System Requirements & Setup
Everything you need to know about hardware, software, and development environment setup for our version control systems program starting in late 2025.
Technical Specifications
Our version control curriculum works with most modern systems, but having the right setup makes a real difference. These aren't just minimum requirements — they're what actually works well in practice.
Operating System
Recommended: Windows 11, macOS Monterey or later, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
Minimum: Windows 10 (version 1903+), macOS Big Sur, any modern Linux distribution
Minimum: Windows 10 (version 1903+), macOS Big Sur, any modern Linux distribution
Memory & Storage
RAM: 8GB minimum, 16GB recommended for larger repositories
Storage: 50GB free space for development tools and project files
Storage: 50GB free space for development tools and project files
Processor
Minimum: Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 (4th gen or newer)
Note: Git operations are generally lightweight, but IDE performance matters
Note: Git operations are generally lightweight, but IDE performance matters
Network
Internet: Stable broadband connection for remote repository access
Bandwidth: 25 Mbps minimum for video lectures and collaborative sessions
Bandwidth: 25 Mbps minimum for video lectures and collaborative sessions
Essential Software Tools
Git (latest stable version)
Visual Studio Code or JetBrains IDE
Terminal/Command Prompt
Node.js (for JavaScript projects)
Docker Desktop (optional)
Sourcetree or GitKraken (GUI option)
Don't worry if your setup isn't perfect — we'll help you optimize your development environment during the first week of classes. Most students find that Git works smoothly even on older hardware once properly configured.
Kieran Holstrom
Systems Integration Specialist