Student Technology Standard

To support your academic success, Illinois Central College recommends the following minimum technology standards for students starting Fall 2024.

These standards apply to both in-class and online learning. Some programs may require additional or higher-spec technology—check with your instructor if you’re unsure.


Quick Summary: Device Guidance

  • Bring Your Own Laptop or rent/buy one at the East Peoria ICC Bookstore

  • Not Recommended: Chromebooks, tablets, and smartphones

  • Need help paying? Set up a Bookstore Charge Account before your visit


Minimum Technology Requirements

Hardware

Component Minimum Requirement 
Processor Inteli5 or AMD Ryzen or better
RAM (Memory) 8 GB or more
Storage 250 GB SSD or larger
Camera/Speakers/Mic Built inor external devices (headphones, mic, etc.)

Operating System

  • Supported Windows 10 or newer

  • Supported macOS 

Web Browser (choose at least one)

  • Google Chrome

  • Mozilla Firefox

  • Microsoft Edge

  • Apple Safari

Antivirus Software

  • Windows Defender (recommended for Windows)

  • macOS XProtect (built-in for Mac)

  • Any user-preferred antivirus is acceptable


Additional Info

Online Coursework

Although some tablets and phones can be used occasionally, a laptop or desktop that meets the above standards should be your primary device.


Internet Requirements

All online students must have reliable high-speed internet:

Requirement minimum Speed
Download 10 Mbps or faster
Upload 3 Mbps or faster

Use Speedtest.net to check your connection.
No internet at home? ICC suggests looking for public Wi-Fi options near you.

ICC does not provide or support off-campus internet services.


Access to Microsoft 365

Enrolled ICC students can use Microsoft Office 365 (Education Edition) for free.

  1. Visit: Microsoft 365 for Education

  2. Enter your ICC student email (yourname@lab.icc.edu)

  3. Choose "I'm a student"

  4. Enter the verification code sent to your ICC email

  5. Click skip when asked to send invitations

  6. You’ll land on your Office 365 Dashboard

Included:

  • Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint (online)

  • OneDrive cloud storage

  • Other Microsoft 365 tools


Bookstore Charge Account

Need tech or supplies but want to defer payment?

  • ICC offers bookstore charge accounts for students.

  • These must be set up in advance—they are no longer automatic.

Visit or contact the East Peoria ICC Bookstore for rental or purchase options.


Program-Specific Requirements

Some majors—like Technology, Science, Art & Design, or Health Careers—may require enhanced specs or specialized software.
Contact your instructor or academic advisor for program-specific guidance.


Need Help?

ICC Service Desk
(309) 694-5457
servicedesk@icc.edu
East Peoria Campus, Admin Building, Room L122

Hours:

  • Mon–Fri: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM

  • Sat & Sun: Closed

Need Support?

 

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A Bookstore Charge Account is available to students who need assistance purchasing their required books and supplies from the ICC Bookstore.
Students can get a free version of Microsoft Office 365 for Education.
Whether you’re a brand-new student or need a refresher, this guide will help you get started with all the tech resources you'll use every day.