Recommended Computer Specs

Minimum and recommended specs. for new students’ machines

For Desktop PC

Processor: 2 GHz or better
Screen: Your preference
Video: Directx 9 Capable 3D Video
Memory: 1GB DDR2 or more
Hard Disk Drive: 80 GB or better
Floppy Drive: None (We recommend students purchase a 128MB or larger USB Flash Drive)
Optical Drive: DVD Burner or DVD Combo
Operation System: Microsoft Windows XP Pro / Mac OSX / Kubuntu Linux
Antivirus Software: All on-campus students receive free Norton Antivirus software for their personal machines.
Network Adapter: Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
Wireless Networking: Integrated 802.11gAll other features are optional and at the student's discretion.


Minimum Recommended Specifications for Laptop PC
Processor: 1.6 GHz or better
Screen: Your preference
Video: Directx 9 Capable 3D Video
Memory: 512MB DDR2 or more
Hard Disk Drive: 80 GB or better
Floppy Drive: None (We recommend students purchase a 128MB or larger USB Flash Drive)
Optical Drive: DVD Burner or DVD Combo
Operation System: Microsoft Windows XP Pro / Mac OSX / Kubuntu Linux
Antivirus Software: All on-campus students receive free Norton Antivirus software for their personal machines.
Network Adapter: Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
Wireless Networking: Integrated 802.11g

All Considerations When Looking At a Warranty for PC or Laptop
A three- or four-year total protection plan limited warranty that covers parts/labor/technical support with three-year or four-year accidental damage protection. Review the Web site of computer vendor to determine the limitation to the coverage.

Example of what the total protection plan might cover:

• 7x24x365 Technical Support from the computer vendor, ensuring a technical expert is available when you need them.
• Parts and labor warranty, providing assurance that manufacturing defects will be repaired at no additional costs to you.
• Next business day support for replacement parts.
• If the computer is mailed to vendor for repairs, the repaired computer will be returned to consumer in one to two business days.
• Accidental damage protection extends the warranty to cover accidental damage such as liquid spills, drops, power surges, or cracked LCD/monitor.
• All other features are optional and at the student's discretion.

Software Packages Recommended For a Personal Computer

Whatever system you decide to use on campus, your computer will need the capability of working with files for word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, web browser, file transfer, e-mail, and calendar programs. The following software packages provide these essential capabilities. A new computer gives some assurance of not becoming obsolete in a year or two and should serve until you graduate. If you already have a computer, the following information will allow you to judge whether your present system can meet your current needs.

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