Agriculture Department Laptop Program

The Agriculture Department at Ridgewater College is requiring that all students enrolled have a Windows-based laptop computer. 

Financial Aid Purchase

To submit a request to have a laptop purchased via financial aid, please complete this Ag Student Computer Voucher form

Minimum Requirements for Purchasing your own Computer

The following is a list of requirements that must be met when purchasing your computer. 

NOTE: Chromebook/Mac/Apple devices are NOT supported by our system-wide Online Learning Management System – D2L Brightspace

• All Agriculture courses require a Microsoft® Windows 11 Operating System
• D2L Brightspace is used to deliver all courses offered in the Minnesota State Colleges and University System.

Some of the software used in Ag Department will not work on tablet devices, such as: Chromebooks, Android devices or PCs with Windows 11 in S mode.

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

• Office 365 is free for students to download.
  • Apps included with Office 365:
    • Word,
    • PowerPoint,
    • Excel,
    • Publisher,
    • Access, and
    • Outlook.
  • All assignments must be submitted using the appropriate Microsoft format as outlined in the syllabus.
• Google Chrome is the recommended browser for D2L Brightspace.
• A current anti-virus product is required. Windows Defender comes free with Windows 10.

HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS:

• Processor: Minimum 1.3GHZ Intel Core I5 or better
• Memory: Minimum 8GB RAM – additional recommended
• Hard Drive: Minimum 250 GB SSD – additional recommended
• Wireless: Required
• Web Camera (Built in or attached): Required
• Network Adapter: Recommended
• Headset Microphone: Recommended
• Backup Devices: USB Jump drive (also called a memory stick)

ADDITIONAL NOTES

• Contact your local Internet Service Provider for internet access off campus.
• Send in your warranty registration card, consider coverage for the duration of your education.
• Contact your insurance agent to add your laptop to your policy.

Ridgewater College Help Desk: (320) 234-8777
The service desk is available to assist with problems, questions or minor repairs encountered with laptops.