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Recommended minimum specifications for new computer purchases

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If you are planning on buying a computer to use for the next three or more years, we would recommend that the computer you select meet the following minimum specifications:
 

Component

Specification
Processor:

Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GHz Processor or better
Operating System:

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Business or Ultimate
or
Macintosh OS X 10.5.X "Leopard"
Office Suite*:

Microsoft Office 2007 for Windows or Microsoft Office 2008 Mac
*note that buying Microsoft Office software through our agreement with Microsoft/campusestore.com (click to view) will be less costly than buying it through the hardware vendor, like Dell or Apple.
Memory (RAM):

2 GB of RAM
Storage:

120 GB Hard Disk or better
Monitor:

for desktop: 19" widescreen flat-panel display
for notebook: 13' - 17" display
Optical Drive:

6X DVD+/-RW Drive or better
Mouse: USB, 2-button, optical mouse
Sound:

Sound card & speakers
Network:

10/100Base-T Ethernet adapter &
25' CAT-5 network cable
[sometimes called "patch cable or station cable"]
Highly-Recommended Accessories: USB Inkjet Printer, USB A to B Cable
USB Flash Memory Drive ("usb key" or "thumb drive"), Surge Supressor, Carrying Case for notebooks.
 


 

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