System Requirements

Student Equipment & Software

As a student at DWC, you are responsible for an up-to-date computer and the proper software.

It is vital that you have installed and tested your equipment and software prior to the start of class. If you do not have the proper equipment and software, it will have a negative effect on your online class experience.

For all programs, we recommend the following as general minimum guidelines for your computer:

  • Windows 11, or macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later. Note: Windows 10 is no longer supported by Microsoft and does not meet the requirements for current Adobe video software.
  • Intel Core i5 (8th generation or newer) or AMD Ryzen 5 or higher; for Mac, Apple Silicon (M1 or newer)
  • 16GB RAM minimum; 32GB recommended for video editing programs
  • 256GB solid state drive (SSD) minimum; 512GB recommended. We do not recommend a traditional spinning hard drive for class work.
  • Graphics processor (GPU) with at least 2GB of video memory for design programs; 4GB or more recommended for video editing
  • Dual monitors with HDMI
  • Webcam, mic, and speakers
  • Wireless mouse (note we do not support using a trackpad in most programs)
  • High-speed, cable internet connection

If you are in a design program that uses more advanced graphics or video software (e.g. Graphic Design, UX Design, or Digital Media Production), then you will want a dedicated graphics card with as much video memory as possible (4GB minimum recommended for video editing).

Having dual monitors is strongly recommended for online classes. You can view your instructor’s screen on one monitor while simultaneously doing your work on the second monitor. If you don’t have dual monitors, you may also be able to use two devices (e.g. a laptop and a desktop).

We do not recommend using a tablet or phone for any of your classes.

DWC programs do not include the cost of any equipment or software. Please talk to your student advisor or instructor to learn more about which software you will need for your program. Requirements and versions may change over time.

Hardware Recommendations from Microsoft & Adobe

For many of our programs, you will need to have either Microsoft or Adobe products installed. To learn more about the specifics of any product, click the proper link below.

Reputable, 3rd Party Sellers

If you need to purchase a computer for class, we recommend a new or certified refurbished machine from a reputable outlet. Certified refurbished machines are inspected, restored, and warrantied by the manufacturer or retailer, and they are often the best value for students.

Manufacturer refurbished (best warranty coverage):

Retailers (new, open box, and refurbished):

Tips when buying refurbished:

  • Confirm the machine meets or exceeds the minimum guidelines above, especially RAM and SSD storage.
  • Look for at least a 90-day warranty; one year is better.
  • For laptops, check that the battery is rated for a full class session (3 to 4 hours), or plan to stay plugged in.
  • Avoid machines that shipped with Windows 10 unless the listing confirms they are upgraded to and compatible with Windows 11.

Equipment & Software Requirements – By Program

Below are the equipment and software requirements for each certificate program, along with the software you should install or the free accounts you should create before your first class session. Certificate program and/or class tuition is included in a separate estimate. Equipment and software are not included in the cost of tuition and cannot be purchased through Digital Workshop Center.

Your instructor will confirm the final list of tools and versions during orientation. If anything below changes for your cohort, the instructions in your registration email take priority.

Advanced Graphic Design

Software/Equipment

  • Computer meeting the system requirements listed above
  • We strongly recommend 16GB RAM and a graphics processor with at least 2GB of video memory for graphics programs to run at optimized performance
  • Second monitor and HDMI cable to view class e-books
  • Speaker and microphone (if not included with your computer)
  • Wireless mouse
  • Adobe Creative Cloud apps (latest version). The current Creative Cloud apps require Windows 11 or macOS 14 or later.
    Note: See subscription options here. Select the Students and Teachers tab for student pricing. The Creative Cloud All Apps option includes all of the apps required for this program.

Install before class begins:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app, then install Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign from within it
  • Sign in to Creative Cloud with your Adobe ID and confirm each app opens before your first session

Blueprint

Software/Equipment

  • Computer meeting the system requirements listed above
  • Note: PC is required (Macs are incompatible with the training software).
  • Second monitor and HDMI cable to view class e-books
  • Speaker and microphone if not included with your computer
  • Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint & Excel software.
    Note: See subscription and purchase options here. A Microsoft 365 subscription includes the latest versions. If a one-time purchase is preferred, the Office Home & Business 2024 package includes the software needed for this program.

Install before class begins:

  • Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel), signed in and activated
  • The blueprint reading training software is provided through the program; your instructor will send installation directions before your start date

Business Administration

Software/Equipment

  • Computer meeting the system requirements listed above
  • Second monitor and HDMI cable to view class e-books
  • Speaker and microphone if not included with your computer
  • Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint & Excel software (latest version).
    Note: See subscription and purchase options here. A Microsoft 365 subscription includes the latest versions. If a one-time purchase is preferred, the Office Home & Business 2024 package includes the software needed for this program.

