Technology Recommendations
These guides are intended to provide some helpful recommendations for purchasing technology for use at Kansas State University. With the growth of technology use there are four guides with recommendations for purchasing new equipment. These guides are intended for all of the campus community including students, faculty, and staff. See the Technology Recommendations FAQs and for more information.
- Buying a computer for college
- Buying a department computer
- Buying a tablet for college
- Buying a smartphone
K-State encourages new students to bring a computer to college for coursework, research, and communicating with instructors and other students. These guides are intended to provide general information for the broadest use cases. Please contact your major department for specific recommendations.
The university's high-speed data network allows access from residence halls, off-campus, the K-State Student Union, the library, university computing labs, technology classrooms, and numerous locations on campus with wireless coverage.
Microsoft Office
There is no need to purchase Microsoft Office before coming to K-State. Office 365 ProPlus is free for all K-Staters. It provides desktop and mobile app versions of Microsoft Office which can be installed on up to five PCs or Macs, five tablets, and five phones. Also see:
Other recommendations and requirements
- College and department recommendations
- Residence-hall requirements
- Security tips and recommendations
- Mobile device guidelines
Environmental considerations
Notice
The following Windows operating systems are no longer supported by Microsoft and pursuant to K-State policy, will not be permitted to connect to the K-State network:
- Windows 7
- Windows XP
- Windows 98 SE
- Windows 98
- Windows 95
- Windows 2000
- Windows NT 4
The following Apple operating systems are also not permitted on the K-State network:
- 10.14 Mojave
- 10.13 High Sierra
- 10.12 Sierra
- All other Apple operating systems older than 10.12