Computer Requirements

Cadets are allowed to bring only laptop computers to VMI. Desktop computers are not permitted.

**Recommended models must be customized to the minimum specs below but also can be upgraded. **

Dell Recommended Models:

• • Engineering- Dell Precision 3591 Workstation | Dell USA
  • Non-Engineering- Dell Latitude 5550

• Dell is giving a 10% discount code. Please click “get coupon” on the page and then verify with your school email. You will receive a promo code within 10 minutes to use at checkout.- www.dell.com/mpp/student
• Financing available through Dell.
• Dell 4-year Pro Support Plus warranty must be added at checkout.

Purchasing an IT-approved, recommended laptop model with the Dell 4-year Pro Support Plus warranty is not required but will ensure prompt priority support and quick turn-around time for any parts ordered. The Dell 4-year complete-care warranty allows the unit to stay on-site for any repairs by VMI-certified Dell Technicians (with a few exceptions including, but not limited, to water damage).

If you have purchased a recommended model and then experience equipment issues, loaner laptops are available through VMI. Loaner laptops are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Recommended Minimum System Requirements

Note: Mac OS devices and Chromebooks are not supported by IT nor are they compatible with a majority of software used at VMI.

Pell grant program

Cadets meeting certain financial qualifications may be eligible for a loaner laptop during their cadetship. See the Policy for the Distribution of Institute owned Laptops to Cadets for further details. 

Technical support for current cadets

• Cadets can receive computer assistance through the Barracks Help Desk. It is possible some non-recommended devices may receive no or very limited support, at the discretion of IT.   
• If you need assistance with your laptop, take the laptop to the Barracks Help Desk in room C-01B.  If you have an older recommended model or a non-supported laptop, please bring your power adapter also.  If you have non-supported equipment, our staff will make a reasonable effort to get your machine connected and operational.  However, we will limit the amount of time that we spend troubleshooting any problem to no more than 30 minutes.
• VMI provides public computers for cadet use in some academic buildings, and in the Barracks Study Room (available 24/7). Barracks rooms are configured to allow access to the VMI network and the Internet via a wired and wireless connection. We recommend purchasing a CAT.5E or CAT.6 network cable (5-7 feet long).Do not purchase and/or bring any wireless extender/router devices as they are not allowed.
• VMI IT ensures cadet computers function properly on the VMI LAN.  Support priorities are: 
  1. Network configuration for supported equipment.
  2. Network configuration for non-supported equipment.
  3. Software and hardware troubleshooting for supported equipment.
  4. Software and hardware troubleshooting for non-supported equipment. 

Software

* Microsoft Software

• VMI provides Microsoft Windows Operating System and Office Suite software to current cadets free of charge. 
• New computers purchased from the VMI Dell premiere page are preloaded with the latest version of Microsoft Windows Operating System. The latest version of Microsoft Windows Operating System can be downloaded from  On the Hub using your cadet VMI email account.
• The Microsoft Office suite can be downloaded from Outlookusing your cadet VMI email account.

Antivirus Software

Antivirus software must be installed when using the VMI network. New computers purchased from the VMI Dell premiere page are preloaded with Windows Defender.