Install before class begins:

  • Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel), signed in and activated
  • A free Google account for shared class documents, if you do not already have one

Data Analytics

Software/Equipment

  • Computer meeting the system requirements listed above
  • Second monitor and HDMI cable to view class e-books
  • Speaker and microphone if not included with your computer
  • Microsoft Excel software (latest version).
    Note: See subscription and purchase options here.

Install before class begins (all free):

  • Microsoft Power BI Desktop. Note: Power BI Desktop is Windows only. Mac students should talk to their student advisor about options before the program begins.
  • Python, installed through the free Anaconda distribution
  • A free SQL environment. Your instructor will direct you to the specific SQL tool used in your cohort during the first week.
  • Confirm Excel opens and is activated; much of the early curriculum is Excel based

Digital Marketing

Software/Equipment

  • Computer meeting the system requirements listed above
  • Second monitor and HDMI cable to view class e-books
  • Speaker and microphone if not included with your computer
  • Wireless mouse

Set up before class begins (all free):

  • A free Google account, which you will use for tools such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and Google Business Profile during the program
  • A free Canva account for design assignments
  • Google Chrome as your primary browser for class work
  • Additional free marketing platform accounts (for example, an email marketing platform) will be assigned by your instructor as each module begins

Digital Media Production

Software/Equipment

  • Computer meeting the system requirements listed above
  • We strongly recommend 32GB RAM and a dedicated graphics card with at least 4GB of video memory to optimize your computer for video editing work
  • Note: Adobe’s video apps (Premiere Pro and After Effects) require Windows 11 version 24H2 or macOS 14 or later.
  • Second monitor and HDMI cable to view class e-books
  • Wireless mouse
  • Speaker and microphone if not included with your computer
  • Adobe Creative Cloud apps (latest version).
    Note: See subscription options here. Select the Students and Teachers tab for student pricing. The Creative Cloud All Apps option includes all of the apps required for this program.

Install before class begins:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app, then install Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Photoshop from within it
  • Sign in with your Adobe ID and confirm each app opens; video apps are the most demanding software in any DWC program, so test them early
  • Plan for extra storage for video project files; an external SSD is a good option if your internal drive is under 512GB

Excel Master Program

Software/Equipment

  • Computer meeting the system requirements listed above
  • Second monitor and HDMI cable to view class e-books
  • Speaker and microphone if not included with your computer
  • Microsoft Excel software (latest version).
    Note: See subscription and purchase options here.

Install before class begins:

  • Microsoft Excel, signed in and activated. The desktop version of Excel is required; the free web version of Excel does not include all of the features covered in this program.

Frontend Web Development

Software/Equipment

  • Computer meeting the system requirements listed above
  • Second monitor and HDMI cable to view class e-books
  • Speaker and microphone if not included with your computer
  • Wireless mouse

Install before class begins (all free):

  • Visual Studio Code, the code editor used throughout the program
  • Git for version control
  • A free GitHub account, which you will use to store and share your portfolio projects
  • Google Chrome as your primary browser for development and testing
  • Additional free tools and frameworks will be installed with instructor guidance as the curriculum progresses

IT Support Specialist & Network Technician

Software/Equipment

  • Computer meeting the system requirements listed above
  • Second monitor and HDMI cable to view class e-books
  • Speaker and microphone if not included with your computer

Set up before class begins:

  • No paid software is required for these programs. Course materials and any practice tools are provided or assigned by your instructor.
  • CompTIA exam vouchers and exam registration are handled separately from tuition. Talk to your student advisor for details on the CompTIA A+ and Network+ exams.

Project Management

Software/Equipment

  • Computer meeting the system requirements listed above
  • Second monitor and HDMI cable to view class e-books
  • Speaker and microphone if not included with your computer

Set up before class begins:

  • No paid software is required for this program
  • Your instructor may assign free project management tools (such as a free Trello or Asana account) during the program
  • A free Google account for shared class documents, if you do not already have one

QuickBooks Bookkeeper

Software/Equipment

  • Computer meeting the system requirements listed above
  • Second monitor and HDMI cable to view class e-books
  • Speaker and microphone if not included with your computer
  • Microsoft Excel software (latest version).
    Note: See subscription and purchase options here.

Set up before class begins:

  • Google Chrome, the recommended browser for QuickBooks Online
  • You will use a free sample company file provided by QuickBooks Online, which runs in your browser with no installation required. Your instructor will provide directions on how to access the sample company file.
  • Confirm Excel opens and is activated

UX Design

Software/Equipment

  • Computer meeting the system requirements listed above
  • Second monitor and HDMI cable to view class e-books
  • Speaker and microphone if not included with your computer
  • Wireless mouse

Set up before class begins (all free):

  • A free Figma account, plus the Figma desktop app installed and signed in. Figma is the primary design tool used in the program.
  • Google Chrome as your primary browser for class work
  • Additional free research and prototyping tools will be assigned by your instructor as each module begins