Recommended Computer Configurations
Virtually any computer purchased new within the past 3 years should prove adequate for accessing and using campus computing resources and for Internet access. Neither the College nor Information Technology Services endorses or recommends any particular brand or type of computer, but the following recommendations are offered for guidance.
Windows computers should be Pentium IV or better running at a minimum of 2.5 GHZ and with at least 2 GB of RAM. It is also recommended that all machines have at least a DVD-ROM drive due to some programs being available only on DVDs. It is recommended that Windows XP Home, WINDOWS MEDIA CENTER and Windows Visa Home machines be upgraded to Windows 7 Ultimate due to the nature of our business class network involving domains. Windows 7 Ultimate installation discs are available at The Store for under $20.00 dollars. Support for operating systems other than Windows is limited.
While Macintosh computers can connect to the campus network and access the Internet, email, and campus servers, as well as use productivity software packages, some applications used in the curriculum and served across the network are entirely Windows based. Thus users of Macintosh computers will need to use the computer labs to access these programs. Macintosh users can also run a program such as Boot Camp or VMWare Fusion. These two programs allow Windows to be installed on Macintosh hardware in a limited configuration.
To connect any computer to the campus network requires either a Network Port or a Wireless Port, both of which are standard on any computer purchased in the last several years.
In most situations laptop computers are recommended over desktop computers with mobility being the obvious advantage. If purchasing a new laptop, the purchaser may wish to consider accidental damage protection to cover damages not covered under standard manufacturing warranties such as screen damage. When ordering either a laptop or a desktop, the general rule for hardware configuration priorities are the amount of RAM, optical drives for copying large amounts of data, processor speed and type, and finally hard drive capacity. Most laptops come standard with at least a 160 GB hard drive. This should prove more than adequate.
If you have any questions or desire further information on bringing a computer to campus for use in your room, please phone or email Vince Sizemore at 502-863-4357..