Computing and Technical Support (CaTS)

K-State CVM Requirements for Student Computers

The learning environment requires students have their own personal laptop or MAC. Student computers must meet or exceed the standards listed below. In addition, a physical or cloud-based backup solution is required. These computers are the student's window to their education throughout the 4-year curriculum, providing access to K-State Canvas, as well as serving as a communications and collaboration tool between their fellow students and their professors. A PC or MAC is required for all online exams. IPADS CANNOT BE USED FOR ONLINE EXAMS. We strongly suggest students also use a PC or MAC for notetaking as many class resources include large file transfer of data that is limited on an iPad.

The minimum recommended specs are as follows:

PC

  • Windows 11
  • 512GB Storage
  • 16GB RAM
  • I7 processor

MAC

  • MacBook Airs/MacBook Pros
  • M2 Processor better
  • 16GB RAM
  • 512GB of storage

Equivalent or greater on all recommended specs.

Your PC or MAC must be brought with you on days of exams. CVM-provided computers will only be available during exams for times when your PC or MAC is not working.

We will not support personally owned computing devices, no exceptions.



K-State CVM Student Computing Resources

The following computing resources are available to CVM students. If you have any questions, please contact CaTS, 4 Trotter Hall, 785-260-8880.

  • CVM Library:

    The CVM Library has computers and printers available for public use. There is a charge for printing in the library and throughout the CVM complex. Printing credit can be purchased from library staff.

  • K-State Campus Electronic ID (eID):

    All K-State students are required to register for an eID. Your eID is your K-State user name and becomes part of your K-State e-mail address. It is also used to enroll in classes, accept financial aid, access K-State Online and manage your eProfile to change your password, turn e-mail forwarding on, sign up for K-State Alerts emergency notifications and more.

    Your eID's security is your responsibility. Keep your eID password private. K-State policy prohibits using someone else's eID or sharing passwords. DUO is required to be setup.

    You will need your WID (Wildcat ID) to complete the eID registration process. To register for your eID, go to eid.k-state.edu

  • CVM Network Accounts:

    All CVM students are given a CVM network account that mirrors their campus eID. These accounts are required for CVM email communication and to connect to CVM resources.

  • Remote CVM Intranet access:

    The CVM Intranet (internal Internet) contains course information, class syllabi, student announcements, and programs accessible only to CVM faculty, staff, and students, and access is restricted to computers connected within the CVM complex. To access the CVM Intranet from off-campus, students must use their CVM network username and password.

  • K-State Canvas:

    Canvas is K-State's Internet-based course management system that transforms the everyday classroom into interactive web sessions for K-State's on-campus and distance education communities. Canvas allows you to get your coursework done on your schedule, in your way. You can work on assignments, tests and group projects or participate in class discussions any time of day, wherever you are. Canvas can be accessed at https://k-state.instructure.com/ by signing in with your K-State eID.

Important Computer Security Information

To protect the university's network and resources as well as other K-Staters’ systems, K-State requires computers connecting to the university network to:

Set Microsoft Update to check for updates daily and install critical updates automatically.
If your network device is identified as being vulnerable and/or infected, it will be blocked from accessing the network until it has been repaired and/or patched. Once a computer is compromised, it may be necessary to reformat the computer's hard drive in order to return it to a known safe state.