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Laptop for cyber security course

Now, I am quite familiar with computer hardware, so choosing a good laptop isn't necessarily an issue. However, I'm not entirely sure how intensive the course and any related software will be on a the laptop. Would 8GB of RAM be enough to run a fully functioning virtual machine, for example, along with the other potential software I will need? Would it be worth upgrading to 16 or would I be wasting my money?

I'd love to hear from current or past cyber security/ethical hacking students or even computer science students. Thanks!
Reply 1
Avatar for ImQffline
ImQffline
OP
8
First of all, thank you so much for the advice. Here is a link to the course specification as well as the course page itself (I'm applying for the integrated masters): https://www.coventry.ac.uk/globalassets/media/documents/registry/course-specs/eec/ug-eec-20-21/bsc-msci_ethical_hacking_and_cyber_security_2020_start1.pdf
https://www.coventry.ac.uk/course-structure/ug/2020-21/eec/ethical-hacking-and-cybersecurity-bsc-/

The laptop I have been looking at recently has a quad core Ryzen 7 3750H with 16GB of RAM. Another reason for my attention being drawn to this particular laptop is that it is incredibly lightweight in comparison with other laptops of a similar specification. This would be helpful as I suffer from back problems and it might factor into my laptop choice slightly. As for displays, I was planning on taking either one or both of my monitors with me anyway.

Also, regarding your desktop with 14 cores and 64GB of RAM, was this necessary/helpful as part of your course or was it personal choice to upgrade it to this high spec? If you know what I mean. :tongue:
Reply 2
Avatar for ImQffline
ImQffline
OP
8
I'll take the advice and aim for 6 cores with 16GB of RAM as the plan is to, like you say, make it last throughout my course. Thank you for all the help!

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