New PCs should have (at minimum):

• Processor: Intel P4, 3.4+ GHz or 2.0+ GHz Core 2 Duo
• Memory (RAM):
  • Windows XP: 1 GB minimum
  • Windows Vista: 2 GB minimum
• Hard Drive: 80 GB minimum
• Monitor: 17" or larger, capable of supporting 1024 x 768 or higher resolution
• Optical Data Devices: CD-RW/DVD combo drive or DVD-RW drive
• Network: 10/100 Base-T Ethernet connector
  • Optional wireless: 802.11b or 802.11g compatible
• Video: Recommend dedicated video card with 128+ MB of video RAM for full Windows Vista enhanced video capability
• Operating System:
  • For on-campus standard build systems: Windows XP Professional SP2
  • For new systems purchased by off-campus students, faculty or staff: Windows Vista
• Microsoft Office Suite with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Sound card + speakers

Note: Information Technology (IT) recognizes that Windows Vista is virtually the only Windows operating system available for brand new systems. IT does support Windows Vista. However, on-campus systems with a campus-standard build will continue to use Windows XP. Several applications used for campus business operations are not compatible with Windows Vista.

Campus-owned used PC's running standard IT Windows XP Professional:

• 1 GHz Pentium processor (minimum)
• 512 MB RAM (minimum)
• 40 GB hard drive
• CD-RW drive

In addition,

• The campus is equipped with over 800 computers in 40 different Computer Learning Centers (CLCs) across campus. CLCs are located in each of the residence halls. The CLCs in the Computer Science building have 24-hour access. Other departments regulate access to individual CLCs located in other buildings.
• Departments utilizing specialized software applications have the software installed in the respective CLCs.

Networking

• All residence halls are wired for 10BaseT Ethernet. Greek houses are responsible for in-house wiring, but IT provides a high-speed connection from the campus core network to each Greek house. The residence halls and Greek houses are all considered to be part of the same Residential Network (ResNet).
• New computers should be purchased with a built-in Ethernet card (if available--consult your computer vendor for more information on specific options). The Bookstore offers several different network cards to support both wired and wireless computing on campus.
• Wireless Network: Wireless network cards should be 802.11 b/g and WiFi compatible. More information can be found at the wireless networking section of the Help Desk.