Student Computer Hardware/Software Recommendations

The following recommended specifications for a personal computer will help you decide what kind of system to bring to campus or to setup at home. Although these specifications will meet the needs of the average computer user, they should be considered minimum requirements. Faster processors, more memory, larger disk drives, and multimedia capabilities can provide added benefits.

Minimum Recommended Specifications For Desktop/Laptop PC's

• Processor: 2 GHz or better
• Screen: Your preference
• Video: Directx 9 Capable 3D Video
• Memory: 1GB or more. 2GB RAM for Machines With Windows Vista
• 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
• Antivirus Software: Your preference
• Network Adapter: Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
• Wireless Networking: Integrated 802.11g

Minimum Recommended Specifications For Desktop/Laptop MAC's

• Processor: 2 GHz or better
• Screen: Your preference
• Memory: 1GB or more. 2GB RAM for Machines With Windows Vista
• 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
• Antivirus Software: Your preference
• Network Adapter: Integrated Gigabit ethernet port
• Wireless Networking: Integrated 802.11g

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.