Recommendations for own computer

Minimum requirements and IT Support

The recommended equipment is announced by Xamk, and the students acquire the equipment from the desired vendor at their own cost. Instruction is planned and implemented according to the equipment recommendation. In degree programmes requiring software that is not reasonably available for BYOD devices, some of the instruction is provided on campus in the computer classrooms.

You should acquire your laptop before your studies begin (see the exact start date in the information provided by your degree programme). If you already have a computer, you can start your studies with it and acquire a new one later, if needed. Apple devices can be used, but they have a narrower range of applications, and they have generally had more problems in our operating environments than Windows devices.

Two types of devices have been outlined in these guidelines. A general recommendation device is enough to manage the basics, and in some degree programmes no other device is required.

A more powerful device should be considered in the following fields (the software may require more from the device):

• Marine Technology, Logistics and Transport
• Design
• Game Programming and ICT
• Engineering and Forestry

Software/Licenses

Instruction is planned to mainly use software that doesn’t cause any additional costs to the students. Students can use Microsoft Office, Autodesk and IBM SPSS products, for example, free of charge. Students are responsible for their equipment licences.

You are not required to have the software installed on your device when beginning the studies, but you can do so if you wish. When installing Office 365, you’ll need a Xamk username and password (see https://www.xamk.fi/en/education/beginning-the-studies/). More information on how to get these is issued separately. The instructions are on Lux intranet (requires logging in with Xamk user ID).

Support before your studies

Before starting your studies, you can contact the tutors in your degree programme for advice (see the contact information in your degree programme’s instructions for beginning the studies) or request help through IT Support Xinfo at https://xinfo.xamk.fi. When submitting a ticket for support, please select “Add a service request” and send the request to “IT Support”. Support is primarily available for user ID problems, not for issues with your own device.