities for Deakin students
DeakinSync is your personal portal to Deakin University resources, offering a centralised place to access learning tools, manage your time, communicate, collaborate and handle enrolment information. As a Deakin student, you are expected to:
- utilise digital literacy skills to find, use and disseminate information using technologies, including accessing text, image and audio files on the web
- communicate effectively using email and communication tools in DeakinSync, including managing attachments
- create documents using Microsoft Office 365 for text, spreadsheets and presentations
- manage files for sharing, storage and back up using common file formats
- manage software, including installing and uninstalling applications and managing system settings on a common operating system.
Footnotes
*This information provides general guidance on what is required of all Deakin students. Students should check individual course and unit requirements carefully prior to enrolment and prior to purchasing or connecting devices as there may be additional requirements for some courses.
Need help setting up?
For support with computing, connectivity and capability requirements, contact the IT Service Desk.