Purchase Recommendations

Computer technology continually changes, and specifications can become quickly outdated.  The minimum suggested specifications below, as well as our recommended configurations, are provided as a guide for making a computer purchase.  The University makes no specific endorsement of either the PC or Macintosh platforms, or any specific brands of hardware or software, nor assumes responsibility for purchases made by persons who follow some or all of the recommendations contained herein.  Please note, however, the many computer manufacturers offer educational discounts for high school and university students.  Contact the individual manufacturer for more information about these programs. The UPS Office of Information Services also maintains a site with Personal Computing Purchasing information.

Windows Platforms

The basic rule of thumb is this: If it runs Windows XP Home or newer and has a network interface card, then it is acceptable. Please note that the new Windows Vista is fully supported on the campus network.

Recommended
CPU: Intel Core Series or AMD Turion, X2
Memory: 1-2GB (higher-end for Vista)
Hard drive size: 40GB
Operating System: Windows XP Professional or Vista

Minimum Recommendation*
CPU: Intel Core Series or AMD Turion, X2
Memory: 512MB
Hard drive size: 20GB
Operating System: Windows XP Home

Please note that Windows NT, 95, 98, and ME computers are not permitted on the University network.  ResNet only supports Windows XP and Vista, with limited support for Windows 2000.

Macintosh Platforms

The basic rule of thumb is this: If it runs Mac OS 10.3.9 or newer, then it is acceptable.

Recommended
CPU: Intel Core Series 
Memory: 1-2GB
Hard drive size: 40 GB
Operating System: OS 10.5

Minimum Recommendation*
CPU: Intel Core Series 
Memory: 512 MB RAM
Hard drive size: 20 GB
Operating System: OS 10.4

Please note that versions of OS X prior to 10.3.9 are not permitted on the University network.

*Computer configurations below these recommendations may work with ResNet, but may not function efficiently.

Other Hardware

Every computer that connects to ResNet must have an Ethernet card and cable. We recommend 10/100 Network Cards for PCs (any new computer will have one built in); Macintosh computers come with this hardware built in.

Ethernet Category 5 cables are used to connect the network cards to the network outlet or hub. Ten feet of cable will be sufficient in most situations. However, rooms sharing hubs may require a 25-foot or longer cable to reach around the room. For safety reasons do not place cables under the carpet or tape them to the floor. The University Bookstore carries these cables in various lengths, or you may wish to purchase them locally after reviewing the room configuration. Remember, a phone cord will not work.

Antivirus Software

The Office of Information Services provides free antivirus software to the campus community.  Students are encouraged to use the University standard--McAfee VirusScan--as their antivirus software. Why pay for software and subscriptions for updates when you can download your free copy right here, right now?

Standard Educational Software

Windows: Microsoft Office XP, 2003, or 2007
Macintosh: Microsoft Office X, 2004, or 2008

Other, open source options for word processing and other applications can be found at Open Source Alternative.

The Office of Information Services (OIS) also provides access to additional software in computer labs for general use. Students may use the following applications: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, FrontPage, and Publisher. Additional programs are available for specific class activities in many labs and in special-use labs.