Choice of digital tools for studying

To ensure you have access to all the necessary programs and tools for your academic journey, it is important to choose a digital tool that is supported by your educational institution. Below is a list of operating systems compatible with most programs and tools used in your studies.

Supported Operating Systems

Windows

See Microsoft’s overview of supported operating systems.

MacOS 

See Wikipedia’s overview of supported operating systems.

Unsupported Devices

  • Chromebook, ARM, iPad, tablets, and older versions of Windows and macOS

  • ARM PCs: ARM-based PCs may have compatibility issues with some programs required for studies at HVL. Many programs are optimized for x86 architecture, so ARM PCs may have limited functionality or lack support for essential tools.

  • Chromebook: Some educational programs and tools do not work on Chrome OS. Therefore, we advise against purchasing a Chromebook for your studies.

  • iPad and other tablets: These devices do not support all necessary programs and may have functional limitations compared to a traditional laptop or desktop.

  • Older (unsupported) versions of Windows and macOS

Limitations with Unsupported Devices

  • Software Compatibility: Some specialized programs used in teaching at HVL are not compatible with Snapdragon or ARM processors, which may lead to limited functionality or errors in running the programs.
  • Reference Tools: Unsupported devices cannot use EndNote, an important tool for managing references in academic work.
  • Digital Locked School Exam: Unsupported devices do not work with Wiseflow, the system used for digital locked school exams.

To ensure that you can use all the necessary programs and tools throughout your studies, we recommend investing in a laptop or desktop with one of the supported operating systems. This will give you the best experience and ensure access to all the tools you need to succeed in your studies.

Important Information about ARM-based PCs: Please be aware that PCs with ARM processors are unfortunately not compatible with the school's software. We therefore recommend using a PC with x86 or x64 architecture to ensure that all necessary software works as it should. If you are unsure which type of PC to purchase, feel free to contact stores or academic advisors for guidance.

Requirements for Digital Tools: Some study programs at the Faculty of Technology, Environment, and Social Sciences have specific requirements regarding which digital tools can be used. Check with your study program if there are such requirements before purchasing new equipment.