As part of this migration, we are upgrading all Windows-based computers to Microsoft Windows XP or Vista. Unfortunately, not all of the college computers can handle the newer operating systems, and may require upgrades or replacements. However, not everyone has the same computer needs -- some people may only use PeopleSoft, Email, and Microsoft Word. Others may need not only other applications, but to run all of these concurrently. Still others may require SAS, SPSS, programming environments, or other higher footprint applications. For most office productivity applications, additional RAM seems to be a bigger boon than a faster CPU.
Minimum Requirements
Rather than suggest one minimum standard, we're recommending two.
- Internet Terminal
- Used for web browsing, web-based email, and light MS-Word.
- Pentium3 800MHz, 256MB RAM, 10GB HD
- Office System
- Used for multiple MS-Office applications and Outlook for email, while accessing the web and other applications concurrently.
- Pentium4 1.2GHz, 512MB RAM, 60GB HD
New Computer Minimums
Anyone running CPU-intensive or RAM-intensive software (programming, statistical, analysis, etc) will need a higher level system than either of the standards listed above. You may wish to start with our standard computer quotes page.
As of Summer 2008, we're recommending the following as a minimum for any new computer purchases.- 2 Gigabytes of RAM
- 80GB SATA 7200 RPM hard drive
- 19-inch LCD flat panel display
- ATI Radeon 2400XT or equivalent Nvidia video card
- CD-RW/DVD drive with CD writing software
- Integrated sound option (not an add-in card)
