Alongside pen and paper, a computer is the tool of the trade for computer scientists. You will need a computer to prepare and follow up on practical assignments in addition to attending lectures and practicals. A tablet is not sufficient due to its limited functionality - for example, it is often not possible to install development environments. A desktop computer, on the other hand, is often too inflexible, as you will be spending a lot of time at the university and working there. We therefore recommend that you purchase a laptop.

Requirements and recommendations

The laptop is primarily intended as a work tool. Below we give you some requirements that your laptop should fulfil in order to accompany you well through the 6 semesters of your Bachelor's degree without burdening you with high costs at the beginning of your studies.

The processor

The processor plays a key role in determining the performance of the computer. However, you are rarely confronted with high demands on the CPU during your course outline. At the same time, even inexpensive CPUs today are very powerful. You can therefore get by with a CPU from the medium price and performance segment. The only important thing is that the CPU supports virtualisation functions such as Intel VT-x or AMD-V.

• CPUs can be selected from the mid-range price and performance segment.
• CPUs should support virtualisation functions such as Intel VT-x or AMD-V.

The main memory

Like the processor, the size of the RAM also determines the performance of your computer. The following applies in particular to the use of virtual machines: the more RAM, the better. We therefore recommend that you choose a slightly larger RAM and make sure that you can upgrade the RAM at a later date.

• At least 8 GB RAM memory.

The hard drive

The hard drive also determines the performance. You should therefore opt for an SSD. However, the amount of data you need for your Course outline is not particularly large. Depending on the operating system used - Windows, for example, requires quite a lot of space itself - a small to medium-sized SSD will suffice.

• SSDs are significantly faster than traditional hard drives.
• Depending on the operating system, 128 GB (Linux) or 256 GB (Windows, OS X) is sufficient for the Course outline. However, if your wallet allows it, you can also have more.

The graphics card

Course outlines do not require a particularly powerful graphics card. The on-board graphics cards of modern laptops are perfectly adequate. You can therefore do without a dedicated graphics card, e.g. from Nvidia or AMD.

• The on-board graphics card is sufficient.

The display

Please note that you will be spending a lot of time in front of the display. You should therefore choose a sufficiently large display of good quality. It is also advisable to use a non-reflective display.

• Display size of at least 14 inches.
• An anti-reflective or matt display is a clear plus.

The battery life

There are usually plenty of power sockets at the university. You are therefore not dependent on a particularly good battery life.

• The battery life can be disregarded.

The operating system

In principle, you are free to choose your own operating system. The programmes used in the Course outline are very often open source and run on all common operating systems, i.e. Windows, OS X and Linux. However, if you want to use Linux, it is advisable to pay particular attention to the compatibility of the hardware. Slightly older laptops are usually best supported.

• You are free to choose the operating system.
• With Linux, it is advisable to pay particular attention to the compatibility of the hardware.