Minimum Tech Requirements

Baseline hardware and software standards required to ensure dependable support, security, and long-term stability.

Overview

As technology continues to evolve, managing IT effectively requires a careful balance between adopting best practices and leveraging the most appropriate hardware and software solutions. The standards below define the minimum requirements necessary for quality service delivery.

Hardware

Minimum hardware requirements

Windows computers

  • Processor: Intel i5 or better
  • Memory (RAM): Minimum 16 GB (32 GB preferred)
  • Storage: 512 GB or larger SSD

Mac computers

  • Model: 2018 or newer
  • Processor: Apple M1, M2, or Intel i5 (or better)
  • Memory (RAM): Minimum 16 GB
  • Storage: 512 GB or larger SSD
  • macOS Version: macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or higher

Firewall requirements

  • Business-class Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW)
  • Throughput: At least 500 Mbps
  • Intrusion Detection & Prevention (IDS/IPS)
  • Gateway Antivirus & Anti-malware
  • Content/Web Filtering, VPN support, and firmware updates
  • Vendor examples: Fortinet, WatchGuard, SonicWall, Cisco Meraki, Ubiquiti, Sophos
Software

Operating system requirements

PC OS

  • Windows 11 Pro, 64-bit (US version only)
  • Windows 10 Pro, 64-bit (US version only): End of Support Oct 14, 2025

MS Windows Server OS

  • Windows Server 2022: End of Life Oct 14, 2031
  • Windows Server 2019: End of Life Jan 9, 2029
  • Windows Server 2016: End of Life Jan 12, 2027

Linux OS

  • Ubuntu 10.04 & later
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 & later
  • CentOS 6 & later
Approved Software

Windows and Mac software list

Productivity

  • Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, OneDrive)
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader DC or Preview (Mac)

Web browsers

  • Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox
  • Safari (Mac only)

Email & collaboration

  • Microsoft Outlook (via Microsoft 365)
  • Mac Mail
  • Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Google Meet

File sync & share

  • Microsoft OneDrive, SharePoint

Utilities

  • 7-Zip (Windows) / Keka (Mac)
  • VLC Media Player

Optional / industry-specific

  • Line-of-business apps (subject to MSP review)
  • Password manager: Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass Business

Note: All software must be business-licensed, regularly updated, and MSP-approved.

Revised Date: 9/18/25

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